sixstringsteve
Explorer
Thanks. We just picked it up this past weekend. It'll be our house for the next several years as we travel.
Pics of your VAN! Post up!
- Thread starter adventureduo
- Start date
Petrolburner
Explorer
I reassembled my dash after adding the Pioneer 4100 NEX, volt meter and an extra 12v outlet for the passenger. I now have Apple Car Play, Android Auto, bluetooth and hands free call/text.
tequilasunset
Adventurer
New to this site... Massive inadequacies posting my van here... starting point, former wheelchair van already minus seats and pretty much a blank canvas.
2005 Safari AWD... I will be offing my Vanagon 1.8T this summer to cover this one.
Plans 16" high top, build my own interior, new speakers and stereo (must have my blue tooth!) and when the brand new tires wear out go bigger with a lift... after that its all a crap shoot!
2005 Safari AWD... I will be offing my Vanagon 1.8T this summer to cover this one.
Plans 16" high top, build my own interior, new speakers and stereo (must have my blue tooth!) and when the brand new tires wear out go bigger with a lift... after that its all a crap shoot!
Well, Bessie the Astro van may have taken her last ski trip.....
Fuel pump gone to ****. Apparently lower intake manifold is also going quickly and needs replacing or I may strand myself yet again. Van is far away so either a road trip + $2K in repairs, or selling to a junker / donating to NPR. Given where I take the van, being stranded is not something I like to risk.
Fuel pump gone to ****. Apparently lower intake manifold is also going quickly and needs replacing or I may strand myself yet again. Van is far away so either a road trip + $2K in repairs, or selling to a junker / donating to NPR. Given where I take the van, being stranded is not something I like to risk.
Petrolburner
Explorer
Bummer dude. What are you thinking of using for the next platform?
Haven't found something yet that fits my needs better than an AWD Astro/Safari, though maybe I'm not quite informed enough. Currently leaning towards finding another one
My "needs" are:
- small enough to park in the city,
- big enough to sleep 2 + gear comfortably, ideally drive 4. I like that the van doesn't require me getting out of the car to move between camp/back. Having a quick convertible platform (from sleep 2 to drive 4/5) with storage underneath has been pretty great for adventuring with friends.
- reliable,
- inexpensive to maintain and drive (mpg)
- capable enough for bad FS roads and driving in LOTS of snow (multiple ski trip adventures a year, and not just to/from resorts, but sleeping in FS trailheads near backcountry areas). Thinking I may be able to get away with 2WD if I just get some bomber tires which would open up more options...?
ihatemybike
Explorer
Too bad it's so far for you at this point. Everything that you listed as being wrong with it is not that hard to repair and once done will last you a long time.
I can still get it back, and may. Awaiting final quote/diagnosis. Unfortunately I don't have to tools/skills/space to do the work by myself. I may be able to get it towed to a friends to do the fuel pump, but he isn't comfortable doing the lower intake manifold gasket. Plus then we're talking a month-ish turnaround.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
ihatemybike
Explorer
The pump should be about $600-800 at dealer prices. Only use OEM pumps as the aftermarket ones aren't worth anything when used in these vans, leading to early death and another pump replacement way before it's time.
The Felpro intake manifold gaskets are an improved design over stock.
Tools can be bought. Skill acquired by reading manuals and doing. PM about PDFs. Space, now that can be an issue.
Fuel pump takes a few hours, day if you've never ever done them.
My first and only intake manifold gasket, I spread out over the coarse of a week.
The Felpro intake manifold gaskets are an improved design over stock.
Tools can be bought. Skill acquired by reading manuals and doing. PM about PDFs. Space, now that can be an issue.
Fuel pump takes a few hours, day if you've never ever done them.
My first and only intake manifold gasket, I spread out over the coarse of a week.
Good beta thanks. Is that pump cost with install? Any idea for how much the part alone (AC Delco on amazon is showing around $200.) I just got quoted way above that and given I'll have to tow it to somewhere else if I don't go with these folks.
Yes all those things can be done (tools and skis acquired), but space and time is the big issue. No garage or off-street parking, its winter here and this is the only vehicle that can get me into the mountains. As an avid skier having no transport for the prime month or two of the season is sort of a non-starter.
ihatemybike
Explorer
That's pump with install. Dealer prices on pumps will be higher. If possible, supply the pump yourself.
Petrolburner
Explorer
Made and installed a cargo/safety net for my sleeping platform that will allow us to alternate drivers and sleep while the other person drives. No it's not safe in the even of a crash but at least you won't be injured by rolling out of the bed while underway. I can also fit two of those black and yellow cargo boxes up there and this will keep them secured. I have a few ideas for tensioning the net, but they will have to wait. We leave for Baja in less than two days.
It's made from the seat belts I removed from the back.
I also mounted my TREDs out of the way.
It's made from the seat belts I removed from the back.
I also mounted my TREDs out of the way.