VAN CONVERSION Episode 3: Removing the Seat Rails in a Chevy Express Passenger Van 

What happened to the pieces that were left on top of the heat shield between the heat shield and the van floor? Were they left loose, and in there to rattle out on the road? Or will they stay up there and wear a hole in the heat shield and then finally work its way out? I have a 2000 vintage 1ton Chevy express van with those very same seat rails in this video. I like your solution a lot better than theirs. Still concerned with where the bits and pieces wind up though.

@@paulnorberg3869 some hit the ground some fell out as soon as i drove it Im sure you could take a coat hanger and knock them off the heat shields

How many bits did you go through

Can you explain a little more? So you covered the floor in 2 x 4s and then insulated after?

@@soholtbrothers I'm getting estimates from som welders to remove my extended seat rails so to cover the floor with .75" plywood in prep for a wheelchair platform lift. Can you share what is a reasonable price to remove?

@@soholtbrothers I have a '06 Chev Express 3500 that was a bus in Kingman, AZ. It came with a worn-out platform lift, rear entry, that must be removed. Remaining will be a flat rubber floor covering supported by .75" plywood and tie-downs and shoulder/ seat belt; this rear area is already prepped for occupied wheelchair transport. The new wheelchair lift will be side-entry. The seat rails are 30% removed in the back from side to side of the van, and .75" plywood, covered (glued) with a layer of rubber flooring as power wheelchairs destroy the carpet. Your costs, labor time, and video give me a realistic idea of what it's worth to pay a welder to complete the removal of the remaining seat rails. How did you remove the bolts left sitting in the under-carriage you mentioned? ...is the under-shield there on your Chevy because it has four-wheel-drive? Thanks

Check episode 3

Would love to hear if/how how you went about doing this. Looking into options with fam right now as I sleep bsck there when camping for now.

@@aileyjace12 me too, Id like to know

Did you come up with any answers to the air bag question? I'm wondering the same thing.

Me too, they just disappear part way through prepping for paint :) no mention of it

@@soholtbrothers I did watch your school bus build and its use...thanks for doing that. I was wondering if you were leaning toward using the side tent as you did with the bus. I have gone back and forth on this question and have the same concerns/considerations you've outlined. I am leaning toward a pop top for those brief stays in a spot where you don't want to set up a tent or there isn't the right space for it. I would love to have a permanent high roof but have seen what high cross winds can do with a vehicle like that, not to mention clearance. Thanks again and looking forward to the build as it progresses.

Sam Soholt better than safety 4th I guess!

Bet he is still blowing green snot rockets lol

You could definitely do that! We just wanted to save as many inches as we could for the head room. Would love to put a pop top in it

That's how we roll. haha!

Had same question

Not sure where you're located, but I'm in Vegas and getting rid of mine.

@@soholtbrothers hi Sam , its cliff again. I appreciate your response. I do have a follow up question. After reading you response, i climbed under my van to get busy. What found was abit concerning. The long rail on the drivers side that gives the most access to the bolts is bolted directly to cross members that support the floor of the van. By removing the bolts, the cross members are no longer attached to floor of the van. Can you give me some further insight to my dilemma please.

@@soholtbrothers thank you

leave the rails attached, secure wood rails next to them. much easier

I had my airbags taken out with a friend. detach battery wait a few minutes, and go at it with drill to remove screws, which are visible and easy peasie. reattach battery and waaLaaa

why take out ?