Truelog
Crate 350 Edelbrock 4 bbl
Hi all,
Well, I started out Purchasing a van to store my tools at a job site. Didn't want to leave the tools in the building or in a Lock Box. So, I searched for a cheap used van. I am in the hilly part of NJ and I have a 1/4 mile long gravel drive. I was looking for a AWD van because the winter in these small hills can be a pain sometimes. During my search I came across a 1983 Pathfinder 4x4 Chevy. Looked pretty bad with the rust spots and welded patches. But, I loved it! Went to look at it the next day and after looking at it in person thought to my self, what a mess. It wasn't running well but, it had a Crate 350 with a 4 barrel Edelbrock connected to a 400 Turbo Transmission. It was geared very low, it was loud and it had many issues.
Fast forward, I bought it! Had it towed home and my wife looked out the door, shook her head and closed the door.....lol I thought it would be a Eye Catcher for my company parked at the job sites.
Well, I finally got her running nice. It is strong , fast, loud and the four wheel drive pulls like nobodies business. I have a F350 Ford Diesel Dually and I swear this little van would out pull it. It is diffidently more capable off road. I did some body work but, it isn't complete. The van looks much better than when it arrived home anyhow. I will be doing more to the body as time goes on.
OKAY, now the reason I am actually writing this.
I removed the SHAG CARPET from the walls, floor and sides. I know, I should have left it but, who knows what was in the deep.........GREEN......... stuff....ugh GREEN.....lol. I did leave the Black button faux leather ceiling. All the backing, wood and carpet was molding or rotten.
So, now I wish to tackle the inside. I feel in love with this Van and the initial idea of WORK VAN has gone bye bye. It is now going to be PLAY VAN. My family and I stay outdoors. We mountain bike competitively almost every weekend during the season. We kayak and bring the yaks along as we travel to the Races. I fish every chance I get at the Jersey Shore and in the many rivers streams and reservoirs. I fish and camp the OBX during the summer and winter for a week almost every year. So, I want this thing to be completely water proof inside. I want it to be like my old Wrangler, pull the plugs and just spay away the dirt and mud.
I will run down my list of what I am thinking about doing and please, let me know your thoughts and Ideas.
1. I stripped everything out and completely coated the inside with POR 15
2. I have order some PVC panels for the walls instead of plywood.
??? not sure what to use as insulation behind the PVC. I need it to be water proof so I can just spray out the whole inside of the van and not worry about mold or mildew.
3. I purchased composite decking that I have dry fit for the Vans flooring.
4. I have ordered vinyl self sticking plank flooring for the walls. The idea is to have it look like wood but, be water resistant. THOUGHTS ?
Flooring came in and looks pretty cool, hoping to install if I don't get any real negative feedback.
5. Water proof out door carpeting for the front.
Please, let me know if you thing I am heading in the right direction. I will be install other amenities along the way and would need ways to keep them water proof and dry.
Thanks in advance for any and all help. I will post progress pics.
Well, I started out Purchasing a van to store my tools at a job site. Didn't want to leave the tools in the building or in a Lock Box. So, I searched for a cheap used van. I am in the hilly part of NJ and I have a 1/4 mile long gravel drive. I was looking for a AWD van because the winter in these small hills can be a pain sometimes. During my search I came across a 1983 Pathfinder 4x4 Chevy. Looked pretty bad with the rust spots and welded patches. But, I loved it! Went to look at it the next day and after looking at it in person thought to my self, what a mess. It wasn't running well but, it had a Crate 350 with a 4 barrel Edelbrock connected to a 400 Turbo Transmission. It was geared very low, it was loud and it had many issues.
Fast forward, I bought it! Had it towed home and my wife looked out the door, shook her head and closed the door.....lol I thought it would be a Eye Catcher for my company parked at the job sites.
Well, I finally got her running nice. It is strong , fast, loud and the four wheel drive pulls like nobodies business. I have a F350 Ford Diesel Dually and I swear this little van would out pull it. It is diffidently more capable off road. I did some body work but, it isn't complete. The van looks much better than when it arrived home anyhow. I will be doing more to the body as time goes on.
OKAY, now the reason I am actually writing this.
I removed the SHAG CARPET from the walls, floor and sides. I know, I should have left it but, who knows what was in the deep.........GREEN......... stuff....ugh GREEN.....lol. I did leave the Black button faux leather ceiling. All the backing, wood and carpet was molding or rotten.
So, now I wish to tackle the inside. I feel in love with this Van and the initial idea of WORK VAN has gone bye bye. It is now going to be PLAY VAN. My family and I stay outdoors. We mountain bike competitively almost every weekend during the season. We kayak and bring the yaks along as we travel to the Races. I fish every chance I get at the Jersey Shore and in the many rivers streams and reservoirs. I fish and camp the OBX during the summer and winter for a week almost every year. So, I want this thing to be completely water proof inside. I want it to be like my old Wrangler, pull the plugs and just spay away the dirt and mud.
I will run down my list of what I am thinking about doing and please, let me know your thoughts and Ideas.
1. I stripped everything out and completely coated the inside with POR 15
2. I have order some PVC panels for the walls instead of plywood.
??? not sure what to use as insulation behind the PVC. I need it to be water proof so I can just spray out the whole inside of the van and not worry about mold or mildew.
3. I purchased composite decking that I have dry fit for the Vans flooring.
4. I have ordered vinyl self sticking plank flooring for the walls. The idea is to have it look like wood but, be water resistant. THOUGHTS ?
Flooring came in and looks pretty cool, hoping to install if I don't get any real negative feedback.
5. Water proof out door carpeting for the front.
Please, let me know if you thing I am heading in the right direction. I will be install other amenities along the way and would need ways to keep them water proof and dry.
Thanks in advance for any and all help. I will post progress pics.
