Crafter Nose Swap

[ctmcdaniel]

Starting the Dissection
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Head light Detail, the bumper cover, head lights, Elec Fan assembly, Grille came off in less then 2 hours.
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Sprinter Front Support
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Crafter Front Support
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More of the Crafter Front Support.

Today I will continue the dissection and start to transfer from the Sprinter: Radiator, Inter-cooler, Oil cooler (or is it the transmission cooler), AC condenser and two mystery (to me) tubes over to the supplied crafter front support.

The supplied crafter versions of all the are suspected to be lower capacity (at least I think they maybe) as (again I think but not sure) the crafter has a lower Hp motor.
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[BBlessing]

sweet! can't wait to se it through.

bb

[georgetg]

Very Impressive,

I'm jealous, I really like the Crafter nose much better than the MB NCV3 Nose.

Cheers
George

[ctmcdaniel]

This an after picture .... I'm surprised that I got this far
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The only problem so far is the Crafter front support attachment points are wider then the then the sprinter. This is the view looking down
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This is the view of the attachment point that does not match from below.
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The entire sprinter rad, inter-cooler, etc just snapped into the Crafter Support. If the coolant had not Picked up too much dirt and oil when I drained the rad then I could have started the truck up tonight.

So far this has gone much smoother then it could have gone.


Tom McD

[mean_in_green]

I'm sure there'll be more than a few people interested in seeing how your post develops Tom - myself included!

[ctmcdaniel]

Some more Pictures from Saturday Night
The Front support's Left is the Sprinter and Right is the Crafter
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Front support out ... front view
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Front support out Side view
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Tom McD

[BBlessing]

Some more Pictures from Saturday Night
The Front support's Right is the Sprinter and Left is the Crafter
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Tom McD

tom; which one is the crafter support?

bb

[ctmcdaniel]

The Front is on. Head Lights work, so do the turn signal. Draining the radiator may have been unnecessary and there may be a better drain point then the radiator. The coolant I drained picked up too much junk and I could not find MB approved coolant at pep boys. Tomorrow I take the Fake crafter to the body shop for some paint.

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Partial assembly
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This made me laugh
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Frank-en Crafter, I'm going to let the body shop unbolting the front fenders and reattaching the new ones after they paint them.
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This showed up last week, my coworkers call my truck the scooby van
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[mobileoilchange]

if the body shop is painting the fenders, make sure they cut them in and also blend it into the hood and doors. it looks like your craft-rinter is silver. if the body shop isnt carefull they could get modeling in the paint, also the reason for the blending into the doors and hood is for a perfect match, if they panel paint it youll see the difference in color and metalic. their is no such thing as one color. even though the body shop has your color code, their are color variances. your color code could have 2 or more color variances. just like how some people think black is black and white is white. no such thing. for example, the color code YZ (ford white) their are 7 variances. you MUST mix and use a spray out card then compair it to the vehicle, once you find the right match you then cut in the interior door and fender jams. then blend it into the surronding panels. it can take hours and alot of paint to get the right match. alot of places dont spend the time to do it right.

my pops owns a body shop and ive been in it all my life. just my 2 cents.

[sikwan]

Geezus! :bow:

[ctmcdaniel]

Proof the lights work
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[gezuvor]

Looking great! Please let me know how it all ends up so we can fine tune our conversion package!

- Rich | OEMpl.us

[ctmcdaniel]

Rich-

Some minor glichtes....

It looks like I am missing 1 or 2 plastic trim from the radiator support. Here are the Pics of what was on the sprinter radiator support.

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Here is the location on the crafter Radiator support that has the same type molded clips to receive the trim. The missing pieces look like the prevent heat and air flow from the radiator bypassing the radiator and separate the cold air intake for the engine from the radiators.

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[ctmcdaniel]

Rich-

Off the top of my head you can simplify the nose swap kit. I will have to go back over this when the swap is complete but this is what I have so far.

UN used parts:

Radiator
Turbo Inter cooler
oil cooler
Air filter box (this could be identical to the MB one.... in outside appearance it has the same dimensions)



Missing Parts:

6 to 8 bolts for bolting the head lights and trim to the Crafter Radiator support.

2 other bolts for the head light surrounds (painted) to the upper edge of the bumper cover.

Top two bolted connections of the Crafter support are about 1.25" wider then the crafter connections. So I need to have 2 holes drilled and and two nuts.


At this point there are only 3 pieces that have not been test fitted: Hood and 2 side fenders.


Your happy, willing and faithful Guinea pig....



Tom McD

These are the head light trims where I ran out of bolts
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The lower attachment of the head light trim where It connects to the bumper cover: this is where I need too know what was the factory bolt. the bolts that worked on the radiator support do not feel correct. That is why it is not fully threaded in.
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[gezuvor]

Looks good. If you need I can order the correct bolts, but I'll need specific information about where they are, etc.

