Overland Van Build, GMC Savana

[dar395]

Coming to an end for the build



Reaching the end of the build you will see some added touches to the build for comfort in the travel area of the vehicle, small items such as the silverware holder which is nothing more than 1 1/2 inch pcv pipe mounted to the counter or the tile being installed for the kitchen area as well as a counter end to hold many small items. These all have a total cost of around ten bucks. But then understand that these items allow much of these item to be accessed from the out side all in easy reach for cooking and such, very little space is used.

 

[dar395]

More installs




Much of the build has been off the clearance racks, this drain was purchased at Ikea and was a great find as it saved much space under the sink area allowing for the drain to move on the bottom of the sink to the outer wall leaving the cupboard space free.

 

[dar395]

Triming it out



Triming out the van changed it a great deal, as the budget build is still in the works you will take notice that some of the trim is just plywood cut down and sanded to cover joints and such.

 

[dar395]

Cleaning up odds & ends

:Wow1:Getting it all in place, cleaned and enjoying! And under budget:smiley_drive::smiley_drive:



Trying to show a little class not just a budget build letting others know that Van travel can be done on a smaller budget. A great movie with a glass of wine, to morning coffee can be enjoyed while we lounge or a great night sleep after a hike, bike ride or great urban adventure that we might find.

 

[86scotty]

Just found this thread. Sweet home build! I really like your interior/wooden ceiling etc.

 

[rockbender]

Nice work! Very functional. What are you using the space behind the TV for? Is it only accessible with the rear door open?

 

[dar395]

86 scotty thanks for the words, the ceiling wood planking added .94 R value to the foam board insulation and was able to cover it as all of the wood with Marine Spar Varnish to cut down on the moisture transfers, the sound deaden effect is close to something like road-mat. Traveled about 4,200 miles with it in and so far it was a great choice.

 

[dar395]

Rockbender the space is only when the rear door is open, the space is to be used for equipment as I enjoy urban exploration and carry ropes, boots an gear. The space is small for the need it only about 23" deep by 13" wide the TV may make it look larger as it's only about 17" across but found to be great in a down pour. My greatest error in the van build was not waiting for a long wheel base to begin with, as always S.O.L, but the van is working out great.

 

[spencyg]

I really like how the headliner came out. I've seen a few conversions now that utilize naturally finished wood (not plywood...real wood) and the look is appealing. Boomer will be getting some serious interior renovations in the coming years and your work here may inspire some of the plans. Great job.

SG

 

[dar395]

Many updates to the Van as we approach the build on a budget, bring the cost of the project together and it looks as if were under the $4,000 budget

 

[96Delica]

VERY nice!

 

[dar395]

You may see one or two photo's duped, in this build which is the first of this kind for us and we have kept some records on the errors we have made, as in countless errors. But that was not our goal, no perfect build, none needed. We wanted to try and build a fun road worthy van that any one could understand and take to just about anyplace they wish.

In the start the only place we looked to find the vehicle was government surplus sites, I thought it should be something anyone could do. We both knew we can get on a plane and fly to pick it up if needed "No Big Deal" just part of the understanding as we do this with our 4wd trucks and have for years.

Some do not know just how many vehicles are sold by States and the Feds, as I write there is a great looking 1988 Suburban with under 4,000 miles 4x4 hey maybe $1,500 or so, I already have my 3 burb's. Check out GSA Auctions.

The down side as I see it, very little in the way of options. If look close in the photo's you may even find one kept inside.

 

[dar395]

This is a group of photo's showing just how many steps to install a sink, great drain for this install is an Ikea item and saves a lot of space. The silver ware rack just PCV pipe cut painted and bolted into place. Small item rack on the end of the cabinet, the other note that may be taken, at first we were unaware of the need to reach items such as silverware, pans, tin foil as we tried our first and second setup, this is our third try and is working much better. The counter as well many of the items are in arms reach. Under the bed and other area's of the van, no doors to open, clothes can be hung in the open on hangers if need be and all of the open space is now in the area directly behind the cockpit seats giving lots of room to move about with the doors closed and the bed up in couch mode a cup of coffee or a night glass of wine while watching the boob tube when it's raining. We like to be out doors and were not thinking of the inside needs of space until on first try we were caught up in the April monsoon in Alabama, now the fem can take a pee while having a beer!

 

[96Delica]

How do you keep all the stuff from flying around when you're driving? Microwave etc

 

[96Delica]

I really like how the headliner came out. I've seen a few conversions now that utilize naturally finished wood (not plywood...real wood) and the look is appealing. Boomer will be getting some serious interior renovations in the coming years and your work here may inspire some of the plans. Great job.

SG

Ditto. Once I can afford to have the Delica not to be my DD, it will be getting a full camperization. I like this layout quite a bit!