Vans are always bought and updated, but some are becoming more original
Vanalogue believe that every van is beautiful in its own unique way. But not all are produced in steel-lined factories or built as intended camper vans. Some weren’t even born as vans. But due to the visionaries, the DIY innovators and the motivated souls, vans have been converted from some surprising other vehicles.
True dedication and craftsmanship has been put into these projects we’re about to show you.
GMC Diesel Mini Bus
David and Kristina from Portland, Oregon, quit their job and sold their three-storey house. They wanted to leave the drudgery and mundanity of normal life. They decided to chase adventure and excitement along the roads. Their journey to happiness began when they bought a 1999 GMC Diesel Mini Bus that they affectionately refer to as ‘A Little Further’ or ‘ALFie.’
A Little Further in his original state, courtesy of David and Kristina
David is an award-winning journalist and his wife Kristina is a culinary artist. The duo, along with some specialist help, turned the exterior of this school bus into a colorful, cosy and comfy camper. The hardest part of the conversion job was the paintwork, as you can see.
Here’s the completed version below. Say hello to ALFie!
The couple are proud of their finished project, as they boast on their website. Credit: Kristina and David
QTvan
A little different to what we know as ‘van life,’ but we thought we’d throw this gem in as well! Meet the QTvan – the practical single-berth caravan which is pulled along by a bicycle. As it’s fully fueled by pedal power alone, it’s completely sustainable and eco-friendly. You can unhook the trailer and take your bike to some awesome viewpoints.
Brand new QTvans can be bought for around £5,500. Credit: ETA
It comes fully equipped with a full sized single bed, a drinks station and kettle facilities. And if that’s not enough, you can enjoy the privileges of the 19″ flat-screen TV when you’re relaxing in a spot on the road. It’s also the perfect paint project, with the 75cmx2m of white vinyl offering you your very own mobile canvas.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
This Moving Home proves you can turn dust into gold. Jack converted a Mercedes Benz Sprinter, commonly used for transportation businesses, into a whitewashed neat home. Jack travels all around the English countryside and enjoys taking his converted van to the beach. When designing his mobile home, he made sure there was a long wooden compartment underneath the floor for his surfboard.
Jack’s interior is clean and crisp with a cosy bed space. Check out the little storage compartment above the bed! Credit: Jack
He initially thought it would be a leisurely, philosophical project. “There has been little time to sit down, let alone think about making a cup of tea,” he said. He added, “That being said, it’s still a lot more fun than commuting for a day’s work and I was given a brace of pheasants by the local farmer which has never happened to me in London.”
He started off by ripping out the plywood, insulating the van with foam, and replacing the ply lining panels. He then cut a large window in the van’s sliding door to let more light in. Jack measured and built the stairway and bed framework himself, before fitting the kitchen with a gas cooker. He said, “Swivel seats are essential in any camper conversion,” as the additional space can be well used. The final things included fitting the floor, water tank and wiring the van; admirable work from one man alone!
Hi-top LDV Convoy
Mike Hudson quit his day job and converted a 2003 hi-top LDV Convoy into a beautiful homely van. “This was originally about travelling in a van but now it is about living in something I built,” he proudly said.
Mike lives full time in his van and travels the world. Credit: Mike
His detailed blog shares his stories about sourcing the van, and installing essential systems such as water, electric, gas and rear doors. Music-obsessed and with many hours on the road across four continents, Mike fitted his van with a sound system. “My LDV Convoy van is very noisy! Any speed over 20 mph and the sound system becomes useless,” he said.
Mike has decorated his van with an earthy, homely feel – it looks incredible! Credit: Mike
The most important update Mike made was installing a propex heater. “I used to wake up in the night and have to turn the gas hobs on to warm up,” he said. He fitted this heater himself near the door, as far away from the bed as possible, just in case anything went wrong.
Ford E-350
Vanalogue loves the quirkiness of this conversion. Adam Nawrot from New York converted this van in only one month, working at it day and night from his parents’ driveway. Its original lettering remains just about visible in certain lights, even under Adam’s coat over. What does the lettering read? “NYPD.”
From state duty to cosy zen, this van is one of our favourites. Credit: Adam Nawrot
In 2015, Adam bought a beaten up old surveillance van from the New York Police Department for $2,500. He converted this 1999 vehicle into a cosy, warm and wooden home for around $6000. He inserted solar panels, insulation, plywood walls and hardwood laminate flooring. And he also managed to squeeze in a bed, storage furniture and a full length IKEA desk. Oh – and his photography studio.
As a photographer and film-maker, Adam was keen to travel the world and source some great pictures (based on his instagram account anyway!) “The van serves as my mobile home and editing studio so that I can stay on the road and keep up with the athletes and subjects of my work,” he told Peta Pixel magazine.
Adam says, “I made the decision early on to avoid any sort of plumbing.” He added, “Its gross and a hassle. So is finding places to poop, but to me that was the lesser of two evils.” It certainly saved him the dirty work!
Do you know of any different and quirky van conversions? We’d love to hear!