[ctmcdaniel]

Rich and all-

The Hood came out of shrink wrap today... it has just a little shipping damage but nothing terrible. The body shop is busy so I will be driving around in a 2 tone truck for at least a week. I may pull the side fenders off next and make sure the crafter ones fit.

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Tom McD
FrankenCrafter

[ctmcdaniel]

Rich-

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Do you see the silver fastner stick out at the bottom of the photo? That is the lower attachment of the head light trim where It connects to the bumper cover: this is where I need too or get the factory bolt. the bolts that worked on the radiator support do not feel correct. That is why it is not fully threaded in.

Can you find what bolt VW used here?




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Also I am going to need the Radiator trim parts mentioned in the previous post. I can not find a Crafter Parts PDF on line anywhere.

Thanks again

Tom

PS Did you ever find a badge for the steering wheel?

[SPRINTERUK]

hi
its great what you have done:clapping:
maybe its because we have both here that i have not seen this done before:idunno:
its maybe a different taste but i still like the mercdes front over the vw its what is was built for:thumbup:
will this be the first in the u.s:idunno:

:cheers:
chris

[ctmcdaniel]

When you do your crafter nose swap you will need to buy these two labels that go on the Raditor support.

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Tom McD

[maxextz]

heres my 2 cents:2cents: worth on this conversion, cant believe the trouble gone to on this conversion its nuts, its gone from a ugly front to an even uglier version :bash:,:eek:
max...

[ctmcdaniel]

Point:


heres my 2 cents:2cents: worth on this conversion, cant believe the trouble gone to on this conversion its nuts, its gone from a ugly front to an even uglier version :bash:,:eek:
max...

Counter Point: Jane you ignorant slut

response 1... laughter

Response 2 Your totally correct but It's more better uglier

Response 3 Your going to Florida for Vacation and your going to pontificate to me about a nutty, crazy, trouble filled conversion that will leave my truck uglier? Hell, you won't be an expert on moving form ugly to uglier until after you get to Florida.

Response 4 There is no response 4

Response 5 Do you want my old dodge Grille... I can send it down to Florida

Response 6 I was drunk.....

Response 7 No Max don't hold back tell what you really think.

Response 8 Soccer, Soccer, Soccer



Note If I used smilies there would be smilies all over this.


Still Laughing


Tom McD

[maxextz]

:lol::D:
i have to take my hat off to you for the effort gone into that job,ctmcdaniel well done:clapping:

[georgetg]

I too find the Crafter to look better than the NCV3 Benz nose...

The next Sprinter MOPF (Daimler speak for facelift aka "Modellpflege") probably will appeal more to me as the Design direction has gone to more angular shapes as is evident in the new C-class...

In particular I like the the Crafter in its Attacama wear

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/utilities/galleryview.php/9d78b3cef2807047fbf7e9ff148f0de4.jpg

Cheers
George

[mobileoilchange]

heres my 2 cents:2cents: worth on this conversion, cant believe the trouble gone to on this conversion its nuts, its gone from a ugly front to an even uglier version :bash:,:eek:
max...


and yet you own a sprinter, and you are cutting up on how ugly it is?????

to each their own.

the T1N is even uglier. looks like a door stop.
the NCV3 is miles ahead of the T1N in looks, performance, and dependabilty
the crafter looks better then both the ncv3 and the t1n.
the only thing i dont like about the crafter pictured above is the 1/4 panel side glass.

[jdcaples]

Tom, you have courage and commitment. I admire that. I actually like the Crafter look better than the Sprinter look, but never mind that now.

I just thought of something: I think most dealerships are "used to" MB-badged Sprinters and probably don't care, much as they're not supposed to care about Freightliner badges in the Dodge service bays.... still, your project takes badging to a new level.

Don't hesitate to post about your dealership visits, esp ones that may involve warranty work.

I know you're able to defend any rightful position.

I mean, I know you're able to refute any ridiculous notion like "your 'VW headlamp electrical demands are killing your Dodge VIN Sprinter's electrical system." Just the same, I can see how a dealership could cite all these European parts as the root of any issue, logic and physics be ****ed.

Enjoy your ride. It looks sharp, IMHO. Keep us posted on the reactions you get from passers-by and those that execute maint/repair work on the vehicle.

-Jon

[therabbittree]

**** That looks awesome!..:bow: Where did you source the crafter parts? and what did they cost?
Thanks
Deo

[BBlessing]

oh i can't wait to see it finished! don't forget that when you say something is better or worse/prettier or uglier than something else. you are making a "subjective" statement. i actually fell in love with the t1n, but the ncv3 is growing on me (especially now that the mb conversion is complete). ct, keep up the good work! the crafter isn't my cup o tea, but i would own that green one pictured above. i think what attracted me to the sprinter is the uniqueness of it.

bb

[OrioN]

:2cents:

I like the Crafter styling over the NCV3. I think the latter's nose looks way too Dodge Ram Van, (hopefully the only and last influence Dodge will ever have towards the Sprinter design and engineering).


