Howling at the Horizon
How I Plan to Turn My Ugly Yellow 1972 Chevy G20 Van into a Tiny Home on Wheels (Spoiler: It's Going to Be Epic When it’s Done)
They say every great adventure starts with a single step. Mine started when Covid hit, and there was talk from the owners about selling the land where my little shack sets my brother-in-law had a turd yellow 1972 Chevy G20 for sale that looked more "haunted mobile shed" than "future cozy home." But hey, I love a good challenge (and an even better deal), so here I am: the proud owner of a van that might still have disco vibes lingering in the upholstery. Here’s my plan to transform it into a tiny home on wheels, with a side of humor and a lot of DIY dreams.
Step 1: Operation Eviction-Clearing Out the Clutter
Before I can start building, I need to deal with the current state of the van. Imagine a time capsule packed with 70s memorabilia, questionable smells, and some spiders that think they pay rent. My first mission is to gut it completely, down to the bare metal.
Game plan: Gloves, a mask, and a lot of garbage bags. Oh, and probably a bean flip just in case there are rats!
Call to Action: Have any tips for a Spotify playlist to keep me motivated while I confront the mess? Drop them in the comments!
Step 2: Rust Be Gone—Fixing the Foundation
Once it’s cleared out, it’s time to tackle the rust. Let’s just say the van has "character." Armed with sandpaper, Bondo, and a can-do attitude, I’ll patch up the trouble spots and make sure the van won’t fall apart at highway speeds.
Pro tip (or so I’ve heard): You can never have too much patience or primer.
DIY humor: If I’m not covered in rust dust, and white paint by the end of this, did I even do it right?
Step 3: Insulation Nation-Keeping It Cozy
Nobody wants to freeze in the winter or melt in the summer, so insulation is next. I’m planning to install foam board insulation with a reflective barrier to keep the van comfortable year-round.
Call to Action: What’s the best insulation for vans? I’ve heard debates hotter than a summer road trip on this topic—share your wisdom!
Step 4: Flooring That Floors You
I’m thinking peel-and-stick or the roll vinyl for the flooring. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and (bonus) it’ll be a huge step up from the rusty, uneven surface I’m starting with.
DIY humor: Cutting flooring to fit a van’s weird curves is going to be like doing a jigsaw puzzle—but with more swearing.
Step 5: Building the Dream-One Piece at a Time
The fun part! I’ll add a bed frame with storage underneath, a small kitchen, a hide-a-way slide-out desk for working on the road, a built-in shower, and a hidden composting toilet. Every inch of space will have to pull double duty, so I’m already sketching out plans in my head.
Call to Action: Got any must-have van life features or clever space-saving hacks? I’m all ears!
Step 6: Rustic & DIY Decor
String lights, USB fans, and anything else I can find at little or no cost will turn this Chevy G20 into my rolling man cave or in my case a wolf cave. Name suggestions for the van are also welcome—right now, I’m leaning toward "The White Wolf." AKA "Lobo Blanca"
Warning: Once it’s decorated, I’ll probably flood Instagram with photos. Sorry, not sorry.
Why I’m Doing This
Because life is short, the open road is calling, and the idea of becoming a homeless burden on my family gives me hives. Van life offers freedom, simplicity, and a chance to create something uniquely mine. Plus, it’s way cooler than sitting in traffic dreaming about adventure.
Call to Action: Thinking about van life? Join me on this journey! Let’s share tips, ideas, and maybe even some road trip playlists. Together, we can turn rusty dreams into rolling realities.
Stay tuned for updates as I tackle this ambitious project—and feel free to cheer me on (or gently roast me) in the comments. Here’s to the adventure ahead, one DIY mishap at a time!
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