new member from tennessee

[andy90]

Hi all,
I just bought a 2002 gmc 2500 van for 1500 bucks that I am currently in the process of rebuilding and converting to live and travel in. My lease on my current apartment is not up until may 2015, so I figure I have some time to work on it and get it like I want it before I move in. I didn't realize this was such a popular idea until I found this forum.

Anyways, as far as converting for living in, i'm almost completely clueless on what to do exactly. I was hoping you guys could kind of point me in the right direction. I work for a chevy dealer, so I do at least have the mechanical parts covered . I'm looking forward to my journey beginning.
Thanks in advance,
Andy

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Andy! You've come to the right place. You'll find lots of support and help, here. And looking through different build and conversion threads you'll find lots of pictures and been there done that.It will give you an idea of what will work for you.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Almost There]

Welcome Andy!

We have twin vans...

Although probably not identical twins since I have a high top on mine.

All I can suggest about the conversion is plan, plan, plan some more. Spend at least a couple of months of intense reading here on the whole site and on various blogs from full-timers. When I found a blog that was enduring and well-written, I went back to their very beginning because that was where the design and conversion stuff was to be found.

Figuring out what you're going to need will depend very much on your intended lifestyle.

For me, having a functional kitchen, a comfy place to sleep and enough storage space are all critical. YMMV. I have no need for stealth, for you it might be important.

Oh, and ask questions here, I've found this to be one of the friendliest, most helpful group around.

 

[wagoneer]

Hello welcome great choice in vans by the way.

 

[MikeRuth]

Andy Welcome, This forum will be one of your go to sites for sure.

Read Read and then Read some more and you will quickly be clueless no more!

Look on here as well as searching Camper vans in general on the net and you will have so many pictures and ideas that it almost becomes overwhelming.
I did that for a couple months before even breaking ground on my build. It can and will help you make better decisions and hopefully less rework.

Mike R

 

[akrvbob]

We're glad you're here, and we'd love to help in any way we can!

There are two ways to do the build:

1) Do the minimum to make yourself comfortable (like a bed, plastic totes, cardboard boxes, plastic drawers) and then move in. After living in it for awhile, you'll know what you really want and need and do the final build, or leave it as it is.
2) Plan everything out to last detail, do an elaborate build, them move in.

Both have advantages and disadvantages and neither is right or wrong. I think it really depends more on your personality than anything else: are you right brain or left brain? An engineer would plan and build, while an artist might just throw it all in and hit the road.

But you have the luxury of some extra time, so maybe you can mix the two. Get the van emptied out and start taking some short trips in it with minimal changes. As you spend time in it you'll learn what you need and start looking for solutions. When you finally get ready to do a build, you will be much ahead of the game knowing what you really want and need.

Here are two posts on super cheap and super easy builds, they may give you some ideas:

http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/convert-van-thrift-store/
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/c...stores-plastic-totes-drawers-build-furniture/

Bob

 

[andy90]

thank you all for your replies! this seems like a really great forum so far. right now i'm in the process of getting it mechanically as sound as it can be with 280k on it lol. i've got the transmission out at work, going to rebuild it, and today i was working on getting the old stickers off of the sides of it. it seems to have been very well maintained, as everything works, there are minimal leaks, and no warning lights on.
thanks also for the links bob. i'm thinking i'll probably wind up going with something in between those and the really elaborate setups that i just can't afford lol

 

[Bdog1]

I would start with a floor, insulation in the walls and roof then add the basic bed and do some short trips and figure out what's important from there.
Keep things modular so you can rearrange.