Author Topic: My New 2014 Transit Connect! (Read 37139 times)

3PedalMINI · « **on:** February 14, 2014, 05:36 PM »

Well, I did it! finalized the deal today! Cut a wicked good deal, Turned out nissan sold my van from underneath of me so it made me take a second look at the new tranist. This is heads and tails better then the NV200, and slightly bigger too!

First order of business is to tint the front windows and build my shelving and racking. Im going to hopefully get started on it this weekend. The rear windows will get blacked out and im going to cover them with plywood so i can hang stuff off of it.

Empty and winter blend fuel the computer said 38.6 MPG with 100miles on the clock...Very curious to see what i will get loaded, summer blend fuel and once she breaks in.

This is such a comfortable van, and super super fun to drive (go figure) Very well built. the only thing im not fond of is the sync system, but i wont use that anyway.

XLT Package-Rear view Camera/Sync package-4 key fobs-180 degree opening doors-6 way adjustable driver seat- front a rear sensing system. I didn't really want that either but it will be nice in the city.

Im Pretty Excited!!

Walk On Wood · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2014, 05:51 PM »

Looks nice! Cant wait to see how you shelf it out

builderbob · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:00 PM »

Congrats buddy! Looks really nice! It'll be great to fit in tight spots! I also can't wait to see how you pack it up!

Bikeboy80 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:08 PM »

Nice, congrats! Really love the look of them.

It will be quite a change from the NV, I'm interested to see how you rack it out!

Jon Hilgenberg · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:28 PM »

You guys are effing killing me! I've contacted my local dealership about one of these...and the guy doesn't have hardly any in stock!!!

Love the look, great size (is this a lwb version?. I'm assuming you got the ecoboost engine.

If it gets 38 mpg, that would pay for itself quickly ( I get 15 right now.)

Nice ride, congratulations!

Jon

Peter Halle · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:47 PM »

Congrats! I can't wait to see how all the van owners who have a shorter cargo area handle the sliding doors on both sides. Will racking cover one side? Will a center rack be built to fit that opening that will allow access from each side?

Peter

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:54 PM »

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing your custom fitup. I'm really digging my Connect too, although I spent the day in my old F150, no where near as fun to drive. One thing I don't so much is the gauges are placed too low and too deep for me to see, the top third is cut off from view.

Jon Hilgenberg · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2014, 07:24 PM »

Quote from: Peter Halle on February 14, 2014, 06:47 PM

Congrats! I can't wait to see how all the van owners who have a shorter cargo area handle the sliding doors on both sides. Will racking cover one side? Will a center rack be built to fit that opening that will allow access from each side?

Peter

Have same question regarding the dual sliding doors. The dealer I spoke to said that it's possible to get the connect with only one sliding door...but then he didn't seem too much on point either.

Jon

rnt80 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2014, 08:59 PM »

I have a 2010 Connect and love it. While my wife calls it the clown car, it has been great for me for nearly three years. One f the most useful features for me has been the vertical room in the back. It doesn't look like the new model has as much floor to ceiling room as the older version. What is the measurement back there?

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2014, 09:27 PM »

Quote from: rnt80 on February 14, 2014, 08:59 PM

I have a 2010 Connect and love it. While my wife calls it the clown car, it has been great for me for nearly three years. One f the most useful features for me has been the vertical room in the back. It doesn't look like the new model has as much floor to ceiling room as the older version. What is the measurement back there?

It's about 48" inside and 45" at the rear doors.

wow · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2014, 11:52 PM »

Quote from: Peter Halle on February 14, 2014, 06:47 PM

I can't wait to see how all the van owners who have a shorter cargo area handle the sliding doors on both sides.

I'm old enough to (barely) remember when Chevy came out with the Corvan which was the first van that had doors on both sides. Sayw a couple of Doofuses (Doofi?) put an upright piano in crosswise, then drive over a curb only to have the corvan turn into a TRUE 'V' - folded the frame (or unibody, whatever it had in those days) right in half. Never did see it get hauled away nor what happened to the piano.

Lesson learned - know your (and your vehicles) capabilities!

Deansocial · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2014, 04:23 AM »

Quote from: Brice Burrell on February 14, 2014, 06:54 PM

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing your custom fitup. I'm really digging my Connect too, although I spent the day in my old F150, no where near as fun to drive. One thing I don't so much is the gauges are placed too low and too deep for me to see, the top third is cut off from view.

Raise the steering wheel slightly unless it's too uncomfortable to drive.
What's the load length in these. Fords website just gives the stupid overall load length when the seat are folded of whatever

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2014, 07:59 AM »

Quote from: Deansocial on February 15, 2014, 04:23 AM

Quote from: Brice Burrell on February 14, 2014, 06:54 PM
Congrats! Looking forward to seeing your custom fitup. I'm really digging my Connect too, although I spent the day in my old F150, no where near as fun to drive. One thing I don't so much is the gauges are placed too low and too deep for me to see, the top third is cut off from view.

