Artsyguy
Well-known member
Good morning group,
Wanted to update group on my new project. I purchased a 2015 Chevy Express 2500 a few weeks ago. Only 24K mi and in really nice shape. Started my project about a week and a half ago. So far Rattletrap installed in cargo area (100 sq ft.) and this weekend I installed the plywood subfloor. Next up, planning to seal the floor, just because. Then insulating the walls. I'm planning on using vinyl plank flooring as the finished surface. Sure am sore today! I'm 60 years old and out of shape. I'm thinking this project will either kill me or make me stronger! My wife thinks I'm crazy, but I knew if I didn't do it now, I would probably never do it.
A few thoughts...
This forum has been invaluable to me. It has helped in my material choices and given me confidence to do this project right. RV Bob's videos have also been helpful because he has the same vehicle as mine. His subfloor video on YouTube came at the perfect time! Thanks Bob!
I'm also finding the build is taking longer than you think it would for a couple of reasons...1) I'm working alone on it. 2) As has been pointed out numerous times, there isn't a 90 degree corner in the entire van. 3) In order to build out and hopefully only do it once, you need to be thinking 20 steps ahead at all times. 4) I have found my workflow is do something for 10 minutes and then stand around for another 30 minutes thinking about what to do next! The good thing is Home Depot is less than a half mile from my house, so my AMEX will get a good workout there.
My goal: I am a big road racing fan and enjoy camping at tracks like Mid Ohio, Watkins Glen, Road America, etc. The van will be modeled after my favorite racing bar in the world, Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen. It will be plumber stealth on the outside (no windows) and when finished it will be complete with Knotty Pine T&G walls, racing memorabilia, and a pub like feel. Which will be tough to do considering how small a cargo van can be after you put a full size bed in it. I'm 6'3", so sleeping comfort is my first priority. If there are any fellow builders who follow Indy Car or Vintage race circuit and camp and hit the tracks I've mentioned, I'd love to meet up and party for the weekend! My first stop will be Mid Ohio Vintage GP at the end of June, though I'm pretty sure my build won't be completed by then.
I'll post some pictures once I get to some meaningful steps that we haven't seen. Thanks everyone for you posts, questions, and photos! They have been very useful to me on this journey!
Mark
Wanted to update group on my new project. I purchased a 2015 Chevy Express 2500 a few weeks ago. Only 24K mi and in really nice shape. Started my project about a week and a half ago. So far Rattletrap installed in cargo area (100 sq ft.) and this weekend I installed the plywood subfloor. Next up, planning to seal the floor, just because. Then insulating the walls. I'm planning on using vinyl plank flooring as the finished surface. Sure am sore today! I'm 60 years old and out of shape. I'm thinking this project will either kill me or make me stronger! My wife thinks I'm crazy, but I knew if I didn't do it now, I would probably never do it.
A few thoughts...
This forum has been invaluable to me. It has helped in my material choices and given me confidence to do this project right. RV Bob's videos have also been helpful because he has the same vehicle as mine. His subfloor video on YouTube came at the perfect time! Thanks Bob!
I'm also finding the build is taking longer than you think it would for a couple of reasons...1) I'm working alone on it. 2) As has been pointed out numerous times, there isn't a 90 degree corner in the entire van. 3) In order to build out and hopefully only do it once, you need to be thinking 20 steps ahead at all times. 4) I have found my workflow is do something for 10 minutes and then stand around for another 30 minutes thinking about what to do next! The good thing is Home Depot is less than a half mile from my house, so my AMEX will get a good workout there.
My goal: I am a big road racing fan and enjoy camping at tracks like Mid Ohio, Watkins Glen, Road America, etc. The van will be modeled after my favorite racing bar in the world, Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen. It will be plumber stealth on the outside (no windows) and when finished it will be complete with Knotty Pine T&G walls, racing memorabilia, and a pub like feel. Which will be tough to do considering how small a cargo van can be after you put a full size bed in it. I'm 6'3", so sleeping comfort is my first priority. If there are any fellow builders who follow Indy Car or Vintage race circuit and camp and hit the tracks I've mentioned, I'd love to meet up and party for the weekend! My first stop will be Mid Ohio Vintage GP at the end of June, though I'm pretty sure my build won't be completed by then.
I'll post some pictures once I get to some meaningful steps that we haven't seen. Thanks everyone for you posts, questions, and photos! They have been very useful to me on this journey!
Mark
