Fixing an Older Van - Saving Money With Used Junk Yard Parts - Van Build

I'm making improvements to my older van as I "vanbuild" it. I hope to have it ready for travel soon!
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My name is Dave and I travel with my dog Bella in a 1990 Fleetwood Bounder Class A Motorhome. This is our tour across America. So join us if you’re open to travel, fun, excitement, hiking & exploring. Wish us luck on this adventure! Maybe we’ll see you down the road sometime. Happy trails!
My channel is about full time RV Living in an older RV while keeping the wheels rolling on a budget. I do the repairs, updates and upgrades myself. I’ve become my own RV Mechanic/Medic! I seek boondocking opportunities every chance I can and power the RV with 500 watts of solar and approximately 500 amp hours of batteries. RV Resorts are just not our style!
Find us on Facebook here - / davesrvlife

[@BubbaWarbucks]

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a mobile putting green, LOL. The nice thing about that carpet is that no matter where you camp, be it a parking lot or the Arizona desert, you will always have a nice green lawn with you.

[@creativehearts7127]

I love junkyards..it my version of Disney land..without the crowds...lol

[@angiecollazo8454]

The grass flooring is cool, seems Bella likes it, too. Stay safe!!!

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

Cool!! First Ford van with a indoor putting green 😂😂. Bellla, Bella. Peace.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

I wouldn't mind that.. ⛳

[@Quickicecarreviews123]

Loved the grass in the van

[@pamhutzell8268]

Its coming together and it will be what you want. We worked on our camper, put a new faucet in bathroom and put new refrig. On a table in shower. We use bathouse showers. And cleaned inside and out side. Raked and burned leaves. Stayed on Sunday it went down to 28 but thats Pa.'s weather. Ready for 🏕

[@travelduckwonder8013]

Dave it might be a far thought now so just a reminder to fill holes around the dog house, metal mesh screening in larger areas, glove box, any place that needs spray foam or stainless brillo for pest prevention. Undercarriage lights. Glad you are having fun out there.

[@nicholastsardoulias1931]

This is my first time watching your channel you had me at the fake turf I will be binge watching the channel

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

ASTRO TURF! WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I'M LIKING IT!

[@russellhancock9765]

It looks Nice. I think Bella Approves.

[@supposedly1-2]

That is a nice looking van and i kind of like the outside carpet in there. i'd go with it for sure!

[@lori5142]

Making progress. Yea Mike & Susie, great of them to give you all that stuff,.

[@lindagolden9892]

🌺 Happy Springtime Dave & Bella 🌺

[@RVersity]

Used is the way to go especially if you want to save money! I'd love to build out a van or trailer. My van was new and prebuilt. Wished I'd have known how easy it was to DIY before signing that dotted line as the dealership! Love all the ideas Dave. -XO BlogginBrandi

[@pamkaufman3662]

I like the carpet! Should be easy to take care of and comfortable to walk on. That is a nice salvage yard! Looks like they keep it pretty clean. I wonder if you could grab a pair of nice seats there and then buy a swivel base for the passenger side when you find one and switch it out. Sometimes it seems like it takes forever to accomplish something but better to take your time to think it out and get it right than be unhappy with it in the end.

[@highlandveteran610]

Beaver Run Dam off Rt380, that is my relatives place in the back round. The hunt for parts gets the adrenaline going. Good job.

[@desertwind306]

The weather is sure beautiful there. You found some good parts for your van. I like the grass on the floor, it looks nice! Bella is loving the van for sure, she seems right at home in it. Hugs....

[@charlesaucoin9541]

Bella is such a luv glad your van is coming along .

[@c.victoriaritchie3466]

That was fun! Love digging around scrap yards 😊

[@carlahead5072]

Good morning Dave and Bella !! Thank you so much for another great video and it looks as if things are coming along quite nicely Dave and looking forward to see all of your hard work paid off . That was quite a generous donation from your loyal subscribers Mike & Susie nice people . I can see that Bella is already liking her future camper. What other additions do you plan on putting in it like a bed and kitchen, perhaps even a restroom and shower. Well take care and until next time,later. Great video and hello Mike & Susie hope to meet you guys soon. Love to you Bella 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍👍👍👍Mnay thumbs up on your videos.

[@louparry7721]

Hi Dave! Your van is starting to shape up and looking good! Maybe you could check out some floor plans of converted vans to give you a visual before you actually plan where you 'd like to place things. I'm thinking the better arranged things are the more space you will have to move around in. Strategy really is everything. I'm really enjoying the journey! See ya soon! God bless!

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

Beautiful scenery of the water. ♥️🌊🌊🦆

[@danapeckham4754]

Any progress is good progress! Hugs for Bella

[@rgold02]

Hey Dave! Nice haircut. I like the green turf in the van. I hope you find all the parts you need for your van. Tell Bella, “hello”! Goldie in Jax Florida

[@cactuscathy6675]

Vanna White-good name for the van.

