And it begins...My Chevy Express 3500

[ValerieP]

Val,
 
  I've read that you need to disable the airbag system before taking them out.   On my 2012 savana I removed my airbags successfully by first removing the negative cable from the starter battery and waiting at least 5 minutes for the system to deenergize before removing the airbag connectors. I replaced them with the simulators that I am not happy with. If you don't think you are capable of removing them safely, I highly reccomend getting a mechanic to do it.  I don't want to scare you but you DON'T want to accidently trigger an airbag.  They are explosive!  The dealership may be able to disable any codes in the main ECM (computer) so that an error is not triggered and they have the equipment to do that.  I would highly reccomend talking to them.

Also AC removal is a job for the pros.

Be Safe!

 

[95Astro]

Hi Valerie,
I read your thread with great interest because as soon as i can sell my condo i am heading down the same path you are on. My intention is to buy a chevy express cargo work van 2500 (they are extra long). There seem to be several around here at the moment that are fairly new (2016, 2017) with only 25k miles (makes me suspicious, but...) for around $23k. I checked the car faxes and there don't seem to be any problems.

I also intend to go to fiberine for a high top. Bob has recommended them so that makes me confident in choosing them. I'd be curious to know the price and how long it will take. How far in advance did you have to make an appointment? I'll likely stay in a nearby, cheap motel. I'm also thinking i'll have them install my fantastic fan(s) if they don't charge too much - i'd buy and bring the fan(s). 

Does anyone have an opinion on whether one fan is sufficient in a van or should there be two? I'm thinking one up front over the cooker and one in back over the bed, or is that overkill?

Anyways, i admire your persistence and tenacity in overcoming the challenges you encounter and your willingness to try anything to forge ahead to make your dream a reality. Mine still lies just ahead in the realm of potential and though it scares me a bit, i'm anxious to get it underway. 

Best of luck. I'll be watching your progress.

 

[gapper2]

Val, I believe and I'm pretty sure that the dealership has the equipment to enable and disable the signal from the airbags to where an error code would be ignored by the ECM (main computer).  Now whether they will do that for you is a question for them.  They may not for safety and liability reasons.  I would hope that they allow that for upfitters so why not van builds.

 That is why I went the simulator route.  Like I said my simulators are not functioning at 100% and I always have the option of putting the airbags back in and build around them.  The simulators are only sending a message that is easily cleared on the dash by scrolling through the messages and it is only happening about 10% of the time.  It's more irritating than anything. Your dealership knew of your intentions of building a camper.  Hopefully when you talk to them they will help.  But if not just build around them.  I've got more research to do on simulators and will keep you informed if there is any progress.  But at this point in my build it's not that important.

 Let us know what your dealership says.  Good luck.

 

[ValerieP]

John- thank you! In not sure that Fiberine will install the fantastic fan. I think I asked, but give them a call or email them, and ask. The price is around 4000 installed- but it really depends upon what you wan, it could be higher or lower.
The pride for your van sounds sbout right, and it is easier to start with a cargo van. I wanted the windows, so I ended up with what I have and I'm really growing quite fond of her!
Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[ValerieP]

Gapper2,
I'm going to stop by the dealership on Thursday- so I'll update after that. Thanks- I really see no point in them, especially, when there aren't any seats back there! If the dealership won't help, I'll keep looking. There's another body shop in town; I'll ask them after the dealership.

 

[ValerieP]

Stopped by the dealership and they won't help. The salesperson who sold me the van won't help; he's having a case of denial.
But, I called Fiberine and they can still install the top, so I'll worry about this later! Now I'll direct my worries to the logistics of getting to Long Beach!

 

[LookinUp]

 

Does anyone have an opinion on whether one fan is sufficient in a van or should there be two? I'm thinking one up front over the cooker and one in back over the bed, or is that overkill?

What I love about having two is that I can set the front one to pull air out and I don't even have to turn on the back one, but get a great circulation without having a fan motor running directly over my head....I'm a very light sleeper. I can reverse this set up if I need cool air coming in toward the front. Just my .02 cents.

Moderator note: trimmed excess of quote

 

[gapper2]

Val, Sorry to hear about the dealership not offering any help. But great news about Fiberine allowing the airbags to stay in.

After I wrote here last I found some other simulators on ebay.  I will try those and let you know how they work.  Bad news is they are shipped from Hong Kong (probably slow boat from china)     They were only 3 bucks apiece so I will try.  If nothing else I will try to fabricate my own.  I'll keep you informed.   The good news is you can relax and enjoy your trip to CA.  If you don't get stuck in traffic.    

Y'all have a good and safe trip in about 2 weeks.

 

[ValerieP]

Thanks, it will be an adventure!

 

[galladanb]

HI Valerie,

How soon until you get your top put on?

And of course it didn't happen without pictures!!!! LOL!

How do you have to drive to get it done?

 

[ValerieP]

I get the top on Oct 27, and I'm driving from rural Nevada to Long Beach, CA. It's only a 4 hour drive, but I need to be there at 8 am, and I need to take my husband and 4 dogs, so many it gets a bit complicated!

 

[highdesertranger]

looks good so far, I can't wait to see the top on. highdesertranger

 

[galladanb]

Me two, me two!!! Can't wait!!!

Remember, it didn't happen without pictures!!! LOL!!!

 

[ValerieP]

I've been thinking a lot about how to travel to Long Beach. I went so far as to book 2 rooms. We have 4 dogs and they only allow 2 dogs per room.
Then I had to come home after dark the other night, and remembered that I don't see very well after dark...
So then I thought I would just take the afternoon off, so I could arrive before dark, but I really don't want to do that.
Then, after talking to the owner of VANessa, I decided to look at free campsites, and found that we can boondock at a point that will fit my driving needs.
It looks like we'll be boondocking in the van, which I've decided to name Atalanta, next week.
For those of you who do this daily, it's not a big deal, but this will be the first for us in the van!

 

[gapper2]

Val,

  I guess you're getting about as excited as a kid at Christmas time!  Curious about the name Atalanta?  Is that from the greek origin?  Or from Atlanta?

Anyway y'all have a safe and pleasant journey.  Me,  I would be so excited that I would have to take a week off work to work on the van.

Gapper2

 

[ValerieP]

Atalanta is Greek- Her father, like mine, wanted a son. Atalanta, however, proved to be quite the heroine. I only recently heard of her, and knew she would be a perfect name for my van!

 

[ValerieP]

It's happening! They tell me that it'll be done in about 5 hours!

 

[Sailing VANessa]

So cool! I want one.

 

[galladanb]

Oooooooo, I can smell the fiberglass from here!

More.....

PLEASE.,?,?,?,!!!

 

[ValerieP]

I'm pretty sure that I like the way the van looks better than I do after spending the day in Ling Beach!