Since everyone is doing it - my veggie install

[EricN]

Ok, really I am just happy with the install and want to brag, but I will do it under the guise of "helping others with ideas".
First off, I am using the Plantdrive kit with the VO Controller (the "cheap" one without the LCD display). I must say the the VO controller kit comes with everything to make a brainless install and end-user friendly. THe thing is awsome. I was pretty disappointed in the Hotfox for what it cost. I would not go with it again but instead build my own. If you are in a hurry and dont have the time/ability to build a simple heat exchanger for the tank (I dont think it is completely important either but.....) then it is an option. I could have made one for about $30 including fittings, just wouldn't have been as pretty.

Anyways, here we go.
Second pic is the wiring from the valves etc to the vo controller. I cut a hole in the floor by the dead pedal and ran the wiring inside some split loom through a grommet. There was a nice flatsplot just waiting to be drilled.
The first pic shows the wiring following the factory harness into the battery compartment to where all my electronics are hidden. Also, if you look on the outside of the battery compartment close to the injection pump, you can see the heater lines I spliced into to heat the vegmax.

[EricN]

This shows the general engine compartment. Looks probably like nothing special untill you look closely. Just behind the battery off to the left of the pic you can see the bits and pieces sticking out. Also, I drilled a hole in the head right by where the factory temp sending unit is and tapped it so I could install the temp sensor for the vo controller. You can also just make out the small return line from the #3 injector to the banjo fitting on the injection pump. I found a new banjo fitting that had a larger diameter hose fitting so I could run 3/8 line, and modded the fitting to work.

[EricN]

I posted this one before but it gives a general idea of the electrics install. Pic is missing some relays and the plumbing and stuff because I forgot to snap a pic when I had it all done and put the battery in. Black felt circles are the holes for the lines.

[EricN]

I installed vegmax in the same place as Adam but made a bracket so that it mounts a bit different. I can take the filter off and on without having to remove the whole unit.

[EricN]

Now the fuel tanks. I wasn't going to post any pics of the tanks because they were an embarassment.
1st mistake, I should have used 5052 aluminum instead of 6061 so I would have more luck bending, 2nd, I was rushing, and instead of waiting to use the tig welder (not to mention the amount of time welding with the tig) I figured I would just use my mig. This in itself was another cluster of errors. My wire was old, the gun liner had broken (I didn't know) and was causing massive birds nests, and the big kick in the nuts, the o-ring where the hose attaches to the machine had split and my gas was leaking out. In the end, the welds came out like crap. I was getting mad and just kept welding. I was going to toss the damn things and start over. I finally got on the tig and fixed them all up. Pressurized to 14psi and they dont leak, but they are ugly.

[EricN]

The filler system I am pretty proud of but it sure took alot of thought and measuring and in the end I still had to cut bigger holes. The corner trim is on a hinge, it works awsome. The part locks in place on its own just from the way it is designed.

[Adam]

The filler system I am pretty proud of but it sure took alot of thought and measuring and in the end I still had to cut bigger holes. The corner trim is on a hinge, it works awesome. The part locks in place on its own just from the way it is designed.

That does look awesome and a lot less gut wrenching than drilling a hole in the body panel like Kevin did. I'll have to see if I can make that work for my set when I get my rig back from CC Auto tonight.

[sean]

Eric, I think it is great you have the ability to work with both pre-made components and make your own. Looks pretty slick and I really like what you did with the bracket on the VegMax. Iam going to create something like that also now. Thanks.

I do have a question for you. Your veg fuel fill spot off the left side of the bumper, what did you use for the filler hole? I was thinking of a bulkhead style fitting with a PVC plug and a hose insert to my clear braided fill hose to tank.

Could you please explain the process and materials for me on this one. I know Adam and Kevin both drilled into the side of their vans and Josh's tank is still inside the vehicle.

Thanks Eric.
Sean

[BCDelica]

WOW, Eric your install is just banging and super stealth! Who cares how the welds look by the way.

Worth bragging about, I'm going to steal your filler idea for my wife's! That part is just awesome; our family Deli has two filler's crammed into the existing diesel filler and I didn't want to put a external filler on hers like mine. Hers gets treated nicely. Won't be getting to that job for a couple of months, but I'll definitely have some questions for you when I do.

I have to add there is a couple of other Deli's running the same fillers as mine, but I won't name names.

Cheers,
Kev

[EricN]

Thanks for the feedback guys. If anyone wants more detail/templates etc. feel free to ask.
Sean, first, I know, I am extremely lucky/cunning when it comes to the equipment I have available to me, makes things easier but it also makes me spend alot more time doing things since I end up making so many custom parts.
The hinge is just one I got from the hardware store, 1.5" x 1.75" brass. I can make some detailed measurements and take better pics to show what I did and how to mount if needed. As for the filler neck, you need to be able to weld. I went to the auto wrecker, found some old north american car with the filler neck sticking out the side in plain view. I have seen this style filler on lots of other vehicles too. My old jeep CJ had one but it was aluminum. Anyways, I cut the tube off of the opening for the filler neck (left about an inch maybe) then I used some 2.25" mandrel bend that I had left over from my exhaust and welded it onto the filler opening. Bottom of that I welded a flat plate, drilled a 1" hole, welded on some tube. Then further up, in the mandrel bend, I drilled another hole and threaded it to 1/4" pipe thread and put a fitting in there for the vent. The tube is the flexible PVC stuff from the hardware store.
Now the hole was easy, when you unbolt that trim piece, the top hole that the stud goes through makes a perfect guide for a 2.25" hole saw (gut wrenching doing that first body cut). Then you just need to do some manipulating of the hole (there are 2 layers you drill through, pinch them together so they touch) and all is well. Again, I will take some detailed pics if anyone wants and post them in a separate thread with a warning since they will be big. I can also post a template for the bracket that I used to mount the vegmax and one I used for all the solenoids and vegthern. Probably be able to print it off and trace it out on to some steal and cut away. Or if anyone is out this way and wants to stop by, I can easily cut them on the plasma table.

[EricN]

P.S. Today is the day I hope to run on fresh new Costco veggie for the first time.

[steepcreeker]

Hi Eric

Thanks for a great Idea on the filler area. I am going to try and do the same this Friday. Are you in the nanaimo area? Would like to take a more hands on look at it! Also any more details on the mounting would be very appreciated.

thanks in advance

[patty]

hey eric,
i want to do the plant drive kit as well but i do need the hot fox or something like it as i will be living in prince george next year and it gets COLD! how would you make something like it for cheep?
seems like your a pretty good mechanic. Is the plant drive kit easy enough for some one not so experianced?

[Adam]

Is the plant drive kit easy enough for some one not so experienced?

I would say yes: http://www.delica.ca/forum/another-plan ... -1039.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8640332@N0 ... 80/?page=2