VAN TOUR // 1991 Chevy G20 Van Converted to Campervan (With No Experience!)
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- This is our 1991 Chevy G20 Van that my wife and I completely gutted and turned into a tiny home on wheels! We plan to make more improvements but this is where we are right now. Subscribe to see more videos going into detail about every aspect of our build!
I’m gonna buy a 1992 g30 and convert it I’m excited
This is so amazing!! Can’t wait to see travel videos.
Doubt you're gonna see this, but this video actually inspired me to do the same. Ended up being a g30 from 95, but I'm loving it
Picking up my old g20 in a couple weeks to start a conversion. Great video thanks for all the ideas!
Awesome! Trying to get back to making some more videos after the holidays
How much interior height do you have?
We must live in a simulation because every vanlife guy looks exactly the same
I do love the inside it's not overkill and you still have everything you need
I'm inheriting a 1990 g20 from my step father that passed away last year, and I think I really want to do something cool with it like this. I'll save this video for inspiration, thanks!
Personally I just don't like the stigma surrounding these vans right now. They're good vans but no one is going to know just how good as long as they believe the stigma. Speaking solely based on stigma, the main advantage of these vans, is they're small, strong, and nimble. It's a combo you don't get with any other vehicle. Added bonuses are the fact that they're GM, so despite their age they can use all the latest GM V8 engines, for engine swaps. It's odd, because there are so many different sub cultures of car mods, and van builds, or vehicle builds in general, and they don't ever seem to come together, or cross each other often enough for us to get a truly amazing result from it all. This vehicle is like the one, and nobody sees it, but me, and just a few other people. It's literally like a gold mine, and people have no idea. A lot of sprinter builds aren't built based on anything else, and so you have to do the same thing here because you can't build this thing out like a sprinter. It's just not a sprinter. Granted these are cheaper, and easier to obtain, but if your goal is a sprinter, then you're just not gonna do so well with this. They are two different vans, that bring different things to the table. You may not be interested in the advantages a G20 van brings to the table, but you can't build one out like it's the other just because it's cheaper, and easier to get a hold of. To truly appreciate, and maximize a G20 van build, you have to build it out based on what it brings to the table, and respecting it's unique contribution... Now, you can say, it's just something you did, and it's whatever, but the distain for G20 vans is what I see ultimately the impression it gives. There's way too much disrespect for these vans going around inside of the hype for van life and alternative living, however van life is still evolving, so I'm hoping that can be rectified so long as we say something about it when we see it and don't just let it continue. I feel there is so much more and better we could be achieving with van life and that g20s are key.
Don’t know about any stigma? We have a 1997 gmc Savana conversion high top. Bought it 10 years ago for under 6k, no rust, 170 k miles now. I have done a dual purpose build inside so when we are not camping I have an daily driver that can haul anything. This van rides sweet, looks custom after having the lower painted, the top painted, dual out the back magnaflow exhaust, fog lights, lots of wax…..not another white van!! I have owned 5 vans over the years and probably will own at least one more. I study vans for fun and the new trend in pro master ish/ sprinter vans are practical I suppose if I was going to “live” in a van or only use it for a hotel, but I use a van like a truck, I like buying my vehicles for cash, and I enjoy the engineering and design work retro fitting multi use interiors, so……… for me the next van could be a 3/4 ton or 1 ton, high top vintage no rust find. Don’t care what year, will stick with the bomb proof V8, the solid frame, the reliability of a Chevy/gmc/ford.
Of course when the new age van trend pumps used rams, transits, sprinters into the market at attractive cash prices, maybe, never know?
@@faceinthecrowd5810 yeah you know exactly what I'm talking about. Engines design everything but you're like the few people that actually know this stuff. The masses and the people that are blowing up on van life are like completely oblivious to all of this and it's weird. I somewhat agree the printers/pro masters are super practical for the typical van life lifestyle but I see it evolving so I think it's still up on the air depending on where it's going. I agree with buying cash too but only because the new ones arent actually any better so from a super technical perspective's if you follow the logic you'll see the g20 is a like a nugget of gold right now. A 97 is different van though and sadly they're not affected buy the stigma at all. They have the modern appearance so they get a 100% pass for the ages. G20s rub people the wrong way all the time. Even a 1960s Volkswagen van as unpractical and expensive will never get the levels of disdain. It's extremely unfortunate they can look really good but nobody gives them a chance. So I already know when I build mine, the official word is gonna be "wow nice van dude!"🤟😁 ... "So when are you gonna get a sprinter?"😄 ... 😒
@@faceinthecrowd5810 the disrespect is pretty simple. It's not "I decided to go with the G20 van", no it's, "I didn't get the sprinter"🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@vincenzopromedia 😎. No sprinter for me . My budget for the next van is under 20K….after build. I prefer not much beyond 100k so we can put about 5 to 10 years of use on it, using it to pull my lawn mowing business, travel the US, and go to the store. That’s how my 97 is used now. Honestly if the rust can be minimized my preference would be to simply keep my current van till I die, I’m 64. The vibe of older stuff is to me cool, anyone can have a “new van” just spend the cash, it is special to keep something 25 years old in cherry condition. I had a 1987 Vanagon Syncro back 20 years ago, Even though it was super under powered, it was such a unique van, also the euro van was nice with the 5 speed but expensive to fix. My custom 1977 dodge tradesman was excellent but the tranny had no overdrive and sucked for highway driving….who knows it might be the best move to keep what I got and stay on top of the repairs. A full rust and paint is cheaper than a “new van”
Who cares what folks think about the g20 frees them up for the ones to do like them to find them and build them the way they would like
Amazing convertion. And actually van looks like is in a very good condition for its age.
