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What We Use. What We'd Buy Again.
Products we used, plan to use, or the community keeps recommending. Affiliate links. More added as the build moves forward.
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Diagnostics
OBD2 Scanner
Budget · We Own · Android
Veepeak Mini OBD2
I've had this for years and use it across all my vehicles. Pair it with Car Scanner ELM OBD2 (free). Low profile, stays flush, insane number of reviews for a reason.
Budget · iPhone Pick
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE
BLE version — works with iOS and Android. Same Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app, same price tier. The budget pick if you're on iPhone.
Premium · iOS + Android
BlueDriver Pro
Reads manufacturer-specific codes the budget scanners miss entirely. Matters on a Sprinter where Mercedes codes won't show on a $30 unit. Highly rated across the van conversion community.
Build Tools
Huepar Box-1G Laser Level
We Own
Green beam, visible indoors. Lock mode turns off self-leveling so lines run parallel to your reference surface — not true plumb. Set it on the unlevel van floor, lock it, and get a consistent reference. Get the tripod bundle. We didn't, and we bought it separately anyway.
Van Parts
Scopema V3 Swivel Seat Base
We Own
Driver and passenger side. A well-established swivel option for the Transit, recognized in the van conversion community for quality and fitment. Contact Scopema directly for pricing and availability.
Affiliate link coming soon
Tools
3/8" Click Torque Wrench
Plan to Buy
Borrowed one for the install. This is what I would have bought. Covers the full range for the swivel spec and general van work.
Tools
Socket / Ratchet Set
We Own · CA
Stanley 99pc Socket Set
I've had my Stanley for years. All three drive sizes, deep and shallow sockets, extensions, Torx. Solid set that covers the full build.
US
Craftsman CMMT45309 (262pc)
Stanley isn't available in the US. The Craftsman 262-piece covers all three drive sizes, SAE and metric.
Tools
Cutting Tool
Plan to Buy
DeWalt DCS356B Oscillating Saw (20V Bare)
I own a corded oscillating saw — otherwise this would already be in my 20V DeWalt lineup. Makes trim cuts fast and clean. Buy a battery if you don't have one.
Budget Manual Alt · CA Only
Hacksaw — Hanpex High-Tension
My oscillating saw blades ran out mid-job. Finished with this. Takes longer but gets it done. If you already have a saw, skip it. No Amazon US listing — widely available at any hardware store.
Tools
Trim Work
We Own
Plastic Trim Tool Kit
One spot in the install needs a plastic pry tool to pop a trim piece. A flat screwdriver works in a pinch. This kit has more than you need but useful through the full build.
We Own
Ford Push-Pin Molding Clips
Easy to assume the trim kit includes these. It does not. You need the correct Ford push-pin clips to reattach the door panel properly.
Supplies
Rustoleum Stops Rust — Black Gloss
Community Pick
I have the grey version at home. Black gloss is what the van community consistently uses on cut metal edges and drilled holes. Looks clean and seals the raw metal fast.
Tools
Step Drill Bits — Neiko 10181A (3-Piece Titanium)
We Own (similar)
You will be drilling into metal. Good step bits make clean holes and prevent the bit from wandering. I own a slightly different titanium set — these are what I'd recommend.
Tools
File Kit — TARIST 17pc Metal/Needle Files
We Own
One of my driver-side holes was slightly off. A round file got it seated. You will likely need this. Worth having throughout the build.
Tools
Magnetic Parts Tray — GRENPRO 4-Pack
We Own (similar)
Load up your sockets, bits, and small hardware. You won't lose anything. Highly recommended for any van work — not just the swivel.
Tools
Deburring Tool
We Own
I own a slightly different version. After drilling, you need to deburr edges before painting or sealing. Highly recommended, budget-friendly.
Tools
Locking Utility Knife
We Own
More dangerous than people realize. Get a locking blade that only exposes a small amount at a time. Worth investing in a good one.
Tools
Non-Conductive Work Mat
Plan to Buy
Wrap around battery terminals while working to prevent accidental arc. I used rags. Not ideal. A silicone soldering mat or rubber sheet works. Any electronics or hardware store.
Buy locally — electronics / hardware store
Tools
Insulated Electrician Gloves — Class 00
Plan to Buy
Class 00 rated for 500V AC / 750V DC — correct for 48V lithium van electrical systems. Getting these before the electrical install.
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