2000 Cargo Van interior

[Harleybowtie]

So you're thinking, 'what about the other poles ?'
Made this out of the left over drain tube. Glued on the carpet, capped one end and hung it under the shelf
with a couple made in USA Gear Ties ( reusable rubber twist ties )
https://www.niteize.com/collection/Gear-Tie.asp

[Leeann_93]

Those look great.

[Lumpy]

They do look great.

What kind of jig and saw did you use to rip the pipe and keep the cut straight?


Lump

[Harleybowtie]

Just a 10" portable table saw. It's in one of the pics on the last post of page 5.

[Harleybowtie]

One of the last bare spots in my Astro got my attention this week. When I bought it it was a bare bones cargo van with the steel partition between the cab & the back. Apparently when they sell 'em like that they delete the plastic moldings on the door posts. I pulled the passenger side trim at the pick & pull but could not find the drivers side cargo trim. So I made my own.
I used a section of the plastic pipe I had left over and with the heat gun and some creative clamping I fashioned it into a usable piece that I then covered with the gray carpet. I'm pleased with the results. It wasn't a quick job but time well spent in my mind.

[Lumpy]

B pillar cover fab up... Just genius!

Have you had a lot of experience with whatver kind of contact cement or glue you're using for the carpet to plastic stuff? Does it come loose over time/heat etc? I seem to have horrible luck with any kind of adhesive in a vehicle unless it's horizontal on the floor. Everything vertical or overhead fails within a year or two.


Lump

[Harleybowtie]

Lumpy, I don't have a lot of experience with the glue. On this one I used contact cement. You brush it on both surfaces and wait for it to dry. You need to be pretty accurate putting them together. No chance to adjust. As for how long it will last I have no idea. I don't live in the desert so excessive heat is not a problem. I'll do a running scientific experiment and get back to you.

[redrodbadz]

Dude!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the versatility and use of available space! I'm getting some great ideas from your build that I may apply to my passenger camper build!

[Harleybowtie]

Here's an update. After three years of evolution this is the current configuration.

[Lumpy]

Details, please...on how you've enclosed the ends of those hanging wire racks with carpet. Last we saw it was bungee cords. Did you add wood triangles or ???


Lump

[Harleybowtie]

Details, please...on how you've enclosed the ends of those hanging wire racks with carpet. Last we saw it was bungee cords. Did you add wood triangles or ???


Lump

Hi Lumpy, yeah, I added masonite triangles on the ends and put a bottom of that shelf then covered it with the carpeting. Adds a little rigidity without
adding a lot of weight. Notice in the upper corner it uses the rack end . Velcro sticks to the carpet very nicely for putting battery operated led lights wherever
needed . I also finally got around to getting a second deep cycle AGM for my battery bank.

[Lumpy]

Van-Ize...


Lump

[imtb]

Pretty impressive build. Add some solar and you can go off grid!

[Harleybowtie]

Solar is on the "to do" list along with a Fan tastic fan roof vent.

[Harleybowtie]

I'm upgrading my van roof vent to a FanTastic Fan. Three speeds, thermostatically controlled , with reverse. That's right, it sucks and blows. It comes in white plastic and I just couldn't live with that. The hatch is tinted blue and the van is blue so I went to NAPA and had them whip me up a spray can of Cadet Blue. I must say it's a real close match. It'll sort of 'hide' the vent for stealth camping. Install went well, need to finish off the interior trim.

[WoodButcher]

As usual, nice work.
Now you need a rack to hide the vent,,,

Just a thought, maybe incorporate solar panels into the rack with a small airspace between the roof and panels for insulation against direct sun on the roof?

[Harleybowtie]

Thanks WB. I have a different idea for the solar set up. Today I finished off the inside trim and painted the white goop.
Don't know if it'll last but like how it turned out. Notice I was able to keep the factory roof light, only had to trim it a bit.

[Harleybowtie]

I finally got around to addressing the rear door not having an inside latch or lock. After studying the linkage I came up with a simple solution. Picked up some 10-24 threaded rod , assorted nuts & clamps, a couple rubber grommets and a couple black lock 'buttons'. Drilled a couple holes, cut & bent the threaded rod , and presto,
a stealth escape hatch. ( EDIT: presto = all day) LOL.

Now I can exit & enter through the back door while camping. The side door can be a bit noisy as you guys & gals know.
http://s285.photobucket.com/user/PanCla ... ear%20Door

[Astrofarian]

A great mod that "should" have been part of GM's plan all along. Now you can sneak out for a morning wizz without waking anyone up beside you, right? LoL

Great mod and you'll never have to worry about the dreaded busted outside handle dance again!

-M!ke-

[Harleybowtie]

Exactly Mike. It'll go great with my next addition.