Keep the stock conversion or tear it down for more room?

[VenFan]

I got a deal for 1994 Dodge Ram van that was a cargo van, but got converted...

All they call conversion though is rear seat that turns into bed and and third row of removable single seats then bunch of wood all over, slightly extended roof with very small top storage compartments, huge cornices around windows with curtains also wooden.

It feels like there's no space height and width whats so ever inside even after i removed middle raw of seats i dont even see where i'd put, water tank, sink, fridge and desk at very minimum.

There's some vents in rear and sides and sockets for older stereo jacks in the walls.

I wonder if i get more space if i tear down all the old conversion and turn it back into cargo van? Then re-convert it myself with what i want to have.

Or i should sell it and look for a bigger van?

 

[VenFan]

More pics

 

[Magicwolf]

Have you tried pulling the back seat/bed to see how much space that gives you? (They can be a pain to get out though, believe me I know.) Mine, with all 3 sections of it, took up a lot of room. I removed a section and now it's much more livable. (I couldn't get the whole sofa/bed out.)

You could try checking out a cargo van and seeing if you'd be happy with that space provided before making a decision. There are a lot of factors I guess that only you can decide. How much work do you want or know how to do? There's also your budget and those types of considerations.

I know how you feel. I wrestled with a similar decision - whether I should keep the van I have or try something different. I made my choices due to budget and weighing if I could make the van I had work.

I have a conversion also, but mine was done by Explorer on a 1995 GMC. It has what's called a TV top. It feels okay for space for me, but I'm not a tall person. I can stand fully upright at the roof's highest point. The van's seats are pretty comfy so that was also a bonus. I have some wood, but I like it because I can easily refinish anything so it looks nice . The carpeting and things aren't terrible and it's already insulated and 'finished' for me as far as walls go and I'm happy with that. At this time, I tire very easily so also not being able to make huge modifications was also a factor for me.

I am pulling almost all of the older, non-working electronics and probably re-purposing the wooden ledges under the windows where those jacks are as shelves. Mine are just a little wider than a cup holder. With the existing wood, I have something to drill/screw into if I need Can you re-purpose some of those types of areas in your van to make it usable space? Is your van in good shape, mechanically sound? I guess that would be another factor - you'd have to be happy with the conversion appearance. I liked mine. If it was screaming fuchsia with turquoise accents or something, maybe not so much!

 

[Magicwolf]

Ok, I see you put some pics up. I didn't see them before I posted earlier.

I think your van may feel especially closed in because of all that (dark) blue fabric, and your back seat is pretty large like mine was. If you got that seat out and swapped the window covering situation, I believe that might help you a bit with the space perception? If you have the window ledges like I do, you'd maybe gain a few inches on either side to pull them. I don't know if that would give you the space you're looking for.

To get much bigger otherwise, you'd need to look at an extension-type van I think. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that.

 

[VenFan]

Back bed/seat was not  connected so i moved it to side yeah length seems to be ok need to measure it though to have better idea cuz with top shelves that take 1/2 of the roof extension space its hard to imagine how it'll look empty.

 

[VenFan]

Yes my van had TV top also and old video cassette player but it was under the seat though when i got it Its 1994 van but feels way older because of that tv, now times you can buy flats creen compuer monitor in goodwill or salvation army for like 20-40 bucks that be twice the size.

Mechanical not that great engine throws out oil from exhaust and springs/shocks are dead as well as transmission, tires etc got to put about 1000-2000 to make it reliable, i rather let it go and get a empty non converted van stealth one.

This was an impulse buy really.

 

[SternWake]

My original conversion van interior did not last long.

Too much wasted space, I need all the room I can get in the roof for 3 large surfboards, and all my clothes.  I did adhere 1/2" foil backed foam insulation to the interior of fiberglass roof.

My walls are as wide as possible, About 3/16 inch of material inside the steel body.

Ran new shelves front and rear with 3/4 plywood edged with Oak.