Raise the steering wheel slightly unless it's too uncomfortable to drive.
What's the load length in these. Fords website just gives the stupid overall load length when the seat are folded of whatever

It's not just the wheel that's in the way, the gauges are way too low and too deep inset. It's really a stupid design to not allow for taller people (and I'm not all that tall, 6'2"/188cm).

The load length with the front seats all the way back is roughly 84"/213cm. That's the US version, the UK version might be a little different.

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2014, 08:01 AM »

Quote from: Peter Halle on February 14, 2014, 06:47 PM

Congrats! I can't wait to see how all the van owners who have a shorter cargo area handle the sliding doors on both sides. Will racking cover one side? Will a center rack be built to fit that opening that will allow access from each side?

Peter

The idea is to cover one door (or both) with the racking so you can access the contents either from inside or from the curb/street with the door open.

Peter Halle · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2014, 08:14 AM »

Cool Idea!

Peter

3PedalMINI · « **Reply #15 on:** February 15, 2014, 01:05 PM »

Thanks All!!!! FOG Doesnt have multiquote?

Plan is to mount shelving in front of both doors with access from the street side or inside. I rarely used my side doors on my NV so im not loosing anything. all of my systainers will be on the right side, the left side will be for my vacuum and seldomly used systainers like my rotary hammer etc. Im also going to try and get a row of consumables like mud-rings, power bridges etc on the top row. Im not sure yet how im going to do the two sided shelves and make them ridged without a back.

Ive ordered some LED's and tracks to get better lighting back there. I am also going for QUIET in this one. Im going to get some dynamat type material and some sound insulation.

I am going to be taking pictures every step of the way and will be sure to post my progress here

Bikeboy80 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2014, 01:09 PM »

To make the racking rigid....attach top and bottom and if you are building racking toward the rear that you can glue/ tie into the side walls just make sure you attach the front ones to them. Should hold all of it nice and rigid.

3PedalMINI · « **Reply #17 on:** March 01, 2014, 05:26 PM »

Alright guys, I have a tiny bit of progress to show. two cabinets are done, shelving is not installed yet, that will be one of the last things I do. also got a bit of dynamat installed as well. the amount of times my plan has changed is crazy, thats been half the battle lol.

I decided to carpet the boxes to try and minimize the noise of the systainers hitting the cabinets while i go down the road. The white base will be covered in carpet as well. To the left of the big cabinet (behind the single systainer cabinet) will be where ill hang my fish tapes, triangle, base borzit and a few other random things that wont be stored in systainers. I dont know if you can tell but there is a lip on the top of the cabinet facing out, that will be for a LED light rail so i can see all the systainers and shelfs at night!

2 more cabinets to build and carpet and of course the bulk head, then need to attach to the roof and ill be 75% done!

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2014, 06:31 PM »

Nice, is that some kind of outdoor carpet? I was hoping to see the lighting done, you better get cracking before the snow hits.

woodguy7 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2014, 03:39 AM »

You doing anything to stop the Systainers from falling out ?
You say you are going to plywood over the rear windows. Don't you get the option of no rear windows ? Also surprised to see no steel bulkhead. That would be the first thing i install.
Nice looking van though.

3PedalMINI · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2014, 11:29 AM »

Quote from: Brice Burrell on March 01, 2014, 06:31 PM

Nice, is that some kind of outdoor carpet? I was hoping to see the lighting done, you better get cracking before the snow hits.

Ha! Too Late

already have flurries. With this weeks work it doesnt look like im finishing this weekend

The carpet is the stuff they wrap subwoofers and car accessories in. Its automotive "felt" so it can get wet and withstand the temperature swings. Lighting wont be finished until all the cabinets are in.

Quote from: woodguy7 on March 02, 2014, 03:39 AM

You doing anything to stop the Systainers from falling out ?
You say you are going to plywood over the rear windows. Don't you get the option of no rear windows ? Also surprised to see no steel bulkhead. That would be the first thing i install.
Nice looking van though.

The shelving will have lips on them to prevent them from falling out. There is an option for no rear windows but not a single dealer ordered them with that option and i didnt want to wait 4-6 months to order one (i couldnt) the way it is working out im not going to need the plywood on the windows. im just going to order the window screens and black them out.

the steel bulkhead took to much area out of the cargo area. Im building one out of 3/4" plywood with a slidding door so i can still haul 8-10ft lumber between the seats and so i can haul a 65" TV. all of my cargo is usually low and small so if the worst happened and in an accident it would crack towards the bottom.

Rob Z · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2014, 01:47 PM »

I'm going to have to get another company vehicle soon, and this new Transit Connect looks great. Are you going to put a rack on the roof?

3PedalMINI · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2014, 05:26 PM »

Got a decent amount done today. Still need to carpet them and build my bulkhead. Since we are getting a bunch of snow ill probably carpet tomorrow and finish the bulkhead next weekend. These next two cabinets were super challenging, alot of careful planning,measuring and scribing.

