Another Astro, across tho pond, tho..

[UKPhil]

Hello folks, my name's Phil. I live in the NorthEast of the Uk, near Durham, if anyone is familiar with England!
I've liked the look of Astros for a few years and have enjoyed reading the various build threads on here. The problem is most of the ones we have over here are fancy day vans covered in Tupperware panels on the outside, even the AWDs....
Has anyone any experience of getting rid of the tacky runningboards etc and revealing the inner Astro?
I'm thinking of importing an Overland kit for a 4" lift and going with 30" tyres for now, then adding a camper interior later. Eventually reaching the pinnacle of a transfer case swap and rear locker eventually..... All this to get to the beaches with my kites or in the hills for a bit of peace & quiet...
I know this isn't really the forum for this, but I respect the opinions of you all, and would sooner get _your_ advice as van drivers & explorers than the general van community elsewhere...
Thanks in anticipation
Phil N

 

[ihatemybike]

Running boards are usually fairly easy to remove, granted I've only done it on JY vans for easier access to what's underneath. Some running boards might be more molded into the the trim of the van and might require a couple trim pieces from vans without all the fancy stuff. Post a bunch of pics so we can see what you have and we'll be able to tell if you need those trim pieces.

I'm a bit of a JY creature so if you need something located and shipped I'll be willing to help where I can. Another good source will be the US JY search engine www.car-part.com, most of the yards that the results will show are willing to ship.

Why is it that most of the European owned Astros are conversion vans imported from Japan?

 

[Loopie]

Hello UKPhil...body mouldings and/or running boards are stuck on with tape and there may also be screws. You simply remove the screws and then use a blade or a wire to cut between the moulding and the body. Then you just clean the tape goo off.

 

[UKPhil]

I've ended up getting a 95 AWD van, plain outside, simple 4 captains chairs & bench in the back.
The project starts here!
I've found a guy 2hrs away doing a Westie style furniture kit, another place that does Reimos universal pop top and I want the standard 4" suspension lift & 31s....
I'm split between ordering Overlands kit & shipping it or sourcing bits over here.. I guess it's getting the body pucks made up and some springs made, then a good mechanic to do the bits & bobs?
Any advice yeah or nay?
Any Brits tried anything similar?
Thanks!

 

[ihatemybike]

Pucks in front and lift shackle in the back is the norm for a 4" lift. Don't recall if the 95 needs a longer steering shaft with the 4" lift.

If you upgrade to 16" rims with D or E load tires you'll get a more confidence inspiring ride.

 

[T.Low]

Good luck with the project, Phil. SOunds great.

4" needs springs and shackle in rear.

Personally, I haven't been any further east than hiking the Dales and Gordale Scar. Luv it up there.

 

[BIGdaddy]

I've ended up getting a 95 AWD van, plain outside, simple 4 captains chairs & bench in the back.
The project starts here!
I've found a guy 2hrs away doing a Westie style furniture kit, another place that does Reimos universal pop top and I want the standard 4" suspension lift & 31s....
I'm split between ordering Overlands kit & shipping it or sourcing bits over here.. I guess it's getting the body pucks made up and some springs made, then a good mechanic to do the bits & bobs?
Any advice yeah or nay?
Any Brits tried anything similar?
Thanks!

Have a website link for the gent making westy style furniture? I'm still really considering a van build to take the place of our XJ for camping/exploring.

 

[tinbasher]

my 95 needed a steering shaft and steel springs(it had composite)