2014 Chevy Express 2500 Van Build: Luisafernandes

[gypsychic]

[emoji23] One is a tree stump, the other a trench box used to protect workers when digging more than 4 feet down. Why? Would you like one? You can use it attached to the front of your vehicle as an added protection. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji106]?[emoji604]

I really have to stop commenting on pics that I see on my small phone screen [emoji19] [emoji4] Either it's the small screen or my eye site is going downhill fast. Apparently it looked more exotic than a tree stump and that other thing you described. Glad it made u chuckle.

 

[Luisafernandes]

I really have to stop commenting on pics that I see on my small phone screen [emoji19] [emoji4] Either it's the small screen or my eye site is going downhill fast. Apparently it looked more exotic than a tree stump and that other thing you described. Glad it made u chuckle.

I have to admit, that was funny. [emoji23][emoji23] But please, don't stop commenting! [emoji106][emoji1]

 

[highdesertranger]

gypsychic I hear you about looking at pictures on phones. I don't know how you guys and gals do it. highdesertranger

 

[Luisafernandes]

gypsychic I hear you about looking at pictures on phones. I don't know how you guys and gals do it. highdesertranger

It's not hard. It's even easier when one doesn't have to use chisel and hammer to engrave such pictures. Nowadays HD quality pictures float through the air waiting to be captured by the latest high IQ Phone. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji106][emoji604]

 

[Luisafernandes]

I've decided to increase ventilation in the van. Living in places where somebody can park next to me when I'm sleeping, made me opt for roof vents instead of floor vents. The last thing I need is someone else's exhaust coming in the van while I sleep.
Bought two VentLine VanAir vents that eventually be covered and shaded by the solar panel.

After many hours of painting and waiting for it to dry...it peeled off.
Don't be frugal like I was trying to be, get the right paint.
I eventually did that and it worked out just fine.

To be continued.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Hiya Luis... quick question... when you made the holes in the plywood for your bed frame platform, what size of hole saw did you use? Thanks!

 

[Luisafernandes]

Hiya Luis... quick question... when you made the holes in the plywood for your bed frame platform, what size of hole saw did you use? Thanks!

For the Swiss cheese plywood? 2 1/2 inch hole saw, I believe. It doesn't really matter that much. You can use whatever you have on hand. But too big could cause the plywood to brake, and too small may not ventilate well enough. [emoji106][emoji4]

 

[Luisafernandes]

I apologize...I took the pictures for the above roof vent installation as screen captures, unfortunately I deleted the videos. [emoji22]
I can say that so far they are working great! No need to open the front windows, I get all the fresh air I need.
The past couple weeks we've had days up in the 90s and I was able to stay inside the van right after work and a shower at the gym, with the front windows closed, the 2 VanAir vents open, and the Fantastic vent running, pulling air out.
Even with the weather still in the mid to upper 80s a slightly cool breeze kept me well comfortable.

 

[highdesertranger]

so I guess the snow is gone? highdesertranger

 

[Luisafernandes]

Began the solar installation!
First, used a some stock lumber to get the right measurements off of my roof rack;

Then realized that the cross pieces on the roof rack aren't all spaced the same length, for I checked the first segment only, assuming they were all the same.
As you can see, the last two holes wouldn't work quite well;

Went to Lowes and picked up some aluminum angle pieces and I'm going to bolt them to 5 cross bars. Then, the Z brackets on the solar panel will attach to it.

Made some measurements on the solar panel aluminum frame, and drill holes to attach the Z brackets.

I used I piece of wood to protect the solar panel during drilling;

Then I bolted the Z brackets.

That's all I have for now. I'll have to edit more footage before I can post more picks, and hopefully I won't forget to take screen shots.

 

[Luisafernandes]

so I guess the snow is gone? highdesertranger

The snow is gone...how I miss those nice cool days...oh well, I guess I'll have lots of hot, humid days to looks forward too. [emoji23]

 

[highdesertranger]

hey Luis and everyone else here, when buying raw aluminum and steel. go to a metal supply house. around here for what you pay for a 4 foot piece of aluminum from a box store you can go to a supplier and get a full 12 foot piece. highdesertranger

 

[Luisafernandes]

hey Luis and everyone else here, when buying raw aluminum and steel. go to a metal supply house. around here for what you pay for a 4 foot piece of aluminum from a box store you can go to a supplier and get a full 12 foot piece. highdesertranger

Thank you for the information!
Thing is, I really don't know a metal supply house in the area, and I would probably waste more time trying to find one than it took me to go to Lowes and get what I needed.
If for example, I was fabricating my entire roof rack myself, then finding one of those metal supply places would definitely be the way to go. [emoji106][emoji1][emoji604]

 

[GSSP]

Hey Luis,

Have you considered a high end cooler that can keep ice for 7-10 days?

http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Elite...e=UTF8&qid=1433172717&sr=1-60&keywords=cooler

 

[Luisafernandes]

Hey Luis,

Have you considered a high end cooler that can keep ice for 7-10 days?

http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Elite...e=UTF8&qid=1433172717&sr=1-60&keywords=cooler

Hi GPS...I mean PSG, no sorry...CCCP, no wait, that the communists...got it...GSSP! [emoji23]
Actually I did, but saw people doing review of very expensive coolers like that one, and of less expensive ones like mine, and the difference was absolutely pathetic. Actually some of the cheaper ones did better.
As soon as I have my solar running and some extra money what I want to purchase is a 12v refrigerator/freezer.
Thank you for the link though, I still appreciate the thought. [emoji1][emoji106][emoji604]

 

[Luisafernandes]

Cleaned and painted the two aluminum pieces;

Tested the space for the batteries. They fit perfectly under one of my cabinets;

Then, after some measuring and rechecking to make sure I was doing it right, I drilled 2 holes for the cables from the solar panel;

I first used a drill bit just larger than the cable going though it. Then from the outside I used a bigger drill bit. The bit was just the right size for a grommet to fit in the hole.

Then the cables when into the van, fitting perfectly in the grommet holes.

The fabricated aluminum pieces fit perfectly over the bolts, and the solar panel in turn fit nicely in the angle piece. I used rubber washers under the Z brackets to soften the ride for the panel;

That's it for now.

 

[Luisafernandes]

Here's something just for fun;

 

[MikeRuth]

Luis I want say, please make sure the wires going through those grommets has no side ward stress. The grommet should be acting only as a cushion for the wire. I have seen them cut when the wires were exerting pressure on the grommet and then of course the wire is next to be cut/shorted.

LOOKING GOOD BUDDY!

 

[Luisafernandes]

Thanks for the warning Mike!
I have them going in almost straight down, so it should be ok but I'll double check now the you mentioned it.
Thanks Mike! [emoji1][emoji106][emoji604]

 

[highdesertranger]

looking good luis. highdesertranger