DIY Van Build Updates or Hire a Carpenter? Solo Female Van Life

Van build updates on my Ford Transit camper van.
I earn a small commission on the following Amazon Affiliate links:
VANTRUE 4 Channel Dash Cam amzn.to/3TMLZXc

[@SullyVanLife]

Great video! I also would have accepted help from parking lot guy! I can’t wait to see the finished product! Have fun at 😢the beach!!!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

It would have taken me an hour to get it in there myself! I'm so ready to be done with this ceiling 😁

[@michaelboudreau1441]

Check out Siesta Key Beach in FL. Absolutely softest sand. Like talcum powder. If you get stood up again, by a contractor, try seeking out a van builder. If you are in Utah, you could seek out Mountain Made Vans. BTW I love the length, style, and color of you hair, absolutely beautiful.

[@MariaSaldivar-tl1el]

Hi I am new watching your channel on KZbin I lovely 🥰

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Hello Maria, and thank you!

[@kath1313]

❤

[@larrykoroush6995]

It looks like you have a bundle of insulation. If it goes on the ceiling, you probably need rib pieces put in, then the insulation, then the paneling piece. I'm not in construction, but that is how I would do it. Any ceiling lights, etc. Can be added. Best of luck to you two.

[@Thecargohustler]

Awesome video 😍🤩

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you Kenny 😊 💓

[@loisdunbar7855]

Let's see that camper finished lol

[@RuralOverlandingStudio]

Greetings from North Alabama. Loved the video! I live on the Bear Creek Lake with a Beach that allows Dogs. Check it out Quater Creek Rec. Area and Boat Launch. Haleyville Alabama Please :)

[@WaywardAbode]

Despite all the obstacles, you're making such good progress! I hope you're able to get to the beach soon. ❤

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I did finally make it to the beach! ❤️

[@bosshog1062]

Thank you for BLESSING US WITH YOUR BEAUTY

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

You're so sweet, thank you! 😊

[@fishntools]

Custom fiberglass is the way to go for good fit, function and appearance. A reputable automotive sound shop has the skills for this although the labor and materials may be a bit pricey? Best route would be to search salvage yards for your vehicle model configured for passengers and take those panels (and windows). Rust-oleum makes a paint specific to plastic applications.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thanks for the tips, but I'm broke now 😂 Having to learn to live with some things the way they are ❤️

[@RUTHSOFFGRID]

Lots of free beach camping in Texas, Dog friendly! Do you mind sharing how much a window runs for replacement? I've thought about doing this to my van. The more ventilation the better!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

The window, installation kit, and shipping was around $600. The install was $300. So, $900 total. I'll be sharing that in my next video. I'm so thrilled to have ventilation in the back!

[@RUTHSOFFGRID]

@@LifeWithMicheleSilver Oh boy, thanks for letting me know. Now I need to decide. New window, or a new Ebike like you got! :)

[@nikkipage9132]

Our Home Depot took the cutting station away!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Oh no!!! It's SO needed!!

[@kmcherni1]

My happy place is when I’m traveling (or when I’m planning my next adventure, or even watching videos of other people traveling 😁). Many times it’s just me and my dog; she loves the passenger seat which gets funny stares when I’m at a red light. I had to laugh when you noticed the orchids. I’m wearing a tshirt that says “easily distracted by plants” which is stating it mildly. Safe travels to you. Thank you for sharing your videos.

[@albamartinez7477]

Hi Michelle did you make your windows covers

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Hi Alba! Yes, it is reflectix with fabric attached using spray adhesive. Then I used duck tape around the edge with tiny magnets to hold it up.

[@MarkMayhew]

You don't see any laborers carpenters hanging around Home Depot?

[@wm7998]

Best of luck with that Michele ❤

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you so much 💓

[@myjournalingcorner]

Cool water bottles. Plus, awesome video!

