Vannin' Home
Posted By: wookee "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 7:52 pm
Her first official van event was the Nationals the last time they where in Pa.She made the trip to Va and Ohio after that.
Her owner had a problem with one of his wheels and she did not make it last years Nationals.
After a short nap I got got her back in shape for this years "Nationals".She ran great.
I was able to give a couple white knuckle rides in her this year.........LOL
I was really hoping to have a couple of changes done to the out side unfortunatly I could not pull them off this year.
It was cool to get the attention agian at an event that my late modles don't get yet........

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

leading a caravan of Earlies down to the show

[Linked Image]

..........Wookee


Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 8:00 pm
Glad she stopped being so bitchy Joe! LOL

Quote
I was able to give a couple white knuckle rides in her this year.....



Ya think? grin


Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 8:03 pm
Good to hear Joe. Your early is looking nice. Can't wait to get my 64 on the road. Brad
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 8:30 pm
Good lookin' early... What were the changes you were hoping to get done...?
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 8:32 pm
Very nice Wookee smile
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 8:54 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Glad she stopped being so bitchy Joe! LOL

Quote
I was able to give a couple white knuckle rides in her this year.....



Ya think? grin




NO angel
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2009 11:22 pm
I was the one that had the white knuckles.
Posted By: RhoeJaqueSwiftt Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2009 1:17 pm
Great times, She's a Beaut!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2009 3:56 pm
Originally Posted by Beast_Lee
Good lookin' early... What were the changes you were hoping to get done...?


I was hoping to block sand off all of the black primer that is on the van right now and get it under its first coat of base color.
There are a couple of vans out there with a simular color on them right now.Phat Bastard and the really clean A 100 out of Canada......

As far as white knucle ride goes this van lives up to its name "The Beast".
The van is powered buy a slightly worked over 350 crate engine.

[Linked Image]

I am still running the stock straight front axel with no power sterring and drum brakes.The power to weight ratio is leaning to the power side.Sitinng over the wheels and just ahead of the motor mounts you can feel the engine torqueing the frame rails more so then you would in a car whose rails are way out front.This gives the van a looser feel to it.
Setting over top of the wheels and close to the windshield.The sensation of speed is also increased big time.Add the sound of the 350 winding out tight under your butt(5 grand 1st gear shifts).It makes for a pretty wild ride.It does not help that I do DRIVE HER LIKE I STOLE HER.....LOL

Thanks for the complaments.It was fun to have her back out.

.........Wookee


Posted By: vanatic05 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2009 4:00 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by Beast_Lee
Good lookin' early... What were the changes you were hoping to get done...?


I was hoping to block sand off all of the black primer that is on the van right now and get it under its first coat of base color.
There are a couple of vans out there with a simular color on them right now.Phat Bastard and the really clean A 100 out of Canada......

As far as white knucle ride goes this van lives up to its name "The Beast".
The van is powered buy a slightly worked over 350 crate engine.

[Linked Image]

I am still running the stock straight front axel with no power sterring and drum brakes.The power to weight ratio is leaning to the power side.Sitinng over the wheels and just ahead of the motor mounts you can feel the engine torqueing the frame rails more so then you would in a car whose rails are way out front.This gives the van a looser feel to it.
Setting over top of the wheels and close to the windshield.The sensation of speed is also increased big time.Add the sound of the 350 winding out tight under your butt(5 grand 1st gear shifts).It makes for a pretty wild ride.It does not help that I do DRIVE HER LIKE I STOLE HER.....LOL

Thanks for the complaments.It was fun to have her back out.

.........Wookee




awesome.. next time I get a ride angel ??
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2009 4:09 pm
Definatly Darren!!!!!

