LMTV Upgrades

[kenet3621]

I got my 1994 LMTV in mid October and have enjoyed learning about it.
Some information and pictures as I make modifications to the vehicle.
Before and after pictures of the work done so far on making the van "fresher".

BEFORE:


SO FAR:
Floor: Removed rust and repainted with Valspar Gray Skid Proof paint
Walls: Cleaned and repainted with paint matched by Lowe's to original color
Ceiling: Fixtures removed and cleaned and ceiling cleaned with Purple Power
Outlets: All plates replaced with stainless steel and relabeled
Lighting: 110 volt and DC lights (Blackout and Override) all working (there were some disconnected wires behind the wall plates)
Locker: Bought on Craigslist



OTHER:
I have replaced both headlights so I can run H4 bulbs and they really make a lot of positive difference.

FUTURE:
Backup camera mounted but need to wire to cab and monitor.
Complete 110 Volt connector to RV plug.
Big Buddy Heater for the van to hang on the left of the locker.
Touch up painting on the outside.
Dash console for powering accessories.

Thanks to all the Steel Soldiers who have helped me!

 

[agazza2]

Looks great, keep up the good work. Do you have any photos of the outside you can share?

 

[kenet3621]

Here are some outside pictures.

 

[agazza2]

Wow, very impressive. This is a very nice looking truck LMTV. Keep up the good work and keep us informed of the projects you do to this vehicle.

 

[kenet3621]

I bought a Big Buddy heater and a carbon monoxide detector for the van. Should keep me warm should winter ever come to SC this year.


I installed the backup camera and ran the wires into the cab for testing. I will send better pictures once I get the cab wiring completed.

 

[kenet3621]

Here are pictures of where I mounted the camera.

 

[kenet3621]

One of the completed cab boxes (4 USB ports and 2 lighter plugs).



Will add rocker switches to control each port.

 

[tennmogger]

Great idea!

 

[kenet3621]

Outlet box completed and installed. I rotated it so I could see the voltmeter on the front of the box (the sunlight was too bright for me to see the meter when it was on the top of the box).



I highly recommend getting a backup camera. It sure offers a great "comfort factor" when backing especially at night. It is also good to see who is riding close on your tail down the highway!

Here is the camera I got from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYTUU3A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01

 

[Lmtv772]

Outlet box completed and installed. I rotated it so I could see the voltmeter on the front of the box (the sunlight was too bright for me to see the meter when it was on the top of the box).

View attachment 598040View attachment 598041

I highly recommend getting a backup camera. It sure offers a great "comfort factor" when backing especially at night. It is also good to see who is riding close on your tail down the highway!

Here is the camera I got from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYTUU3A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01

does this back up camera have the side markers on the display?

 

[kenet3621]

Yes the camera has what I call backup lines that indicate how close things are. I may have a picture I can post.

 

[kenet3621]

Yes, the camera has what I call "backup markers" on the screen. In this photo you can see the lines going through the van ladder.

 

[Lmtv772]

Nice... The price is very decent. How do you like it?

 

[kenet3621]

I like the camera and display and cannot think of anything I would add to them. I can't comment on longevity since I have only had it installed a week. It was very simple to install and the display controls are easy to use. A bright screen even in daylight. The IR lights are super for backing up in the dark.

 

[tburk49760]

Nice work! What did you use for the box?

 

[kenet3621]

I got the box on Amazon and I am very pleased. I ordered two and plan on making a second control panel.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T7RPFC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

 

[kenet3621]

With the advise of another Steel Soldier member I made an air hose setup using a glad hand. Total cost less than $25 including 200 psi air hose.



It works great for airing up mattresses in the van. I also have attachments for tires, balls and a blow gun for cleaning!

Thanks Andy for your help!

 

[tennmogger]

Looks like a handy setup. I've not used a gladhand for air source on LMTV. Do you connect to the trailer emergency gladhand (not service gladhand) and simply enable trailer brakes with red knob?

 

[kenet3621]

It was very simple to use.

1) connect the gladhand to the red connector
2) start engine (I had lots of dirt to blow out of the cab)
3) press in the trailer air supply red knob
4) release the parking brake (if parking brake engaged, no air flow). I have my wheels chocked!
5) blow that dirt and junk out!

 

[tennmogger]

Thanks! Yeah, wheel chocks sound like a great idea too!!