Van Build Day 2 (This is gonna be Harder than I thought!!)

Converting my Campervan on my own is gonna be a challenge!
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[@asifyoucare]

KZbin is throwing me 3 minute ads on your videos but thats ok...im not skipping them! Also i see folks saying they would not have taken the paneling off. I disagree, i think its a good idea if only because since the van was unused for awhile, there could be rust or mildew or something underneath. So opening it up making sure it's all good & starting from the bones with a new build seems like a good idea to me.

[@ToddSt]

Well said. He also did great by removing the ceiling for more head room.

[@winterisblu]

Thank you! That was my my exact thought when I saw the mouse excrement! Hope you’re enjoying the build!

[@s59463ify]

exactly---go with your gut Mateo

[@sandrajordan3802]

This is going to be your home Mateo, you build it the way you want it to be. Don’t worry about what others say. It’s your money and your time. You be happy with whatever you do! Memaxx5

[@nikkiep23]

Mateo this is so exciting! Smart plan for the build. Its also cost effective to save/ re-use everything you can. Great progress. I love the Mediterranean veggie sandwich from Panera. I have to try the salad.

[@KaiExploresLife]

The fact that you can stand up straight in your van makes it a GAME CHANGER!! Chef Mateo is at it again! 👨🏾‍🍳

[@winterisblu]

Thank you!!

[@Sally-v6f]

Totally agree !!!

[@mertr8509]

I😅😅😅​@@winterisblu

[@jansullivan6404]

Insulate…Insulate…Insulate…floors, ceiling and walls!!!

[@arazoelove6703]

Fine Mateo, don't insulate. It's yours and lars little butt that's gonna have to freeze. L o l😂

[@whoopsydaisy6389]

As much as he likes to camp in the snow, insulation is a must. How quickly he forgets. lol

[@terib5467]

Thinsulate!!

[@glee105]

Do it the right way. Insulate those floors. No sense do a half ass job.

[@folkfestgroupie]

I agree. Insulate!!!

[@charliesinger5490]

Hey there , this is “Granny Chuck Super Nova “ …. I live in a 72 passenger bus 🚎 in up north Wisconsin. We have a diesel heater but we don’t use it because we burn wood in a decent size wood stove that I got from Menards. Once we moved outta the apartment we were sooo excited. But after we got settled up here it was cheaper to stay in one place. My husband insulated the walls with pink panther styrofoam … we didn’t get to the roof quick enough for the weather that came in. So, our roof for 2 winters is just the metal bus roof that it came with. Because of the dry heat off the wood fire I didn’t have condensation but in the spring when I don’t burn wood , then it can condensate. Don’t worry too much, I see you literally learning and teaching me every video!!! You will be fine with what you’re doing now, and later if it doesn’t work rip it out and remodel. I enjoy your content! Keep up the good work. PS ( don’t let the baddies get u down!! You’re awesome!)

[@rdred8693]

I may do this too. I have land in Northern New York by the Adirondacks.

[@maisbruh]

So exciting to be here from the beginning and watch this all unfold! I feel so invested in this conversion and look forward to seeing the process! You're gonna learn so much, Mateo, and you're gonna teach others who watch!

[@winterisblu]

Thank you!

[@RogueNoodleAdventures]

Well said, me too! 💜

[@ToddSt]

I've been saying from Day 1 of this conversion series to not discount Mateo because he has a genuine passion for van life. Yes, he loves his chef skills, yes he loves his guitar and making music; but he also possesses a deep passion for van life. He's ALREADY proven the skeptics, doubters and Karen's wrong and I think that is great!

[@msdee243]

Do a sketch of your layout….so excited to see you start! ❤️

[@winterisblu]

Great idea!!

[@BadgerWolf-19]

@@winterisblu you could try sketch up. 2D its not that hard to learn.

I'm glad you're keeping the cubby for Lars. He loves it there!

[@robinmacdonald7249]

OH I bet it feels wonderful standing UP in your home. So happy for you, I enjoy following you and Lars

[@winterisblu]

It feels AMAZING!! I can’t wait to start living in here!

[@hodls8732]

use a roll of thinsulate for the roof

[@sparrowschmidt818]

LoRD GoD I ask and thank You for Mateo’s new beginnings in new Van. Be encouraged you have an interested community alongside as you persevere . Be guided in ideas and success! You and Lars be blessed in new home travels🤗😻💕

[@winterisblu]

Wow, thank you 😊 ❤️

[@sunshynescaradventures]

Great job, nephew!!!! Removing the ceiling definitely provides more head space!!! I'm super excited!! I can't wait to see the van when it's finished!!