Link for ac please
Love your set up. I'm building my 1997 Dodge Ram and so far, your video has given me more simple ideas. Thank you!
When you have a propane tank enclose areas make sure you got a carbon monoxide tester
Hey guys.... love your van build! Simple and efficient. :) Mine is going to be pretty similar. I have a 91 G30 hightop and I would really love to see/learn how you installed your solar panels. Do you have photos of that and some information on it please? Thank you!! Happy trails!
How high is the roof?
So amazingly simple yet so amazingly functional. I'm a little older than you and am very inspired by your vid than you! 🙏
For your own personal safety have an 8" survivor knife, stun gun, mace, and machete, I added a Bruni New Police 9mm Pak blank pistol (very loud) and a .50 cal Umarex TR50 Paintball Revolver paintball airgun to my RV arsenal. Both are non-lethal and each is under $100. I added on each side of the RV solar motion sensor LED lights and have an intruder alert. Remember even if you do not have a gun you can bluff "Go away I am armed with a gun.". It may be a good idea to have some M80 firecrackers when you hear a weird noise or someone prowling around light one and throw it out the window the bang will scare most living entities away.
😂 that's a funny now that life and people is getting off track it could be pretty dangerous. The best defense is being good staing aler and try to stay away from people. Maybe in the desert mountains. Or forest.
Bluffing is a good idea. I try to stay positive. I will go with non letal self defense mechanism. M80 will be on the list. Good idea.
I would like to know the brand of frig and microwave. Also I would like to know what you used on your ceiling and walls.
Both are insignia. Ceiling and walls are mdf board. Will do videos on that soon. Been working on a couple big projects but will be back to making videos soon.
So glad I found you. I have a 93 G20 that I bought in 2021. I’m looking for ideas on how to improve the build. Love what you have done. Its beautiful. This is the first time I have seen the air conditioner unit you used. Thank you, thank you for posting!
Same. I am still thinking of one of those expencive under dash AC units that don’t draw from the motor. However, If this will get the job done, I may just choose this as well. 1,500 bucks from looks, with battery.
I have a 94 G20 , great vans imo . Great job you did on yours also !
NICE ONE 😊 from philippines
Hey🤗this is so cute really girly with the colors, ( wife happy) so minimalist and nice build,enjoy your journeys 🌻
Amazing how the dash behind the steering wheel looks identical to the one in my 1981 G30 van.
I own G20 standard, no fiberglass roof. It has been my home for 5 years, no build whatsoever! Mine is a 93 and it has been in the family since delivery day.
Just found you guys! I love it!! you guys have so many great ideas and I love how your van looks! I have a 1988 Chevy G20 and Im building it out now! You guys have some awesome content! I'm so excited I found your channel!
Have a 1991 also, good job there.
@@farmall1951c so cool! I love the older vans
I am going to buy a van like an older model chevy. Even though I'm 5'10" I can still fit in diagonally on the bed. Plus, it's each easier to park than a full-sized RV. I have driven a chevy van like the one you have and I liked the way it handled on winter roads.
@@obekiro99 that’s awesome! How fun! Yeah I built my bed horizontally and I still have plenty of space bc I’m only 5’3” hahaha I can stand up in it too for that reason. I have found it’s so much easier to park too. It actually fits in regular parking spaces.
@@margiesvanmorihow’s the van going? I’m in the market and saw a 1989 G20! Fully converted inside. The only thing that worries me is parts.
