Chevy Express Passenger Van

[TexasWoman]

I found an Express Passenger Van without the backseats.


It's got the 5.3L V8 engine which is supposed to be the best.
It even has a 400 Watt inverter bolted to the back of the driver's seat and a single battery on the floor.
The one owner installed a desk to work at in the back of the van.  It's really pretty unique.

My question is ... since this is a passenger van instead of a true cargo van, there is one long window along the driver's side of the van.
Would this be a problem if I wanted to install a hightop later on?

Just seems like there is not much support on that side of the van.

It's got 121K miles on it already but the interior looks like new.
Whoever owned it took really good care of it.

Thanks for any input.
This may be a question for a hightop installer.

 

[tx2sturgis]

High-tops are added to window vans all the time, but I would think about that 'later on' part......if it has 121k on it now, and then at say, 150,000 or 175,000 miles you decide its time for a high-top...well thats a lot of money to toss into a van that may be reaching some pretty high miles.

 

[Almost There]

You can add a high top to any style of full size van.

I wouldn't worry about the body style. Just get the best van you can find for the money you're willing or able to spend.

If it doesn't have enough windows, more can be added. If it's got too many, you can block some of them off. Yes, it's cheaper to block off windows than add more but still!

You didn't say what year it was so 121K mileage might be just about right, way too much or way too little for the year of the vehicle.

 

[Sailing VANessa]

I have a Express 2500 Extended Passenger Van. It is plenty strong enough for a high top. There are lots of senior centers, churches, etc that use them as small busses. All the windows are great if you plan on using them. Mine are mostly just holders for Reflectix. I do like having extra visibility while actually driving.

 

[Gideon33w]

Since the high top info has been covered ...
A reasonably well taken care of 5.3 backed by a 4L60e (or 4L80e) wont bat an eye at 250k miles.
No shortage of them around with plenty more than that and they are still in service.
The 5.3 is just an updated 350 and my Express with a 350 runs and shifts great at 181k miles so far.

 

[TexasWoman]

You can add a high top to any style of full size van.

I wouldn't worry about the body style. Just get the best van you can find for the money you're willing or able to spend.

If it doesn't have enough windows, more can be added. If it's got too many, you can block some of them off. Yes, it's cheaper to block off windows than add more but still!

You didn't say what year it was so 121K mileage might be just about right, way too much or way too little for the year of the vehicle.

Sorry .. forgot to say it is a 2013 ... gently used even with that mileage.  Looks like it just got off the showroom floor.

 

[TexasWoman]

I have a Express 2500 Extended Passenger Van.  It is plenty strong enough for a high top.  There are lots of senior centers, churches, etc that use them as small busses. All the windows are great if you plan on using them.  Mine are mostly just holders for Reflectix.  I do like having extra visibility while actually driving.

Thank you for responding!

Did you tear out all the pretty plastic lining and insulate it?

I can't tell if this passenger is a 1500, 2500 or 3500 ... will the engine type tell me?
It doesn't say on the ad ...

 

[TexasWoman]

Since the high top info has been covered ...
A reasonably well taken care of 5.3 backed by a 4L60e (or 4L80e) wont bat an eye at 250k miles.
No shortage of them around with plenty more than that and they are still in service.
The 5.3 is just an updated 350 and my Express with a 350 runs and shifts great at 181k miles so far.

Thanks Gideon ...

I have only found this type of engine on Chevy Express Passenger vans .. does it come in Express Cargo vans, too?

This is a one-owner, 2013 Chevy Express Passenger for $12,500 for it ( but I could probably get it for $12 if not a little less.)
Bob, thought is was over priced.

I did a cars.com national search for vans like this and this one is priced way below anything else that was listed.

 

[Sailing VANessa]

Thank you for responding!

Did you tear out all the pretty plastic lining and insulate it?

I can't tell if this passenger is a 1500, 2500 or 3500 ... will the engine type tell me?
It doesn't say on the ad ...

Yes, I tore out the walls, headliner, floor, etc. I put in sound dampening , and insulation all around.  I could not get the seat rails out, so I have lots of insulation on the floor. 
I would just ask the seller if it's a 1500, 2500, or 3500. It should also say on the sticker on the door jamb. Mine has badges that say 2500.  If you like, you can PM me and I will give you my phone number and I would be happy to discuss with you.

 

[Almost There]

Did you tear out all the pretty plastic lining and insulate it?

I can't tell if this passenger is a 1500, 2500 or 3500 ... will the engine type tell me?
It doesn't say on the ad ...

The engine type won't tell you, the side markings and the sticker/vin will.

Keep in mind that the Chevy Express is the branded twin of GMC Savana so don't limit your search to Chevy only.


Just in case you don't know - the 1500 means 1/2 ton, 2500 is the 3/4 ton and 3500 is the 1 ton version. Bodies are the same, engine sizes vary by specific vehicle. The difference is in the towing/weight carrying capacity because of heavier suspension/brakes/rear end etc.

Most of us consider the 1500 versions to be a little too light for the weight we usually add in interiors and all our stuff, especially if you ever want to think about towing a small trailer.

Ripping out the plastic trim and the almost non-existent insulation is a good plan, that's why starting with a cargo van can sometimes make more sense. The plastic trim wastes up to 6 inches of space on each side and hides what is usually pink fiberglass insulation that is poor in quality and installation. 