I was saving you some money. If i would have taken you for a ride you would have went home looking for a hot V/8 to drop in Courtneys early......LOL

.......Wookee
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2009 4:12 pm
haha true..Paul from Hy Rollin was trying to set me up with 460 for Court's mid shift shift
Posted By: Lil_Ed Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2009 4:15 pm
Wookie, i think i know what color you are looking for and got to say I am a big fan of that color. angel But everybrand is a little bit different, Mine is the ford color called orange crush, It almost looks Red in the right light but normally looks orange.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 18th 2009 3:03 pm
I already have the color on my dash and around my windshield it is an 05 Chevy Colarado color.

[Linked Image]


Darren, I don't speak Ford very well. I do believe a strong small block 289 to 302 would be a very sweet engine for your Econo.


........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 21st 2009 3:38 pm
It was nice seeing the Beast out again. I can't wait to see it in color.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 30th 2009 5:06 pm
just bringing this post back up to the top.

My new years resalution is to do more work to this Old Girl this year.
I came back to vanning in this van.She is a very dependable driver.
I spent allot of my free time on a couple late modles the last couple of summers.
I want to do some changes to this van before this years "Nationals"

I have been pricing up new carpet.I will be compltely taking this vans current interior out.
I did get some work done on one of the ceiling panels.

[Linked Image]

This wood color should match nice with the exterior color I want to go with.
I want to go with a gray naugahyde(which I all ready have) on the rest of the ceiling panels.
I will be working this cedar into the wall panels and console under the dash.......

I did have the old girl out the week before the snow.I had to drive her like I stole her just to let her know I still love her.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: Charley Olenak Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 30th 2009 5:35 pm
Great Van can I get my wheel chair in it to take a ride
Charley
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 30th 2009 5:36 pm
that wood interior is gonna look great joe. I can't believe you're pulling out the whole interior. Kind of exciting though. Funny how you worked on those late models so much but the early is still at your house and some of those late models are gone.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 30th 2009 7:34 pm
Dave,when I put this interior together.I did it so it could be Easaly removed,(11/2 hours and the interior can be stripped to the bare ribs).Sheet rock screws also come in real hand for this type of installationI covered the Luan panels with a plush pile carpet.I never glued it just streched and stapeled it to the back side of the panels.......

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

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I was never really happy with the color.Now is the time to change that.

Charlie,I can't get your chair into the "Beast".With some help I can load you in, strap you in,(finshing mounting up my 5 point harnesses is on the to do list),and take you for a ride you will not forget.....

........Wookee
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 31st 2009 1:02 am
Wookee....lookin great....I love the color on the dash!
Posted By: spaceman&maria Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 31st 2009 3:20 am
i will atest to the white knuckle ride from the natz. , going to the auto parts store , he does drive it like he stole it and i think i left a brown spot on the passenger seat when i got out . that van runs like a raped ape !!!!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 03rd 2010 7:16 am
For those of you who have never saw the "Beast" in person
here is a slide show.......

http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/...st/?action=view&current=77d6b302.pbw

The pictures are from the 1st day I owned it up untill this years "Nationals".....

.......Wookee
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 3:28 am
Awesome job....looks great.
Posted By: beeper Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 3:47 am
nice job on the early keep it up.
Posted By: 86ed Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 4:25 am
that is awesome!
Posted By: VanVida_Israel Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 4:39 am
Cool...looks like the color you want is the color of my 1968 swb Chevy I had in 1978.Mine had a 3 speed on the column & a 307 ci with headers.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 11:09 am
Nice job Wookie,great having all the pics from the begining.
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 11:22 am
I have riden in the Beast myself. Being too fat for the seat belt to fit me and those redline shifts makes for an *ahem* interesting ride. lol
Posted By: heavy389 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 12:31 pm
Looks great! Lotsa work!!!
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 5:46 pm
AWESOME job Wookee,like the new color too.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 5:54 pm
Awesome slideshow!
Makes it look easy smile
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 04th 2010 5:56 pm
Hey Wookeee... what happened to the "nice" paint job?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 05th 2010 3:58 am
Originally Posted by joshvan
Hey Wookeee... what happened to the "nice" paint job?