[@fromdrivetocoast370]

Those back seats do work on top of the frame your seats are on now. That seat you were sitting in was nice.

[@alhellebuyck628]

Those Gray cloth seats in the back of the school bus would work for you because those armrests are able to be taken off. You could take off of a left one or a right 1 and you could make AM work for the front seats of your Van .

[@jaylewis9750]

Don't forget to look for the jack

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

working smarter not harder well done

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessing in your days.

[@MoParRus340]

Great video. I used to love going to wrecking yards. I did buy a set of Ford 8 lug hub caps off Amazon for the econoline we used to have. What a difference.

[@FloridaHomesteading]

Hi Dave and Bella! You look happier now! Nice job on the flooring..love the grass idea👍 Have fun on your many projects!!😀

[@donnakuykendall5402]

Lovely grass....I would be tempted to just stop there ! Thanks for sharing .

[@bostonterriermomakasandy9722]

Slow and steady wins the race. Dave you find your joy in finding stuff in the salvage yard and that’s a good thing.

[@pf-flyerthailand1538]

I enjoyed the video. I love junkyards also.

[@yuccarunner5386]

Looks Great...Enjoy watching your progress....

[@sissy6159]

I like 👍 the grass. Great idea 💡

[@rmcnasty7319]

Hello Dave Good find, I like the Lawn carpet. Van looking good . 👍

[@3generations393]

LOL. Your walls were glowing green. "Lucky leprechaun van" 😜🤗🤔👋

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Need a hole in the floor so you can golf. It looks nice. I got some of my furniture from second hand shops like Goodwill. I tried to pick the nightstands and such that had the least wasted space between the drawer and the outside of the cabinet. Space is a premium in a van. Eventually I will make bulkheads and screw the drawer slides to them so no wasted space other than the slides themselves.

[@FreeRV]

Dave going green with turf! I saw a lot of vans like yours in Altoona PA on Jonny you pool it junk yard.

[@StepvanDan]

Very nice ,home grass that don't need to be mowed lol ,thanks for sharing ,big hugs from MN

[@MrZyptuous]

Looking good so far Dave. Hello Bella! Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee.

[@theresaluvspims6163]

That was fun! I learn so much from you.

[@kylehiggins3216]

You seem to be in your element doing the van fix! Good for you and happy to see that sweet Bella loving it too!

[@DavesRVLife]

Yes! Thank you!

[@bobs7543]

Hello Dave, Google seat swivel base. You might be able to buy a base and adapt it to your seat.

[@lisetteboucherfortin4775]

yes Dave (www. Texan auto seat cover.com ) you will get nice seat cover and the foam that comes with it..

[@torotom6243]

Hey Dave you should name your van. Vanna White

[@dianneweaver4809]

It looks good

[@merange1]

So far so good Dave! You'll get it done! You need a yankee screwdriver Dave!

[@norasteel1776]

love your carpet!!

[@annamaybeekman5152]

Your van looks great

[@sissietaylor9650]

It's coming a long nice🙂☕☕❣️

[@joanscotto5822]

Looking good ...

[@keithwallick7440]

Maybe you could take those drawers and spin them around and put them under the stove and then make some legs for the right side by the sink. That would leave space for a water jug or a cooler on the right side.

[@ritaosborne9449]

Next time you go to that salvage yard check the second seat on that leisure van , on the passenger side for a swivel . I had a turtle top campervan conversion the second chair on the passenger side had a swivel, I took that chair out to have more floor space and had the swivel put on the front passenger seat so I could turn it around .I’ve been looking for a Chevy cargo van to buy and set up for camping.

[@sullivanalvin6014]

You all probably dont give a shit but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any tips you can give me.

[@milojohan4521]

@Sullivan Alvin Instablaster :)

[@sullivanalvin6014]

@Milo Johan I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@sullivanalvin6014]

@Milo Johan it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account :D

[@milojohan4521]

@Sullivan Alvin No problem =)

[@acarr13]

LOOKS NICE DAVE

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

Looks good 😊💞♥️ To You And Bella ♥️🐶

[@sharon7181]

Or leave the stove as is and make some kind of cutting board to fit over the sink and then each side will have a flat surface to use . Flat surface when cooking and a flat surface when doing dishes . That other cabinet will come in handy for clothes !

[@Erik-pr2rf]

Build your own high top with aluminum frame n aluminum sheeting.

[@MrChemicals]

I love millerstown pic a part! Bought many odds and ends from them

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

Dave and Bella thank you for sharing this video with us good luck on finding all your parts for your new van. ♥️🐶👋♥️🤗

[@beverleyclark3500]

Love the floor looks good

[@nancywolfe1983]

Junk yard find. Good job.

[@susanlongb4]

Coming along nicely and Bella obviously approves. Take care, Dave! ✌🤠🌵

[@auggy53]

well done

[@brendaroberson1135]

Good morning Boss ! How y'all doing ? Tha' van's coming along ! I know when ya do get it all worked out she be sweet ! And you have good taste too. Anyway steady and firefly as you go... You n' little bit ' be safe . Till nx.time' Ms.B. In Txs.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Doing a great job Dave.. in really happy for you.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Really...Really happy for you.