Don't turn down a 'passenger' van just because of the plastic trim but also try not to pay a premium simply because it has the trim package that you don't want. Buy the best vehicle you can find in the price range you can afford and work from there.

 

[gapper2]

TexasWoman,

   Are you sure that's a 2013?  The reason I ask is I am in the process of converting a 2012 gmc savana 2500 passenger van.  Mine has a 6.0L with six speed tranny. I don't think they made a 5.3 in 2013.  About 15 minutes ago I removed the airbags that run down each side of the van. (about 8 ft long)  If everything is removed already a hightop would be doable IMHO.  But if everything is not removed think twice.  It's a PIA.

 

[TexasWoman]

The engine type won't tell you, the side markings and the sticker/vin will.

Keep in mind that the Chevy Express is the branded twin of GMC Savana so don't limit your search to Chevy only.


Just in case you don't know - the 1500 means 1/2 ton, 2500 is the 3/4 ton and 3500 is the 1 ton version. Bodies are the same, engine sizes vary by specific vehicle. The difference is in the towing/weight carrying capacity because of heavier suspension/brakes/rear end etc.

Most of us consider the 1500 versions to be a little too light for the weight we usually add in interiors and all our stuff, especially if you ever want to think about towing a small trailer.

Ripping out the plastic trim and the almost non-existent insulation is a good plan, that's why starting with a cargo van can sometimes make more sense. The plastic trim wastes up to 6 inches of space on each side and hides what is usually pink fiberglass insulation that is poor in quality and installation. 

Don't turn down a 'passenger' van just because of the plastic trim but also try not to pay a premium simply because it has the trim package that you don't want. Buy the best vehicle you can find in the price range you can afford and work from there.

Thanks!  

Hey I ran a VIN decoder on it and here's the info:

2013 Chevrolet Express Passenger RWD 1500 135" LT   

So looks like it's a 1500 with a 135" wheelbase.

Here is a link to the car: http://www.ewayautogroup.com/2013-C...Custom-Cargo-Work-Space-Carrollton-TX/6214308

 

[TexasWoman]

TexasWoman,

   Are you sure that's a 2013?  The reason I ask is I am in the process of converting a 2012 gmc savana 2500 passenger van.  Mine has a 6.0L with six speed tranny. I don't think they made a 5.3 in 2013.  About 15 minutes ago I removed the airbags that run down each side of the van. (about 8 ft long)  If everything is removed already a hightop would be doable IMHO.  But if everything is not removed think twice.  It's a PIA.

Yes, it's a 2013 ...

Vin Decoder says 2013 Chevrolet Express Passenger RWD 1500 135" LT   

121K miles, one owner from Austin, used it for software development, looks showroom new, asking price $12,5 from a reputable private auto reseller close to me.

It's definitely an oddball van but I may be able to get a great deal because of it.

Here is the link: http://www.ewayautogroup.com/2013-C...Custom-Cargo-Work-Space-Carrollton-TX/6214308

What do you think?

Thanks for your input ....

:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[TexasWoman]

Yes, I tore out the walls, headliner, floor, etc. I put in sound dampening , and insulation all around.  I could not get the seat rails out, so I have lots of insulation on the floor. 
I would just ask the seller if it's a 1500, 2500, or 3500. It should also say on the sticker on the door jamb. Mine has badges that say 2500.  If you like, you can PM me and I will give you my phone number and I would be happy to discuss with you.

The nice thing about this passenger van is that the rear seats were never installed. I'm assuming that it doesn't have rear seat rails but not sure.
I have attached a picture from the rear ... Can you tell if it has passenger rails from the picture?

Thanks!

:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[gapper2]

TW,

  You're right.  I just looked up your van and checked and yes they did put in 5.3 in 2013.  The only real reason my conversion is going kinda slow (besides being lazy at the moment)  was removing those dang seat rails on the floor.  Everything else (pretty plastic, roof molding, and even the airbags were pretty eazy peezy.  The distance across the van above rear wheel wells is 76 in. so plenty room cross ways for a bed for me.

 

[gapper2]

Just saw your last post.  Looks like a floor was put over rails to me but I've been wrong plenty of times. The floor looks good from here though.   The pretty plastic is still there and does waste at least 6 in as Almost There mentioned.

 

[tx2sturgis]

It's sure an interesting layout!

A few observations:

The mileage shows 125,850...and it looks like they spent some time on detailing it...which makes it look purdy but hopefully not hiding anything as far as oil leaks. 

Also the manufacture date shows 8/12 so this might account for line changes in the drivetrain.

Then also, you can see that the windows all have support pillars so even though it looks like its all glass along the driver side, there are vertical supports there.

 

[gapper2]

looked at enlarged view of the van and it looks like the rails are NOT there.  Which is a real good thing.  Even with the high mileage, and only a half ton, It looks pretty good if you're not towing.  But even then I would bet it could haul a small to med trailer quite well.  I think mine would tow just about anything that I would want.  Good luck on your decision.

 

[gapper2]

TW,

  Just gave another look at the van website and looked over specs.  I ran the numbers through kbb and if a third party mechanic inspection checks out (they say they encourage it) you might be able to make a good purchase.  Run the numbers and if it's what you want get it inspected and then negotiate.

 

[user 423]

Average miles for a 5 yo van would be about 65k. It's priced right at retail and you should be able to get at least 10% off the retail price with a cash offer. Here's the NADA figures:

http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2013/Chevrolet/G1500-Van-V8/Express-Van-LT-135/Values