I have not got there yet Josh......

Maybe this summer......

.........Wookee
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 05th 2010 11:50 am
It all takes time!
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 05th 2010 2:39 pm
Enjoyed the slideshow Wookee, looking forward to the progress pics...
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 07th 2010 7:52 pm
I like the choice of wood. It will go nicely with the color.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 07th 2010 9:19 pm
Scored some nice parts last weekend thanks to Blue 77 sending me a Craig's list link.......
The guy had a sweet rust free set of cab door converted to power windows.....

[Linked Image]

Also scored a set of 1st gen solid rear doors.

[Linked Image]

These are a little rough.They will work well as temp doors when I get ready to do the body mod I want to do on the doors that are on my van.

Had her out the other day whipped up on a "Tuner car"......
life is good......I could not help thinking to my self."Here's what a real engine sounds like"... as the "Flow Master twins" where talking smack.....
Getting her ready for next week end's ride.......

........Wookee
Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 08th 2010 5:51 am
nuce, glad that guy had something hat'd help you out, Even better it was a 20-30 min drive so your neck of the woods smile
Ill let you know if i ever see anything else like that Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 09th 2010 11:05 pm
Van gods a looking out for me.
Put power to the widow switches and they go up and down....
wooo hooo !!!!!!!

I need to come up with a clean looking loom to go from the door to the door opening/frame.....

Hope to make some door panels tomorrow......

.......Wookee
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 10th 2010 1:01 am
wookee ,
Looking good ! nice slide show too !
Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 10th 2010 2:44 am
wookee look at the back of ur 70s ughh purple? lol doors... liscene plate side... kinda something that slides like that with the door and wires inside.

I take it its hard to convert those over to power windows?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 10th 2010 3:20 am
Originally Posted by Blue77
I take it its hard to convert those over to power windows?


It is not that hard a couple of Guys on the V.C.V.C site have done it.
I have not had the chance to mess around with the inner door guts too much.
On late models it is easier to just bolt on the whole door........
These doors being rust free with wing window rubbers in good shape was an extra bonus.......

........Wookee

Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 12th 2010 4:19 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I need to come up with a clean looking loom to go from the door to the door opening/frame.....
.......Wookee


I prolly have something, if you dare put Ford parts on your chevy lol
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 4:25 am
It is just nice to report that the old girl could not stay mad at me for paying attention to my late models.
Getting some parts ordered and pricing some materials.
Making arrangements to have said parts installed.
The old girl is back to her old self again.
Now it is time to start making her outside pretty.
I know I have been talking about this for a couple of seasons.
I stopped by a friends shop today and got some more guidance.
Hope fully I will lose an eye sore from my yard this week end and free up some out door work space.
Things are just starting to fall into place.
Most people hate body work.I can't wait to start blocking on the old girl........

Here is a couple pictures of her in her aging "guide coat".

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I will be adding pictures as I go along......

........Wookee
Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 8:09 am
i like the way she looks! smile

Poor chebby van that is getting cut up!
hehehe oh well... some of its parts will live on in Bruised! smile
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 9:52 am
Nice to see you got it out and about.Always liked that model.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 2:42 pm
Even in primer this van draws more attention than the late models do.

........Wookee
Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 3:53 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Even in primer this van draws more attention than the late models do.
........Wookee


I hear that Joe. Out here, my 72 get's 0 attention. Nobody ever wants to look at it. Brad
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 5:03 pm
Looking good Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 30th 2010 6:50 pm
That is such a sweet van wook. Someday I hope to join you in the early Chevy van owners club. smile
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 04th 2010 12:43 pm
AWESOME! This means paint soon ? yay
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 04th 2010 3:45 pm
It's all a matter of getting the time and funds coordinated....

