Chevy Astro DIY Stealth Camper Van Build EP 3: Vinyl Plank Flooring Install

[@alwaysgoodinthewoods]

Nice work and solid videos! I went with the same type of vinyl and 1/2" ply right over the factory passenger van carpet, I was afraid I should have went with 3/4" but I agree no worries its solid as a rock and I saved a few pounds some $ and that 1/4" head room lol I tried to film my floor install and gave up halfway through, to anyone reading this give this man a well deserved thumbs up!

[@SeekingLost]

Thanks! 1/2" is the way to go for sure. Right over the carpet, nice. Probably acts as a good insulator and sound deadener!

[@alwaysgoodinthewoods]

@@SeekingLost Yessir, should suffice, nice and flat and the price was right too!

[@macross25]

Looking good, that flooring & trim makes a big difference! I look forward to the next video. Also, when using your saw, grinder, etc. wear a pair of goggles. I had super close call a few years ago while using my Dremel, goggles from here on out.

[@RJ-jp3oi]

Looks soo good. Thank you. I used the washer head sheet metal screws on the subloor to chassis 'ribs'.

[@jethro9341]

The other thing I would recommend is to put a lot of thought into the transition from rubber front mat to vinyl flooring. You dont want any spills or just water from rain or snow off your boots to "flow" or "drain" under that rear floor. Especially with that many screws and cotton insulation. I put the rubber on top of the vinyl and used a carpet transition strip to hold it in place. Looks good and it should direct most of any liquids that may happen on top, where its easy to clean up.

[@Twobarpsi]

Great work! The flooring looks amazing! Good idea on using that big one piece template 👍

[@SeekingLost]

Thank you!

[@vutEwa]

great, but Eric, please, use eye protection! Can't bushwhack the Basin and Range Trail if you can't see! :)

[@ricksmith7631]

Nice choice of insulation, most people use reflectix, foil bubble wrap but this is by far a better choice and especially since you get some sound deadening also. im working on my own e150 conversion and this will be my first choice. great videos, alot of useful points

[@ReduxGarage]

Reflective insulation does next to nothing sandwiched between the floor and the plywood. Reflective insulation is for dealing with radiant energy. The floor insulation should be chosen to deal with conduction. XPS is the best for floors and no furring strips are needed which allow thermal breaks.

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Nice work all around!

[@SeekingLost]

Thank you!

[@JesusCamacho-om8uw]

Bro, congratulations on your work. Could you tell me what wood you used for the furniture?

[@scottwinkleman9227]

Really enjoying your van build videos! However, why did you choose a cotton insulation? I understand why you don't want fiberglass but if the cotton gets wet, (edges, condensation, etc.) it will never dry out!

[@SeekingLost]

I was overwhelmed with choices for every aspect of the build and working with a 6 week deadline, I probably didn't make the best choice. But, it was available in store and not crazy expensive like thinsulate. It probably also helps that I usually operate in the desert where humidity is very low.

[@markdickenson594]

Looks so Nice! I am currently following your process on my 98 Safari AWD! Do you have any particulars on you vinyl floor planks? Thickness? I tried stopping the video to read the carton end info, but it was too small to read! They look nice and heavy-duty. I have seen a lot of builds that use the lightweight peel and stick, and they generally don't stand up to the heat of enclosed metal environments. Keep up the Great Work!

[@SeekingLost]

Thanks Mark! I don't have any specific details on the vinyl planks on hand, I don't have the box any more. They were discount special at Home Depot and I don't think this particular kind is sold there any more. But they always have something similar, just that the brands change sometimes. They are definitely heavy duty, I've used these type of interlocking vinyl planks in a few homes as well. The top coating (part that determines how scratch resistant they are) varies, but you can compare this to get an idea of what will hold up longer. I just went into HD and browsed the in-stock selection... the stuff I liked was in the $2.50 sq/ft range, but found these on special for something like $1.89 sq/ft

[@markdickenson594]

@@SeekingLost Thanks Again! I will go see what's available!

[@mitchmyers1197]

What is the thinking behind using the subfloor insulation that you did instead of rigid foam? Is it to reduce amount of styrofoam floating around, capitalize on space, something else?

[@mitchmyers1197]

Also, is there a risk of mold using that insulation with it touching the metal?

[@zulublack1212]

I have a 99 astro and I looked at the floor insulation on Amazon and I don't see the reflective side of it just the cotton side, is this the right product? Because I really want the insulation that you used for my conversion thx

[@SeekingLost]

Hey sorry for the late reply... I wonder if amazon changed the link/product, that's not the same one. try this link... homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-12-in-x-15-ft-Foil-and-Fiberglass-Duct-Insulation-SP55-6/100185601

[@zulublack1212]

@@SeekingLost thx brother, if all else fall check with home depot😂 I've watched everyone of your vids and you didn't leave one stone unturned, one of the most self contained builds out there, and again thx 👍

[@jethro9341]

Why not assemble a sheet of floor planks outside the van and use the same template you used for the insulation and subfloor?

[@gertbrooks5997]

because when you try to pick up your massive cutout made of planks to get it in the van, all of the edges that you tapped together would come apart when you tried to move it and it'd be more of a headache to try to re-close those loose seams back up when it's a whole floor.

[@jethro9341]

@@gertbrooks5997 once the edges are cut, install the planks like normal, ensuring each edge piece is in the proper place.

[@wowyummyyy]

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