Making Custom Door Panels for my Chevy Express Van Conversion

[@LindsayDaly]

*My biggest takeaway:* don't cut holes in the door panels for storage until I actually have the storage boxes themselves built, lol. *I'M SORRY!* It takes an insanely long time to make these videos, for various reasons - I have a full-time job, sometimes the weather isn't cooperating, I run out of materials, I have to film everything myself so it takes me a lot longer than if I were just working on it without documenting everything, and last but not least, I don't know what I'm doing. I don't even know how to express to you how eager I always am to finish and put out these videos. Now more than ever, since I gotta finish this thing by mid-July! Thanks for coming back and still watching anyways.

[@p9raceway759]

Hey you’re learning as you go. Gotta get experience somehow. I admire your can do attitude. Most would pay someone to do it or not do it at all. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. Thanks for sharing Lindsay !

[@zeeeena]

I am a 57 year old woman that has been planning on adventuring out across the united states alone. This is a 30 year dream. I finally bought a van, an 03 gmc savana 2500 with 95,000 miles and an excellent service record. First thing I did was put a backup camera in it so I don't kill someone. I've watched countless video's on these builds during the last year and a half, and I have to tell you, watching yours, and especially your struggles and frustrations you have faced - has been much more helpful than watching a lot of the others. Most of them don't show the issues they encounter. It's like ta-da and its done. Thanks for keepin' it real.

[@LindsayDaly]

Yes! I’m so excited for you. Thank you for watching! That is exactly why I started this series - I wanted to demystify some of the tiny details that most people seem to just gloss over!

[@callmepj4333]

Yes, you can, girrrrrrrrrrrrrrl❤❤❤

[@mallorymcguire833]

If we all had a shop with table saw and tools and an advisor, we could do this. What's admirable is she's working in freezing weather. Should get a medal just for that.

[@DonGrigorianFishing]

I LOVE the the door covers and the table you build. the fact that it doesn't fully align gives it character..You're very talented don't kid yourself. Well done you got a new Subscriber

[@cindymclaughlin3818]

Determination is so much more important than talent! Good job! I’m 60, female , and doing my first van, I have sewing skills, and some tools, but the wood work is a challenge! 👍

[@callmepj4333]

We are our toughest critics…you are AMAZING, period! I am in awe and I am Sure I am not the only one. Thanks for sharing your journey. I am so excited for you…and meeeee:) I cannot wait to start and your energy definitely inspires me …cheers.

[@LindsayDaly]

Have fun!! Good luck and lemme know if I can answer any questions for you 🚐

[@ashleyclaire]

I'm seriously so proud of you, and I don't even know you, lol. The production quality of this video alone is something to rave about.. never mind the ambition and talent. Yes TALENT! Well done :)

[@BelaCurcio]

I like watching videos that make me re-evaluate my life choices

[@cooperdog9956]

It is a HUGE challenge to work on the vans,....especially the older vans with curved walls, doors, ceilings.......thank you for sharing!!!!!

[@Nancy-42020]

Please don’t wait wait so long to post videos. Your one of my favorites to watch. You crack me up!

[@kt6332]

So cool to show your mistakes and help others learn from them. I plan on doing this to my doors. Thanks!

[@Linda-qn6lb]

One of the best van build videos ever. Laughed the whole way through. So true.

[@jhemnes1]

This is the first of your videos I've seen. I found it because i was searching for a video on how to remove door panels on my 2015 GMC Savana. I just subscribed and can't wait to catch up. Woman power! I'm doing my own build as well❤

[@brady783]

Found your channel in my searches for Chevy van builds. It's clear you put a lot of effort into the videos. Following along with our own Chevy Express. Keep up the awesome work. Love the t-shirts!

[@hotdogheaven]

yes!! literally looking for exactly this with the door panels. I was losing hope with my vision but you gave me hope! totally appreciate you authenticity in this. I cut something crooked the other day and was just way too hard on myself lol

[@RhymingMime]

definitely one of the corners of a van buildout where all the work is invisible. But everything still looks great! And you (and all of us) know how much engineering and problem solving went into those compartments. Also always a treat to see your many fabulous graphic tees/crewnecks+hats

[@LindsayDaly]

Bleh, yeah it feels like the only choice is to do it by trial and error, so…aghhhh. I definitely cried at least once while building those storage boxes lmao

[@trainchasersatwork]

You have done an awesome job in your conversion endeavor. I enjoyed watching you work. I liked your channel and so I subscribed as well. Thank you for sharing your Chevy Express project. I am planning to try to do the same and am searching for another van. Have a great day.