 

[ilovemyvan]

Hi Venfan,

You are so right about the conversion van waste of space, but that can be turned into storage space quite easily, see the 2 links after my signature. One other thing to consider is the lack of insulation. The little there is in ours is very flimsy. I wish we paid more attention to that and add some. To me these are the draw backs of a conversion van now here are the things I like about it. I like the higher top, I'm short and I can stand up in it. My husband has to tilted his head a bit. I know we wouldn't have paid for a higher top if we had bought a cargo, so I consider the top a bonus. I love the windows. I would feel extremely claustrophobic in a cargo van. I know, my very 1st van was a cargo. I also appreciate all the windows when I drive in traffic and I want to double check before moving to the right line. I know it can be done with the side mirror, but in rainy night, not so much. My last reason is esthetic which might not bother you a bit but I personally like the inside finish of the conversion. It makes to van feel more homey to me.

Good luck,

Nicole

 

[myke]

I would take out all the seats from the rear; then build your own bed etc. using the space more efficiently. Too bad there are some mechanical issues though...

 

[VenFan]

ilovemyvan great job on the conversion. Are you use van for camping and stuff not 24/7 living from van right?

 

[accrete]

Your top looks like maybe 18 to 20" ?? We have a 24" Fiberine top on our chevy cargo van and really enjoyed converting it. . . well . . . all except fr the strands of my wife's hair stuck to the ceiling/walls with 3m77 spray adhesive during the insulation project ; )

 

[highdesertranger]

x2 on removing all the seats and building your own. however with the mechanical issues you are gong to have to weigh the options. what weight class is the van. that would make my mind up, if it was a 1/2 ton I would sell it if it's a 1 ton I would think about fixing it up. 3/4 ton could go either way. highdesertranger

 

[ilovemyvan]

Thanks VenFan,

We're part timing. I personally wouldn't be able to full time in a van with 2 people. We get along very well but we are both very independent and need our space. I have taken it on solo trips and I'm pretty sure I could live full time with the addition of a solar system and fridge.

It will be interesting to see what you decide to do

Nicole

 

[akrvbob]

A vandweller...independent....say it ain't so!!
Bob

 

[wagoneer]

Ha,,,, yes being at the point of joining the three stooges woman hater club Otherwise known as the WHC, we are all independent, co-dependent is tricky. Good luck you will make the right choice for now.

 

[ilovemyvan]

A vandweller...independent....say it ain't so!!  
Bob

Bob, you have no idea how I could relate to your blog post when you were talking about traveling thru Alaska as a couple in ONE van. I read that post several times and even asked my husband to read it. My husband is like you and I'm more like Judy.

Wagoneer:

"Ha,,,, yes being at the point of joining the three stooges woman hater club Otherwise known as the WHC"

A man hater....MOI! :angel:

Ok, I'll bit what's WHC.....be nice I'm a little old lady

Nicole

 

[ilovemyvan]

[

Wagoneer:

"Ha,,,, yes being at the point of joining the three stooges woman hater club Otherwise known as the WHC"

A man hater....MOI!   :angel:  

Ok, I'll bit what's WHC.....be nice I'm a little old lady  

Nicole
[/quote]

Wagoneer, never mind I'm awake now and can read better.

Cheers.

 

[ZoNiE]

Wasn't the WHC on the Little Rascals?

I digress.

If It were me, I'd take out the old carpet and seats, but probably leave the headliner, It's pretty cool. That looks like a Starcraft conversion, but they all look similar.

 

[VenFan]

Indeed its starcraft conversion, nothing special IMO too much heavy wood panels all over including walls. I could not justify tearing it down and it would have many holes and glue on the floor widows take place of ribs and roof was only cut in middle like 60% of roof cut only that's why shelve was so big.

Took me like 4+ hours to sew just one torn seat panel.

Anyhow i decided to get rid of it and sold it, will invest in an empty stealth van without any windows or roof extension that i can convert myself to my taste.

And yeah no dodge's as they have engine far into cabin and they look crappy compared to other brands.