Self Building
Might as well add my two penny worth having built 4 vans in the last 10 years. Started with a Transit then moved onto a Ducato, Sprinter and have finally settled for an Iveco, all vehicles have been LWB and Hi-Roof.
Best advice I can offer is plan, plan and then plan some more, buy the best van for your budget (giving yourself a budget for the van helps weed out the expensive and cheap stuff) so you know you will be working with something that will last for a few years. As WVW has said Transits are fairly common and should be easy to pick up but watch out for the dreaded tin worm, they dont call them Daganam Dustbins for nothing, but having said that they are a good first building platform. Scour AutoTrader, you can pick up some good vehicles from there and as you can specify where in the country you want to buy it from it will also give you a chance of going round and kicking the tyres so to speak before you buy. It will also give you a good idea of what you can a: afford and b: want.
The vehicle must suit your needs, remember that most panel vans are only 1.8m wide internally at a certain height and bed platforms are usually built at this height. You will be surprised at just how much you can shoe horn into the living area of the van with careful planning.
If you are intending to build it properly, the DVLA have a certain criteria for reclassification, the build list can be easily found searching the internet. Re registering will not only keep the DVLA happy but will enable you to lower your
insurance premium.
Download a copy of Google SketchUp, personally I have found this invaluable with the planning. The latest vehicle went through 6 different guises before I found a layout that both worked and fitted. Also consider how many people are going to be accommodated (it will sleep how many)
I also use mine all year round and its insulated with Rock Wool with Kingspan in the roof void and the floor. Spray foam might be good but if you are on a tight budget it will eat a chunk before you even start.
Use Ebay to source parts for the inside, you can pick up some amazing bargains sometimes, otherwise trawl around your local caravan breakers. Not only are they an Aladdin cave of stuff the breakers have a vast amount of knowledge and most are very helpful. There are a few companies spread around the country that also supply self builders, probably the most uses by SB's is Magnums at Grimbsy, make sure you take a responsible adult with you to hold your wallet as the warehouse is amazing.
Probably the most daunting part of the build is cutting holes for Windows, Roof Lights etc. Rule of thumb here is measure twice and cut once, and its not that scary really.
Good luck with your hunt, build and may the road be flat and long
