2005 Chevy Astro AWD Stealth Campervan - Meticulously Crafted Inside & Out - SOLD

[drivethruecp]

Sold? Still available? It's been over a year. Price drop?

Zirkel, Thank you for sticking around/following! While I'm not in a rush, especially to sell it at a loss, I'm hesitant to start another build before finding this a good home. I actually just got a center seat and will be installing this to give it a trial for the car seat.

While I have minimally reduced it from $33,900, I wasn't personally a fan of posting a bunch of price drops and muddying up the forum since I was no longer able to edit the original post, which believe it or not was even higher ($37,900 I believe). I have maintained (in bold) best serious offer and do mean that. I have found, IMHO, that anyone who is seriously interested in something specialty as this would message me even if their budget is significantly less. Also if you look at these dime a dozen low-quality and poorly planned van builds both from manufacturers and small shops, they go for significantly more. Again, just my experience, observation and thoughts.

I'd have to agree with Herbie above, I think your price is too high. The van looks amazing and you have done some great custom work, but in the end it is still $35k for a 2005 Astro van. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking you in any way, I just think for that money most are looking at something roomier or a bit more modern. You can do a lot with $35k.
I know you said you didn't want to disassemble/reconfigure it, but if I was you, I would consider pulling a lot of those upgrades out and either selling them separately or using them in my next project. I know not everything is practical to pull out, but you might can get enough removed to be able to drop the price significantly and a potential buyer would have a better price point and more options for customizing the way they see fit.
(Just my 02cents. )

TMOD, thanks for the reply! Can you show me an example of van of similar quality for lower cost? I haven't been able to find any comparable's... all my "comps" were much higher. I've actually maintained, again pending serious inquires, that I could remove or part out certain items if their offer was considerably less or justified this approach. For example the $300 SoC meter, $900 fridge, $800 in batteries, awning, etc. It did cross my mind to de-camperize it, however I believe it's indeed impractical and would rather just keep it.

Most recent maintenance was 2 Spicer U-Joints.

Again, I know I've only had a handful of public responses and really DO appreciate and value your thoughtful insights, assistance and kind words! Maybe I'm foolish, but would rather just keep it than get mid-20s for it. I didn't go into the build, with the foresight I'd have to sell it. I build it "right the first time on the most robust mid-sized van platform at the time without much concern for cost or time invested.

 

[TMOD]

Might try posting on Overlandbound.com if you haven't already.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

This is a great clean, simple, functional well thought out rig on a very reliable and easy to work on platform!

GLWS

 

[drivethruecp]

This is a great clean, simple, functional well thought out rig on a very reliable and easy to work on platform!

GLWS

Thank you immensely RAM5500 CAMPERTHING, eloquently put! The way I look at it, the van has over another 200k miles left in it, from many 350k reports I've seen of Astro's.

I'm always concerned the pictures don't do it justice. It really is in need of a good video tour. I need one of those YouTubers that do them all the time to feature my rig, haha. I'm no videographer.

 

[ccahoon]

wow, beautifully done. setup is great, only downside is its really catered to a solo setup. but if you are a one man show, this is great

 

[drivethruecp]

wow, beautifully done. setup is great, only downside is its really catered to a solo setup. but if you are a one man show, this is great

I've almost exclusively camped in it with my wife and I. She gets the bed and I'm a big hammock person (great for bad backs). The hammock is hung diagonally as your supposed to lay in them, so you wind up laying parallel to the bed. It's fantastic. Very hard to capture in photos.

Went to Overland East last year (2019) with my buddy. He took the bed and I slept in the hammock both nights, was very comfortable and he isn't a camper at all.

Alternate design, and still can be added into the channel, is the same slatted bed that folds up over the existing and over and out to sleep two. With an extension for someone taller that would hover over the passenger captains chair. I considered this and planned for it, but am truthfully a hammock camper through and through. Hopefully that makes sense.

 

[VinceAtReal4x4's]

Nice but agree with the bed issue. The lay shopper just getting into the van/overland stuff may not like this because of the micro bed. I can't fathom sleeping in the way you describe nor would I ever attempt it. I dont feel that bed is even enough for one person honestly. Check out a non-Westy Syncro/Vanagon if you want to see how a bed should be in a van. They are slightly wider than a queen, believe it or not, and it works extremely well and folds back into a bench seat. You can get one in nice shape with a great Subaru engine for that price... and they have a lot more appeal for various reasons.

