Spray Painting Our Van for $190! DIY Paint Job for Ducato Conversion w/ Timelapses! Ep. 3
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- YOU GUESSED IT! We’re painting our new home GREY! Having access to an air compressor for the paint is one of our biggest advantages, along with having this incredible workshop in Czechia. We have a lot more plans for the exterior of the van, and we’re thrilled with how the body paint and the panels turned out! People spend thousands of dollars to get their vehicles painted, and while we understand there’s huge value to paying a professional, we’re sticking to our budget and doing it ourselves. Some of you might think we're crazy for doing this color again, but it's our absolute favorite, feels very "us", PLUS, the King of Stealth can certainly keep his title with this rig rollin' around! Thanks for watching! :)
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Steps for DIY Spray Paint:
1. Take off any lights, decor, bumpers, side panels, etc that you don’t want to cover with tape
2. Make sure all dirt & stickers are removed
3. Cover dents & scratches with body kit (if you have them, we had plenty)
4. Sand down body kit
5. Final clean & degrease of entire space
6. Tape, tape, tape, tape, tape, tape, tape…
We used 3-in-1 paint, an air compressor, thinner, hardener, and did a total of 3 coats, the third of which was mega hard & thin. More info in video!
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We’re Ladi (from Czechia) & Margaret (from USA) and we’re a location independent couple of 4+ years, currently spending 2020 in eastern Czech Republic due to the pandemic. This channel is centered around our favorite things: eBikes, campervans, and cats (mostly Millie, lol) Our world has definitely changed a lot since Covid-19 impacted our travel plans, but we hope to soon be back on the road with our badass eBikes and little Millie Kua, who is quite the traveler herself, and probably the most popular one in our little trio. Thank you for supporting us and being a part of this community!
Music by: Epidemic Sound
#vanconversion #vanbuild #vanlife
Personal favorite timestamp is Ladi getting yelled at by Millie for tummy touching XD 08:06
What do you think of our color choice?! Funny enough, Ladi and I INDEPENDENTLY picked this color from our top 5 lol! For us it's ultimate stealth & keeps us super well hidden when we're out in nature! It also acts as a bit of an illusion to how huge the van is; it strangely makes it look much smaller!
Anyway, happy Wednesday and we hope you enjoyed the video!
ohh why video 4 is private on your 2020 Van Conversion - Ducato L5H3
Private? Can you check again now? I’m see them as all public and available
@Raiden Trace instablaster :)
I just want to say I am SO impressed with the quality and thoroughness of this series! I tend to get a little confused/overwhelmed watching van build videos, but not with yours. I really appreciate the time you guys take to explain and show everything clearly, and you manage to do it with beautiful shots and great music too. I'm so excited to see how this van turns out and I hope you guys are having a blast building your home!!
Melanie thank you so much for this lovely comment! I definitely know what you mean. We've watched a lot of build videos and sometimes it can make your head spin! I hope each video can be helpful, because I know we've been so excited about how many people tell us they are doing their first build now! Such awesome community growth already :)
@@ladiandmargaret Totally agree! You guys are killing it, very clear, thorough and... fun! Your video editing skills have become excellent also :) Would be awesome to see any content for the little mishaps/mistakes/minor frustrations along the way? IMO too many builds gloss over the small mistakes, errors which I personally think are still really valuable to learn about
This is the first van conversion I've seen on UA-cam that actually treats the van like a vehicle and not just an oddly shaped apartment.
lol for real
I think it's because most van lifers come from the warmer climates where they don't need to consider these things, and are super young and naive, "freespirited," and don't think about the fundamentals and have insight into how things work or are maintained. They are not grounded and down-to-earth, or mechanically-inclined.
This series is what I look forward to the most on UA-cam at the moment. Can't wait for next week!
Great video guys. Watching how Ladi approaches tasks is so satisfying. He's super smart and talented, so y'all's build isn't DIY cringy-worthy like so many on UA-cam. I have every confidence that this build will be completed exactly as planned, as well as wonderfully executed. And, while I'm hoping that you're able to remain within your budget, I have a feeling that the final figure will be higher than anticipated.
I build batteries, as well, so I understand the savings there, it's just that some of the other items (inverter, solar panels, etc.), and other infrastructure (refrigerator, windows) can be pretty pricey.
It's also so nice Margaret's support. You two are a force!
It'll be hard to wait a week for the next fix of Ladi & Margaret's build :)
Hey John! Thanks for your lovely comment! As per the budget, we're preeeeettttty sure we'll be able to do it, so far anyway lol, but it'll be TIGHT. In our budget tracker we've already purchased our solar, windows, etc, and we still have about $4,000 remaining. We have a good idea to what fridge we'll go with, but you're right, our inverter will definitely take a big chunk out of the remaining budget! (pretty sure it'll be about $1,300) We're hopeful, but overall it's tough to predict to the dollar! We'll both still be happy with it if we go 1-2k over the ideal budget. Fingers crossed and thank you for supporting us on this process! :)
The EPIC “Did you notice” .....circle around Millie :)
"Yes, I completely eyeballed this line - I'm a sinner." Ladi's hilarious!
