VAN BUILD PROJECT #014

We’ve done it! The van build is complete! I can officially confirm everything Boris and I set out and planned to build in this VW wagon has been built! A monumental landmark for SACANTICS Clothing as well as ourselves. A surreal moment, with mixed emotions ranging from relief, joy, and a bit of sadness. Relief that it’s finally done after so long, joy that SACANTICAL adventures are a not so far distant future, and sadness that this process and relationship with my dad has come to its conclusion.

Some of the more sharp-eyed followers amongst you may have noticed this van build was completed a little while back however. Two and a half months ago to be precise, in mid March. But due to time getting away from me, and wanting to complete all van life videos before the official reveal, I unfortunately postponed this post. But it’s here - the final ‘VAN LIFE PROJECT’ post. 

As I look back, it’s mad to think the first tool was picked up on 13th August 2023, and the last tool was put down on 10th March 2025. A van build that was roughly 19 months in the making. It didn’t feel like 19 months, however, because so much happened in the blink of an eye. If someone had told me it was going to take this long, I would be a little disappointed in myself, to be honest, because over a year and a half feels like a daunting time to wait and spend doing something without actually physically ‘going’ anywhere. But as I look back on these last 19 months, it doesn’t feel disappointing at all. Quite the opposite, actually. It feels dreamlike, with it being a pipe dream becoming a reality. The van build is certainly a metaphorical journey of self-development, with everything coming together to work out all okay in the end. It’s fair to say a lot happened over 19 months. Not just in this van build, but in my life. Especially with work and SACANTICS. But everything that happened, happened for a reason. The good and the bad. It all happened to get me here. This van build is a key reminder that everything tends to work out all okay in the end. And all things that are hard to do always take time and are always worth persisting with. With that being said, this van build taught me more than one valuable lesson:

• The lengthy stints in the garage for repairs taught me this isn’t some casual project; it’s actually a big commitment…and risk.

• It’s going to cost me more money than I initially thought and much more than I planned to put into it.

• Nothing that changes your world for the better is ever achieved without a risk being taken. 

• I can achieve things I never thought I was capable of achieving.

• It’s important and vital to do things out of my comfort zone. 

• Lastly, and most importantly, with Dad undergoing a pretty serious eye operation which left him out of action for 2-3 months, it taught me there are bigger things in life than renovating a van. Without Dad in this van build, I was and am pretty lost. And without a fit and healthy Dad, life certainly isn’t and wouldn’t be the same.

I’m finding lessons is what life is all about. It’s never linear. It’s never straight forward. It’s never all good and not bad. As much as we want it to be, but that would do none of us any good. The bad times make us appreciate the good times, and enduring the bad times give us resilience and wisdom to become a better person. No matter how big or small. 

So, as you can see, this van build has been more than just renovating a van. Looking back, it’s been a memorable life experience as well as a journey of self-development. And without a doubt, it’s brought me closer to my dad in probably more ways than one.

I’ll be the first to admit we had our differences at times during this van build. It was never perfect haha. Patience wore thin and tempers certainly flared at times, like many father and son duos. But with that being said, all the good times, successes, little wins and laughs we had along the way certainly outweighed all the tough times. And I would say brought us closer together than ever before. I will forever remember this project with my Dad, and will forever be grateful to him, as well as have the utmost respect for what he has done for me. Even more so given what he has been through the last 24 months. 

We were a duo that had its unique circumstances. The circumstances were that neither one of us could actually complete this build without the other. I had basically none to very little experience and knowledge in DIY, whereas my Dad had plenty—50+ years of it, in fact. However, despite all my Dad’s skills and knowledge, he had sadly lost over 50% of his eyesight in a matter of months, and even more as time went by. Therefore, he needed me to help him with measuring as well as using tools. I needed Dad as much as he needed me to a certain degree. (No doubt I needed Dad more than he needed me haha). Which I guess was the beauty in it. This van build wouldn’t and couldn’t have happened without each other. I have learned so much from him, such as many do’s and don’ts in the DIY world. But without question, and most meaningfully, I have learned firsthand that my Dad is a very skilled, intelligent, patient, and innovative working man. Something I already knew, but not something I ever had the privilege to experience so personally. Thank you, Boris. You’re a legend, and I’m extremely lucky to call you my Dad 🤝

So that’s it. The van build is over. It’s been a pleasure! I should perhaps call this Van Build Project Part 1—because no doubt, the van building process will never stop! (I’m just casually preparing myself for the first problem when I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere on a countryside road in the depths of Wales with the van exhaust hanging off the back.)

I also want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has taken the time to like, share, comment on our van build via Instagram, as well as in person! It honestly really does mean a hell of a lot, and you should know just one of these simple and kind acts has kept me going as well as spurred me on during these 19 months. It’s a reminder people are great, and I am very lucky. So thank you, you’re all legends.

The van life project build is officially over, but the next bit is only the beginning. Here’s to some SACANTICAL road trips in these next few months 🫡 🤙 🗺️