Getting started?

[ValerieP]

Thanks! That's good to hear, just in case...

 

[Gideon33w]

Hi. My VANessa still has the seat rails.  I just did what you said, and added insulation.  I did not put plywood on thp of the rails, but rather "between@ them, supported by some 2x2's. Works for me, and I don't have a high top.  I guess I'm getting used to it.

Heck, mine are just carpeted over with the factory padding/carpeting and then the carpet I put over the top of that.
If I were going to do a plywood floor I'd probably just leave them in place, insulate up to their level around them, and then cap with ply.

 

[gapper2]

Val,
  looked at the projected path of Irma this am and if they're correct we won't have to worry about more than 40 mph winds and rain around here.  Heck that's a typical thunderstorm in the south. (only lasting a little longer)  


  I also thought about my advice to you on your seat rail removal.  My advice is based on a 2012 GMC Savana 2500 12 seat passenger van with 6.0L six speed tranny.   I believe you have a newer savana 3500 extended van.  I have been thinking that your drive shaft may be a 2 piece drive shaft and you would need eyes on to see if that's the case.  If it is one long drive shaft from the rear end to the transmission my advice will probably be the same.  I surmise the rails are probably only longer with more bolt studs and nuts.  If you pm me, I will send my cell number and I will help you make that determination.  Someone will need to be willing to crawl underneath your van with a flashlight and also use a tape measure inside the back of your van for me to help you make a determination.

  It was only till I removed the seats, sat a lawn chair in the back while the rails were still on the floor and I just sat and looked through the windows.  I knew then that the rails would make the floor too tall for a desk and table height.  I imaginined the view for those inclimate weather days that I would much rather be outside anyway.  I'm not concerned with stealth there are other ways to handle that.  It's that panoramic view I want.

 Good luck on your decision.

 

[Neal]

This wasn't my post but thank you all. I have learned a lot of information on this thread.

 

[ValerieP]

Thanks for all the help! I've found some help and the rails are coming out next Wednesday. It makes me a little nervous, but I just don't want to lose those 2 precious inches! Then I'll be able to put a floor in- woot! woot!

 

[gapper2]

Val,
 
  I appologize if I have caused you any worry regarding the rail removal.  Good news for Wed removal.  There really is nothing to worry about.  Just a tedious job and If you were on this side of the country, I would be glad to assist.

  Irma brought some 50 + mph gusts.  Lost power for about 18 hours and got internet back on Wed night.  There were lots of trees down around me but I was spared.

  If you need more info just shoot me a PM.  I check 2x mostly.  Good luck.

 

[ValerieP]

No worries, you just made me realize that the job was far beyond my skill set! I'm happy for to hear you made it through Irma- even downgraded it was a nasty storm!