After thousands of van conversions seen on youtube and many hours spent on designing our new van, I can definitively say: You Are the best guys!!!!!!!
Hello from France. I look closely at your new construction: you are a mine of inspiration, thank you for sharing !
that is so lovely to hear! ty!
The man is THOROUGH!! Love the idea of a community workshop hub 👏
Yes we lot it! The current trend has been some of Ladi's friends building princess bed frames for their daughters lol.
@@ladiandmargaret Millie needs a princess bedframe 👸
The grey is such a laid-back, calming color for a place that'll take you to colorful, exciting adventures!
Nice colour but wrong choice for a vehicle. I have had two accidents in 50 years driving, both with grey cars on grey overcast days on grey bitumen roads. Blend in nicely. Would recommend keeping headlights on ALWAYS.
That’s the law in Europe.
The ultimate stealth look is honestly the best. So used to seeing the white vans, but I've easily leaned in on this gray sort-of-green color. Glad you guys kept the same color as from the last van.
This is so much valuable information for free!! Thank you! Many of us have no clue where to begin with stuff so this is like the best gift you can give to the community!
Wow, that was so fun to watch and great music too. Removing tape is so darn satisfying. King of stealth throne 😂
Thrilled you like the music! That's the part I'm always nervous about during the editing process. Haha agreed about the tape! Something about that sound...
I am incredibly invested in this series. Love the color too! Your enthusiasm for this van is contagious :D
Been looking forward to every video! I loved watching the build and the design of van builds. BUT Y’ALLS process has me appreciating the love and attention to details y’all are pouring into your van!
☕
The production quality of your video is 5 star as always. Another awesome episode! Thank you for sharing your journey! Ladi is just so thoughtful and clever in his solutions to each step of this process...I learn so much from watching the thoroughness that you both approach this build with. No cut corners even when ‘eyeballing’ taping!😍😃
I am obsessed with this series. Loving your work, Ladi & Margaret!
I'm actually making Ladi's V4.2 bike. And your work on the van also interests me & my girlfriend so much !! You are cool, don't change anything
Ladi I love your energy and not afraid to cut or trying different ideas on your van build and your life congrats to you Margaret is the voice ha
I am totally impressed with your prep work. You are meticulous and thorough. The van is so clean, better than new. You are both so funny and pleasant. Love this build! ❤️
That color w/ the dark bumpers looks so badass!!!! Love the Millie video bomb! Y'all are amazing!
We are trying our best thanks! Haha, Millie is the greatest lil thing. Can't wait to get into her own design customizations lol!
So fun to watch your build... and love the Millie cameos!
Haha so many are only here for Millie, let's be real....XD
Not sure how your channel doesn't already have a half million subscribers. Very high quality content every single video!
To each their own. I’m making my Sprinter stealth by just hitting scratches and paint damage with a blast of white rustoleum clean metal primer. It screams “I’m a work truck”. I enjoyed your music soundtrack!
Great so they can steal all your tools
I look forward to these videos like I look forward to watching the next episode of a TV Series! I'm not a Van Lifer, but I am so enjoying these videos, Ladi and Margaret! LOVED seeing Millie and how she put Ladi in his place about not rubbing her tummy! Maybe she thought he was going to spray paint her undercarriage! :-D
The other signature feature of your build is the lifting bed construction. But that is actually a little deceptive because it is not about the bed. It is more acurate to call it a raising garage roof construction to enable access which is undeniably brillant. Every van tour you see people struggling to organise and access their garage. Your idea greatly improves that. Also of course from inside the van. And you get the extra secure space for computers etc. Really Cool!
Hello from Canada! I just had to comment on the socks and crocs work footwear!. LOL! I was just making fun of my husband doing the same thing! We are really finding your videos very informative. Thank you!
What can you not do Ladi?? Wow!!! Can’t wait to see the finished van!
I know I'm not alone when I say I could watch Margaret for hours and hours praying for more videos with more margaret content
Wow!! The paint looks SO GOOD. What a difference. Also, I literally wait throughout the week hoping it’s Wednesday so I can see the new upload 😳.
I guessed grey! Didn't know if you would do an undertone or tint to it but simple grey is a safe (and cool!) choice!
Thanks Nina! Haha we are like "are we resisting change? Do we love it because it's familiar?" No idea, but we were so excited to do it again lol!
@@ladiandmargaret It's a great color so I don't blame you for using it again!