[@alanrobisonPD1960]

I love your channel, keep up the great work, love the content! Greetings from Riverside in sunny Southern California. This is Alan, safe travels ok??!!

[@kamilk6956]

Great job so far. I completely agree with your assessment. The three Ts you mentioned are correct. Time for me is very limited. Although i have no kids and am not married (anymore), i still go to school full time, have a demanding job, and have other important things to get to throughout the weekend, which are causing my build to be taking... 8 months now at this point, 5 months longer than i originally thought. And i am probably about 70% complete. I also found out that tools are super limiting in what you can do, and have spent almost $2k just in tools. Talent I'm not too worried about, as i like to tinker around this stuff. Anyways, great video, keep up the good work 👍

[@donniedjunior9059]

Your back 💞 Great to hear from ya again. Keep it up.

[@livinginthenow]

You forgot one thing in your list of privileges: Health. I have all the "time" in the world. And, given that I'm not in a hurry, even if it takes a bit of that time to save up money for parts/materials/tools, I've got the "tools" part taken care of. As for talent, I have some, but I'm weak in some areas. [That describes a lot of folks, I think.] The biggest barrier for me is the fact that I'm dealing with multiple disabilities. Being healthy and able bodied is a HUGE advantage/privilege that I simply don't have. Nevertheless, I shall persist. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@LindsayDaly]

100%! It is simply a lot of physical labor and that in itself is taxing, even more so when you aren’t always feeling well. Thank you so much for watching, and good luck on your build!

[@eastonhome5682]

Great job Lindsay 👌👍👏

[@marola_ali]

Very creative! Just what I needed to see for our next upgrade.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I love this so so much! You're killing it lady

[@cindygray4533]

Good Job 🎊🎉 Everything takes time and problem solving 💞

[@Blisslyke]

I bought a Chevy Express last week too! Luckily it was a tailgating vehicle and most modifications were done - even has shore power to 4 outlets. It doesn't look as cool as yours is going to look but its really fun to drive, and once we add the fan and a bunk window, it'll be really cool. love the videos, learning a lot.

[@LindsayDaly]

Adding a window is scary stuff haha!! The fan is a good way to get your feet wet, once I did that I felt unstoppable lol. Good luck!

[@lolafalana3636]

Good job. We have the same van. I built out my van and plan on camping all the national parks. We may run into each other out there.

[@ellaumbrella5657]

Nice! I have waited for this episode - thank you for uploading :)

[@kudraadk]

I have a Chevy express too that I am converting. I wish the doors were flat like the Ford Econoline. The Chevy has so many weird shapes and angles. I ended up putting insulation in the doors and reusing the plastic panels. Your van is looking good so far.

[@nategualtieri2193]

watching you build all these boxes like ur doing ikea on hard mode...hahah when I tell you I cannot wait to use this van...

[@grimmgoosegoose216]

I'm really excited to see you on your trip! There's a New York State park called Glimmerglass that I absolutely loved, it was really small but super interesting. I dont think it'll be on your trip trajectory but its a very pretty park with a super cool 1800's era colonial estate that's well worth the drive in my opinion. Maybe its just me but I can't wait to see you tour the national parks with your video style. I love your editing and narration very much and it'll be interesting to see you apply it to travelouge content!

[@LindsayDaly]

It looks to be painfully close to the route that I'm taking, but not quite enough that it would make sense for me to stop by - at least not on the way there. Maybe if I have time I can see it on the way back! I can't wait to get out and go places with this thing fully (or at least somewhat...) finished. The videos are gonna be great! And you'll finally get to see more than just my dad's garage...lol.

[@onetrillionconversations]

Love your content. It’s very real. Refreshing!!

[@houseofshadow6380]

Seriously cool to see the progress you're making. Good luck with the progress yet to be done!

[@marccope942]

This is a brilliant video! So many great ideas in here.

[@robsvanlife8239]

great to see you doing your build, should start mine soon now I have a van 👍

[@justmattgray]

Yay! So excited for this update!

[@dhamdifi]

I am very impressed

[@3LTinman]

in the process of obtaining a 3500. thanks for future possibilities.

[@Khalid_561]

Amazing project

[@Mike-ox1hs]

i love this series.

[@Boy_rich]

well done! such a great video!!

[@callmepj4333]

Ayeeeeeeee❤❤❤Lindsay’s my hero!!!! You GO, GIRRRRRRRRRL

[@nategualtieri2193]

the amount of times i was concerned for your fingers in this ahahaha

[@Busa0069]

I did wood panels like you did but glued speaker felt on them to make them more plush. Kill mat on the inside of the doors also helps quiet things down and help insulate a little more.