 

[drivethruecp]

Great. Now people not only looking for validation and and acceptance in their little social media feeds but while trying to sell their goods as well.

Great first post, sarcasim an negativity are a great asset to our community.

Not sure I understand whom your comment was directed at? Either way, not sure how it adds to the conversation...

Although suggested to me, I do NOT and have NOT used social media to try and sell my vehicle or anything for that matter. Not sure how responding to people's comments and questions about my rig, is me looking for validation? Never asked for validation. This has turned into a bit of a hybrid thread, and has lots of comments and questions in that of a build thread, so I'm just rolling with the hybrid thread it has become.

Generally polite society dictates that when someone goes out of their way to pay you a compliment, you take the time to respond and thank them...

Nice but agree with the bed issue. The lay shopper just getting into the van/overland stuff may not like this because of the micro bed. I can't fathom sleeping in the way you describe nor would I ever attempt it. I dont feel that bed is even enough for one person honestly. Check out a non-Westy Syncro/Vanagon if you want to see how a bed should be in a van.

Yes, I am quite familiar with this type of bed. The design is known as a rock and roll bed. This design was more than just considered very early on in the planning phase. I actually had a few mock-ups and welded some different frames/hinges. Have you slept on one that doubles as a bench seat? It's about as comfortable as it sounds. Sleeping on seat cushions, like many RVs utilize is too much of a compromise. Additionally, the primary reason for ditching this type of bed is I believe I was able to create an open layout for use of internal space as well as easily accessible and large storage under the bed.

They are no where near the width of a queen you as you describe (queen is 60" wide). They are about 40-45" wide (often less actually) which is only 6 inches wider than a twin at most (would make less cabinetry along drivers side. But they are actually mostly twin widths. I wouldn't want to share that bed. Back to the one bed situation. IMO, don't most people use that bed for their kid(s) and adults sleep up top in the pop-top from all I've read and saw.

To those who doubt the layout, I already realize this van is not for everyone. I really do. I built it for the way my wife and I camp. With the mass appeal of hammock camping, I'm sure there others out there. If I built the van for mass appeal, generic is also a compromise of doing lots of things decently to somewhat poorly but nothing super great. Those are the concessions you make when building out a custom rig.

Thoughts on the "all bed" layout. I wasn't fond of the teardrop style bed, meaning you're either in the bed or out of the vehicle. There's no ground for moving around inside the vehicle once in bed mode and have to get out of the vehicle to do most tasks, if that makes sense.

FYI, VWcamper bed dimensions:

1974-1979 Bus full camper
DOWNSTAIRS: 42” X 6’ 1”
UPSTAIRS: 46” X 6’ 1”

1980-1991 Vanagon full camper
DOWNSTAIRS: 45” X 6’ 2”
UPSTAIRS: 47” X 6’ 0”

1995-2003 Eurovan full camper
DOWNSTAIRS: 42” X 6’ 2”
UPSTAIRS: 42” X 6’ 2”

EXPED MegaMat 10: 30.3" x 6' 5.6" (king of tent sleeping pads and personally own)

My Van Bed: 30" x 5' 10" - 7' 6"+ (extension over fridge and/or driver's seat moved forward gives even more)

My Wife: 5' 1.5" ?

 

[northstar2018]

Maybe, most of all, I love the stance of this Astro . Really. The interior craftsmanship appears 'HumbleRoad" quality. All the explanations and information you provide are very helpful. As you say, it is a unique design, not for everyone, and not being in a rush helps. All the best with finding a buyer before the Equinox and congrats on a really nice build!

 

[drivethruecp]

Added center seat for additional (small) passenger from a Tahoe/Suburban/Avalanche utilizing factory drivers/passengers floor bolts. Fully reversible, save for small slits easily covered or capped in carpet. Carpet additionally could be swapped during modification delete. Passenger captains chair swivel is still, surprisingly, fully functional with third seat addition.

