2006 GMC Savana Jetski Hauler Build

[Mcarpenito89]

Hey guys I will be updating my build of my 2006 GMC Savana. It will be my Freestyle Jetski Hauler. It's a little different than what you guys are doing with your vehicles on here, but I think you guys will appreciate it. I'm trying to figure out how to setup pictures and get them online to this site. If anyone can lend a hand if appreciate it.

Here's a little link if your wondering what I do. I'm the Blue Ski running the GoPro in most of the footage.

https://vimeo.com/179513329/recommended

 

[Mcarpenito89]

So these are a few pics when I first picked the van up.

2006 Gmc Savana 162,000

I paid $2,900

When I brought it home on the Trailer. Trans issue, so let's take the trailer !

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[Mcarpenito89]

Turns out the Transmission was bad. Talked to the Builder and saw the clutches and bands and they were so worn. He said it looks like somebody ran it dry.

He informed me that he's seen a lot of these transmissions fail and it starts with 2nd gear which is usually the first to go.

I got it completely rebuilt with all new parts , new torque converter , and new oversized trans cooler. My Trans guy added an extra clutch pack to beef the trans up incase I was towing. I think I got an awesome deal for $800/825. It helps knowing people.

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[Mcarpenito89]

Next thing I did was Tint on the Van. Since I will be keeping a $13,000 investment in there I wanted to keep my van as private as possible. This will be my mobile toy carrier / fun haver with tools and most likely my dirt bikes and quads will make their way in there as well.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

For Tint I did 5% all around besides the Driver & Passenger Windows. I decided to do them 15% due to not having power windows or mirrors. I want to be able to see at night out of my side views. I decided to go 35% on the Front Window.



I than got a killer deal for these WeatherTech window guards. I paid $48 shipped off eBay and they happened to be a brand new unopened box.

Pic Installed:

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[Petrolburner]

An ambulance style gurney for loading and unloading the ski would be awesome!

 

[Mcarpenito89]

An ambulance style gurney for loading and unloading the ski would be awesome!

I'm not to sure what you're referring to. I'm open to ideas and have been kicking a bunch around. Funds are a bit tight right now.


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[SirMrManGuy]

I'm not to sure what you're referring to. I'm open to ideas and have been kicking a bunch around. Funds are a bit tight right now.


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Think of a beach cart that has wheels that fold up beside the skis when pushed into the van and then locks down to the van floor. My guess is you'll be a bit tight width wise to do something like that.

 

[Mcarpenito89]

Think of a beach cart that has wheels that fold up beside the skis when pushed into the van and then locks down to the van floor. My guess is you'll be a bit tight width wise to do something like that.

Ok , I get what you mean now.

The van allows me to fit a aftermarket hull and a Superjet side by side. I'm trying to formulate ideas like making something removable with bunks. I'd like it to be somewhat like a pod where I put a wet ski in and the water drips into it. I have so many ideas it's just hard to figure out what I would like to do.


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[Mcarpenito89]

TRANS COOLER INSTALL


- So I installed the oversized trans cooler and tried to make it as clean looking as I could.

I drilled holes with a reemer bit until I hit just shy of what the diameter of the Rubber Grommet. I wanted them to fit in there snug!

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[Mcarpenito89]

I don't know if this will interest you guys since this forum seems to be more valued around camping builds , but I figure I would share the hobby I participate in. This is why I wanted a van! I wanted to have some that's able to transport my toys all around the world to all the competitions. Hopefully you guys appreciate and like .

Figured I'd post some pics of myself throwing down on the Jetski !

Here is my ski.

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[boardrider247]

I dig it!
Always more interested in what people use the van for then the van itself.

 

[Kyron]

very nice, can't wait to see this continue!

I had a X2 back in the day, .... I thought I got air too hahaha:coffeedrink:

 

[Mcarpenito89]

Thanks Guy !!! I will post more pics vids when I get a chance.



So I have more progress on the maintenance part. I tend to be more of a guy who does preventative maintenance well before I need to. Call it wasting money if you'd like , but I just feel it's best to replace parts from a 10 year old van now rather than later.


I wish I would have taken a picture when the valve covers were pulled off to see the goldish color inside. I was highly surprised there wasn't really any signs of sludge buildup. It was super clean.

REPLACE:

a) Engine Exhaust Manifold Studs

b) Exhaust Manifold Gaskets

c) Valve Cover Gaskets

d) Spark Plugs (Oem)

e) Spark Plug Wires (Oem)

f) Pcv Valve

g) Oil Pal Gasket

On my van the valve cover actually had the pcv valve integrated with the cover meaning if it ever went bad you would have to pull the whole valve cover. I switched the valve cover from another 5.3 Chevy trucks I I can access the PCV valve at all times without the hassle.

**While I had everything off I figured I would go the extra mile and stick everything in the parts cleaner to take the 10 years of grime off**

Also I don't know if anybody's else's van HD this issue but the bottom cover did not have a drain bolt for future Transmission Services.
My Trans guy hooked me up with one like this when I had the trans done.

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[fellows86]

Awesome to see another freestyle /freeride guy on here . I'm currently looking for an e250 to do the same thing with . Camping /ski hauler . Oh and I can't forget to compliment how awesome the sv1 is looking 🤘👌

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[Mcarpenito89]

Awesome to see another freestyle /freeride guy on here . I'm currently looking for an e250 to do the same thing with . Camping /ski hauler . Oh and I can't forget to compliment how awesome the sv1 is looking

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Glad to hear we are in the same boat man. Where are you from/what are you riding ?


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