Converting a Van With No Experience - Start to Finish Timelapse (2024)

I have to say that I'm a bit skeptical about your never having built anything before. The angles being cut, high end tools being used, and methods like countersinking, using pocket holes, and predrilling elude to some experience working with wood. I base this on my years of home improvement projects, crafting, and building while still not being able to make my 45's line up perfectly or cut a straight line freehand lol. Either way, love the video and you did a great job!

I was hitchhiking in Portugal and Bernardo picked me up in this van; that was his second day on the road.
It looks amazing in real life as well and Bernardo is as genuine and kind as he looks on this video.
Amazing job brother and all the best with your trips inside this beauty.

I put together all of my IKEA furniture in my apartment and thought I was a pro carpenter. Ego back in check, this is next level!

As beautiful as this van build is (and it is stunning!), I'd like to comment on how good your video editing, camera work, music selection and narration is. I found this whole video, so enjoyable to watch. Well done all around!

Hard to believe this was built with no experience. Considering all the professional tools, perfect cuts & attention to small details. Always has the best camera angles & editing.

Estava a ver este vídeo que me foi recomendado e do nada pus-me a pensar... "Aquela moça parece portuguesa" e já agora o sotaque do rapaz também... aí quando reparei no título do canal... Muito orgulho em ter um youtuber português com este nível de produção e qualidade!

This must be the best 35 minutes I've spent on the Internet this year. It is incredibly entertaining to watch the whole process of building the van itself, but combined with your videography skills and literally showing your ideas becoming a reality, it's incredible. Thank you so much for sharing the whole process with us Bernardo! Enjoy your van ;)

Man, I have to give you massive props on the production of this whole thing. Do I believe that you have no experience building things? Not for a second. But you put an incredible amount of work both into the van and this video and for that you deserve a huge pat on the back. The slider timelapses, the stop motion clips, the visual effects, the sheer dedication to capturing things from a variety of angles...I'm amazed it only took you 18 months with how much time you must have spent just filming things. Well done to you sir. Fastest sub in the west.

I have never enjoyed a van conversion video so much. You’re a skilled videographer! Loved the music and everything. The van looks so good!!!!!

Not only did you build a beautiful home, you included everyone along the way in an amazing editing style with music and narration, absolutely incredible!

Dude this is soo cool and incredibly well made. All the shots, timelapses and stopmotions were so dope! Can't wait to see more

I’ve gotta say. This is by far the most interesting and creative videos of a van build I have seen. I’ve watched thousands of these builds over 4 years and I’ve gotta say, this is the best one I’ve seen.

The pure joy on his face after successfully building his Ideas , the editing and music choices ... everything is so wholesome about this video ! I hope he's having the time of his life on This VAN !!

you definitely have worked with these tools before. I believe you when you say you haven't built in a van but you are experienced with woodworking.

I really have to say. I saw a ton of van conversion videos before but YOURS was one of the best filmed, edited and enjoable videos i have ever seen :)

This is one of the best builds I’ve come across. For real! Regardless if this is your first build or you go on to build another, it’s amazing the things you can accomplish. Happy travels from HAWAII 🤙

I don't think I believe you that you haven't built anything before in your life because you did one hell of a job and you seem very comfortable with the tools and you use techniques ppl with experience knows come on bro tell the truth you did this before or you've done your studying and design wise it's beautiful. Great job bro. Oh your video editing and different tricks you did and the various soundtracks you've used loved it. Bro you got skills don't lie

I love this van because it’s not like all the other modern vans it’s more my style I love it

I have been watching this from the beginning. It was so cool for us to watch but since a beginer to build a van and vlog at the same time, i could imagine how tough it was for you. But you managed to get on with it and finally built the masterpiece. I could not wait to see your journey on road trips on this van. You are an amazing vlogger 👏. The camera angles and the content of the vlog and your talk, everything is clear and soothing to listen and watch. Thank you bernardo.

legitimately the best timelapse music i have ever heard used on youtube honestly

Wow! It’s definitely one of the most amazing van build videos I’ve seen, it didn’t get boring for a minute! Super impressed with the results as well! And that you made your own countertop!? - WOW!!! Must feel good that it’s all done. Well done!!! 🎉
Definitely a new subscriber here!

I just had to leave a comment because this is one of the best videos I have ever seen. And coming from someone with a major in film, this was a cinematic masterpiece 😂 I am also interested in van life and watching you do this on your own gave me more courage and took away any doubts about building my own rig. I love your energy, I can't wait to watch all of your adventures!

how do you just suddenly realize you're talented at so many things what. like the video editing, camerawork, and the skills needed for the van conversion??? damn

I have never done this but these tools are just laying around and it just happen to come out as perfect

this is amazing!! probably the best van build video i have seen so far! the design, the overall skills on both building and editing, your perseverance, and even the genuine joy you express every time you make something. tbh i didn't want the video to end i feel like i could watch you do stuff for hours! more power to you and thanks for taking us with you on your journey to make this :)

out of all the van videos ive watched for the past 2/3 weeks ive enjoed yours the most your humor is everthing combined with your abilibty to do this van mostly by yourself plus your editing style can't wait to look back at this video when its my turn to build mines

Amazing! I’ve been following this project since the begging and I’m so happy about how it turned out! Can’t wait for you to take us with on your van adventures! 👏

Your enthusiasm is fantastic! You are adorable every time you succeed at a task. Live the build... And the music!