Just got back from a 4 day first trip with my 13.5 month old son! One of our long-time most favorite places, Tiadaghton State Forest in North-Central PA, of course off-grid primitive.

Please direct message me with serious offers ?

 

[Hackopotomus]

Just found this thread as I did a search on Astro Vans. I am looking at a couple AWD Astro vans locally with the idea of building a rig. I wanted to see some others and I will say, you have done a really nice job on yours.

As far as the price, I think the problem is you are trying to sell a 15 year old vehicle that is a bit small for most people and with a very specific (although high quality) build out. This really limits your market and I think most people looking at Astro vans (like myself) don''t want to spend a bunch of money on one. I'm looking at nice clean stock ones for around $5K and will do a build with a lift, tires and a simple interior of bed and small cabinets. I'll end up well under $10K total expenditure on it.

I think in your price range most people will want something newer and larger even if it doesn't match your level of quality. Not sure about any tips on where to list it. Maybe take an adventure trip out to Expo West and put it on display there? GLWS.

 

[drivethruecp]

Was chatting with a prospective buyer and wanted to post some information I shared here to give more details.

I just did both universal joints with Spicer brand. In May a Platinum AGM Battery, Group Size 78, 740 CCA I'm about to do a idler pulley because I'm hearing a little wine once in a while. Delco of course. New exhaust, muffler, fuel pump, idler air control valve, o2 sensors, fuel cap, left steering wheel stock with controls cruise control, etc., Just recharged the AC and is ice cold also (has rear AC also), repainted front pumper at body shop (was some bubbling of the paint which was odd and paint is great everywhere else), tires tons of life, vacuum lines, idler arms, all other steering components great, trans fluid recent flush and change maybe 3k ago. All parts Delco, Moog for idlers, new engine mounts. Those are things that come to mind. Basically anything that comes up or can come up I am proactive about if I can help it. The van also has a transmission cooler in it.

I'm getting like 23-25mpg average which is pretty incredible for AWD, 31.5's and lift, another big reason I chose the Astro over others. That's with mountain roads, hills, back roads, etc. I double check using torque app to OBDII port. As with anything I could have done better of I kept the speed down.

I was so nutty about this van, I still have both original bench seats, original carpet, have extra Maxxair smoke fan cover, tons and tons of extra parts, Spicer including universal joints, Delco oil filters, blue sea large system fuses, list goes on

In full transparency. I've had a few offers. All $20k coincidentally. I do appreciate all offers and serious inquiries sent via private message, which all members have this far. Thank you for keeping the feed (mostly) clean! I DO need to get some time set aside to post on ConversionTrader and/or VanLifeTrader to better reach the target market.

Just to give you an idea where my head is at. I currently have the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond reserved. It's a little ways away, so anything can ultimately change. A few other exciting vehicles on the horizon and have been seriously close and back and forth on both a JLU and Gladiator numerous times. Willys and Mojave, respectively...although Willys is now available on Gladiator. So going back to basics and reinstating my ultralight backpacking principals (more-differently, haha) in respect to sleeping outside despite overlanding by vehicle. Rather than "on" or in the vehicle.

 

[Kps396]

This is a pretty nice Astro , good luck with your sale !

 

[drivethruecp]

This is a pretty nice Astro , good luck with your sale !

? Thanks Kps396, nice stance you've got there! What size tires and lift? I have similar (if not the same) lights from Rigid I've been meaning to cut in and flush mount on my rear bumper cover for backups into camp. What did you mount your light bar to, are you touching off on the frame or bumper brackets?

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

You've been advised, rather gently, by several Expedition Portal members, that your $35,000 asking price was high.

I was curious as to exactly how high it was, so I booked it on KBB.com, and I was absolutely appalled- the private party fair market value of your vehicle is about $4,000, which makes your asking price appear utterly predatory. You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to pull that on fellow Expedition Portal members.

I disagree...

KBB means close to nothing for something like this. There’s a TON of well thought out customizations and a crapload of man hours Involved here.

This is no different than the younger crowd on here selling their Tacoma’s for 2-3x what they’re worth (or their KBB value) because they bolted everything they heard about on Instagram onto it.

The price on this one is high, yeah, but it’s not appalling by any stretch of the imagination when you take the silly Tacoma’s on here into account