[@winterisblu]

Thank you Sunshyne!!

[@raohretro9218]

I bought this same Van, so this video series will be a gold mine for me

[@dakota1992]

I know you're stoked about the flooring but it appeared I saw water stains on the plywood. Plus if the bolts were rusted that's also cause for concern underneath the flooring. You should investigate and if all is well then you're good to go! Good luck and many blessings.

[@dabigitalianwilliams9345]

You don't actually really need insulation in the ceiling of the van but once you install the flooring you will need to add insulation to the flooring because cold air travels up through the flooring so the insulation helps keep it cool in the summer and warm during the winter

[@sundaychamberlain228]

You do need insulation or your cat is gonna fry in the summer

[@earthmother7852]

He’d lose all his heat through the roof in the winter

[@Xcjcjdjdkdfgkgkvkckr]

Uhh… heat rises, vice versa

[@ToddSt]

R E S P E C T. As far as van builds, you going for the hardest of hard. I see you're not letting the Karen's knock you off your game. Mad respect for ya, bro!!

[@kymmontoya4949]

I have to watch this in sections. The anxiety I had watching you rip up the van was too much lol. But it's YOUR van. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[@carolecota9625]

I’m enjoying your build. Can’t wait to see how it turns out

[@KarenSueCardoso1234]

Same here, I had to watch other things. Lol

[@Arasmus125]

Good vid, spotting Lars in the cubby again. It has become the Lars Lounge...

[@sparklecreations]

😂 cute

[@aliyahgreen9935]

Lol awww the Lars lounge

[@rawlecossey137]

Just remember you have a fiberglass roof. PPE BRO. Vaccum each time you cut it.

[@ImSmacked28]

Who else likes before watching ? We got a banger here 🎉

[@nomorebsforme]

Your ceiling would look awesome with cedar and smell great too!

[@cynthiamyers335]

Would also help with bugs

[@carolwest6095]

I use the add time to scroll through comments. I notice that you make a point to get vegies and fruit into your day. I enjoy your cooking also. This van build has me hooked. I'm sure that your particular take on how you put it together will be fine, maybe even special. Because you like atmosphere and comfort. Maybe use kill mat on the exposed areas?

[@keekum]

So satisfying watching the carpet get ripped out

[@CharleneHolmes-jx2nh]

Hi Mateo, have you ever watched this amazing guy, DualEx? You are off to a great start. Keep it simple and at your own pace.❤

[@carolinechilds9864]

I’m proud of you, wish you could have collaborated with DualEx. Love seeing You Tubers work together.

[@tonithomas6143]

I love Dual Ex. He is a beast with his builds.

[@brownskingirl4439]

Hi. Ive been here since the beginning. Love your content, and now I also watch your sisters channel as well. ❤

[@brookstevick3051]

Love that we are getting to watch this whole journey!! ❤

[@ToddSt]

Yeah, it's pretty special.

[@Dogboy91]

i recommend throwing some killz on your sub floors. looks like you got some moisture showing up and it will help seal it up a bit. might have a small leak somewhere.

[@ToddSt]

Not sure it is a leak or 12 years of moisture condensation especially during those hot humid months. It's kinda funny because some people are like "wow, I hope U know what you are doing to such a lovely van." Lovely? That thing was having a near- death experience before Mateo got it into the shop.😂.

[@Dogboy91]

@@ToddSt I would still throw a couple coats on it to be safe in case. I can't blame him for keeping the old flooring since it looks to be in decent shape. I'm even doing it on my schoolie build to be safe even though I'm doing new floors.

[@resurrectionsunday4164]

I wish you would not disconnect the electrical. Just hide it . Because if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. You may need that wiring in the future and once you mess with one circuit it can really cause problems with your other circuits. Best to have it in place for a future project ❤

[@ToddSt]

Fact check. Cutting wiring is not disconnection. Nor is capping wiring disconnection. Disconnection obviously means disconnecting wire from power source. So those wires are ready to be in use again if ever needed.

[@CarolWilliams-m8k]

Wow you got alot going on blessings to you and lars you could use some help big job😊

[@raerae1878]

Seen some really thin spund and heat insulation on builds so lets keep you extra warm this winter. Lovely update have a great week. 🎉

[@winterisblu]

Thank you!