Managed to fit my sys-Midi in long ways! and 3 boxes of ICE cable which is awesome.

Deep part for the sys-Midi

Box of cable on top

How big it is

Vacuum Cabinet

The systainer above the vacuum will be a First-Aid Systainer as soon as it comes in! Wanted easy access for emergencies

How much space i have with the door closed

First Aid Location

Scribing along the wheel well

Little tray for my mini sys's and sys-lite

Box for random things like hammers, calk,epoxy etc.

How much cargo space I will have!

a ton of work but its coming together really good!

Quote from: Rob Z on March 02, 2014, 01:47 PM

I'm going to have to get another company vehicle soon, and this new Transit Connect looks great. Are you going to put a rack on the roof?

I plan on getting a ladder rack like this as soon as it comes out, they said 4-6 months

I want this style so i can haul sheet goods when necessary.

http://www.americanvan.com/ladder-racks/transit-ladder-racks/ford-transit-connect-aluminum-cargo-carrier.html

Rob Z · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2014, 05:49 PM »

Thanks....I saw something in the American Van catalog about "call for information", but hadn't made the call yet to check.

Nice customized fit you have for your gear.

builderbob · « **Reply #24 on:** March 02, 2014, 07:28 PM »

Looks really good! Way to use the available space!

jmbfestool · « **Reply #25 on:** March 03, 2014, 02:05 AM »

Quote from: Brice Burrell on February 15, 2014, 07:59 AM

Quote from: Deansocial on February 15, 2014, 04:23 AM
Quote from: Brice Burrell on February 14, 2014, 06:54 PM
Congrats! Looking forward to seeing your custom fitup. I'm really digging my Connect too, although I spent the day in my old F150, no where near as fun to drive. One thing I don't so much is the gauges are placed too low and too deep for me to see, the top third is cut off from view.

Raise the steering wheel slightly unless it's too uncomfortable to drive.
What's the load length in these. Fords website just gives the stupid overall load length when the seat are folded of whatever

It's not just the wheel that's in the way, the gauges are way too low and too deep inset. It's really a stupid design to not allow for taller people (and I'm not all that tall, 6'2"/188cm).

The load length with the front seats all the way back is roughly 84"/213cm. That's the US version, the UK version might be a little different.

I believe the reason is to give you more vision of the outside world by having the dash lower and its done for everybody tall or short even though shorter people do benefit the most from it. More and more cars/van are being designed to make the front window screen as big as possible. Lowering the dash board is one way of doing this.

Can't remember what brand it was but they have reduced the steering wheel size which they say is to give people more road vision again.

Being to deep inset god knows why some companies do that. I can't see any benefit to that.

jmbfestool · « **Reply #26 on:** March 03, 2014, 02:13 AM »

Nice van!

Love seeing more European design vans becoming more popular across the pond.

One thing why did you get the back doors with glass?

Is it a security thing? I know some people have glass so people can see the van is empty so thieves won't bother breaking in!

Myself (on my old van which had glass in the backdoor) and other people often tend to break the glass because you fill your van up slam the door and then POP! Goes the glass! Open your door to find you didn't push your timber far enough in.

Plus if you do leave your tools in its easy to break in.

woodguy7 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 03, 2014, 03:45 AM »

He answered that further up if you care to read

Rob Z · « **Reply #28 on:** March 03, 2014, 06:52 AM »

Is the floor console thingy between the seats removable? Maybe this has been mentioned somewhere already-if so, I missed it.

3PedalMINI · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2014, 11:18 AM »

Quote from: Rob Z on March 02, 2014, 05:49 PM

Thanks....I saw something in the American Van catalog about "call for information", but hadn't made the call yet to check.

Nice customized fit you have for your gear.

Thanks! really want that lader rack. Im hoping it comes out sooner then later, I have 6 months before my $350 upfit coupon expires from ford.

Quote from: builderbob on March 02, 2014, 07:28 PM

Looks really good! Way to use the available space!

Thanks man!

Quote from: jmbfestool on March 03, 2014, 02:13 AM

Nice van!

Love seeing more European design vans becoming more popular across the pond.

One thing why did you get the back doors with glass?

Is it a security thing? I know some people have glass so people can see the van is empty so thieves won't bother breaking in!

Myself (on my old van which had glass in the backdoor) and other people often tend to break the glass because you fill your van up slam the door and then POP! Goes the glass! Open your door to find you didn't push your timber far enough in.

Plus if you do leave your tools in its easy to break in.

None of the dealers ordered them with out rear windows (which is a mystery) i couldnt wait to order one and receive it in 4-6months. Im just going to black out the windows and put that steel mesh over them incase they did shatter they are not getting in.

Quote from: Rob Z on March 03, 2014, 06:52 AM

Is the floor console thingy between the seats removable? Maybe this has been mentioned somewhere already-if so, I missed it.

Nope, Unfortunately its not removable.