PS... Keep up the good work!

[BBlessing]

actually, if you take a look at the mb suv nose, you will see a striking resemblance to the mb ncv3 nose. but the dodge grill takes away from that look.

bb

[ctmcdaniel]

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[BBlessing]

well done! that certainly is a "different" look! what was the final damages? parts and paint?

bb

[sikwan]

Looks real good, Tom. :clapping: I'm jealous!

[jdcaples]

Impressive, Tom.

The unibrow hood detail is a nice homage to the T1N lineage, too.

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-Jon

[tegimr]

Nice look - only one change to make it more interesting - replace the VW emblem with the MB symbol.
Then take it to the stealership. :thumbup:

[ctmcdaniel]

Nice look - only one change to make it more interesting - replace the VW emblem with the MB symbol.
Then take it to the stealership. :thumbup:


Actually I want my German Friend to take it to the local VW Dealer and demand warranty service.

Tom McD

[mobileoilchange]

the front 1/2 is a different color then the doors. the variance is off a tad. but it looks good to see you got it done! :clapping:

[ctmcdaniel]

the front 1/2 is a different color then the doors. the variance is off a tad. but it looks good to see you got it done! :clapping:


Marshall McLuhan was a really smart guy..........

@ moblieoilchange

I will demand the body shop on the variance until the variance is perfect to .000001 of a tad (if the variance is off doe's it smell like bacon, cause the front doe's smell like crisp bacon, it is a friendly smell and I could put up with a 1 tad variance just for the Bacon smell [it goes with out saying that I will no longer be able to travel in bear country] I mean a variance of 1 tad with the bacon smell [again for the moment we wont worry about bear attacks] would more then make up for the mismatch in color. let me know before I get the tad dialed down to .000001 variance OK.

For quality control I will continue to post thoughtlessly and hurriedly composed photos with the nose of the truck parked 4 feet away form a 20 tall foot battleship Grey concrete block wall, compress and decompress, re compress the photo files, post process the images, by cropping and straitening then export the original files down to 900 pixels wide and display them on what ever generic monitor is available.

These pictures will tell the truth because pictures don't lie. I won't trouble looking at the paint work with my own eyes because the previously out lined process will produce more reliable results.

This a a section from the door joint..... to clearly show the difference a tad makes .... I may have inverted and flipped it but you can still see that tad of difference for sure.
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TTFN

Tom McD

[mobileoilchange]

Marshall McLuhan was a really smart guy..........

@ moblieoilchange

I will demand the body shop on the variance until the variance is perfect to .000001 of a tad (if the variance is off doe's it smell like bacon, cause the front doe's smell like crisp bacon, it is a friendly smell and I could put up with a 1 tad variance just for the Bacon smell [it goes with out saying that I will no longer be able to travel in bear country] I mean a variance of 1 tad with the bacon smell [again for the moment we wont worry about bear attacks] would more then make up for the mismatch in color. let me know before I get the tad dialed down to .000001 variance OK.

For quality control I will continue to post thoughtlessly and hurriedly composed photos with the nose of the truck parked 4 feet away form a 20 tall foot battleship Grey concrete block wall, compress and decompress, re compress the photo files, post process the images, by cropping and straitening then export the original files down to 900 pixels wide and display them on what ever generic monitor is available.

These pictures will tell the truth because pictures don't lie. I won't trouble looking at the paint work with my own eyes because the previously out lined process will produce more reliable results.

This a a section from the door joint..... to clearly show the difference a tad makes .... I may have inverted and flipped it but you can still see that tad of difference for sure.
9147


TTFN

Tom McD



come again? :thinking:
whats this have to do with bacon?
whos marshall?

why didnt they (the body shop) blend it into the doors instead of panel paint it?

[sikwan]

come again? :thinking:
whats this have to do with bacon?
whos marshall?

why didnt they (the body shop) blend it into the doors instead of panel paint it?

I think what Tom means is that the posted pictures, and the monitor in which you use to view them, can trick you into thinking that they didn't do any blending.

I certainly could not tell with the awful pictures that Tom posted. :smilewink: :laughing:

[mobileoilchange]

I think what Tom means is that the posted pictures, and the monitor in which you use to view them, can trick you into thinking that they didn't do any blending.

I certainly could not tell with the awful pictures that Tom posted. :smilewink: :laughing:

if they would of blended it into the doors, then you wouldnt see the difference. sorry i just been in the paint and auto body business my whole life. kinda see things other might not. kinda like how a jeweler may see flaws in a diamond others may not see.
your crafty sprinter looks great and sets you apart from the rest of the sprinters on the US roads! :rad:

[hkpierce]

Forum dedicated to Sprinter>Crafter conversions: http://crafterconversion.com/forum/index.php

[marky mark]

Hello,

I saw that you also changed the rear lights into the crafter ones. Is that an easy job?? Plug and play ore lots of work??