[@craigtarbox3499]

Man those high tops sure were tempting. Your astroturf job looks really good. That was a great idea. If you run across a good rear bumper for a dodge van grab it, and bring it to me ! :).

[@RVRebelGirl]

coming along good Dave 👍

[@ftkinsella]

Looks like you’re on a scavenger hunt Dave, and you are doing good. Bella can’t seem to be able to figure out what’s going on with her bed and travel partner. Hahahahaha ❤️🇨🇦❤️ Cheers!!!

[@one2869]

Should have looked in them Chevy Van's for a swivel seat. You can make them work with a tape measure and a drill. Especially, if any of those Chevys was a camper van. They were notorious for putting in at least passenger side swivel seats. Also, some of those smaller cabinets around the roof in that one van may work for you. If they were the right height, they may be good for storage. Hard to tell from the video how tall or short they were.

[@frederickharron5217]

That'll work...!

[@jimc5624]

On those seats in the back i think the bolt pattern is 11 inch by 14 inch. Also those side windows you can change out to get some ventilation any van from 92 to 14 will work. Also keep an eye on the door gaskets at the pull a part down here i paid like 3.00 a gasket. Don't remember if yours has composite or glass headlights but get led bulbs so much nicer in the dark

[@barackmycat9448]

Step by step. You will get there soon.

[@GrandmaBugsPlace]

Looks like it will be nice. Very nice of your friends to give you those items. Looking forward to seeing more as you go. Hugs and be safe

[@patriciapalmer293]

Hi. Glad you are back.

[@MoParRus340]

After seeing your back doors think I would consider buying the complete back door off one of those vans in the video. Looked to be the same tone white. Also, just my thoughts, but one of those really nice chrome back bumpers would really clean up the back of your rig. As far as getting hit? I think if someone rear ends you, you’ll have much bigger problems than a bumper. Guess I never had an issue and liked the clean look of the chrome bumper.

[@lavernbutler7291]

👋🏼 Bella

[@johnkraus8020]

RecPro has what you are looking for

[@pennylee6569]

Ur getting there it going to look great job see ya Dave and Bella hugs always

[@coastalkev3776]

Good ' bone yard '. That fridge can go back to the dorm. Ice chest , mattress and you're ready to hit the road !

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

Lol!!!!! Thats classic!!

[@sapphiresword139]

I was diagnosed with "Recycliedous" when I was 22 years old. My doctor told me to move at least 1 hr. away from any 'recycler' Since moving, I go to the "Pick-N-Pull" only when I know I have to. In the old days, I was compelled to visit the Recycle yard 2 or 3 times a week. I live in such shame over those days. ಥ_ಥ

[@gayleoman9902]

L

[@kathifoynm]

Very creative use of up-sourcing!

[@brycehongola2425]

Get one of those nice tinted windows on the shuttles expensive new.

[@janetfolkerts5827]

One thought would be to raise up the kitchen that allow a couple of milk crates to act as drawers under neath, and attach a cover over the sink that would fold out to give additional counter space to prep food on, or a pop up shelf that folds up in front of the sink, when down would cover the drawers. Don't change the stove, there will be a time two burners come in handy. To have and not need is better than to need and not have.........."

[@marilynrenaud1892]

The van's going to be great Dave. Enjoying the videos. 👍👍👍👍👍😁

[@denisscott1134]

Hi Dave 👋 just us 2 Saying hi and thanks for sharing this video update 👍 keep safe and say well and safe travels 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@beatricebritt6955]

That's a good find😊

[@sandyc6569]

Looking good with some great ideal's it will get there!!! 👍💞💝💞👍

[@chuckstith838]

Your going to be at the stove on your knees. You need to cut for a exhaust fan. If you mount the stove on the side door you can stand to cook and no cutting for a exhaust fan. Mount a roll up awning on the passenger side incase it's wet outside. Enjoy

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

Bella and the floor looks great ♥️👋🌟🐶

[@KatyInNH]

Great stuff!

[@davepalmetto]

Now you can cut the grass have fun and take care and enjoy it and take it easy

[@DavidHBurkart]

It will be interesting to see what you decide upon Dave. The space is very limted in that low top.

[@EKEACRES]

Looking good Dave. I just got my new Van Interior in my Toyota. I am loving the new look & set up. Can't wait to see what you end up with yours.

[@Scorpiomary]

Cool update. Hey Bella Bella 💗 Take care. Peace.

[@DavesRVLife]

Thanks Mary!

[@jackiegardner7483]

Ohh green carpet cool👍

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

GOOD VID

[@MICHELLE-gu2qc]

Looking great Dave.if you can't install the stove top inside. You could put it on a slide under the bed with folding support legs. The fake grass is going to be the best insulation. Its going to be amazing once its finished