Looking for suggestions on rebuild...

[Zack1965]

Thanks...I am sold! I think during the fabrication of the door and diamond plate trim...I will have them weld in a new "Ceiling" to the box which should be almost level with the floor of the interior. Maybe a 2" lip up. This would allow some sort of storage in the kitchen area, maybe even the fridge itself. Might be a good spot for a seat next to the cooking area also, just behind the drivers seat.
A small horizontal tank should fit nicely in the space.

Thanks again for everyones input....

Steve.

[86Scotty]

I like your idea of going with a dark color too. That will make it much less noticeable, but a cover for that space won't look too bad either way IMO. It would be nice to have a big outdoor storage compartment for that, and inside you could just put a cabinet probably over that space and never miss it inside.

[shenrie]

you could go to a salvage yard and cut that piece out of another van and make a door from it. that way it will be the same contour of the body and not stick out so badly. odds are good you can find a white one too. use a piece of piano hinge at the top or bottom and like suggested, just use it as some kind of storage or access. and, if you ever decide to paint, youll already have a piece to weld in