I am in the process of doing a build on my 06 Dodge Grand Caravan and am also thinking about getting a Chevy Express to convert. I would like a 3500 with a 6 liter Motor so I could also tow stuff. It seems that there are more of the Express passenger vans out there so my questions are. With all the windows can you make it into a cargo type van. Like can you insulate and panel over the windows from the inside? If you did would you have problems with law enforcement? Anyone have experience with this type of van?
Window van build
- Thread starter Randman
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Almost There
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The only windows you aren't allowed to cover up are in the driving compartment.
It is not necessary to even have back windows in a van, lots are manufactured without them.
IIWM and I was building out a window van but needed cabinetry to come above the window level and wanted to cover them up I would apply whatever window dressing I wanted (paint, curtains, whatever your fancy) to the windows and then either just build the cabinets to the height you want them or if you want, then panel right over them.
The only problem you may have if you panel right over them is that you *might* et some condensation in there from cold window/warm interior. If it's panelled over there won't be any way for the condensation to escape.
I had a window van and we just draped the windows, left those panels closed and built the closet up and over it. I could still stash small objects back in there on the window ledge but had to be careful that they didn't slide down the back wall of the closet....
It is not necessary to even have back windows in a van, lots are manufactured without them.
IIWM and I was building out a window van but needed cabinetry to come above the window level and wanted to cover them up I would apply whatever window dressing I wanted (paint, curtains, whatever your fancy) to the windows and then either just build the cabinets to the height you want them or if you want, then panel right over them.
The only problem you may have if you panel right over them is that you *might* et some condensation in there from cold window/warm interior. If it's panelled over there won't be any way for the condensation to escape.
I had a window van and we just draped the windows, left those panels closed and built the closet up and over it. I could still stash small objects back in there on the window ledge but had to be careful that they didn't slide down the back wall of the closet....
Gideon33w
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My Express van is a window van. Just tinted the backs before putting up the paneling.
Biggest issues are potential condensation and blocking light from degrading whatever you have on the other side.
Otherwise, while the wall ribs are differently placed/spaced/sized there's no difference.
Biggest issues are potential condensation and blocking light from degrading whatever you have on the other side.
Otherwise, while the wall ribs are differently placed/spaced/sized there's no difference.
Randman,
I'm converting a 2012 gmc savana 2500 6L six speed passenger van at the moment and since you're wanting a later model express there are other things to consider. For instance removing all the pretty plastic, rerouting cables in passenger area, seat rail removal and rear airbag removal. I wanted the windows but there is SO much more work involved. Of course that work can be bypassed at the loss of SO much space.
My advice is that if you don't want the windows, wait for a cargo van. You won't regret it.
read:
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-And-it-begins-My-Chevy-Express-3500
I'm converting a 2012 gmc savana 2500 6L six speed passenger van at the moment and since you're wanting a later model express there are other things to consider. For instance removing all the pretty plastic, rerouting cables in passenger area, seat rail removal and rear airbag removal. I wanted the windows but there is SO much more work involved. Of course that work can be bypassed at the loss of SO much space.
My advice is that if you don't want the windows, wait for a cargo van. You won't regret it.
read:
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-And-it-begins-My-Chevy-Express-3500
grandpa pete
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I covered windows in my raised roof 2001 ford conversion van . I made inside panels and covered them with reflexit then covered with black cloth . the cloth is tight against the glass so there is no air space for condensation . I made the inside panels so they " snap fit " behind the ford window trim . It looks like limo tint from the outside . I made removeable fitted panels for the rear door windows when parked .
I've been trying to find an extended Chevy Cargo Van with a 6.0 and they are almost non existent. 4.8's everywhere, but you have a lot of window vans with 6.0. Does anyone have have pictures of extended Chevy Express Van with headliner out so I can see what the air conditioning looks like? Also what have you done with the AC lines coming off the compressor? I'm thinking it would we reasonable to replace them with lines with non rear air lines. I want cabin air. I have a 22' TT so I want the 6.0 for ease of towing.
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