2013 GMC Savana 3500 Overland Build

[ExpoMike]

Starting to gather more parts. Needed the tank, so I can mount it before I install the floor over the mounting area. 5.9 gal tank.



After a bunch of research and reading of all the issues with MaxAir fans, this one seems to be a good, quality alternative. Luckily it uses the same mounting flange style as MaxAir so if I ever really need to, I can swap it over. It uses a brushless motor, so a little quieter and less power use too. NomaticArk Air Plus 355

 

[ExpoMike]

So someone on FB had posted the script to use Gemini AI to do vehicle models. Let's just say I have been having some fun.... I am going to repaint the black and am most likely going blue, so here are some ideas.

 

[RVflyfish]

Wait, are you able to make actual models?

Do you know of a script that lets you do interior mockups?

 

[ExpoMike]

Wait, are you able to make actual models?

Do you know of a script that lets you do interior mockups?

No, this is ALL AI generated. I put a picture into Gemini AI and then a text script that I found from someone on FB, the let it do it's thing. Once it created the model, I could then ask to change colors or graphics. There is no physical item. No idea how you would do interior mockups.

 

[RVflyfish]

Oh wow, the things you can do with AI. 😎

 

[86scotty]

Your silver/blue (?) Chevy van before vanlife looks almost exactly like my first moto van, though I had a passenger model and it had the rally steelies with chrome trim rings. Little 305 under the huge doghouse, loved that thing. Stacked lots of enduro bikes in there with friends and had a blast every weekend before actual responsibilities.

I think my first van mod ever was taking out the horrible vinyl OEM seats and bolting in some Dodge Caravan velour (ooh la la) models with armrests.

Here's a similar pic from the net, not my van. Mine was solid color same as yours.

 

[ExpoMike]

Playing around with AI a little more, I think we might have found our color/graphic scheme. The wife even liked it. I also worked with a logo graphic that I had a professional designer create for me. I had AI create a logo with the turtle I had designed. I think this is our new logo.

 

[ExpoMike]

The other night I picked up 4 sheets of 1/2 Baltic birch plywood, that I am going to use for the floor. Since the previous owner had removed all of the factory seat tracks and then welded in half height Unistrut rails, I am going to use the Unistrut as the mounting points for the floor. My plan is to install strips across the width of the van, doing roughly 16" on center. Then I am going to run strips on top of the Unistrut between these cross pieces, basically making a grid. I have insulation that will go into the voids and then sheets of plywood will cover the grid. This way I get a very strong anchor to the floor, without having to punch any hold through the floor.

Today I got pieces ripped down and a number of them cut for the width before I ran out of time.





More to come as I make progress...

 

[86scotty]

Just noticed your seat swivel, I had skipped over that. Thats a very nice product.

You can take some 2x2 pine, carpet it and make a box on the floor around that swivel base which makes an excellent catch all/storage spot for things under the seat. I've kept first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, gloves, flashlights under those for years.

 

[ExpoMike]

Just noticed your seat swivel, I had skipped over that. Thats a very nice product.

You can take some 2x2 pine, carpet it and make a box on the floor around that swivel base which makes an excellent catch all/storage spot for things under the seat. I've kept first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, gloves, flashlights under those for years.

Good idea. Still trying to plan the layout but I figure that can really get started once I get the subfloor in.

 

[ExpoMike]

Did a little work this past weekend. Reinstalled the front headliner and added some sound deadening to the side walls. We drove it last night and it seems a little quieter inside.

I also started a new IG page, if you want to follow along a little more in real time. https://www.instagram.com/turtle_overland/

 

[thatcabledude]

Hope you keep this thread updated also

 

[ExpoMike]

Hope you keep this thread updated also

Absolutely. This is my primary build spot. IG is just a side thing but since it's easy to do updates in real time, it might get some a day or two before I post up here.