Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion Readers Rides Endangered Species, 2006 Edition

Well, it's January in Cleveland and that can only mean one thing. I have ripped aprt my van to make room for new ideas. The first major change will be the front panel, where I am cutting in for the new trans cooler (that could be used as a radiator in a Honda), towbar brackets, and 4" air ducts. I am going to run 4" tubing to a closed airbox I am making out of aluminum. Cooler, faster air! The second major change is the windshield. I have a tinted one that will go in as soon as I'm done with the etching (WAY more aggressive than the last one). The next thing I've decided to change is the dash (or lack thereof). I was planning on covering the current dash with fabric, but once I got it off, I loved how it looked. So, now I'm gonna paint and clear it like it is, cutting gauge holes into the center. I still have to figure out where I'm gonna mount my tach. Talks have begun about putting a cage in it at this point, too. with the dash: without the dash: So that's where I'm at right now. The overhead console's coming out, no more stereo or cb. The control swithces will be moved to the dash area, above the ignition box. I had a realization the other night. I was watching a bunch of car movies in the garage, and after watching the Fast and the Furious movies, and Dazed and Confused, I popped in Two lane Blacktop, and dammit if I don't like that stripped-down 55 better than any other car in any other movie. So it occured to me, THAT'S the direction the van's gonna take. Oh, it'll still be showy, everything will be done tastefully and detailed, but it's gonna be raw and scary!

Damn, that thing looks fast just sitting still! Looks like you have a fun time in store for you once again this winter.

Wayne, you said the van would be "raw & scary"....I like that, seems to go well with the big block. you said the overhead console would be coming out..although nice as it is,I think thats a good idea. of course pics when you're done and/or in the process.

Great ideas. Can't wait to see the finished product!

BTW- The Street Van Customization Kit in the background is a hell of a tease.

Nice! I like the no-dash look. If I didn't need A/C and deforost I would be very tempted to pull my dash too. It also provides a great spot for the passenger to prop their feet...

Gonna be pretty cool when it's done. I like the no-dash look.

Yeppers, that way i don't have to keep borrowing my dad's trailer, and I don't have to worry about the springs in the 02. Plus it'll be much easier to go to the track on short notice. Don't worry guys, you know me, there'll be plenty of "during" and "after" pics, lol! Sorry bout the tease, Cap'n. If the overhead console wasn't in the way, you could also see the 3 sets of Dodge flares I have hanging from the rafters.

Here's what I got done today... Got the gauges cut in and the ignition moved And mounted the switches and indicator lights for the ignition, starter, fuel pump, water pump, and fan.