Not Expo, but my new van.

[Basement Yeti]

2002 GMC Safari AWD 192K miles. Converted by Safari Condo, then unconverted by the 1st and only owner for use as a work van. Looks like it still might have plumbing and wiring, and some of it's cabinets. I go and pick it up Monday in Phoenix AZ. Needs temp tags to get it to CA, then to be registered.

You can see two ports on the side. Looks like electrical and a water spigot maybe, because it's up so high.




I can't figure out what all this


I'm probably bringing it to Colorado Camper Vans to have the interior re-converted. Even if I just have them do the interior paneling, insulation cabinets, and run the electric, propane, water lines and I do the appliances myself.

I mostly just want it done in time to take my mom on an awesome adventure and I really don't have the energy, time, or space to convert a whole new van myself.

-Kyle

 

[bknudtsen]

Looks like a pretty good start!

Brad

 

[Basement Yeti]

Thanks!

I'm really freaking excited. I've been talking to Derek from Colorado Camper Vans getting a quote together to spruce up the interior, he's such a pleasant knowledgeable dude. Right now we're speculating nothing and assuming the inside is completely unfinished but I'll be able to give him a revised report of what is and is not one when I get the van Monday hopefully shaving time and cost off the project. Not that I mind, this is going to be so worthwhile.

I'm so excited because I know my mother will be so comfortable in this van while we travel. Her mobility is going and I am planning for this van to be comfortable for her down the line so we can still travel.

I am moving her from Connecticut to California. Originally we were just going to take a couple weeks and see a few sights. But we've decided to make it a month+ long adventure. I can't think of anything better than a new comfortable van and my dear sweet mom.

My big brother is going to source a class III hitch for me so we can move her things with us. Either a small trailer or a cargo carrier.

-Kyle

 

[ExpoMike]

Congrats. Looks like a good start to a nice camping rig.

 

[arlon]

Now that's just a cool find. I'd love to have a pop top but I'll just have to live with mine the way it for awhile.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Thanks dudes. Yeah, I got a killer deal considering the cost to have a pop top installed and a van camperized. What's even more gnarly is that the van is AWD.

But ihatemybike says she has inferior badging. Guess I'll need a new grille and badges. lol.

Still working on a solution with Derek from CCV. I'm dead set on giving them my business though, great company, lemme tell you. I look forward to my e-mail from him every day.

Couple more days!

-Kyle

 

[Herbie]

But ihatemybike says she has inferior badging. Guess I'll need a new grille and badges. lol.

Don't listen to him. I like the Safari grill and headlight buckets, at least. I have the same from my donor safari still sitting in my garage, I consider swapping every now and then...

 

[Basement Yeti]

Sometimes Aaron hits me. ): Haha, nah, he's a good feller that one. He put's up with A LOT of crap from me...hahaha.

I actually prefer Astro badging too. But heck, it's a sweet van anyway. Every time I look at the calender to see I am 1 day closer to picking it up I get butterflies. I can't wait to see what's on the inside and under the hood.

I really like your van Herbie, I always read your stuff but it always slips my mind to comment. I dig that auto lift function on yours. We should get together some time, maybe to attend a local Expo event, we can caraVAN. Mehehehe.

-Kyle

 

[ihatemybike]

Only when you live in my driveway for 3+ weeks.

To those that don't know, Astro/Safari owners pick on each others badging in jest. Astros touted as being more popular, Safaris as more exclusive.

Great vans either way.

 

[Basement Yeti]

In my defense you have a really nice driveway.

 

[ihatemybike]

My driveway is cracked, broken, lop-sided and drains poorly. How is that nice?

 

[Basement Yeti]

My driveway is cracked, broken, lop-sided and drains poorly. How is that nice?

I'm a simple man....

 

[Christian P.]

Great find - i wonder how this safari condo end up in the US - must be an interesting story!

 

[Basement Yeti]

It was manufactured at the Garden City plant in KS and the first owner lived in GA. He is French Canadian living in AZ now. He's the boss of the guy I am buying the van from. First and only owner for ten years.

I found all this out through CarFax.

-Kyle

 

[Stroverlander]

Nice find, sounds like a neat adventure in the making!