I own a 1991 Chevrolet G20 Tiara Van. Its blue on the inside. Was it hard to put stuff on the roof. It's an ok setup. Too much wasted space. My bed is a queen. What size did y'all start with?
got it in my recommendation...glad It came...small yet roomy... simple but fulfill requirements 👍👍👍 Best wishes
I was looking at that refrigerator in that color for my little RV. Got the microwave in pink, well it looks like my microwave. It’s a little different where the buttons are. But it looks retro.
looking at an old G20 from 1993.... worried it would be too old. any advice?
nice, looking chevy van. thank, you for you're video. Random vanners east coast VA. 2%
Hello Brian I have a question I just bought a 1990 Chevy van just like yours and it has limo lights on the roof will I be able to install my Max Air deluxe fan still 🤞 crossing my fingers I don't have to remove the limo lights cuz I really dig them I love them but I also want my Max Air deluxe fan installed.
I have a 1991 Chevrolet G20 and my air conditioner isn't working right. Any tips you can give me?
Nice build; simple, sweet, clever, and a very personable presenter 😉. I full time and in an `18 Transit Connect high top (Fiberine) with cubbies, solar, DC/DC charger, 200BB Amps, 1t4 scale 6-string, and much more (for just me). I agree, drawers are a waste of space, nice looking, but nonetheless. Like that ac too. I may post at some point. Have fun, stay safe and well.
Thanks! Would love to see yours if you ever make some videos.
Just be careful with weight. I put a fridge in my old G20 and it broke the lower control arm on the driver's side. Theyre impossible to find
Hey love the van. I have a 91 Chevrolet G20 van and have been looking for a seatbelt extender. No luck so far. Can I see the seatbelt you have for yours? The driver side. The person who had my van before me...we believe he took out the old seatbelt and put in another one. Can you post pics or video of your seatbelt???
Nice clean build. Very nice.
thinking about buying dads 98 chevy express van do you think this would b around the same size ?
Hi, just wondering how did you do the frame for the ceiling? We have the same van, the ceiling has no ribs so we are not sure how to frame it to put the wood ceiling on.
You got each other...building memories together
I'm looking forward to your review of the Bluetti! I don't need it for lights, a refrigerator or microwave, but I am thinking about it powering a MaxAir fan. I'd also like to know how your AC unit worked out. Was it worth the effort and cost?
My van is very similar to yours, but I haven't stripped it out. I want to keep the rear seat which will recline into a bed. Over the years I've found I prefer a couch which turns into a bed similar to a well-constructed futon.
I have a whole video about the bluetti and how I wired everything up on my channel now, definitely check it out!
No regrets on the zero breeze, I think it’s great. I haven’t got to do any extreme testing with it yet because it was late into fall by the time I finished my build. But will definitely do an in depth review on it once the weather warms up.
Great conversion for a vintage van, thanks for sharing I got a few good ideas.
Great ideas. It's the little storage places that count. I have opportunity to buy 1986 g20. Will I be able to get service??
Thanks! Oil changes and normal maintenance shouldn’t be an issue. I’ve had that done at normal places. My brother is a mechanic so he did what little bit of work it needed, just replacing some old hoses and stuff.
If it’s in good running condition I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Mine only had 91,000 miles when I bought it and runs great.
Hey man, what’s your height?? I’m 5’10 and I’m looking to buy this van, and I wanted to see how comfortable I would feel on the bed in regards to space. Great video!! Very straight to the point. You got a new subscriber 🎉
I’m 6’ and I slept fine on the bed. Only downside is there’s not enough head room for standing. But that wasn’t really a huge issue for me because we did most our cooking and stuff outside
Bought a 93 GMC Vandura last summer and love it! No full timer but been across country and many trips in between. Trying to keep the original blue carpet and basic features because I love the authenticity of it. Most people who know these vans really see the beauty in not only the looks but in the engine itself. Mines a low top which I like for the size. Thanks for sharing your video!
As I said in a previous reply to someone else for this video I'm 5'10" so I need a high top van. I was thinking about getting an older model Chevy or GMC. How tall are you 'cause I need to know how much clearance I can get w/out having to crane my neck in the van?
Looks great. Will be rebuilding my van soon.
I have a 92 that’s already partially converted and looks like basically the same exact build with the prebuilt cabinets all around and the power fold out bench/bed in the back. How did you guys navigate the wiring up top to cut the holes for the fan and solar panels?
Nice! Ours was the same type of conversion, with the folding bed and all when we bought it. We completely gutted the walls and ceiling all the way down to the metal and fiberglass and started fresh, so there was no guess work with cutting holes and not hitting wires. Not sure if that’s what you’re asking.. but all the original wiring on ours was run inside the metal frame of the van, where the fiberglass top is joined.
I will be putting together more videos very soon! Just gotta get through the holidays. I filmed some of the process as we worked on it.
Love this build, where did you get the fridge?
Thanks! Ordered it online from Best Buy.