......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 24th 2010 12:29 pm
As usual I might have waited a little too long to start working on a project to get work done in time for the "Nationals"
After going through sticker shock last week, when I found out what the paint I wanted to put on the "Beast" was going to cost.I am pretty sure I found a color I can work with.The price is reasonable......
Now to start sanding.......
Here is a picture of the worst of the two new PW doors that I am hanging on the van.

[Linked Image]

they both have some extra mirror holes I am going to have to deal with....

[Linked Image]

these bolts will help to fill the holes.

[Linked Image]

After this is done new window fuzzies and door seals will go on these doors.....

I really should stay home this week end and work on the old girl......I have not been to a Truck In since last years "Nationals" I could use a van event fix......LOL

I love the smell of primer in the morning......

.........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 25th 2010 11:26 am
So, does that mean your coming up to LOST?

Nice job on the door, by the way!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 25th 2010 2:17 pm
It look like we are still coming up this weekend.
I have been driving the "Beast' as much as I can the past week.

more the lower holes in the door are done.....

bolts cut off......

[Linked Image]

holes welded up

[Linked Image]

ground down with a hard disk

[Linked Image]

then a Soft Pad and a 35 grit disk

[Linked Image]

a "skim coat" of filler.....

[Linked Image]

I wish I could work faster so far i have three hours in just this door.the good thing is the other door still has all the original paint on it so all i have to deal with is the mirror holes.
the doors currently on the van did have a small rust issues and ALL of the rubber and seals /fuzzies needed to be replaced.......

I am planning on working the rest of the body of the "Beast' when we get home from Lost.......
I am not going to get my cargo door done for the "Nationals" though......

.........Wookee




Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 25th 2010 4:13 pm
Cool. We are leaving Friday morning some time. Maybe we'll meet up on the road somewhere.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 25th 2010 4:18 pm
Alright! glad to see some progress on the van!
Also excited to see that you will attending Lost.
Look foward to talking with you over a cold one.
Hey Wook, if ya don't have any plans yet. You are welcome to park with us. Straight down venders row, almost to the end on the right.
Posted By: Capn Scurvy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 25th 2010 4:33 pm
Cool! You're going to Lost! See you there Wookee.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 25th 2010 9:35 pm
We can't leave untill Saturday morning in the early AM......

......Wookee

Posted By: nautic1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 26th 2010 12:38 am
Looking good Wookee. Good luck with it.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 26th 2010 10:55 am
Well then we will see you there. You are more than welcome to park with us also. prolly be near Boneheads big bus.
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 27th 2010 5:36 pm
Looking good Wookee!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 04th 2010 12:30 pm
No pic on this report.
I do however have all of my paint and materials bought.
I do have a full week of time lined up next week to Get R Done...
How much I can get done is the big question.......
I am really tired of looking at the black primer or primer in general on this van.Time foe a much needed change.I have been talking the talk now its time to walk the walk.....LOL.

The trip to "Lost" was the first long trip after this van has set for quite a while.I think it is in need of a little tuning.Seeing as how I really have not touched /tuned this engine in close to 5 years.I will squeeze in some maintenance work before I leave for NY again......

........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 07th 2010 3:00 am
here are a couple of pictures of the PW doors I am hanging on the "Beast"
they are sporting the new "affordable" orange

2 K primer

[Linked Image]

color "cut in"

[Linked Image]

window fuzzy kit

[Linked Image]

fuzzy kit installed

[Linked Image]

Tomorrow the interior comes out and I start "cutting in" the jambs.......

.........Wookee







Posted By: 65dreamin Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 07th 2010 3:55 am
looks good.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 07th 2010 12:48 pm
Color is Good,lookin forward to seeing it finnished, as we know you are anxious. shift
Posted By: OVANNER Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 07th 2010 3:03 pm
Hey Wook sorry I missed you at Lost. I seen the van but no one was home! Figured I would catch up with you later but didn't. Hope to see you at the Nats
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 07th 2010 7:01 pm
Same here O Man, I cruised past your camp twice both times I got distracted and never got to actually "stop In".......

