So, you’ve got your brand new (or used) empty van — now it’s time to turn it into a blank canvas which we can convert into a custom masterpiece.

Before you start building anything, you need to clean it out, strip it down, and get to know every nook and cranny of your future home on wheels / weekend warrior rig.

This step is all about preparation — inspecting for rust, removing panels, taking measurements, and getting your layout plan together.

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It’s also a surprisingly good way to bond with your van (and spot any quirks before they become big problems).

💌 This is part of our DIY Camper Van Build Series — a members-only guide from Campers and Camping.
We’re breaking down how to go from blank cargo van to custom camper, one step at a time.

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🔧 DIY Camper Van Build Series: Table of Contents

  1. Planning your DIY van conversion
  2. Prepping your van for conversion ← You are here
  3. Designing your van layout and style
  4. Electrical, insulation, and utilities
  5. Building the core van structure
  6. Finishing touches + van life essentials

1. Clean your van inside and out

Even if your van is brand new, there’s going to be dust, grease, and random grime from manufacturing and transport.

If it’s used, you might be dealing with years of dirt, work gear debris, or — let’s be honest — mystery stains.

🧼 Vacuum, scrub, degrease, and wipe everything down.
🔎 This is also your first chance to properly inspect for rust, holes, or damage, if you were unable to do so before buying your van.

2. Remove factory panels and flooring

To get full access to your van’s interior frame, you’ll want to strip it down:

  • Remove plywood floors, side panels, ceiling liners
  • Unscrew any bolts or brackets used in commercial builds
  • Pull up rubber mats to check for trapped moisture or rust

💡 Don’t toss everything — some panels can be reused, repurposed, or used as templates later on.

3. Check for rust (and fix it early)

Now that you’ve exposed the bare metal, check every surface — especially the wheel wells, floor corners, window seals, and under the van.