Needless to say, I’m not the only one in Eugene who’s into converting vans (or buses) into motorhomes. It’s a big thing here, part of the whole mind-set that has its roots in the rootless hippie-bus era of the 60s; or even further back, as Americans, especially out West, have always been drawn to taking advantage of our vast federal lands (which allow free camping, unless specifically posted otherwise).
There’s obviously many ways to go about this, and I’ve documented many of them here before, but rather appealing one is to convert a mini-schoolbus, or activity-bus, like this Ford E-350. This is a pretty nice conversion job, but what drew me to it was its unusual rear-facing hood scoop.
Looks almost pyramidal from this angle.
But it’s just a piece of galvanized sheet metal folded and screwed on. And there’s no opening in the hood. So I assume it serves some higher purpose other than ventilating the 460 V8 (or whatever is under there). Maybe it channels some higher forces to help ease the prodigious fuel consumption. Or?
These boxy vans make for a roomier interior and more headroom, and is pretty ideal for a moderate sized rig. The roof platform/rack is a bit crude, but it works. If I had to guess, I’d say this rig has been to Burning Man. Bikes are a necessity there, and viewing platforms are popular too.
Compared to many of the Burning Man rigs I’ve seen here, and in pictures, the hood scoop on this one is pretty low key, actually.
Hmm, could be a Peter Brock energy polariser. Or maybe a bug deflector.
Never been to Burning Man, last year I sat on a plane next to a guy who told me all about it. Sounded fascinating, but not the place for an un-hip 50 year old dad.
Wow, Peter Brock Energy Polariser got mentioned here! That was his downfall…
http://blog.rarespares.net.au/post/2016/04/19/Motoring-Myths-The-Brock-Polarizer.aspx
http://www.motoring.com.au/peter-brocks-hdt-polariser-returns-27218/
It keeps the leading edge of the windshield wiper from lifting at high speeds.
Use the scoop like a hood ornament and keep yourself centered in the lane. 😉
Better to go to the junk yard and get a Mack Bulldog.
Proof that mankind’s inherent desire for hood ornaments is not to be quenched.
This shiny rig has antique vehicle plates by the way which severly limits what this rig can be used for. I doubt the owner cares though.
Remember that whole “Pyramid Power” thing where new age gurus slept under pyramids for health and well-being? Apparently it also helps internal combustion engines.
First thing I thought of as well…
Great album
Yes. “Pyramid Power”…. to get better gas milage.
A Pyramid with an open backside, perhaps for elevating the van to a higher level of transparent, transcendental V8 power(?) to cruise beyond the boundaries of the known, a power portal (?)on the way to the infinite. Cool. Agree, Burning Man, next stop Sedona.
I’m curious about how our mystery scoop clears the windsheild with the hood open?
It doesn’t. In case the side doors jam, you pull the hood release and the whole thing springs back, shattering the windshield and affording you an easy emergency exit. Safety!
an Aerodynamic aide? lol
Maybe it’s for putting the owners psychotic little chihuahua on long trips?
It’s to deflect the negative energy from angry drivers.
Or maybe it’s a bagel warmer.
BS deflector!
Pyramid power, daddy!
So, my theory is that the hood hinges are broken and it’s used to rest the hood open on the windshield. Looks like just about the right angle.
Too bad there’s a lone screw at the nose of this scoop. Kind of breaks up the almost smooth integration of the scoop to the hood.
What’s nice about this design is the rear cantilever. As a previous owner of this design of truck (and it is a truck… but, a nice one) is that due to the twin-I beam design, there is a high tendency of premature front tire wear as they constantly change camber due to the constantly undulating road surface. And not just a simple pivot from outer tire to inner tire either, but a slight push and pivot in either direction scrubbing much like the scrub of a tandem truck.
Crudeness.
Anyway, in avoidance of inner tire wear, at least, the owner could just add weight to the rear to compensate for front spring wear over time and save money on tires. That’s what I’d be inclined to do if I were him or her. Of course, that would add wear to the rear, but then again it’s a live axle with no such geometry issues leading to weird and frequent tire wear so I’d think it’s a wash. But fuel economy would suffer they cry. Well… it already suffers, so who cares? But, it takes space… Just keep building up!! And so on.
Looks like a neat hobby, never mind a home.