How to Customize a Dodge Sprinter

Dodge Sprinter driving.

The Dodge Sprinter, which is a large cargo van, can be customized with both interior and exterior aftermarket parts, such as rims, painted running boards, high intensity discharge headlights and speakers. A custom Dodge Sprinter can range in price depending on what is being customized. For instance, changing the standard lights with high-intensity discharge lights will cost about $100 as opposed to installing running boards, which cost about $700. Overall, an abundance of different parts can be added to the Sprinter to customize it.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• High intensity discharge headlights
• Lug nut wrench
• Car jack
• 18" rims
• Running boards
• Socket wrench
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Speakers
• Aluminum dash kit

Exterior Customization

1. Pop the hood of the Sprinter by pulling the lever located underneath the left side of the steering column. Open the hood by pressing in the latch in the center of the van. Keep the hood open to install the high- intensity discharge headlights.

2. Remove each headlight from the Sprinter. Pop open the metal retainer which powers the light bulb. Unscrew the hub which holds the light bulb in place by twisting it counterclockwise. Take out the halogen bulb and keep it for spare parts. Insert the high intensity discharge bulb into the hub. Twist the hub clockwise until it is snug in place. Close the metal retainer. Turn on the headlights, ensuring that they work properly. Purchase good quality HID lights for about $100 in any desired color, such as hyper white, blue, yellow or purple.

3. Loosen the five lug nuts holding the wheel in place with the lug nut wrench. Apply a downward counterclockwise force using your foot to loosen the nuts. Loosen the lug nuts prior to jacking up the van so that the wheel does not spin. Do not remove the nuts until the Sprinter is suspended in the air.

4. Place the jack under the Sprinter's chassis closest to the first wheel to be removed. Jack the van up 6 to 8t inches off the ground. Remove the lug nuts by hand and set them aside for future use. Remove the wheel from the Sprinter. Replace the stock wheel with an 18" rim of desired style and finish. Change out all four wheels with the aftermarket rims. Jack down the Sprinter and tighten the lug nuts with the wrench for all four wheels.

5. Add running boards to the driver and passenger sides. Purchase running boards that are pre-painted for about $700. Bolt the running boards in place with the given hardware. Use a socket wrench to tighten the five to eight bolts depending on the company and style from under the running boards to the body of the Sprinter. The passenger side of the van has a single long running board, while the driver's side has a single short side step.

Interior Customization

1. Remove the door speaker covers from the interior of the Sprinter. Use the flat-head screwdriver to remove the plastic speaker covers if needed. Unscrew the speakers from the doors with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Unplug the wiring that powers the speakers.

2. Install the aftermarket speakers in place of the stock speakers. These speakers, which will be louder and clearer, can be purchased at automotive retail stores. Plug in the wires to the speakers and screw them back in place with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Test the speakers by turning the radio on. Snap the speaker covers back in place. Purchase and install a more powerful amplifier if the aftermarket speakers are frequently cutting out.

3. Remove the standard dashboard trim from the Sprinter. The trim is normally adhesive and must be pulled off with some force. Use the flat-head screwdriver to gain leverage when removing the trim. The trim includes the dashboard and center stack plastic that adorns the controls of the van.

4. Stick on the adhesive pre-fit aluminum trim to the dashboard and center stack. Press the trim in place for 10 seconds to ensure the trim is stuck to the dashboard and center stack. The lightweight aluminum trim will add a more modern and classy look to the Sprinter as opposed to the original plastic trim.

References

• Sea of Glass Studio: FAQ of Sprinter Van Conversion
• Cycle Van: Sprinter Accessories
• Sportsmobile: Sprinter Van Information
• Dummies: How to Safely Jack Up Your Vehicle