DIY Chevy Express 2WD Van Conversion | Build 3 Tour
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2023
- Our Betty 3.0 van tour is finally here. It's been four long months of frantic DIY building to give Badass Betty the major van conversion upgrade she needed. We've turned her from a regular old delivery van into a 2WD overlanding vanlife monster! We are so excited to share a glimpse of Betty's interior and to pour over all the other details of her big upgrade.
#diyvanbuild #diyvanconversion #chevyexpress #vanlife #slowroamers #youtuber #subscribe #travelvlog #happy
We want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who helped make this dream possible, including all the brands that have come on board.
To Roger & Monica who provided the shop and home to stay in while we rebuilt Betty.
To Mom & Dad Jackson for your ever-present support in this grand endeavour.
To Mother Dog (Pam) and Aunty Debbo for your contributions to the project.
And to everyone else who added their little piece of support, thank you!
Our Sponsors & Contributors
- REE Solar: A big thank you to Phil from REE for setting us up with our entire electrical system. We will always stand by your product because we love it. It has never let us down!
- High Top Van: Micah & Lindsay, you guys rock! Thank you both for helping us with the hightop install and providing a place to stay while we did the work!
- WeldTec Designs: The very best in lift kits for Chevy Express' and Ford Econolines. We love our lift and we're coming for more!
- myBOXIO: Thank you for your support and for helping keep our planet just a little bit cleaner.
- Clear Source: Thank you for keeping our water clean and our bellies healthy.
- Tiny Stove: Thank you Andre for you support and for keeping us warm and cozy with your amazing little fire box.
- SETPOWER: Keeping it cool and classy! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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ive never seen a build fit so much in such little space, pretty impressive.
😁🙌🏻🙌🏻 might be why it’s so heavy.🤷🏼♂️🤣
Well laid out . I give the funnel ⭐️⭐️. 😎🔧💪
Hands down the sneakiest but most fav innovation. 😁😁😁🙌🏻
Great video
Thanks Johnny!🙌🏻
Congrats on the build! It was super fun to watch it evolve to 3.0 👏👏
Thanks so much and thank you for watching the series!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Agreed!
Excellent build. 👍🤙😆
Thanks Janet!!🙌🏻
I love so many things about this video. Some of my best adventure happened in a 2wd 1989 Toyota Pickup. Y’all are amazing and I can’t wait to meet this iteration of Pretty Betty. I WANNA MEET THEM SPICES.
Awww, thanks Luis! We’ll let you know if we’re coming close to your area, but it won’t likely be in the winter unfortunately.
Awesome build. I'm adding a pee funnel to my list of upgrades :) I love the handles.
Hahaha, heck yes! We have @napkinthebus to thank for that, check them out on IG.
@@SlowRoamers will do. thanks im not familiar with that handle.
Just where I post all photos.😁
Love your workmanship. Yeah Megan. Great team work.
Thanks mooom!
From Betty 1.0 to 3.0, the transformation & improvements look impressive, a lot of work for sure, but satisfying to have a build that suit your want & needs. Two-tone paint job looks sharp as well as the roof rack on the hi-top. You could probably start a business fabricating hi-top roof racks & bumpers.
Thanks so much the kind words. It’s been a dream of mine to really boil down everything I need and shove it into a van, this was the project to do it. When we’re back and stationary I may look into starting a van build company once again and possibly add aluminum rack building into the mix. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻🙌🏻
Very, very compact thoughtful build. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words!😁🙌🏻
I enjoyed every moment of your tour because all of the innovations and features of Betty 3.0 are incredible!
Thanks Mitchell! We had a lot of time to think and plan this build. I’m so stoked that it’s been executed to plan.😁😁
Wow! The attention to detail for this build is off the charts! Everything is custom, you certainly took what you learned from your last trip and put it into this build. It takes so much time to think of what you want, get the parts to do what you want, and then acutally build it, nicely done!👍
😁😁😁😁🥹, thanks you guys. It’s nice when you have the opportunity to take from all your previous travel experience. I definitely tried to learn from it all and apply it. Thanks for watching. I hope we get to see you both again.
Cool! Looking forward to your next adventure. Subs >4600!
Slowly climbing!😁 thanks for watching 🙌🏻
Damn, this is one of the best express builds I have seen. Great work.
Aww, thaaanks! We’re pretty proud of her.
I have a Chevy g20 van with a high top, essentially the same dimensions as this but older. This is such a beautiful and perfect design, I hope you don’t mind that I’m definitely going to steal slot of these design elements because this is by far the best used of space in one of these vans that combines livability, storage, and comfort in such a great balance. Beautiful rig and well done
Thanks James! Effective space usage is one of my favourite challenges. Thanks for watching!
