Building out an old Chevy

[GutterspikeDrivesFar]

Hey all, 

I am new to this forum! I thought I would join to learn as I work on my van build. I recently purchased a 2004 Chevy Express Cargo 2500 and I'm converting it to a van! I have been reading about van living for a loooooonnnngggg time. Since work is remote with COVID now, I'm finally able to put myself in a position where I can start my RV life full time. 

I'm huge into the outdoors, and I've always wanted to camp full time! Any resources, tips, or info you can help me with I would greatly appreciate! Especially if you have converted a chevy cargo similar to mine. Check out my first video! I'm going to try to document the process just for fun and to show my family my progress. I'm looking forward to hearing from y'all! 

 

[landyachtman]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum 

Sounds like you are doing all of the right things.  So let me invite you to check out the two links below.

1) Van Conversion is some insights for a beginner build to get a person on the road fairly quickly especially if they
are going to part time.  Week end camp out's etc to get the feel of traveling and living out of a Van rig.

2) Is a portal of information that can make going out there much easier, safer, and more comfortable. It can be used as a planner for seeing the areas yo would like to visit before hand,  considering side trips, and knowing where all of the convenient facilities are that a Nomad would want to know about.   THEN, once you go full time it can be used
as you travel to update your itinerary with consideration to climate, weather forecast,  hours of daylight to use to travel and work in, etc.  There is a huge portal of links that I think you'll find handy too.

All the Best !

 

[GutterspikeDrivesFar]

Thank you! These both look like phenomenal resources. I will read them over.

 

[nature lover]

Welcome to the forum. What part of the country you’re from. I’m in Pennsylvania not far from Hershey. Been a part timer for years now I’m a full timer since June 1. It’s getting colder here so I’ve got my snowbird wings sprouting and They will soon be stretching and strong enough to fly. Looks like you’ve got a nice van there and you’re doing right by taking care of the rust. Did you check underneath that floor for rust? That’s where it usually starts. I hope all your dreams come true. God bless the nomads new and old.

 

[Sofisintown]

Hiya, Gutterspike, and welcome. I have a blue 2004 too, but mine was a van already(kidding ya!)

Be ready for lots of curves and crooked lines, as there is not one straight inch in these vans.
The scriber and the jigsaw are your friends. I do have some pictures here and there in the forum, but I'm not done with it either.
Good luck!

 

[eDJ_]

This is my Rig  but the Trailer isn't.  Just borrowed it for the photo so I could visualize the scale of what I'd be working with.   The Trailer is about the largest I would consider and in fact it is really too large.  A single axle
Trailer with the rear (in the photo) moved to the back of the rear wheel would be more than large enough.

 

[GutterspikeDrivesFar]

Welcome to the forum.  What part of the country you’re from. I’m in Pennsylvania not far from Hershey. Been a part timer for years now I’m a full timer since June 1. It’s getting colder here so I’ve got my snowbird wings sprouting and They will soon be stretching and strong enough to fly. Looks like you’ve got a nice van there and you’re doing right by taking care of the rust. Did you check underneath that floor for rust?  That’s where it usually starts. I hope all your dreams come true. God bless the nomads new and old.

Hey there, thank you for the well wishes! I am actually based in Philly! I am working on my van and I suppose by early spring I'll be ready to take off.

 

[GutterspikeDrivesFar]

Hiya, Gutterspike, and welcome. I have a blue 2004 too, but mine was a van already(kidding ya!)

Be ready for lots of curves and crooked lines, as there is not one straight inch in these vans.
The scriber and the jigsaw are your friends. I do have some pictures here and there in the forum, but I'm not done with it either.
Good luck!

Hey there, our vans look pretty similar! And yeah.. there isn't a straight line on this thing lol. I just bought my jigsaw and I should start framing it this weekend. Wish me luck! Thanks for the advice.  :blush:

 

[Camper]

Welcome to the forum... it's great to have you here with us.