[@jojofids]

👍🏽 it’ll get there!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Slowly but surely 👏😊

[@BeverlyAdventures]

The machine says right on it at Home Depot that they don’t make cuts under 12 inches. Perhaps it’s because of how the machine holds the wood for safety reasons. Not sure but he’s right that is a thing. Sorry. By the way do you find that having only one max fan is enough? Starting my build now

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Safety reasons.. that makes sense. My maxx air fan helps some, but I would prefer to have 2 windows in the back that open. A nice cross breeze does so much more than this fan.

[@BeverlyAdventures]

I was actually just looking at windows on van windows direct. I think I need to sell a toe or something they are expensive. I do agree I want one in the back and one that opens on the sliding door so they won’t be actually across from each other but figured I would kick up the blankets anyhow. Lol😂

[@robertoambrosi9876]

❤

[@rictech.]

Hello, hello.. I could just see the Home Depot dude? Looking like Flanders from the Simpsons. But definitely they cut certain sizes because of safety. It it will all work out In the end for you.. looking forward to seeing the results? You will be at a beach soon????? Always wishing you the best and thank you for a beautiful video. Give Sophie a kiss from me in nor cal.. your buddy ric

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Flanders from the Simpsons 😆 🤣 😂 I ended up not using the board for a cupboard door. It was too heavy. Wasted my time and money getting it cut 😬

[@rictech.]

@@LifeWithMicheleSilver your such a beautiful women.. don’t say I didn’t say ?? About the door.. you will get it ..

[@loisdunbar7855]

To slow with the videos whats happening to the van

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I'm trying, but work and personal issues are happening, too 🙃

[@widowswisdom-soulflower9147]

Awesome 👏

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you 😊

[@widowswisdom-soulflower9147]

Driveway invitation still open ❤️

[@abyss5350]

Looking at this project gives me so many ideas on what can be done and accomplished and ways to go about it but that would be like back seat driving I’m not going to do that. But sometimes its nice to have someone like carpenter dude show up for perhaps advice or know how, but sometimes i find im better off just doing things myself especially if i want it done right but every now and then someone is capable of showing me something new and better hopefully it turns out awesome for you

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Yes, I'd rather do things myself, but this ceiling had me stumped, and we struggled with a saw. Please share your thoughts and ideas! TBH I've gone thru so many in my research, and have made final design decisions, but I'm open to more ideas! Keep in mind this is a 130 short wheel base. Not much fits! I hope to upgrade to a bus next year.

[@abyss5350]

@@LifeWithMicheleSilver upgrading to a bus or something bigger each has its own advantages and disadvantages ie a bus not going to fit in a lot of places the van can bus will use more fuel and be more expensive in upkeep tire replacement and such and probably be more expensive for mechanical repairs than what a smaller van would be but bus would have more room for stealth type camping definitely van as a bus would stick out like a sore thumb pros and cons in each and budget just depends on how much you would want to fix up as I’m sure you have seen videos on some bus conversions where one can spend upwards of 50k doing them and a plus is you allready have a van if you want more room to just store things to bring along perhaps a trailer then unless you want more living space but then with a trailer you have to be weary of windy days lots to think about for sure

[@abyss5350]

@@LifeWithMicheleSilver I keep typing stuff and deleting because it’s to long lol and I’d be typing a book lol

[@abyss5350]

As a idea have why not use sheets of stiff plastic easy to bend the curves once parts are cut and shaped the way that’s needed then add fiberglass for strength would be strong and could come out looking smooth and you could do like cupboards in them hard to explain but there’s probably videos on it just a idea

[@abyss5350]

Another material you could use is sheets of foam as it is lighter and easier to work with probably videos on this as well as to how you could strengthen the foam without going into all the details

[@dismaldog]

❤😊

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

😊❤️

[@midlife_journey]

you're a bad ass for trying to get that big piece of paneling into the van 😮

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@johnadams7323]

You are a Doll 🌹

[@Scrambler85]

KZbin is asking to rate your comment, the Nazi's are watching

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you John 😊 💓

[@johnadams7323]

🌹🌹🌹