@@brianrbraxton1494 ok thanks so much.
where u get the frigde from
Very cool van build. Love the vintage vehicle. Where did u buy the wave 3 heater & ur refrigerator? 👍🏾✌🏾 CUDTR 🚐
I would add a thetford porta potty so I didnt need to go outside at night to pee, but I am 64......aging sucks. This is a great basic build, you have given me some ideas to do my van. Thanks for sharing your build, it is really nice. Basic and complete.
super smart, I have a G30 ive been progressively updating and this has some great tips. The G series vans are 100% clutch!
Beautiful job son, Praying for you kids to live your life as an adventure 🙂. Love and God Bless you and your family and America and Merry Christmas 🎄⛄. Uncle Jeff 🙏🤗
Hey dude. How did you mount solar with that funky roof? I have the same roof and I need a bit of clearance over weird fiberglass peaks and valleys
very nice
How did you do the celling
@@WaltHobbs-g8y I just used one 4’x8’ mdf panel to make it really simple. Did all the wiring and lights on it before I put it up. Wasn’t quite big enough so I just used some really big trim to fill out the extra space.
Good job covering back windows keeps out the heat. Love what you did
You did a really great conversion of the G20. I have a 95 model and have been trying to figure out what I want to do with it. You gave me some great thoughts.
Thanks.
I picked up my mirror at target that I ask you about I have another question I have a E 150 and I want to cover my windows in the rear so my head and feet are not assessable to the windows how did you insulate the windows before you covered them with very much appreciate the info thank you so much
Glad you were able to find the mirror! I just used blackout vinyl window tint on the inside of the windows. And then I insulated over the top of it, just like I did the rest of the walls, with Rockwool R15 insulation
@@brianrbraxton1494 Thank you so much for the quick response safe travels
Hi, how many centimeters long has the bed?
Nice. My favorite part is the macrame mirror.
how much it cost you for the build
Van cost 4K. Probably put another 5k into the build
I just got a 95 g20! Please tell me where you got that fridge??
Nice! You can get them lots of places online. Just search retro mini fridge. Cheapest place we found one was Best Buy. Insignia is the brand.
@@brianrbraxton1494 found it! Red for meeee! Now I need to watch about the bluetti! I was going to get a Jackery 1000, but I'm seeing more and more options now! Thank you!!
Love your fridge/freezer. 😊👌
You're the best Brian! I can't wait to see ya'lls adventures!!
J'ai un vandura de 1990 ! Cool van !!!
So you run your 110v fridge and microwave off of the Bluetti? correct? Does it run the fridge/freezer 24/7?
Yes everything runs off Bluetti, unless we’re at a campsite with shore power, when that’s available I run everything off shore power and top off the bluetti.
As long as it’s sunny the solar set up keeps up fine. When there are cloudy days it can start getting low, when that is the case we try to conserve power for only keeping the fridge running. And we don’t use the microwave often, when we do we have to turn everything else off. I didn’t realize when I bought it that a 700w microwave actually draws around 1100w, but it still does work when we need it.
I have the same van but blue only 99k miles runs like a dream currently working and living in mine saving up for the remodel now
How much is a remodel?
Yes so cute I love 💕
How long it took you guys from start to finish?
About a year, but it didn’t have too. After gutting it we went a long while without doing anything to it just because life got crazy. Once I got back at it, it took about 3 months to do the build, just working in my spare time
@@brianrbraxton1494 thank you for reslonding prontly. Good luck be safe and stay well.
That's so cute!
very nice one
Nice van
It’s perfect✨
Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
How tall is it inside?
My wife is 5’2” and she could stand up straight. So I’d say probably around 5’5”
@@brianrbraxton1494 Thanks. That would be perfect for me, so I should get one of those.
Very nice I have a conversion van that I am going to convert I was wondering how did you apply the the wood to the top Fiberglass top and also I love the Macramé mirror can I ask where you got it I would love to have one
The fiberglass top on my van has 5 studs running length wise built into the fiber glass. It’s just thicker fiberglass in those sections. So I screwed 8ft 1x2” boards to those fiberglass studs. And then screwed the actual ceiling panel into the wood boards.
Hope that makes sense.. I’ll have to make a video on it soon.
Oh and the mirror came from target, but it has been over a year ago that we bought it
Well done This is what I am looking at as well. Many of these models are like new and not used much and can easily reconfigure them as you did. As long as the older van is mechanically sound it is a win situation. What is the link for the ac you mentioned? Thanks
Thanks! Yeah it’s a great van. This is the AC I have www.zerobreeze.com/products/zero-breeze-mark-2
It’s really the only AC I’ve found that doesn’t use a ton of power. Kinda pricey tho. I found an open box unit on eBay and got it with the battery for $1000
@@brianrbraxton1494 thanks. It has to be a huge cost savings also for bringing back to life those old conversion vans. Vs new builds that can easily reach $75K to $100K. Well done. Will look for your electrical Segment
@@daveholte7658 yeah it’s up on my channel, hope it’s helpful!