[Samoa1999]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and gathering some information.

Does anyone know how a shelf can be added behind the second row of a long length/high roof passenger van? I feel that it would be great to create more storage options by adding a shelf in the rear of the van. Bike storage underneath a shelf would be great if height permits even when removing a front wheel. Maybe even a small bed if possible on top of the shelf.

thanks so much, Erik

 

[rf17830]

The black lower wall panels are very easy to remove. Pry up the center of the mounting clips and then pull out the clip. Under the panel you will see some holes where you can install plus nuts.

The trim piece between the window is probably one of the easiest pieces to remove. Just start pulling on an edge and work you way around.

The lower window trim pieces are also very easy to remove. You just need to grab the lower edge and give it a pull. There are three of four clips along the bottom and some clips along the edge of the window. There is another set of holes that are covered by this trim piece. You might just need to detach the lower edge of the trim so that you can see the holes.

Because I'm reinstalling the factory trim in my conversion, I've gotten really good at removing and reinstalling these the trim pieces. I found enough space behind the trim to install reading lights, switches, guages and controls. The trim pieces are really strong. You just need to give them a good pull. The plastic is very strong and I never broke anything.

 

[rf17830]

The horizontal holes, under the wall panels and window trims, might give you some ideas about how to install a 1530 aluminum T-Track or a piece of L-Track.

I installed a couple plus nuts, in the ceiling, along both sides of each factory rib. I have some 5/16" holes in the factory ceiling that gives me access to the plus nuts. I plan to use them to mount a shelf or light weight cabinet on both sides. For now I'm just going to put up some storage nets.

 

[Samoa1999]

The black lower wall panels are very easy to remove. Pry up the center of the mounting clips and then pull out the clip. Under the panel you will see some holes where you can install plus nuts.

The trim piece between the window is probably one of the easiest pieces to remove. Just start pulling on an edge and work you way around.

The lower window trim pieces are also very easy to remove. You just need to grab the lower edge and give it a pull. There are three of four clips along the bottom and some clips along the edge of the window. There is another set of holes that are covered by this trim piece. You might just need to detach the lower edge of the trim so that you can see the holes.

Because I'm reinstalling the factory trim in my conversion, I've gotten really good at removing and reinstalling these the trim pieces. I found enough space behind the trim to install reading lights, switches, guages and controls. The trim pieces are really strong. You just need to give them a good pull. The plastic is very strong and I never broke anything.

Oh that sounds appealing; reinstalling the factory trim.
Send a pic or two if you can; I’m not super handy

 

[Samoa1999]

Oh that sounds appealing; reinstalling the factory trim.
Send a pic or two if you can; I’m not super handy

So do you add brackets for a shelf/bed and then reinstall the trim?

 

[rf17830]

I found some long pieces of 1530 aluminum T-track. I was looking at installing it bellow the windows and at the bottom of the wall. I was going to install the track and then install my own wall covering on the lower wall. If you remove the plastic trim over the rear AC (also do something to flatten the rear AC duct), you end up with a flat wall to install the upper track.

At the end I found that there was enough room behind the factory window trim to install AC outlets, switches, gauges and controls. So I went with the factory trim.

I'm just in the process of connecting the wiring. Then I will use plus nuts to install some pieces of plywood on the wall, to replace the black plastic lower wall panels. I will use the plywood panels as upper anchor points for my cabinets. Not as ideal as removing the lower interior to create totally flat walls, but it should work.

I'm installing most of the electronics inside the three front lower wall cavities on the driver side. I'm trying to put most of the infrastructure inside the walls.

 

[rf17830]

I left out one important detail. You can cut about 1 1/2" (?) off of the bottom of the lower window trim, cut off the lower pillar trims and remove the air conditioner trim. Then you can install a long piece of track the entire length of the van because the wall is flat. Also install some smaller pieces of track at the bottom of the wall.

Install furniture or wall panels to cover the lower wall, between the tracks, and you are done.