@@SlowRoamers well I just got my van a few months ago, and I’m not a huge fan of how the previous owner did the layout. The bed is permanent, so no good seating area, and the storage is very disorganized. Hence, I’ve been scouring the internet looking for design inspiration when I stumbled upon y’all’s build. I’m seriously so impressed by the functional and sleek design that really uses the space well without being cluttered. Conveniently, my Chevy is nearly the same dimensions as y’all’s, just an older gen. Also RWD, but I’ve never really found that to be too limiting. Would you be comfortable sharing your google sketch up files you used to design your interior? I’m planning to go semi-full time when I finish my studies in the spring, and am in the early stages of planning the rebuild. Thanks for sharing the process, it’s immensely helpful and inspiring to see how successful y’all have been!
You guys are amazing
Aww, thank you!!
Nice! It actually seems much more straight-forward, when you tour Betty after all is said and done. Having watched the videos, we know it was more of an organized Chaos, lol.
Your attention to detail, and clever/ simple solutions as well as fine craftsmanship are all evident through this guided tour. Looks truly amazing!
Can't wait to see the places you find on your upcoming travels! Again, give me a heads-up before you pass thru North Van if you two want to grab a beer at the Bridgedeck (on Lonsdale -- parking's rarely a problem right across from it).
Cheers!...from North Vancouver
Thanks Adrian, it’s been one heck of a project! We’re super stoked to get underway with our adventures. We’ll be through North Van first week of October.😁
Love this!
Regarding the 4x4 conversion cost vs. benefit like you mentioned, a good compromise may be installing a locking differential in the rear. I’m not as familiar with the modern gen of vans, but with the g-series vans you can get a kit to replace the stock open differential with a locking differential for under $1k, and I’ve found Rwd vehicles with this feature to be nearly just as capable as a 4x4. Especially where snow, mud, and sand is concerned. Alternatively, limited slip differentials perform really well too, with the added benefit of more stability on pavement where icy conditions may exist. Just a thought I had when you were discussing the choice not to convert to 4x4. Plus, converting to a 4x4 usually includes a lot of aftermarket parts that may be hard to fix or source parts for if anything happens on the road.
Not to worry. Were currently lining up a Chevy 14 bolt full float with 4.10’s and a g80 locker. 😁😁🤘🏼
@@SlowRoamers beautiful. I’ve been really impressed how capable these vans are offroad with some good tires and occasionally snow chains
Well the rehearsal paid off, really great presentation, not to mention the truly professional end result, really impressive build.
Thanks Jim! Meg did a great job of touring, a real natural in front of the camera. 😁
Wow 😮. Absolutely amazing! I’m saving up to buy a van (hopefully my dads E-350. I was worried that I would have issues since it’s not 4x4 but you have given me much more confidence. You also gave me so really great ideas for the actual build! I only just recently found your channel and will be going back and watching all your build videos and obviously following along for all your adventures. Do you happen to know what video you modified the sliding door. The van I’m looking to buy has windows all around since it’s a passenger van but I don’t want all the windows. Anyways amazing build!
Heyyy! Thanks for tuning in and glad we’ve inspired your build.😁 Look for the thumbnail that says “more windows”. That’s when I modified the sliding door. Your windows will be held in my a very tough glue, you’ll need a fresh x-acto blade and a lot of time to cut it out. What I did to seal was put a strip of adhesive foam about 3/4” inset into the aluminum sheet and then a bead of sealant on the edge of the sheet, then stuck it in and used self tapping screws. The screws were sealed as well. Good luck!
A new camaraderie is born .. great to see!
Wow! This is wonderful! The end result after your months-long hard work is truly impressive!i love it. Congratulations, Alex and Meg! Are you going to be living in Betty full time? After a trip to Tuktoyaktuk this summer in my truck camper, I'm ready to upgrade to a camper van like yours. I think I will go with a Chevy Express too. By the way, I'm about 170 cm tall. After adding this high top, will I be able to stand up fully in the van?
Heyyy! First off, thanks for watching! We’re going to Tuk next summer and super stoked to get back to YT/NWT. The Express platform is really great, I’m a huge proponent for the vans. I’m 168cm and need to stoop quite a bite. I’d call up Micah & Lindsay at High Too Vans and talk to them about their 24” high top if you want to stand up fully. Make sure to let them know I sent you.😉
@@SlowRoamers Thanks for your suggestion. Yes, I will contact them when I'm ready and for sure won't forget to mention your name then. I'm glad you have Tuk in your bucket list. Dempster Highway is truely amazing. You'll love it. Keep on roaming!