Wow, your attention to detail is amazing! Both in the actual build AND in your filming. The production value for both is so high, it's very impressive. Well done on finishing the van. I hope you have many happy memories in it.

Wow! You did a FANTASTIC job! The attention to details makes it look SO polished. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing. Most of the van conversions are folks who have experience or professionals. It's refreshing to see someone like you. Most importantly you stepping through the process to give folks like me confidence!
I'm in that ZERO experience club too. But am confident I can do it! Thanks! :)

Incrível! A tua perseverança e vontade de experimentar coisas novas são inspiradoras, obrigada por partilhares connosco desta forma tão natural e poética. És um narrador de histórias nato, que maravilha :)

Your building quality is only exceeded by the work you put into your video-making quality! Even time-lapses on a slider?? Wow!

The way this was filmed was amazing! This is the first van conversion video that I didn't need to skip forward on because it was so relaxing and enjoyable to watch.

18 months! Well done!!! I love the curved lines and the slickness of everything. You really took your time and learned how to use the tools. That's a great shop space that you get to work in too!

Imagine going on a road trip with this 🤩

I have built some furnitures and stuff but I am in no near this level of woodwork. You have a natural talent considering you really dont have any experience before hand this project. Nice build and I'm be watching more of your videos for sure.

It's just incredible to see how the Van turned out as I was seeing this transformation from the very beginning! Can't wait to see future uploads with the Van, I'm just amazed to see how well you were able to utilize the Van's entire space. Your very talented!

You're too skilled for someone who hasn't built anything before, hahahahahaha! Great build and video, keep them coming!

Para além de o vídeo estar SUUPER bem editado e eu nunca me ter sentido aborrecida, o trabalho ficou incrível. Parabéns!

I am only ten minutes in and can’t believe how much work this REALLY is to do in real life! Wow hats off to you and anyone else who takes on a project like this. Dedication! 🎉 loving the style of this video, feels so real, not all dressed up to make this task look like it is easy and fairies help you. It is hARD!

I loved every minute of it, your genuine excitement throughout the process and the discovery was very inspiring. Hope it brings you many adventures man. Good vibes bro

You have no idea how satisfied i was to see you throw every pile of garbage in a box THANK YOU SO MUCH xoxo

That why we said
"You can create experience without useing a experience"

its insane how you can do such a good job in your first time building anything

Que projeto fantástico você concretizou, meu caro! Sua vã foi muito bem construída e aposto que a experiência de fazê-la agregou muito na sua vida em geral. Embarcar em uma jornada dessas não é apenas sobre adquirir e exercitar uma habilidade nova, mas sobre como ela permite transformar o mundo a sua volta intencionalmente, pondo o tempo que temos nessa existência em bom uso.
Ah, claro, sua edição e direção de vídeo é fora de série também! Tudo parece ter sido meticulosamente pensado para compor uma obra que representa não só um registro de seu esforço durante esses 18 meses, mas uma carta de amor para esse capítulo de sua vida. Meus parabéns e obrigado por inspirar pessoas na Internet como você faz!

This is the best van I've ever seen
You used the space properly

So this man is saying he has NEVER build anything in his life, yet he is making it look so easy! Also the cuts are so smooth and the music is so groovy! Such a nice video to watch. Good job on all of your hard work! 😊❤

The renovation is very impressive, but the EDITING 🤯🤯🤯

Everything about this video is incredible! From the project itself, to the cinematography, to the editing -- an absolute joy to watch!
Keep up the amazing work! :D

Absolutely INSANE that you weren't a skilled craftsman before this.

I'd be quite interested in the difference in weight and how it feels to drive with the extra weight.

Well, for someone claiming to not have any experience converting a van, he obviously has a lot of experience with tools, and what to do with them, and how to use them this is a great video, the music, the commentary, the photography all done very well and done in such a way that much could be duplicated. Thanks.

Me and my 10 year old son were absolutely blown away, as you were getting excited about the tricky parts that you managed perfectly, I could feel how proud you must have felt! I'm hoping to buy a van and kit it out, I always imagined I'd do it with my Dad but sadly he's passed now so it won't be anywhere as near perfect as yours! Well done, I'm proud of you! 😊🙏🏻

For your first time? I can’t believe you, because you did such an awesome job bro. Love it. You really put your mind to it sir and the assist from your lady. Safe travels.

Hi Bernardo! I discovered your channel during the covid lockdowns and have been following your videos from sometime just before you started the build.
I've been following your journey on the van since then and i can't believe you've pulled this off majorly on your own. This series motivates me a lot and I'm very happy for you that you made this dream of yours come true. Glad you completed it!
Can't wait to see more videos on the road with the van! Goodluck!