[@patriciapuleski900]

They have emergency fire blankets at Walmart. It keeps out heat and cold. I am not sure how they would work for insulation, but I saw someone use for window coverings and they worked really good to keep cold out during the winter. Bonus is they are pretty cheap if they work.

[@mariabarenick2]

God bless you and Lars on your new adventures. You are doing such a good job. May god keep you and Lars safe in your travels. Watching you brings a smile to this old lady's face😊

[@yolandajocelyn1837]

You should blur out your license plates numbers when on camera

[@scar284]

Im so into watching your videos. i forget to eat lol until you start showing food you always have yummy food! So happy your build is coming along nicely..

[@MidlifeWanderings262]

Wouldve definitely been someone out there who'd bought all the stuff you just pulled out of your van 💯

[@patricialowe6425]

Dont forget to add insulaton on sides and ceiling to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

[@LadeijahsCreations]

From the looks of it you're coming along Great! Let me know If I can help you out with anything. I had emailed you the last time you were in the Atl! My offer still stands! I've been thinking about doing Vanlife for a number of years now & I would love to learn how to do Solar 1st hand! 🤗😘🙌 God Bless!

[@joannjohnson8334]

This is so awesome to watch. Just fyi...if you are near a Ikea store, you can fib all kinds of affordable storage and cabinets things that would be great fo the van. Check it out!

[@FutureNomad68]

Standing up straight is great. It's really coming along.

[@loreenheath1472]

Standing up is everything. I don't blame you

[@sharondathigpen5799]

Unsolicited advice insulated, and possibly a diesel heater, please, I remember you being cold/seeing your breath in Astro. Stay warm in winter and cool in summer but above all else stay safe

[@ToddSt]

Yes, he mentioned in another post that he does have a diesel heater ready to be installed.

[@tinasoblessed6350]

May God continue to bless you and Lars, with growth, strength, peace and protection, and lots of happiness! 🙏🏽💪🏽🥰

[@teerag5997]

Great job on the music you suggested the other day. I am so in love with Alabama shakes sound and color that I want is phenomenal if you have any more music on that genre that level please let us know second you going to need to put some form of insulation in there because the metal not only sweats but also holds heat and I know you want to stretch but for the safety of you and your cat we’re going to add something maybe you can look at wall and you like at the end of the war or whatever other materials they may have so many more to pick from have a good day keep the videos coming I’m so inspired to do some great myself I love it.❤

[@tammybenefield667]

Need longer videos

[@karenjoycehuntly]

Everything is coming along nicely. Cant wait to see the finished result. Love to you and Lars. ❤🐈‍⬛

[@winterisblu]

Thank you! 😊

[@mikem9892]

​@@winterisbluBro why were you showering hot sparks all over your CD ? 😂

[@kevinwashington7311]

Looks good so far! Being a tall person myself, i agree with being able to stand up!!! Solar panels will make your life so much easier and definitely consider AC and heatng now while you're still in the planning process.Last suggestion would be get those windows Tinted 0 percent while the van is empty.

[@ericd1084]

Damn. You're wild. Lol I would have left the ceiling as is. Id be too worried about causing a roof leak.

[@jazzthespot1493]

Keep the floor rug as a template for your new flooring. Exact match

[@LostNative]

The best insulation, Dodo. You can get a sticky back film inch not very thick but it's very good. So try that for the roof.

[@CindyWebster-s6p]

You are doing a great job and your enthusiasm and joy are infectious! Don't listen to the naysayers follow your heart and your vision as you create a home for you and Lars!!

[@ToddSt]

Very well said.

[@esmeralditaluciano6032]

Mateo! That van keep giving more and more Blessings your way! One thing you should consider ( I’m not by any means knowledgeable of anything electrical nor built) but! Before cutting any wires make sure it’s not connected with any of the electrical areas you want to preserve. Better be sure than regretful afterwards. I’m so excited for all that you are doing and can’t wait for the whole built to be completed. Blessings Mateo!!🙏🏼

[@staroceans8677]

Don't forget the insulation it'll help during the winter and the summer. Looking forward to its progress.

[@Sara-ew5tw]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I'm in the midst of my own conversion and every day is about increasing the learning curve lol!! I'm soooo excited for you!!!