Oh so good! And great soundtrack! I can't believe the amazing amount of progress you guys have made already! And also can't believe we have to wait another 7 days to see your next video! 😅 your wee trailers at the end of each episode are such a great idea but they also make it so much more difficult to have to wait for the next instalments 😂😂 keeo up the great work guys!
hehe thanks Louise! The trailers we love to make too! I (Margaret) am still a bit too slow on editing to be able to make more than 1 video a week, but hopefully I'll get faster and be able to get 2 a week in the future!
We used to use scuff pads on a rotary tool to give things a really quick once over before wiping down with paint thinner before painting at a custom trailer workshop. The scuff pads may seem unnecessary but the paint shop said it helps with the paint adhering better and not flaking.
Couple of things, 1) highly appreciate your music choices in this vid, and 2) if you and Ladi are ever visiting MN could I have you guys stop by to help me tape and paint my basement? 😜 Van looks awesome! I'm loving this progress!
Hahah Minnesota love! Thank you! Goodness, I hope we can get this van over there in the next few years. Never wanna be back for a winter, though... Ladi has yet to experience a Minnesota winter and I don't want to make him!
@@ladiandmargaret Winter is a pain.
It snowed 5 inches near Pine City MN yesterday.
(I really hate white halloweens.)
@@ladiandmargaret lol you're right, a MN winter would be cruel - We got 5in of SNOW yesterday. Like, what the hell, it's mid October! 😂 I'd love to see you guys do a US tour someday, but after I live vicariously through your Europe adventures 😉
I remember watching the van tour of your first build. In that build the signature feature for me was the projector. I love watching build series and I am espacially interested to see how you will use the extra height of the H3 van you now have. What a teriffic workshop.
Thanks Nes! Yes we loved the projector for sure. It's a bit embarrassing how much we used it, but when the sun goes down, why not?! We have a lot of ideas for this height, but it'll be interesting to see how much we get from it after the insulation, flooring, etc.
Brilliant guys 🙌
What a lovely community. So enjoying see the progress. Totally built with love!
Love the drone shots. Beautiful country. I love Millie kitty!
Haha I'll always include the drone & Millie in every episode. It's like, video candy lol
“Men’s-suit grey” is my favorite vehicle color. Beautiful!
SO. MUCH. WORK..... and oh so satisfying!!! Looks great! Love the color.. and LOVE that you eyeballed the stripe. 😁
Very nice! Well done! Ciao from Asti, Italy!
We all need a Ladi in our lives
You,re living my dreams. That's exactly what I wanted to do. You're great. I appriciate you..
I like the color a lot. I can't really tell if it's semi-gloss or matt though. Grey with a high gloss is my favorite vehicle color. Grey (as opposed to silver) is a very rare car color but Subaru and Toyota have come with some really nice greys in recent years.
I really appreciate the quality and pacing of your videos and also the lack of Instagram cliche content (like slow motion coffee pouring). The countryside around your shop is beautiful!
Millie the supervisor!
Haha such a good leader of our pack 😹
Really enjoying the quality of this series...very inspirational for my next van build! Thanks for your hard work with making the videos.
I must say the choice of music is fantastic, great vedeos love the engineering, keep it up guys , all the best.
Perfecto! “Always be yourself unless you can be Batman, then always be Batman!” 🚐
BATMAN FOREVER
Love it!!!.... just bought the same Van model last week here in New Zealand.... So inspired.. You are awesome!!!
Thanks Nigel! That's so exciting you also have a build coming up. Good luck!
Loving the details and how you explain everything! I would love to see a video all about van life cats sometime. Hopefully by the time I am working on my van you guys will do consulting, lol
stumbled across your channel as I was looking for van spraying. Really enjoyed your set up and the colour is dope
I love seeing your workshop and CZ countryside! It’s beautiful and it makes me miss the CZ even more!
yay we will continue to share more about it! I really enjoy implementing some fun facts into the videos without becoming toooooo vlog heavy. Its hard to walk the line between "how to" and "vanlife vlogger"
Love that! So great that you have the possibility to have that workshop!
Love the colors - you guys are epic! Would love to partly paint my van, guess I'll have to do some research for the next year after the Van is out of it's Wintersleep.
Ladi Ladi Ladi .... you had me so excited you guys took off all the accessories to paint . Until ... you put back the gas cap thingie dirty 😅🤣😂 but I still love you guys. It looks amazing so far ! And I love your workshop . With how amazing you guys are , I can see how its the local hang out.
I find your videos very informative and entertaining ❣️ I also like how you show how much prep is required to get a good final product
Yet again, you've made a ton of hard, picky work look cool and fun--partay!--in an informative way. Mad videography skills. :)
Also, how wonderful it is that you've made your property an incredible resource for the community.
P.S. Please always show us lots of your furry supervisor; she's adorable, and it was a treat to hear her comments. ;)
Hi there , I enjoyed your videos a lot .Luckely you have acces to a great workshop , but the job is well done !