[@LindsayDaly]

Ah do you have an express? These doors are so curved! I considered more killmat in the doors but honestly it wasn’t worth the cost to me haha, I already have some underneath my subfloor!

[@Busa0069]

@@LindsayDaly Yes I have a Express. I used strips of wood on the low real low spots and luan panels which have much more flex than plywood also walled the interior with luan panels and felted the walls with polymat. Didn’t do the cool shelves in the doors just panels to replace the ugly plastic ones.

[@LindsayDaly]

I see! Yeah I definitely should have tried luan, it probably would have given me a lot less grief. I was researching a bit for an upcoming trip to the hardware store, so I think I’m gonna go with some luan panels for the walls!

[@nategualtieri2193]

@@LindsayDaly omg this is hardcore van talk tbh

[@RuthAnn-f4j]

Nice job 🙌

[@donaldpreston8256]

I have a 2001 Chevy Express van that I recently converted. It was my deceased wife handicap van and after she passed I decided to make a weekend camper out of it to go on trips with my kids and grandkids. May I ask where you obtained the seat swivels from. Good luck with your build and good luck and much joy in your travels. Take care and stay safe

[@LindsayDaly]

My swivel plate was from Shop4seats.com, but definitely get the kind with the circular cutout in the center instead of what I got so you don’t have to disconnect the airbag wires whenever you want to swivel around haha

[@donaldpreston8256]

Thank you

[@nategualtieri2193]

ur color grading is fire

[@rickdejean4649]

I’m watching your video on July 11 2022. It’s 105 degrees in Dallas TX today. Wouldn’t mind a few minutes of 8 degrees

[@LindsayDaly]

I’m a wimp with heat but it’s like 90 here and I’m starting to agree with you….haha

[@Nancy-42020]

I think you should spray paint the silver part of your window covers or turn them around so the silver is on the inside. So when your using them no one knows your inside 😊

[@LindsayDaly]

The silver is what reflects the sun and keeps the van cool, so I can’t cover that up, but the opposite black fabric side is for stealth, so they’re reversible!

[@journeytoliving7344]

Hi Lindsay, I found your channel today and am binge watching. What size engine is in your van and what kind of fuel mileage do you get? I thoroughly am having fun watching you build this. Love how your dad supports you. Blessings to you. I am Thankful I found your channel. Cannot wait to see your travels. Ann from Texas. Journey On

[@LindsayDaly]

Hi Ann, thanks for watching! My express is a v6 4.3L and I get roughly 15-17mpg with a 25 gallon tank!

[@nategualtieri2193]

swivel plate fucks wow. can't believe how easy it looked tbh.

[@morgancoldfirecoldfire8256]

looking forward to the electrical. That looks to be the hardest part.

[@jennb.1010]

Love how you even show the mistakes. I have a Chevy Express and would love a swivel seat. Could you please tell me where you get the plate? Was the seat itself super heavy?

[@LindsayDaly]

The swivel plate was from Shop4Seats.com, but like I mentioned, if you have a Chevy express, make sure to get the kind of plate with a hole in the center for the wiring! The chair itself was not too heavy, no - I think the swivel plate was heavier than the chair!

[@mrlariata9290]

Awesome video where can I get those seat covers and swivel plate?

[@scottswenson2286]

What carhartt seat covers were those? They look great ! We’re they the bucket seat? Looking for something for my express

[@LindsayDaly]

They’re from Covercraft! A bit pricey but extremely worth it in my opinion: www.covercraft.com/us/en/product/carhartt-seatsaver-custom-duck-weave-seat-covers.SSC-SSCA?gclid=CjwKCAjw9-6oBhBaEiwAHv1QvF1xG1t_f-On9YDDyeMAkBloDZtZjtaOCMDiDF5laAOTxzymmDCLUxoCV4UQAvD_BwE

[@1989kimimaro]

can i ask where did you buy the swivel plate from?

[@KindCreature1]

May I please say that you might be influenced by a famous NYC KZbinr? The added touch is real nice. Mike

[@LindsayDaly]

A little! I actually made a video like…three years ago? Where I talk about Casey haha.

[@kellienemke7187]

Are you able to share where you got the swivel hardware? It would be greatly appreciated!

[@LindsayDaly]

It was from Shop4Seats.com!

[@nancyschumacher6650]

I liked your video. I really want seat covers for my new 2003 Chevy expess. What kind did you get for your birthday and how do you like them?

[@LindsayDaly]

These are Carhartt seat covers from Covercraft.com ! They make them custom for specific vehicle models, including the Express!

[@nategualtieri2193]

i just knowwww it took you forever to film scraping that snow off your car.

