05/05/2024
As if we didn’t have enough on our plate, we have started ANOTHER project. Over the years we have had several ‘camper vans’ but have never built one from scratch, which is something Annette has always wanted to do.
After doing some research we decided we wanted a 2005-2006 Sprinter (Dodge, Freightliner, Mercedes are all the same vehicle with only the badging being different). This year is the last of the pre-DEF diesels and are commonly referred to as million mile sprinters (There’s a company that specializes in Sprinters near us in Philadelphia, and this is there business name).
There are multiple body options. We knew we wanted a ‘super high top’ which allows for standing room front to back. We were unsure about the length; there are 118”, 140”, 158” and 170” wheelbase variants. This one is 158”. Although the drivetrain is good for a million miles, the bodies are plagued with rust problems due to inferior paint/rust-proofing.
After losing out on a nice white Sprinter in Philadelphia, I saw this one sitting in someone’s side yard not too far from our place. After a second drive-by with Annette, I left a note in the mailbox asking if it was for sale. A few days later the owner called and said he would sell the van. The owner operates a HVAC company and used the van for his business. One day the van wouldn’t start and it has been sitting ever since. He bought it from DHL with about 36K miles and it now has about 210K on the odometer.
Annette and I agreed the van was is much worse shape than we initially thought. We were looking for a ‘camper’ project, not a full rust-oration. I asked the owner what he was asking for the van and he said he would sell it to us for scrap value. Suddenly, this van was maybe worth considering. I asked the owner if I could come back and attempt to get it running. After a few trips back and forth to Sky Top Shop and the auto parts store, the van sprang to life! In one of these trips Annette named the van ‘Sunny D’ and at that point we knew it was coming home with us.
Follow along as we attempt to bring this rusty beast back to life!
Here are some of the pictures from our initial inspection.
