My 1997 B2500 3 Seater Customizing Cargo Van.

[97B2500CCV]

Here are the pics of my workvan that I am customizing for my needs and taste. She is not a Show Truck but does all that I want. I work with Fire extinguishers, Mobile Auto Repair, and odd jobs.
Do to my family of three I needed to install a third seat. So to maxamize my cargo space I put it between the front two seats. Latter I will put up a full enclosed wall around the back of the seats to help keep the AC up front where it belongs.:tup:

Current list of modifications/repairs:
Upgraded to 135 amp alternator with new belt tensioner and belt.
Upgraded grounding points.
Emergency Starter Overide, may remove in the future.
Replaced side mirrors.
Repaired original tranmission Neutral/Backup Lamp wiring harness and replace the switch, it needed both done.
Custom Installed Shelf and Tool boxes
Back-Up Alarm (You know how hard it is to see out of the back of our boxes.)
Custom instal of the Heater/AC Blower Fan Ceramic Resistor Pack.

Soon to add:
Full window tinting.
Partion wall with automated heat removal fan for those hot summer days here in Texas. It will pull the excess heat from the interior.
1500 Power Inverter with 3 sets of dual outlets along with 3 sets of 2-way switches so I can turn it on or off any where in the van.
Air Compressor is in the van but will fix air outlets at the rear and side doors for quick hookups.
Battery Isolater with dual battery pack for the work load of the inverter.
Repaint the side doors strip, doors were replaced.
And whom know what else I will come up for this wonderful work horse of a truck.:cool:

[alloro]

How about power windows and door lock kits? I added them in mine without too much effort. I then added a remote starter/keyless entry/alarm unit, but that is a bit more involved. Finally I installed a backup camera with a 7" color/night vision screen. That has saved be a few bumper dings already.

There are a few other things I installed only because of mine being a work van. Things like metal shelving with plastic bins, front to cargo area divider, 4' fluorescent light, rear 3" lift blocks, tow hitch. Just to give you a few more ideas.

[97B2500CCV]

I may go with the door lock kit later, how hard was it to retrofit?
I have thought about the camera, do you use it only for backing up or also as a rear view mirror?
I will think about the fluorsent lamp, that could be useful.:)
The partion wall will go from behind my seat to around my daughters seat and end at the side doors. The front cabin will be completly cut off from the cargo side. This is for comfort and quietness.:tup:
I wish I could have posted more pictures, maybe I can but will try latter.

Thanks.

[alloro]

I may go with the door lock kit later, how hard was it to retrofit?
I have thought about the camera, do you use it only for backing up or also as a rear view mirror?

It just took a little time and patience to install the door locks, it wasn't difficult.

Although I use the camera for both, I mainly use it for backing up only because of the glare it can have, which reduces the contrast between different objects. The mirror is more reliable in this department.

[97B2500CCV]

Two more pics of my van.

[97B2500CCV]

Here are some pic of when I did the custom blower motor ceramic restistor pack install and cleaned the evaperator while I was in there. I used a wet/dry vac to vacuum the core. Latter I will remove the old resistor pack and install a plexiglass window there. The ceramic resistor pack came out of a 98 Dodge pickup.

[97B2500CCV]

Added rear view camera today. This camera is wired to run full time with the engine. Makes a huge difference when backing up. I think all vans should have one.:tup:

[97B2500CCV]

My Darling Wife helped me change the oil and filter today as well. She drained the oil and switched the filters.

[alloro]

My Darling Wife helped me change the oil and filter today as well. She drained the oil and switched the filters.

Uh Oh, bad idea. Now you've got to help with the housework! LOL

[B-300]

I have seen a bench seat mounted in an older van in the junkyard that had a metal safety cage to separate the passengers from the cargo... I suppose it would be suitable to keep service clip boards or a child seat on but to cramped for an adults legs.
If you install a 3rd seat as pictured make sure to add reinforment to the floor as the seatbelt connects to it and also needs to take the load at the front if you get rear-ended.... As for the shoulder belt, ther is no good place to attach it to unless you add a bar that goes to both roof rails which could be part of your AC blocking wall.
In either case removal of the engine doghouse is more involved.

[97B2500CCV]

Uh Oh, bad idea. Now you've got to help with the housework! LOL

I happily already do that and even cook once in a while.:tup:

[B-300]

Practically a garage on wheels.

[97B2500CCV]

Practically a garage on wheels.

That was my goal.

I did install the third seat to specs given to me by one whom installs them, but looking at upgrading the underneath floor mounts shortly. No such thing as too much reinforcement or safety.;)

[stev]

My Darling Wife helped me change the oil and filter today as well. She drained the oil and switched the filters.

At first glance without the mat under her, it looks like she had gotten run over. :YO:

Years ago, when I married my wife, she had to know how to change a flat tire by herself. After that, if she wanted to know more I'd help. Since then she has been stranded twice with flats and called AAA. :D