as far as I can see of the picts the van looks really good, no rust in the bottom of the doors? thats a place it normally starts. Use side mirrors, the middle one is for checking up on your passengers, you really do not need it when you drive a big veichle like yours, Its all about moving your eyes so you do not get any surprises from the back.

btw I am going to drive a sprinter 2morrow, 315cdi only 8 years old and with a sequencial gearbox….

hope to see more picts as the work progress…