I’ve driven to Inuvik before, but arrived there mere months prior to the opening of the high to Tuk. Meg has made it to the Arctic Circle sign but was barred from entering NWT due to Covid, so we’re going back to make that right this time.😁
@@SlowRoamers I see. All the best to you both and I'm looking forward to seeing the videos of your Arctic trip.
Nice woodwork and unique cabinet pull knobs.
Clean look to the cabinet faces made out of solid sheets of plywood.
** casually busts out the #peefunnel like it's nbd!!
haha, how is that working out? 🤔
Thanks Patrick! The pee funnel is actually working out so good! No more dumping all our heat out the door in cold climates!
Love it. Can you both stand up in the van?
Megan can, I can't, but we planned it that way. I don't need to stand, but Meg does.
I think it's crazy that nobody mass produces a b pillar legun mount for the express and econoline.
So you’re saying there a market opportunity there?😁
What type of hobbies do you guys do when you have to stay inside . Crafts, carving, sewing ????
Maybe all of the above given the opportunity. Personally, I’m always busy with photo and video editing, but I’d like to do carving or leatherwork. Meg reads a lot.
Crafting is tough because we don’t want to create a bunch of little trinkets that we then have to store. I had knitting and painting supplies in tow on our last journey that didn’t see the light of day 😅
Aside from reading, I like to come up with elaborate recipes to make on rainy days. We also never skip out on nature time, so a long rainy walk is usually in order. Plus catching up on computer work, I’m in charge of the admin side of things while Alex does the creating 🙂
Sorry for all the questions, but I watched your other videos and I am curious how you secured the cabinetry to the fiberglass top without compromising the fiberglass? Thanks
Glued furring strips to the ceiling, the braced them from the roof flange. The cabinets are built to sit on the roof flange and help to hold up the ceiling. I just PL premium to adhere the strips, and they were pinned up against the ceiling overnight.
@@SlowRoamers ah very clever. It seems a lot of your design is meant to be supported by gravity more than anything which I really admire
I would really like to know about the P funnel. Do you have that going to a black water tank or doing something different. This is something that I struggle with the in my own van
Honestly, it just runs out the bottom of the van. We only use it while wild camping when we’d be peeing outside anyway. There’s also the BOXIO option which is great, a little separating toilet does wonders for being self contained in a city situation.
What material/type of wood did you use for the cabinetry? Curious to find a strong but lightweight solution for my build
5/8 prefinished birch ply. If I was rich and had a lot more time and patience I might go with a cabinet grade 1/2” baltic birch. But the 5/8 does fine.
@@SlowRoamers very nice. I’ve seen some folks use hardwoods or pine and I always worry about the weight considerations. Seems like you struck a good balance between strength and weight with the interior design
Can I get the plans for that pull out couch
Sorry, I don’t have any. If you watch the latest tour video I explain it in a little more detail.
Hey Alex! So I'm going through the process of scouting out a Dana 60 rear with the G80 gov lock. It's seems to be the only "locker" option for our vans unless I'm mistaken. Have you taken a dive down this particular rabbit hole? Great vids as always, cheers!
Hey Corey! Good plan. I think you’ll sooner find a Chevy 14 bolt than a Dana 60. If you’re ok with the rear axle being a little narrow and you’re not scared of a little fab work you can use an axle out of Silverado 2500, they often come with a g80. If you’ve got the 12 bolt Dana 70 semi float there really aren’t that many locker options. I may have located a 14 bolt full float with g80 out of an express which I’ll be installing later this month. They’re unicorn axles, but your best bolt in option.
Thanks for the heads up and super stoked to see the rear end swap video lol!@@SlowRoamers
@@zepperhead89 I'm stoked to get started!
@zepperhead89 axle swap video coming SOON. The actual swap is expected to happen by this weekend (in Phoenix).
@@alistairjackson7658 I can't wait to see it. This will be my instructional course for my own axle swap. Best of luck to you guys!
Is she Indian?
I can guess from the amount of spices kept in a van
lol, yes she is and she loves to cook too.
😂
Hi. Being tall, do you find the spilt mattress uncomfortable ?
It’s 6’6” long, I think the only thing I’d prefer is a thicker mattress. I rarely notice the separation in the mattress.
@@SlowRoamers thank you
Your cmaera is on your wife not on the van