[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Been through myriad trucks and vans for 18 years now, they all served there purpose, some better than others. The 92 f250 I couldn’t afford to gas up, as a teen. The 86 Toyota Le that I cried for when the rear dif exploded from neglect, the 99 JDM previa that helped me find new life. All them and more. But the last truck, an 06 small Chevy 1500, just kinda didn’t fit. Hurt my back and legs to drive, camping with the little lady wasn’t easy or comfortable, it was okay for work though, so it lasted a little while. But I was looking. Looking for the right then to come along. And I found it on Vancouver Island two weeks ago. A 2001 express, 2500, 350, high top. 92k KMs. $8800.00. Gotdang had to get it. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Work has been slow so I’ve been working on the van. It’s gotta take us camping for rock climbing down California a month a year, and maybe longer if things go right. It’s also gotta take all my tools and materials to be a fully functional carpenter/contractor. So far this rig don’t bat an eye. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I started by taking out the wheelchair lift, the bench seat rails (that was a real test[/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif] of will), taking out about 500lbs. Then insulated the floor and walls, sheeted the floor and walls, then built the bed. The bed folds up into a couch, along aluminum slides that have UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) tape. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Today while waiting for glue to kick for a work project, i put the van up on the hoist at my friends heavy duty mechanic shop and I took the long aluminum side step rails off. They hindered [size=small]the clearance and were to tucked up to easily use. Saved 60lbs. [/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Ordered white vinyl film and covered the rear side windows. I’ll use blinds for the rest. I really like being able to shoulder check. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Looking for a 3-way fridge, they’re proving[/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]a little scarce. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Fun build so far! I’ll keep updating as I go. Can't seem to upload photos yet, so I'll figure that out soon.[/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Work has been slow so I’ve been working on the van. It’s gotta take us camping for rock climbing down California a month a year, and maybe longer if things go right. It’s also gotta take all my tools and materials to be a fully functional carpenter/contractor. So far this rig don’t bat an eye. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I started by taking out the wheelchair lift, the bench seat rails (that was a real test[/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif] of will), taking out about 500lbs. Then insulated the floor and walls, sheeted the floor and walls, then built the bed. The bed folds up into a couch, along aluminum slides that have UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) tape. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Today while waiting for glue to kick for a work project, i put the van up on the hoist at my friends heavy duty mechanic shop and I took the long aluminum side step rails off. They hindered [size=small]the clearance and were to tucked up to easily use. Saved 60lbs. [/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Ordered white vinyl film and covered the rear side windows. I’ll use blinds for the rest. I really like being able to shoulder check. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Looking for a 3-way fridge, they’re proving[/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]a little scarce. [/font]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Fun build so far! I’ll keep updating as I go. Can't seem to upload photos yet, so I'll figure that out soon.[/font]
