2000 Chevy Express project

[Patrick46]

Chris,
Inexpensive fix.

You could drill, two holes thru access panel and floor, and use a cable gun lock (Google for pic) to secure the panel.

Bob

This ^^^ and acouple keyed latches stuck into the access door, and you'd be pretty safe.

you can get these at any locksmith. Just tell him what you're gonna do, and he'll fix you right up. Maybe $20.

 

[dvdchris]

Thanks for the suggestions
Theres not a latch or door at all, just a piece of diamond plate rock guard sheet metal bent 90 degrees screwed down with two nuts.
I'll take a pic

 

[dvdchris]

As you can see, it just sits or hangs from two bolts screwed down with nuts. I think the cable suggestions attaching the bottom tight enough to the frame where it can't be lifted off is a good start.

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Progress on the partitions; the wood pieces in between are just temporary braces so I get everything square

 

[Luisafernandes]

Very nice Chris! That's my next project this weekend, partitions and bed frame.

 

[dvdchris]

Made a shelf for my power converter today.

Removed every bit of tint and glue from driver window. Have any of you applied your own window tint? They have pre-cut panels specific to vehicles now...was wondering if anyone went that route.

Had a battery mishap today; I guess it was bound to happen. Left two cables attached from one battery and accidentally let them touch...sparks flew for a brief second against my left hand and left a scorch on the box floor...

 

[Luisafernandes]

I just bought pre-cut tint and had a pro install it.

 

[dvdchris]

This gives you an idea how much better the windows look taking off the old tint. It was all scratched up by the dogs they used to haul around.

Almost finished with driver wall partition install...horizontal furring for future shelves, and partly structural as it is actually two pieces out of necessity.

 

[dvdchris]

Anybody have an idea what these extra wire harnesses are in the rear? I have two on passenger side and one on the driver side that just appear to be extra hanging from the tail light wiring; one was cut off at some point.
Connectors for rear AC or some other electrical option not installed?

 

[Luisafernandes]

Chris, I have the same thing and no idea why. One is right behind the driver's seat.

 

[dvdchris]

New vent visors from ebay arrived today. $20 shipped

 

[Expresscamper]

Hi, where did you get a memory foam at? I'm looking to score a full size for under a $100 bucks. Also, your work done on your van is looks amazing!

Finished off the wheel boxes. Used 1x2s to shore up corner strength.
Used edge banding to shim out imperfect heights.

Rough cut pieces from my existing bed to fit van width.

Cutting my memory foam mattress to fit.

 

[dvdchris]

Its a mattress I've had for probably 8 years I bought on ebay.
A 10" twin can be had for $155 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-inch-COO...s-TWIN-FULL-QUEEN-KING-CAL-KING-/161092793322

Walmart has a full size 6" for $129 with free shipping or site to store pickup. That is probably the best deal you are going to find.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Spa-Sensations-6-Memory-Foam-Mattress/12177338

 

[akrvbob]

Wow, you do great work!
Bob

 

[dvdchris]

Installed new outlet on driver side for power converter to plug in at.

Correct spec ground wire attached to chassis.

6 gauge wire run from power converter to batteries

All tests out good! Finally done enough to take a shakedown cruise tomorrow to Padre for a couple days.

 

[dvdchris]

Going to head out today for a couple days.
Having an issue with running from generator...first, generator (Onan Microlite 2800 about 3 years old) surges when running. I have run it a few times up to 10 minutes and the motor speed will go up and down as if hunting for the idle speed. I did add a bottle of Sea Foam to the tank today when I filled up; not sure if some trash settled in the carb or what...
Second, electrical system runs fine plugged into shore power. Power converter charges system correctly; everything runs smooth and I get correct voltage readings on battery bank. When generator runs, it provides AC power but the GFCI outlet the power converter is plugged into trips immediately, so I cannot charge my batteries from generator power.
Will be reading the manuals and handbook Onan publishes over next couple days.
I'll be checking the thread occasionally as data coverage only exists at the edge of the pier to the beach!
Thanks!

 

[Bela's Mom]

I have an Onan and found some helpful information at this website:
http://www.flightsystems.com/pdf/onan-rv-troubleshooing-guide.pdf

Hope it helps. Have a great time!

 

[akrvbob]

AS always, amazing work!! Have fun!
Bob

 

[dvdchris]

Yoda was ready to go.

Parked at the campsite

 

[dvdchris]

I found the guy the prior owners had servicing this generator and am going over there in just a bit to have him look at the rough idle issue.

I'm pretty sure I have another issue with the generator though.
-only the power converter trips the GFCI outlet
- genset says 'neutral bonded to frame.' I'm thinking this would cause an issue with GFCI outlets. But then only the converter is tripping it
-using a non contact voltage pen, both outlets test consistently wrong the same way! The same outlets test correctly plugged into shore power. Van skin tests ok (no hot skin) with either gen or shore power. I am about stumped at this point

 

[anm]

Maybe I shouldn't be sticking my paddle in the water but if that's what you are getting on those terminals (in your last picture) you must have a wiring problem. Ground and neutral should never be hot...

I like what you're doing, It looks good, so much room!