Building it up from the start ( cleaning , damping the noise , rustprevention) is good to see .
Don't forget to check for rust behind the sliding door rail , best is to take the rail of en see if there is rust araound the bolt holes .
Tip : next time when you have to deal with sticker folie heat it up with a hot air blower , the bondig glue from the sticker will soften and you then can peel of large parts of the sticker at once.
Keep up the good work , looking forward for the endresult !
Jerry
High compliments on your abundant, amazing skills Ladi🏋🏻♂️🤸🏽♀️🕺🏻 And to you Margaret for these fabulous videos, you’ve definitely stepped it Up over a very Brief time!💥🤸🏻♂️🎼🗺🐈
Thank you! It is a lot of work but we're trying our best! Thrilled that it shows :)
Fantastic work!😁👍💯
Wow!. Nice job guys.
LOVE the colour! Do you know the actual colour code? And what the finish was (matte/satin?) Thanks!
Around the 17:00 mark, Ladi "Yes, I completely eyeballed this line..." LOL. 😆
classic Ladi....
Wow, great job!! 😁now looks very nice. The colour is owesome. Best regards😁🙃
Totally decided that’s the color
My van should be when I’m done. Nice job.
You got such a great chemistry between you. Keep it up.
I'm glad he had his safety crocs on for ultimate comfort and style.
Spraying in the dark....COOL🤣🤣🤣
haha yeah it was NOT in the plan at all. Wish we'd been able to start earlier, but the weather wasnt as supportive! That's definitely one of the benefits to having a room of some kind to work in, not being too victim of the weather
Nice job! Looks amazing!
Guys, you are awesome!
You and Ladi are giving Greg Virgo a run for his money on how meticulous and thorough yr being with this van build 🚐💨🇨🇿🇺🇸❤️
looks BEAUTIFUL
Ladi is working wicked hard
Very satisfying time lapses ! You two are so inspiring
An interesting companion spreadsheet would be the cost of the tools used that were already owned in the shop. He mentioned the cost of the paint and attachments but not the compressor, tubes, and work light
Yeah, the workshop must be $50,000 or more - 3D printers are not cheap!
I received 3D printers from Prusa as a support in my creations. The workshop cost me less than 10.000 usd to fit. Some tools we had, some I purchased with time.
@@ladiandmargaret Nice one! Thanks for the reply, you know we're all just jealous because we don't have access to a workshop like that:-)
I know the feeling! Once I only dreamed about a good workshop!
Perfect color choice
Sad that you two aren’t in the least bit handy. 🤣🤣🤣
These are incredibly informative videos. Thank you so much for sharing. PS LOVE the color!
Well done 👍
Hi Ladi and Margaret!!
Congrats for the amazing job!!
Just a tip from a follower:
Please put the music volume a little bit down.
When I'm watching on a quiet ambient and I want to hear you guys speaking I have to constantly increase or decrease the volume because of some loud songs.
Looks great my friends
Excellent content, never seen so much detail before the build and makes total sense, keep it up🖖
Love your work, very meticulous, I am proud of you, impressive!!!
Thank you, Brenda! That means a lot :)
OMG the way margaret laugh is hilarious you guys are sooo cute
Insta?
I need a Ladi in my life 😅
Yeeeeesssssss!
I'm thinking lots of us would find having a Ladi around to be very handy...
Looks spectacular. More vids needed can't wait to see how your home transpires🇿🇦
:) haha so excited to make them, and even more excited for the van to be closer to over lol
Love the color and loving this series! Thanks for making these videos
I don't know how I came across your videos but loving very second of them amazing content
The work you guys are putting into the foundation of this is really amazing! great job
Very Nice! I liked that rock song. Good music makes Big diffrence 👍
Nice Van ! Nice Paintjob ! Batman ✌
WoooooW
As this is exactly the type of van i am going to want to build i follow this project closely.
And you rock it!
Thanks Erik! So glad you enjoyed! Happy Wednesday :)
Looks good
Really smart guys and great video. Keep it up. I cant wait to see the window go in.
Amazing work you two. I love how you show the whole process with a mix of real time and time-lapse footage. Really looking forward to your next video. The music tracks really work well. Is any of the music on iTunes?
we get it all from Epidemic sound, I'm not sure if it's on itunes though!
Hello just watched your dpd van (3) episodes your doing a great job two very comperdent people and a nice kitty like the grey dont like black paint on there i a colourcoded person but it looks great and i wish you well with it looking forward to next video on it cheers 👍👍 reguards mark.....
Outstanding! Job well done....I am inspired and motivated.
You are having way too much fun :). Great videos
Looks great... Love the color plus it is very stealth...
Would you mind linking the paint used? I’d like to see if I can find a similar 3-in-1 paint in the US. Thanks!
Great video! Van turned out great.