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 07th 2010 8:24 pm
Looks great so far Wookee!

Where are you doing the painting?
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 08th 2010 4:53 pm
Looking good Wook
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 10th 2010 2:33 am
As usual things are taking a little longer than I was planning.Got the van in my shop.The interior removed,
and the rear inner doors/frames in primer........

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Taping up those freaking windows was a PITA.Glad I don't have them to deal with on the side doors.......
They WILL disappear before next years "Nationals"

.........Wookee
Posted By: 86ed Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 10th 2010 2:48 am
seems like your movin along pretty quickly. lookin good
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 10th 2010 2:55 am
Looking good.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 10th 2010 10:10 am
Nice work Joe.
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 10th 2010 10:18 am
Sweet! You were gettin' tired working on that late model weren't ya? lol

Feels good to back on that early doesn't it?
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 10th 2010 11:44 am
Looking good buddy. Prolly would have been easier to pull the glass.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 11th 2010 5:39 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Looking good buddy. Prolly would have been easier to pull the glass.


yea with a hammer.........LOL

They are not worth the trouble.if they where staying it would be a different story.

I am not a glass guy these particular windows can be a giant PINTA to remove and replace.....

My getting her under color by the "Nationals" dead line is not looking good right now.
It might be sporting fresh primer......

........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 16th 2010 1:15 pm
Well I have came to the reality that the "Beast"will not make it under color for the "Nationals".
I am really out of practice and ALLOT slower that what I used to be......
Yea that's it I will blame it on early stages of geezerisum.

On a positive note the roof will be painted the same color as the lower sections of the van.(I hope to get that done today).

Here are a couple of pictures of what I have gotten done so far.......

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I do know that the body need more work that what I have time to do......

I really have to give my wife Mary a BIG THANK YOU for being patient with me and being a true friend as I work my way through this project.....

.......Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 16th 2010 1:53 pm
Looks good buddy. If it's just temporary, spray it anyway. It will also help you find things you need to fix before final paint.

Gotta Love a patient wife! Kudos to Mary! yay
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 16th 2010 2:07 pm
Well, the areas that need attention are places that really need to be right.Temporary or not.......

The good thing is the interior can go back in and does not have to come back out for the final over all paint job.....

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 16th 2010 4:12 pm
Sweeeeeeeet!


What color orange is that?
Posted By: Bryce Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 17th 2010 1:19 am
"We be Jammin......I hope you like jammin too"
That is a great color, really pops.

Like Ken said you could just spray over the bad spots for now, it only wastes a little paint. But that might tempt you to just leave it with "temporary" for way too long. If you use painting-the-van-all-one-color as a reward for doing the work it may motivate you. Or it might make you rush too fast.

I often try to outsmart myself with things like this, but I always seem to figure out what kind of trick I'm up to and turn it back on me and use reverse psychology, then I just get confused.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 17th 2010 2:55 pm
haha Yup! B.T.D.T. too!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 17th 2010 3:21 pm
I have been waiting so long to get to this point I just can't, won't half a$$ do the job.....
I just don't have enough time to waste any of it.
I just did not allow my self enough time to Get R Done......
In time for the "Nationals"
Looking back if I would have started in May instead of June I would have made it.....

On a good note I am real happy with the way this paint sprays and lays out.It is an acrylic urethane enamel......
95.00 for a gallon of orange is almost unheard of when you are talking automotive paints.....

.......Wookee

Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 18th 2010 2:02 am
Looking good Joe! Can't wait to see it all done. Brad
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 18th 2010 2:35 pm
The other thing I want to do BEFORE any paint goes on is to "block out" the current primer on this van with a long board.
I could just DA it and shoot it......
No, I like to do things the hard way......LOL

......Wookee
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 18th 2010 4:16 pm
The more you put into it the better it will turn out
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 1:08 pm
I got the roof painted last night.....

