straker101
Observer
I'm counting on it!
'Ruby' the big red GMC Savana!
- Thread starter straker101
- Start date
I'm counting on it!
straker101
Observer
Lol, no problem. Although my wife might argue with you that throwing ten grand into a van in less than two weeks is budget! Especially since it will likely be double that when I'm completely finished.
Slapmackie
Observer
Awesome van man!!!!
Slapmackie
Observer
These would look solid on the rear end, I love mine!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141341560960?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
straker101
Observer
Ha! I've been thinking of picking those up!
In regards to your questions from the NARV thread (lights, backup camera, etc), I'll address those here...
HeadLights: http://www.carid.com/2009-gmc-savan...gular-headlights-led-projector-168043965.html
Fog Light Mount: https://www.amazon.com/LITE-WAY-Lic...85881&sr=8-1&keywords=light+bar+license+plate
Wiring Harness & Switch: https://www.amazon.com/Mictuning-Un...5939&sr=8-1&keywords=sasquatch+wiring+harness
For the backup camera, I had my audio installers mount it with the stereo install. I don't know the brand name but they are all pretty standard. I had it flush mounted beside the 3rd brake light above the back doors. I wanted it higher for trailering. I would prefer it to be angled down a little more (the closest view it gets is a foot or two from the rear bumper - I'd like to be able to see the rear bumper), but I guess thats not possible with it being mounted so clean and flush...
Slapmackie
Observer
Wow, they are proud of those light huh! Thanks for the links, not sure what will fit in my dash and what wont? I have an 07 express. Firestorm sent me his old radio out of a 2013 express but it was just a little too big, probably be better off just taking it somewhere and let the professionals take care of it...
I just scored a 3rd brake light camera from a guy not using his on another thread, looks like it's angled down enough so I will be able to see the bumper. I like how yours is installed, pretty stealthy.
You have any plans on running solar to your van?
Newbie here - first post - but I just picked up an 07 Express and I'm preparing to tear into it a little at a time.
Two questions...
1. What was the estimated cost of the stereo/backup camera/alarm setup? I haven't fooled around with auto stereos since high school, so I have no idea what I'm getting into.
2. I tried to Google this one, but couldn't find an answer... When you installed the Thule rack, did you mount the tower foot to the inside of the putty bead in the rain gutter, or to the outside directly up against the gutter itself? My towers are arriving today, and I'm not really sure if they're going to screw up the putty in there or not, so I thought I'd ask around before mounting them...
Two questions...
1. What was the estimated cost of the stereo/backup camera/alarm setup? I haven't fooled around with auto stereos since high school, so I have no idea what I'm getting into.
2. I tried to Google this one, but couldn't find an answer... When you installed the Thule rack, did you mount the tower foot to the inside of the putty bead in the rain gutter, or to the outside directly up against the gutter itself? My towers are arriving today, and I'm not really sure if they're going to screw up the putty in there or not, so I thought I'd ask around before mounting them...
86cj
Explorer
Nice way to jump into the van world, great looking AWD 1500 Van !!!!!!
Kudos on grabbing a passenger van and making it your own, you can cut the interior plastic and blend it in for nice clean and tidy look, even if the only amount left is a little sliver around the edge. I wanted factory windows and all the options, on a cargo van it cost almost the same as a passenger van new and it included all the nice tight fitting window trim and insulation. Your build looks very nice inside and will work well, working with what you have is just different than starting with an empty tin van. An Explorer AWD conversion van is a good find BTW, I thought a passenger van would be a burden until I started brainstorming the build as I camped out of it, I might even make the choice again unless I build a real four season camper. Having the rear A/C Heat is a must for any DD usage and the remote start from bed can give you either from under the blankets, and reaching the ceiling controls from bed "with your toe" just spoils you.