[@nategualtieri2193]

34 minutes??? girl this is a full discovery channel show tf

[@LindsayDaly]

Crying at all these comments lmaoooo

[@semalone9226]

Where did you get the bracket/lifts for the table tops?

[@LindsayDaly]

They’re just regular old folding shelf brackets from Home Depot, they should come right up if you search em!

[@patriciabarachkov5133]

How did you cover the wires above the back doors?

[@LindsayDaly]

I didn’t! Although they are partially hidden behind my “curtain” (a mosquito net) that I have on a sliding rail at the back doors. I will likely replace it eventually with a sturdier rod and a real curtain.

[@King_Adam_M]

Nice video I like it

[@TaylorRose981]

How did you address the airbag? Does your van have a passenger airbag?

[@callmepj4333]

@13:39…and she curses😂😂😂aweeeeee, shiiiiiii😂😂😂

[@JamesMcGuiretlc]

What thickness plywood did you use?

[@LindsayDaly]

¼ inch, but luan ply might have been easier to bend honestly, since it’s even thinner

[@campvanrvadventures]

NICE

[@Boy_rich]

@lindsay daly - how do you like those seat covers? any feedback?

[@LindsayDaly]

I’m obsessed!! I love them, they look so good and are a thousand times better than the cheap bodyglove brand cover I had on there before. Drove me nuts whenever I slid off the drivers seat and the cover would slide off with me. That never happens with the new seat covers!

[@Boy_rich]

@@LindsayDaly the seat covers look amazing - what brand are they? Are they car heart ?

[@LindsayDaly]

Yes, they’re custom Carhartt seat covers from Covercraft.com !

[@lolafalana3636]

Does your seat swivel with the passenger door closed? Mine does not.

[@LindsayDaly]

Nope, mine neither! I can close the door once it’s swiveled around, but in order to actually move it front to back I have to open the door.

[@casual454t1]

@@LindsayDaly Hey Lindsay! Where did you get the swivel and also the seat covers. I can't find any to fit my Chevy Express. Love your vids!

[@LindsayDaly]

The seat covers are from Covercraft.com! The swivel plate is from Shop4Seats.com, but you should definitely get one with a hole in the center to avoid the wire problem I had!

[@casual454t1]

@@LindsayDaly Thank you Lindsay! You have done a wonderful job with the work you've done. Very talented with those tools! I needed a bigger vehicle to haul my 3 large fur babies, hence the van. They about knock me over to get in first lol. I had also made a comment on your first video about my van buying issues. Disheartening but I do love having a van. Happy travels to you!

[@clairewooster5188]

ASMR Queen 26:50-27:03

[@LindsayDaly]

Ooh my shit TINGLIN

[@jtdouglas9535]

So let me get this straight you don't want to extend some wires under your seat or drill a couple holes in metal if you needed to on a swivel plate but you're going to redo the entire interior of a van LOL you better get ready

[@LindsayDaly]

That’s kinda the point… I wasn’t ready to do that stuff yet! But after fully wiring a three-source electrical system, I think I’ve got it covered now. Still hate cutting metal though haha. I think I’ll always hate that. Thanks for watching JT!

[@jtdouglas9535]

@@LindsayDaly look how easily you cut the metal door! Go for it. Wiring and extending wires is easy!

[@clarasmith1873]

Could you share the swivel plate source?

[@camerongarcia3128]

This an after thought, but did you know you didn’t have to remove the seat and base; just the seat only. And the only thing you’d have to do is remove the seat, and install the swivel plate….

[@debutchi]

whats the tool youre using at 8:35

[@LindsayDaly]

An oscillating multi-tool! Honestly priceless for van building

[@SimoneNC]

I need to do my doors. Wish they made a template of the doors, it would make it so much easier! I have a 2018 express all metal, not even the plastic covers..

[@nmartin5551]

Cardboard is your friend. But i suspect you figured that out!

[@nmartin5551]

Yikes! I like a lot of what you have done and i commend you for filming, editing and posting, but the metal in the doors is kind of structural.

[@koningbolo4700]

9:55 Spoiler Alert: Vans get messy no matter what you do (besides cleaning them up)... such is a fact of (van)life...

[@fredymendez1786]

damage to make something stupid

[@LindsayDaly]

U okay lil man?

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

puke

[@mrlariata9290]

Awesome video where can I get those seat covers and swivel plate?

[@LindsayDaly]

I wouldn’t recommend my specific swivel plate for the wire issue like I mentioned, but I bought it from Shop4Seats.com. The seat covers are from Covercraft.com!

[@campvanrvadventures]

NICE