Chevy City Express - DIY Conversion Kit

FLAT-FEE SHIPPING • CURRENT LEAD TIME: 10-14 DAYS

 You’d like to experience Vanlife on your own but have no experience in converting a camper van? No problem, we have you covered. Here's an alternative to the expensive and timely custom build option, which we'll ship to your door.

Our DIY self assembly kit can be easily installed by anyone, with only a screwdriver, and in just one weekend. Just as easy as building up IKEA furniture by following a manual. Are you ready to convert your first campervan at an affordable price?

Specs

Bed 

King Single - 1.05m wide(Bedding / Cushions not included*)

Fridge/Cooler capacity 

Up to 21L thermoelectric cooler / fridge 

Recommended compatible fridge here.
Recommended compatible cooler here.

Water Storage

Capacity for 50L water storage under the sink 

Sink & Faucet

Recommended compatible sink here.
Universal faucet hole has been cut, compatible with most models.

Electrics - (extra $1,250)

Integrated Wiring Loom includes:

• Switches wiring 
• Lighting
• Fuses
• Fuse board
• Circuit breakers for protection
• Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR) for charging
• Voltage readouts
• 2 Double USB Chargers

Materials

The woodwork panels are made from sustainable Baltic Birch plywood that come pre-finished. The panels are custom designed to fit precisely like a jigsaw within the framework so you can slot them into your van with ease. Eco-friendly, and ideal for customization!

Installation

Everything is pre-cut, pre-drilled and ready for you to just screw it together, straight into your van. No tools or space needed, and we will ship the kit straight to your door. Just grab a screwdriver and install direct into your empty van.

The step-by-step kit fitting manual is fast and easy to build from even for novices. All tools, instructions, wood panels, hinges, screws, door magnets and hatches are provided with the kit you just need a screwdriver, leaving you time to focus on the fun customizations!

Installation time: 1-2 days maximum.

We can install your kit for an additional fee of $850 for small van kits. Only available for orders for collection, select option at checkout.

Download the instruction manual (same instructions as the Nissan NV200 kit)

As seen on

Dwell Magazine — These DIY Kits Are Like Ikea for #VanLife—and They Start at $5K
Expedition Portal — Van Lab Offers DIY Flatpack Upfitting Kits for Popular Van Chassis
Yanko Design — This Diy Flatpack Van Conversion Kit Makes It Easy to Transform Your Van in a Mobile Camper Overnight!

Conversion videos

FAQs

What type of plywood do you use?

GREAT question! - and one that is potentially the biggest differentiator between VanLab kits and some of our competitors... We use only USA produced A1 Grade 9-ply Birch. The best there is! We source the strongest and most premium material to enable us to use 0.5" versus the thicker 0.75" ply which enables us to maximise strength but reduce weight load. If a kit with 0.75" is lightweight, then it means it's using poorer grade quality plywood. Some useful reading here: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/plywood-sizes-and-types/

How long does it take to build my kit and what tools do I need?

The record for assembling the woodwork is under 3 hours. Typically, it takes between 3-6 hours to build your first one. You will need x2 electric screwdrivers to put it together, these are NOT included.
To add the wiring, we would leave an additional day aside to do it. Take your time and enjoy your build!

Can anyone build the kit, or do I need existing woodwork skills?

Absolutely anyone can build this kit. All the holes are pre-drilled and the panels are pre-cut. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions in the manual provided and screw the panels together. The build is really enjoyable as you see your empty van transform into a camper!

How can I receive my kit?

We currently offer collection from our workshop in Woodland Hills, CA. We can also ship to anywhere in the US. Overseas shipping in not yet available.

Do I need a Leisure Battery?

If you want to charge anything (laptop, phones, cameras, speakers etc.) we suggest you run a leisure battery. Our wiring looms are designed to charge you leisure battery while you're driving.
​However, your leisure battery can never discharge your van battery, so you’ll always be able to drive off!

Is there a bathroom?

There are many different types of portable toilets and Showers that work well with the kits: there are simple portable toilets that work well and we have designed space for them to slide in and out of all our kits so they are tucked out of site. Check Simpler Ways' collection dedicated for toilet products designed for the road.

Do you sell the cushions?

Sadly not at present, however we will happily provide dimensions and also some supplier recommendations. They are just too darn difficult to ship!.... :)

I have a van which you don’t list, can you do a kit for me?

We create kits for the most popular models and are adding key designs regularly, if there isn't yours on the list then send us a note with a request and we'll get back to you if one is completed.

Can I see a van before I buy?

Yes you can! We have one of our Nissan NV200 kits on display from our Simi Valley, CA location.
We also have one of our Large kits installed in a Ford Transit Passenger van which you can rent on Outdoorsy - link here - https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/portland_or/2018_ford_transit_235569-listing

How easily can I remove the kit?

The kit has no permanent fixings to your van chassis. This means you can drop it in and remove it for a weekend or longer trip. It is perfect for anyone wanting to use their existing van for camping trips without damaging anything on the vehicle!

Can you guys install?

YES! But, the kit has been designed so that ANYONE can put it together, the same way you put other self assembly furniture together at home.
We are here for you though and do offer installation from our Simi Valley, CA location. The time taken to install for you will depend on workload but we recommend ordering your kit first and then booking your installation, usually within 2-3 weeks completion from order.
In addition we have some of our instruction videos and manuals which are enough to self-install and we are always available via email with any questions / concerns.

Why do I see some oval shaped marks on some sections?

Although we use the most premium and hard wearing Baltic Birch available, you’ll still find several football, oval, or irregular shaped patches in either side of Baltic birch. Even the highest grade of Baltic birch allows for patches. While at first glance they might seem unsightly, they’re indeed correcting a worse problem that you wouldn’t like any better – such as knots or discoloration. Fortunately, patches are color matched, so they blend as best as they can to the surrounding areas.

Can I buy individual segments of the kit?

We are afraid not, the kit is designed cleverly to work as one unit with every unit screwed into the flooring and built upwards. Some brave customers have bought a kit and modified themselves, however we don't recommend this route if possible.