Just 10 minutes into this video, and i must saw it’s amazing! How you film and how you build the van! All hands down, so impressive!

If I had to review this video in two words it would be ‘simply amazing’

I was a little bored and I found this suggestion at the beginning of RUclips and I opened it and I really liked the video and above all your happiness in doing it, very good video congratulations

YOU DID IT MAN👍 good job 👌 look forward to the videos of your journeys by this van 🤞

To say this was your first project, I'm astounded!
I love the way you cut out tje cupboard and drawer fronts from the actual surround, so they all fit perfectly, but damn you must have steady hands because they all looked straight too! I've seen other people's builds with great ideas, but their actual carpentry skills have let the side down completely. Your job looks damned pro!

Bro made a dang van look better than my house

When drilling or cutting through a vehicle panel try putting painters tape on the outside, it will help protect the exterior paint from chipping and peeling and can make the cut appear smoother. Loved the video though gave great inspiration for my own project.

Watching this entire amazing van build journey was pleasing
Had to wait for a long time but it was worth it
❤❤

I loved how excited you got every time you made something and it actually worked out! "I made this"!! Well done Bernardo, your van turned out beautiful!!

Incredible work man,If mine looks half as good as yours I'll be happy! Hoping it will take also less than half the time 😂

" I did it, this is so cool! :D" was my favorite part for no reason

the attention to detail and effort in this whole video is amazing! the van looks fantastic and the video editing is great too. I was constantly smiling watching this video and kudos to you're perseverance :))

Wow. no experience and a workshop full of tools and an apprentice to help, well done.

This time-lapse and build was absolutely stunning. You did an amazing job.

I was stunned with how much precision, accuracy , ingenuity you trasformed this van. I wish you the best life in your mobile home

can't wait to try this when the weird old man give free candy

Bro that was amaizing.. nice work u do...also the video editing was insane! Love it 10/10 bro! Congrats

Excelente Bernardo! Grande projecto, grande boa vibe e grandes skills que ganhaste! O vídeo está brutalmente produzido! Parabéns e se vieres ao Algarve... avisa!

Right when you took out the metal pieces in the front driving area, cleaning it and painting it .... 👌

Amazing Bernardo ! It’s looks so beautiful the conversion ! And you’re videography skills never cease to amaze me . Can you share some tips of your process to find the perfect second hand van to buy ? I’m looking for one too and would love to see that kind of content from you , if you don’t mind :)

This is my dream. To build a camper van like this. Love your work.

Pleased to listen to his long missed voice

Got alot of equipment for someone never building before but glad to see product is finished to a high standard. Very entertaining you doing the little jobs and edited clips of products moving ect without people being in shot

the van wasnt the hard part, the editing was lol

Looks super good. Really nice that you made it even with 0 experience going in. Now you have loads.

Most impressive build I've ever seen. You can tell this man put his soul into making this van. A true perfectionist, not like those people that say they are perfectionists but are just lazy people. A true artist, congratulations man.

For someone who says they have no clue... I'm dubious! It's absolutely brilliant! Only thing missing is some stain and colour accents! Well done!

The most impressive thing about this is how he fit everything in the van. I got halfway through the video and all I was wondering was "where is he gonna put the bed, he has no space," but not only does he come up with the idea of making the bed fold out, he also added an entire shower beforehand. Seriously impressive.

this is the most happy go lucky man i have ever seen, hes wonderful!

absolutely love the videography, editing, and storytelling.

Really impressive, not only for the build but also for the quality of the video itself. Epic.

This van looks so nice and cozy to live in. The music selection, the narration and that camera filming is so NOICE, cannot believe it man!

And you say you haven't built anything, you did better than how I would! This is an amazing video and it gave me lots of tips!

It’s hard to believe you have never done anything like this before. It came
Out beautifully. Congratulations!!

Ain't no way this guy has no experience he built a very beautiful van

was i interested in doing this : no
did i ever wanted to do this : not quite
But did i watch the full video and got excited : yes absolutely
great work man

This was the best video I’ve ever seen and the fact that you build that being a beginner builder this is awesome 😎
and the fact that it’s only built with wood❤

I’m actually impressed on how you did this with no experience, really cool

your wholesomeness is adorable and your editing is so fun (i loved the stop motion segments)!

The editing on the video was amazing 🤩

My god, the amount of tools you got for this project is crazy

This is one of the videos I've enjoyed the most here, and believe me I have spent a great deal on time on the platform.
All I can say is congratulations, what you did is simply amazing.

Bro, you have some mad skills. I mean seriously the van is beautiful, your editing skills are fantastic and the choice of music is perfect. Major congrats. Enjoy and live your best life.

moment of apreciation for some of these crazy shots and insane editing!!

I love the project ❤ I also really appreciated the novel filming and editing for the video, the stop motion was perfect ❤