2004 Chevy Astro AWD Build: Lifted - CCV Poptop

[Snowgeek135]

Thanks for answering the questions there guys....I am around a bit more more but havent't had much time to post much.

As to the question...."with a 4" lift" i beat down the seam at the rear fender well and cut my bumper back on the lower rear edge. I currently have one spot of rubbing.... Struggling to find it because it happens so in frequently. But i think it is still on that seam in the rear of the wheel well on the drivers side

I made a few little improvements to my sleeping platform this weekend...can't wait to share the pics.

Made a little run up through the Boise front hills and got into some moderate terain.... Little creaky .....but handeled really well.

Any thoughts on which trany temp gauge to use? I will check around asv.com as well but as i crawl around with high gears and big tires i would love to have that info.

Ryan

 

[Snowgeek135]

Ok I have had many requests for interior pics of poptop.

I have been waiting till i could get a super wide angle lens to take these. I didn't have the extra bed panels when i took these pics so we will get to those at another time.

:wings: got to say i love this thing. From camping to bike races i really would rather be driving this than anything else...... It is simply so convenient.

I will add some more bed platform pictures and storage solution photos as i get them.

 

[Snowgeek135]

I think that the stock seats were designed for someone a little wider than my 5'6" 140lbs frame. In order to not roll around in the seats while driving i have to pinch the armrest between my arm and torso. So I started working on new seats. 4 months ago i found a decent condition pair or seats out of a Land Rover disco at my local junkyard...Got the pair for $30

In this process i am mounting the drivers on the normal astro base and mounting the passenger on a swivel.....i am getting rid of the arc rails on both.

Junk yard astro bases to be used with the new seats

Removing the rivets that hold the rails on outer 2 from the top.... Inner two from the bottom

Rover seat is going to need a little cleaning but the bolstering is amazing.

Rails of the new seats and rails of the astro base are spot on in width :sombrero:

Junkyard swivel that will be under the passenger seat

Can't wait to get that swivel done!!

Ryan

 

[Colby Jack]

Any Updates???

 

[T.Low]

Damn, I should have invited you to Jovian us in Owyhee. Didn't realize how close to Boise we'd be going.

We should do an All Astro Owyhee Overland 4 day weekend sometime.

Cobra says it took literally 20 hrs to de-clad and de badge his van. How was your experience?

 

[Steamboater]

Sweet van! How much are the CCV Astro tops running?

 

[bunce1260]

Any update of how the seats went?

 

[doctorastro]

Any update?

 

[Mwilliamshs]

...Any thoughts on which trany temp gauge to use? I will check around asv.com as well but as i crawl around with high gears and big tires i would love to have that info.

Ryan

B&M makes a simple kit that's been around a long time. I've used it personally and have no complaints.

 

[tweederhill]

Pardon my ignorance, but do the barn doors open 180 degrees standard? If so, how do you do it? I was completely unaware this was a thing. Thanks!

 

[ihatemybike]

Yes, the doors do open 180, if you release a catch that stops them at 90.

 

[Herbie]

Great thread!

I see the Propex HS 2211 in your sig, but you haven't shown it in your build thread. Any chance you can provide some photos of that? I'm aiming to do the same for mine (eventually), and want to try to "reserve" the space underneath before I install on-board air, etc.

Thanks!

 

[nobodyhome]

Hey Snowgeek, your van was among the inspirations for me to get an AWD Astro, great stuff! Did you do the NP233 TCase yet? Curious to hear how it went and what method you used, i.e. push button, manual shift, JOR kit, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Snowgeek135]

Ok sorry for being so absent it has been a really long few years and any time I have has been working on the van and not posting. I have taken less pictures but still have some updates.

@ Herbie - propex install

I mounted the heater between the floor board and the spare tire. I spaced the spare down one inch and then put a shield between the spare and my propex. I will do more detailed post down the road but here are the pictures.

 

[86scotty]

Very nice work.