Grandma's Chevy Cargo Van Conversion to a Simple Camper Van

[PYSCHOWard]

The carpet will make Great insulation as well as sound deadening material, nice job, Grandma.

 

[DaveNF2G]

As a newcomer to this kind of activity, I found your blog and photos to be very encouraging.  I hope I can make my van come out nearly as well as yours.

 

[stude53]

Grandma,<br /><br /><br /><br />I think you have solved two problems with your layered approach.<br /><br />1. Not having to build a wall/roof framework before installing bubble wrap insulation.<br />2. Providing&nbsp;a captured air space behind your Reflectix that makes Reflectix achieve a higher R rating.<br /><br />I think I will do something like that, except I will probably use 3M HD Spray Adhesive rather than duct tape to stick&nbsp;bubbles and Reflectix in place, then seal seams with aluminum tape. A removable channel for wiring will allow for modifications as electric projects are done as I can afford them.<br /><br />I also like the way you have repurposed furniture to add storage and kitchen space and the bed looks comfortable.<br /><br />Keep us posted on further progress, please.<br /><br />Bob<br /><br />

 

[WanderingRain]

I am sure plenty of jaws dropped while reading your posts, Grandma. <br />I'm still picking up my chin from the floor.<br />What a wonderful conversion you just did!&nbsp;<br />And being a junk junkie myself, I love how you repurposed a lot of materials to suit your needs.<br />May your van serve you well and for a long time.

 

[cleanheart]

Wow! I'm so very impressed with what you've done and I'm sure you're please as punch and proud to boot! You sure should be! I'm going to be doing something similar only on a much smaller scale as I only have a small minivan to work with. I'm glad you posted your progress to help those of us just learning!&nbsp;<br>Thank you!<br>Marsha

 

[rabiesandpeewee]

Grandma,<br><br>You're getting me pumped for my day of working on the van. I love the carpet and the color scheme. It looks really cozy, and well done! Interesting idea with the bubble wrap. I might try that, as well!<br><br>-Rabies<br><br><img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Nice conversion, Grandma.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I love&nbsp;to study&nbsp;the build pictures you all have been posting. Great work.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[Roniit]

I keep coming back to this thread for inspiration. &nbsp;Love what you did! &nbsp;I have little electrical skills, so my van is simple but pretty like yours (or it will be soon - finishing up this week). &nbsp;

 

[1977dodge]

A truely inspiring Thread read it twice and looked at all the pix&nbsp;<br>I am just starting out but this has given me lots to think about&nbsp;<br>Thanks<br>Royz

 

[Lifemagician]

This thread has been very inspiring as I get my van started.&nbsp; Not that I am doing my own; physically not capable of that.&nbsp; But just to show to those who will be doing most of the work for me.&nbsp; It so much speaks of what I aim to do.<br><br>Lifey

 

[Guest]

I love this thread, and plan on insulating the same way (though debating on using carpet for paneling or not). Grandma, do you mind sharing how well you van is insulated from the heat? Because I will be living with my animals, this is my biggest concern. Thanks, and keep having fun! Looks fantastic.

 

[uncagingmyspirit]

I was wondering the same thing about the heat... Do you have a portable air conditioner or was one&nbsp;built&nbsp;in?

 

[davidsan]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Hi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I&rsquo;m Grandma Walker and this is the bare inside of my, new-to-me, 2006 Chevy 2500 Express XL Cargo van.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I have had camping trailers and a motorhome in my earlier years but I always wanted to convert a cargo van into a simple camper van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I purchased this &frac34; ton, extra long cargo van on the 19^th of July (2012) and started working on the conversion the end of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Before starting the conversion I spent many hours on the in the internet trying to find helpful information on how others had done theirs and the materials that they used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There is a lot of information out there but not exactly what I was looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Through this blog I am hoping that I can help others with ideas on how I did my conversion.</p>

Looking for the photos that accompany your excellent forum.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

one of the best old conversion threads, victim to the forum switch :/