[@penny4849]

Excellent!! If you put your bed high enough, you can run a shower pole or drapery pole underneath it. Hang all your clothes there those little shoe cubbies that hang can be cut off and they work really well also for small items.

[@zane3556]

it would be so cute if you had upper cabinets on one side then half on the other then nmade the rest of the space a cat walk for your kitty to walk from the cubby 😊

[@winterisblu]

Good idea!

[@tp4346]

I love that you can stand up straight! Hope you have some fresh insulation to put at least around the sides for those cold nights. I know Lars will have an area where the TV is but I’m looking forward to see his area! Do you think a scratching post with a little hammock would fit right under? Great job so far, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself! 🎉❤

[@southerngal7899]

You could even put a small shower in. I just bought my used Toyota Sienna last week and I'm planning on putting a sit down shower and tub in the back. You're doing a great job Mateo.

[@dleonf2832]

You have to know what you’re exactly doing when you venture into customization.

[@willforeverpubg4235]

Matteo this helpful for me,I'd can apply it to my future Homeowner lifestyle.

[@michellealjunaidi8471]

Hi Mateo. The van is so full of potential now that it's gutted. Definitely leave the ceiling open. Maybe just paint it matte black so the galaxy looks real when you turn the device on. You have so much storage potential now and the closet sounds like a great idea. This is the perfect time to get what you want while it's still in the creation phase. If you have a Lowe's nearby they sell smaller unfinished cabinets in the 12 inch height range so it's worth checking out and will save time on you having to make upper cabinets. One more thing don't miss storage opportunities in the rear doors. You can create pockets with mess or a sturdier material like leather to store small things out of the way.

[@winterisblu]

I love that idea thanks for the tips!

[@RuthCollins-g1g]

When you get all the inside out get some good insulation and it will be warmer in the winter and coller in summer good luck and God bless you and Lars

[@rakeshchandan007]

coming her for your cooking mainly ,not even for van life ,sooo beautiful

[@bridgetbrown8351]

I love watching you do your van build. It's really fun.👍👍👍👍👍🤗🥰💕😍💯👏👏👏👏

[@sparksessence]

maybe put the kitchen by door for inside, outside access, cooking, putting/emptying water, fuel for cooking..... So excited for you....

[@lisamartin9134]

I'm just starting to watch your channel. You seem like a nice young man.

[@-...Patricia...-]

I'd just spray truck bed liner on the ceiling area and call it good!

[@lindadixon767]

Oh how i love watching your videos and all the journeys ... But now, WOW! Mateo you have switched it up big time. I can't wait to see how you will change the game You and lars are 1 of my favorites to follow. Bravo 👏👏👏 Now... LETS GOOOOO!!! ❤ ❤

[@ohizkimmie]

So proud of you! Learn as you go is the best way, bc then it really sticks with you!

[@serenityjewel]

Being able to stand is awesome but you're definitely going to need some kind of good insulation in the roof OR on top of your van. Maybe a fire blanket??? The roof is going to get well over 130 degrees in the summer. You have to put something up there just so you don't fry.

[@chesapeakefarms]

they make a very thin insulation foam board that would not take away from your height and would give you some insulation.

[@AccidentalCarnivore-ul3kg]

Great job Mateo! ❤ It’s great seeing how this has evolved. Looking forward to seeing more content about your build.

[@Refreshingwordtoday-tv2022]

Everyone’s opinion is just that and sharing opinions is a good thing. Can we do it without bashing each other? Ok❤ Thanks!! So I thought basically the van was already prepped with the plushness in place and the frame work pretty much done. My mom used to build bunk beds and decks with her bare hands and she as watching with me and thought the same. The plush and carpet as nice n clean. Uighur😫😩😳

[@CF_in_SoCal]

Love your vids! Looking forward to seeing the progress of the build. You were correct to remove the walls n ceiling to reinsulate and cover them up. Also for more head room. 😊

[@kathleencorral3960]

I just wanted to throw this out there make sure if there are holes in the plywood on the floor that you wood putty because if you put tile down it will dent and it will end up tearing. I'm glad you decided to use the side framing for shelving that was a smart move🎉❤ the holes

[@jamesjimenez1743]

Mateo awesome doggies step by step day by day positive vibes everyday 👍 let's get it 🤜💥🤛🕺

[@DenaInWyo]

Hooray! VERY glad to see that carpet go. Wow, that's a lot of progress!

