OPTIMA Ford Econoline Van SEMA Show Project Update

The 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is fast-approaching and many companies are now in the midst of what is known as the "SEMA Crunch." The OPTIMA crew is certainly not immune to this frenzy of activity, but much has happened with our 2014 Ford Econoline E-350 project van since our last update. The crew at U-joint Off Road can do a 4x4 van conversion in their sleep, so what might've seemed like one of the more daunting elements of the build went off without a hitch and the van headed west for a camper top and a full interior designed and build by MG Metalworks, LLC.

The 2013 Super Duty full power truck mirror conversion is now complete and MG Metalworks will also custom-fabricate the mounting base and re-shape the plastics to fit the truck mirrors now on the van. When complete, the mirrors will have power fold, power telescoping, defrost and integrated park/turn lights...features many Ford Van owners wished were a factory option.

There have been several test fitments of the flooring system and by the time you read this it will have gone through the final installation process. OPTIMA's own Cam Douglass took charge of properly-fitting the headliner back in the van after the camper top conversion was performed. Renderings of the side door cabinet are currently being turned into the real thing and are now at the powdercoater for finishing.

Final assembly of the custom cabinetry is also in process. With the flooring complete, the cabinetry is next on the list for final fitment, as well as the refrigerator and microwave mounting. Custom stainless steel countertops have recently been formed and installation will follow the cabinetry and appliances. Michael Gabriel from MG Metalworks tells us the build is progressing as planned and everything is falling into place nicely- a narrative not always describing SEMA builds this time of year.

Final assembly and road trials should take place next week, in anticipation of the van's journey to OPTIMA's booth #22755 in Central Hall at the 2015 SEMA Show. Gabriel has been very generous in sharing the details of the interior build with the off-road and overland community, including detailed photos. If you'd like to get more detailed information on his work, please visit the 2015 OPTIMA Batteries SEMA Show 4x4 Van Build Thread at Expedition Portal.com

Sponsors for this build include:

• Front and Rear Springs from Atlas Suspension
• Complete Axle Assembly from Dynatrac
• 17x9 DRT Wheels from BMF
• Wildpeak AT Tires from Falken
• Shocks and Remote Reservoirs from Fox
• Exhaust from Magnaflow
• Intake Filter from K&N
• Retractable Running Boards from AMP Research
• Running Board Adaptors from Specialized Applications
• Fender Flares from Bushwacker
• Soundproofing from Dynamat
• Roof Rack, Tool Box, Tire Rack, Ladder, Bumpers from Aluminess
• Lighting from Sierra LED
• Complete Tool Set from Snap-On
• Talon Series Winch from Superwinch
• Paint by Mark Klos
• Brake lines from Crown Performance
• HID/LED Lighting from HID Projectors
• Tail lights backup lights from IPCW
• AC/DC Refrigerator from Norcold
• 2000-watt Inverter from Pro Mariner
• SP8100 8-switch system from Switch-Pros
• Dual battery system from IBS- Intelligent Battery System
• Ford radio interface by PAC
• Hardware for AMP steps by Specialized Applications
• Bike Rack by 1Up USA
• Motorized bikes by Motoped
• Batteries from OPTIMA Batteries
• Tuning Speedometer Correction by 5Star Tuning
• Mats, Wind Deflector Bumpstep from WeatherTech
• Head Unit from Pioneer
• Amplifier, Speakers, Woofers from JL Audio
• Full Interior Super Duty Mirror Conversion by MG Metalworks
• Train Horn Air Compressor System from Kleinn