At the close of the 2020 camping season, we became the proud owners of a 1997 Ford Econoline Coachman camper van. Knowing it was a vehicle with some stories, we anticipated putting a little elbow grease into it. With around 120,000 miles on the engine, and evidence of a past encounter with a tree that left a dent and a replaced passenger mirror, the van was fundamentally sound. However, the interior was calling for a refresh, and we wanted to ensure the engine was in top-notch condition.
Securing this Ford Camper Van for approximately $6,000 felt like a steal. The seller, seemingly unaware of its true value in Alaska, could have easily commanded upwards of $10,000. This favorable purchase price gave us the confidence to invest a bit more in upgrades, especially considering the rarity of finding a camper van equipped with seven seatbelts like this one for under $10,000.
Engine Refresh for Our Ford Econoline Camper Van
Our first step was a visit to our trusted mechanic. About $1,000 in repairs later, including the replacement of aged hoses and various engine components, the Ford camper van was declared to be in excellent mechanical condition for its age. Currently, we’re only facing minor issues: the passenger-side mirror replacement (we have the part) and a dashboard power outage, possibly a simple blown fuse affecting the radio. For the most part, the engine and van’s mechanics are ready for adventure.
Interior Dream and Reality for our Ford Camper Van
This is where the exciting part of the Ford camper van renovation began – and continues. The previous owner had already replaced the carpet with vinyl flooring, a fantastic start. While some van renovators found vinyl flooring too challenging, we were grateful for this head start.
Remodeling a camper van, much like renovating an unfamiliar home, comes with its share of surprises. Our initial interior upgrade plan for the Ford camper van included:
- Toilet Removal: While appreciating the van’s sink and exterior shower, the built-in toilet felt unnecessary. We preferred maximizing space and utilizing external facilities.
- Paint Refresh: True to its late-90s vintage, the interior needed a cosmetic update. Initially considered a “nice-to-have,” painting soon became more crucial.
- Curtain Replacement: The existing curtains were unpleasant smelling and visually dated. Privacy was key, and replacing them was a must, primarily for odor elimination.
- Generator Upgrade Consideration: The van came with a generator functional above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal for some conditions, but for Alaskan winters and ski trips, a generator capable of performing below 20 degrees was essential.
Ford Camper Van Interior Renovation: Facing Reality
As we started preparing for painting, warped vinyl flooring near the windows hinted at water damage. Suspecting a past window left ajar, we planned a simple peel-back to assess and possibly paint underneath.
However, water damage is rarely straightforward. Upon peeling back the vinyl, we discovered not just past damage but active dampness, despite closed windows. A concerning discovery in our Ford camper van renovation.
The layers beneath the vinyl in this Ford camper van revealed pressboard, wood paneling, and finally the van’s outer shell. Passenger-side inspection showed pressboard and wood damage around the window area. The driver’s side was worse, with wood literally crumbling away due to extensive water damage.
Our solution involved removing all affected vinyl, pressboard, and wood. Luke expertly removed the windows and the overhead bed section through the window opening (a key tip for similar van models – the bed is too wide for door removal).
New wood was cut to match the removed sections on both sides. We are currently painting the wood off-site before installation, followed by window re-installation and sealing. The windows were power-washed to remove grime. We’ll update on the installation progress.
Toilet removal, guided by YouTube tutorials, was another key task. Luke sealed the grey water tank opening with a pressure seal and capped the water line. Testing is pending – fingers crossed!
Curtain replacement involved fabric selection and enlisting a seamstress. Awaiting a call this week for completion updates.
Optimistically, we aim to complete the Ford camper van renovation within two weeks. Remaining tasks include:
- Wood installation
- Window sealing
- Painting (and drying!)
- Reassembly
- Water line testing
- Mirror repair
- Console repair
- Table pole replacement
While some are optional upgrades, window sealing and bed/bench re-installation are essential before our first trip.
