Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Well, we’re back from Montana and now I’m getting the itch to get out and do some exploring around Michigan. So of course that means we need to get the Adventure Van back in shape. We’ve got a bunch of stuff going on inside, including the cedar ceiling, lights, headliner, storage, water tank, refrigerator and all the other little things that seem to multiply when you’re building out a van.
This video is mostly about the front end. I wanted to get rid of those old headlights and the old bumper and give the van a little bit more of an adventure look. We found a heavy duty bumper, sanded it, painted it black, and eventually got it installed. The actual installation wasn't too bad. Finding all the right parts was probably harder than putting the thing on. We even managed to order the wrong headlight adapters twice, because apparently once wasn't enough.
By the end of it, we had the new headlights working, the black grille installed and that big new bumper bolted on. Now we just have to finish up a few more things before our October trip into Northern Michigan. We're hoping to do some fall exploring, rock hunting and a little bit of everything else we can squeeze into a few days. The van isn't completely finished yet, but honestly, I'm not sure a project like this ever really is. Van Build Parts list: amzn.to/4xnSEJg
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👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Products: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
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Our Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
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✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
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Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
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00:00 Adventure Van Update
01:25 Building Out the Van Interior
03:46 Headliner and Storage Projects
04:53 Working Around the Windows
06:48 Choosing the Right Refrigerator
07:35 Starting the Front End Makeover
08:59 The New Heavy Duty Bumper
10:49 Getting the Bumper Ready
13:46 Sanding and Painting
15:50 Fixing the Headlight Adapter Problem
17:14 Removing the Old Bumper
18:05 Installing the New Bumper
19:15 New Bumper and Headlights Installed
20:18 Getting Ready for the Next Trip
22:33 Plans for Northern Michigan
23:44 Wrapping Things Up
Well, we’re back from Montana and now I’m getting the itch to get out and do some exploring around Michigan. So of course that means we need to get the Adventure Van back in shape. We’ve got a bunch of stuff going on inside, including the cedar ceiling, lights, headliner, storage, water tank, refrigerator and all the other little things that seem to multiply when you’re building out a van.
This video is mostly about the front end. I wanted to get rid of those old headlights and the old bumper and give the van a little bit more of an adventure look. We found a heavy duty bumper, sanded it, painted it black, and eventually got it installed. The actual installation wasn't too bad. Finding all the right parts was probably harder than putting the thing on. We even managed to order the wrong headlight adapters twice, because apparently once wasn't enough.
By the end of it, we had the new headlights working, the black grille installed and that big new bumper bolted on. Now we just have to finish up a few more things before our October trip into Northern Michigan. We're hoping to do some fall exploring, rock hunting and a little bit of everything else we can squeeze into a few days. The van isn't completely finished yet, but honestly, I'm not sure a project like this ever really is. Van Build Parts list: amzn.to/4xnSEJg
---------------
👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Products: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
---------------
Our Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
---------------
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
---------------
00:00 Adventure Van Update
01:25 Building Out the Van Interior
03:46 Headliner and Storage Projects
04:53 Working Around the Windows
06:48 Choosing the Right Refrigerator
07:35 Starting the Front End Makeover
08:59 The New Heavy Duty Bumper
10:49 Getting the Bumper Ready
13:46 Sanding and Painting
15:50 Fixing the Headlight Adapter Problem
17:14 Removing the Old Bumper
18:05 Installing the New Bumper
19:15 New Bumper and Headlights Installed
20:18 Getting Ready for the Next Trip
22:33 Plans for Northern Michigan
23:44 Wrapping Things Up