[@fun4two]

Some sound deadening board would help reduce the rain noise and any outside traffic noise on the sides. Also helps a little with insulation. Very thin many products out there do some research. Bib's says hi to Lars... good luck!

[@TheKookyKennedys]

Yes do a thin layer. Super thin and a piece of wood. Anything helps. Insulate the floors that might help as well and anywhere else you can on the walls

[@lindatorres7003]

I was excited when I saw you stand up all the way 👏👏👏

[@NomadicSimpleliving]

Blessings on top of blessings, self efficacy is a blessing Mateo ❤❤❤❤

[@Mko007]

Maybe you can find a thin insulation I think you might regret that in the winter. Looking great Mateo 😊

[@junes8796]

Coming along great. 'Now the hard work, the therapeutic tasks/decor coming soon.

[@brookstevick3051]

Good people, have GREAT things come to them, its not by chance that the van came your way!! 😊

[@daisyfriska5]

Props to you Mateo. You are doing a good job on your home. Love watching the videos. Its going to look beautiful. Lars will have a lot of space to walk around and you with all you want in your home. I am very excited for you and Lars. God bless you both. You got this. Much love for you both. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@bonniepettersen4063]

I would leave the roof as it is. The sidewall designs are a bit dated but a little paint can do a major facelift🤷🏼‍♀️

[@gertrudrobinson815]

Mateo, when you are done with your creative van build (I am learning along with you}, you should really consider writing a cookbook! I just watched you making fish tacos 🥳

[@in-spir4197]

Hang in there!

[@friedtofubitz]

Closer to the dream! 🫶

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Love how you have the "go for it" courage; I think this is more possible when not buying a highly expensive, newer rig. Enjoying the conversion!

[@winterisblu]

Thank you so much!

[@shelly-ev1mq]

I’m so excited for you and Lars. It will be so nice for you to have so much more room and to actually be able to stand and walk in your new home. It’s going to be a lot of work and, at times, it may seem like you took on to much, but, I guarantee it will be so worth it in the end and you will have such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing you did all this. I can’t wait to eve the end results. 😊.

[@carmendee6039]

Hi, Mateo! 👋☺ Two thumbs upon the progress of the build. 👍👍

[@melissacoburn6873]

Yep, standing room is the bomb! I don't live full time in my shuttle bus but I did a wood themed contact paper and put it up on the ceiling LOL! It looks really cool I just wish I could send you a picture dang it... Of course the bus is really tall, and it keeps the weight down so hopefully the gas mileage will stay chill. You're doing a great job! I'm so excited for this van build. It's gonna be so cool 😎❤🎉

[@MsPhillyG]

I love that you want to do the work yourself, I would too. Keep pushing even though its seems like its waay more than you thought do your best. Im so invested in this whole ride.😊😊😊

[@JDo-z6o]

Please don’t get overwhelmed. It will be frustrating at times, but hint of the end results.

[@ToddSt]

No kidding, especially with 100k people watching!

[@scottwright388]

He's going to be overwhelmed with advice and criticism alone. 3 or 4 weeks to complete his vision is awfully enthusiastic...especially when he hasn't started the rebuild yet.

[@Wildflowers2022]

This has nothing to do with the video but I was watching the news today and they said Mateo was one of the popular baby names for 2024. I never even heard the name before I started watching your channel. I guess I don't get out enough. Anyway I am so happy for you on getting your new van. Please take your time we will be here with you on this new journey. I love to see it. Congrats!!!!

[@kellymarieapplebee]

The wood exposure is GORRRRRGEOUS!!! I take may hat off to you working so hard in the heat! By the time the van is finished people are not going to be able to believe that you got it for free!

[@sharaelove7547]

Don't worry if you don't know how to do the electrical work or the solar work. Go to your neighborhood junior college and see if there's an instructor that would be able to answer your questions and physically touch those items so you can see it up close. Good luck you're doing a great job so very proud of you.

[@sidneylewis6549]

Great job breaking everything down.Excited to see the results of the rebuild.😊❤❤

[@SMCharacters]

was it a good idea to strip the top and sides? wont it keep u warm in winter?

[@winterisblu]

Definitely worth it for me But that’s my preference 😊

[@cotter9751]

Really great to see you and your excitement - your descriptions make the changes seem real already!

[@VenicaMcMillan]

Au could also put bens under the bed for storage. ❤ I'm excited also