The view from your raised bed out all those windows is amazing and has turned out to be one of my favorite things about that layout, I opened my eyes with my head still on the pillow and watched a Pileated Woodpecker tear through my firewood pile while camping last weekend, best alarm clock I have had lately. I cut out reflctix just a little bigger (+/- 3/8") than all the windows using the plastic trim panels as a pattern when they were out of the van, they fit like a glove and will stay put even when popped open at 70 mph, "it will sound like a coon eating your snacks though" so far I have not tried to drive with the three front shades installed. They seal all light completely and offer a very good amount of insulation with a single layer, so I have not tried to double it yet.
I have a question about the 17x9 wheels with -12 offset or 4.5 backspace, did you trim the painted fiberglass piece behind the tire or the inner fender metal? You have about 1" less backspacing and the wheel is 1.5" wider, so the face of wheel is 2.5" further out than stock. Great news for the rest of us if they don't rub with 265-70's, that gives us alot more wheel choices......
Kudos on grabbing a passenger van and making it your own, you can cut the interior plastic and blend it in for nice clean and tidy look, even if the only amount left is a little sliver around the edge. I wanted factory windows and all the options, on a cargo van it cost almost the same as a passenger van new and it included all the nice tight fitting window trim and insulation. Your build looks very nice inside and will work well, working with what you have is just different than starting with an empty tin van. An Explorer AWD conversion van is a good find BTW, I thought a passenger van would be a burden until I started brainstorming the build as I camped out of it, I might even make the choice again unless I build a real four season camper. Having the rear A/C Heat is a must for any DD usage and the remote start from bed can give you either from under the blankets, and reaching the ceiling controls from bed "with your toe" just spoils you.
The view from your raised bed out all those windows is amazing and has turned out to be one of my favorite things about that layout, I opened my eyes with my head still on the pillow and watched a Pileated Woodpecker tear through my firewood pile while camping last weekend, best alarm clock I have had lately. I cut out reflctix just a little bigger (+/- 3/8") than all the windows using the plastic trim panels as a pattern when they were out of the van, they fit like a glove and will stay put even when popped open at 70 mph, "it will sound like a coon eating your snacks though" so far I have not tried to drive with the three front shades installed. They seal all light completely and offer a very good amount of insulation with a single layer, so I have not tried to double it yet.
I have a question about the 17x9 wheels with -12 offset or 4.5 backspace, did you trim the painted fiberglass piece behind the tire or the inner fender metal? You have about 1" less backspacing and the wheel is 1.5" wider, so the face of wheel is 2.5" further out than stock. Great news for the rest of us if they don't rub with 265-70's, that gives us alot more wheel choices......
The stock wheels are +31mm offset so a -12mm offset wheel center is 43mm (1.69") further out than stock. So the tire only moves out 1.69". The outside wheel lip is further out, but the inside lip doesn't move out as much, the tire is still centered on the wheel regardless of width. I find it better to compare using offset for tire clearance rather than backspace.
straker101
Observer
Welcome to this forum! I'm pretty new too.
1. My entire system (audio, camera and remote start) ran me around $2500 Canadian. The dealer was having a huge sale so I probably saved at least $1500. That price included install as well.
2. I used the Thule Gutter Foot Pack 300, which pinches the rain gutters. They are made for rain gutter so I don't think you need to worry about any damage. Is this what you got? - - - - https://www.thule.com/en-us/ca/roof-rack/accessories/thule-gutter-foot-pack-300-_-1008
straker101
Observer
Thanks for the kudos 86cj! This was a fun project and I'm stoked how its turning out so far!
Do you leave your reflectix panels on the windows all the time or just put them up when sleeping in the van? I'd like to find an easy in/out solution for shading when camping, but don't want something that is left covering windows all the time. Would like something I can throw on the windows in a couple of minutes.
As for my wheels, the -12 offset did cause a bit of rubbing at full lock. I had to trim back approximately 3" of the inner fender metal and about 1.5" of the inside fiberglass directly behind the tires. Metal look about 5 minutes with tin snips and for the fiberglass I just used a mini fine-tooth hacksaw. Was super simple and took no time at all. There is absolutely no cosmetic difference unless you get right in the wheel well to check it out.
straker101
Observer
Yep exactly. The tire is pushed out 43mm, but actually sticks out a bit further than that due to the increased tire width over stock.