[Linked Image]

Scored some new seats over the weekend along with the parts that I need to hook up the new PW doors.
I am quickly running out of time......
Too many small projects too get done and not enough time to do them.
Time to drop back and punt.......LOL

The good thing is I have gotten more done in the last month than I have done to this van over the last 2 years......

........Wookee
Posted By: Fu_Manchu Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 1:33 pm
Go Wookie! Looks great man! There's just something about an orange van, it has an effect on me. Way to go.
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 1:48 pm
joe that is looking great. keep up the good work. I can't wait to see it all orange!
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 1:54 pm
Go Wookee, go Wookee, it's yer birfday, it's yer birfday...



Are those the new front doors?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 2:17 pm
Thanks guys.....
No Nate I have not hung the new doors yet.
I have to make up a harness for them.I just don't think I will have the time.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 4:08 pm
Looks good buddy!
Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 4:15 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
The other thing I want to do BEFORE any paint goes on is to "block out" the current primer on this van with a long board.
I could just DA it and shoot it......
No, I like to do things the hard way......LOL
......Wookee


Not the hard way,the 'Correct way'. Blocking it by hand is the only way to get it perfect. Can't wait to see it done. Brad
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 5:02 pm
Looking good Wook
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2010 7:00 pm
Originally Posted by Lordmodelbuilder

Not the hard way,the 'Correct way'. Blocking it by hand is the only way to get it perfect. Can't wait to see it done. Brad


thanks Brad

I feel like, while it will take longer.The final out come will look better.The fit and finish of these old girls where not the best to start with.It will need as much help as I can give it just to make it look decent under shiny paint.....

........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 23rd 2010 2:13 pm
I got one of the new PW doors ready to hang last night.
Interior door edges painted......

[Linked Image]

I hope to get it's mate ready tonight....

It still looks like it will be sporting the unfinished/under construction look this year.....

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: Bryce Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 25th 2010 1:48 am
Looks like an orange grenade went off inside it. Drive it around like that for awhile, might start off a new fad. There was import tuners, then rat rods, next Jammed!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 25th 2010 5:15 am
My how time flies when you are having fun.....
I have been working on the "Beast"every evening.I got a solid week from weekend to weekend in since "Lost".The time flew by.I have had a blast working on the van.This is the type of WORK I really enjoy doing.......
The Luan for the door panels cut, fitted, made up
.
[Linked Image]


I got the driver PW door insides painted

[Linked Image]

The more I work with this paint.The more I like it.
It was a steamy 90 degrees tonight when I painted this inside of this door.The humidity did not effect how this paint laid out at all.I have worked with other better known brand paints that I could not have painted it on a night like tonight and gotten such good results.....

Plans are to run the wires tomorrow for the temporary harness for the door motors and then hang these doors on Sunday.Then start putting the old girl back together and get her ready for the trip to NY......

........Wookee

Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 25th 2010 10:22 am
Looks great joe will ya get her done!
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2010 3:32 pm
That's awesome Wookee! Can't wait to see it at the Nats!
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2010 3:59 am
looks good joe
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2010 5:25 pm
wow this is really coming along sweet ! Nice color to : )
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2010 5:38 pm
Looks Good, I wish i had that much ambition.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2010 3:55 pm
Looks great buddy. Glad one of us are getting something done lol
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2010 4:20 pm
I kinda wish my late modle was ready for the trip to the "Nationals".
Still got a bunch of stuff to get done.The van is going to look like crap.
I decided I am just going to put just enough of the interior back in to get through the week end.
The gray/blue on the carpet looks crappy against the new orange.......
I was wanting to stop working on every thing this past week end.
It looks like I will be working right up till next Saturday.
Oh well I can rest up at the "Nationals".......LOL

........Wookee
Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2010 4:27 pm
Joe! Don't let it get to you. Just get the van North. Once it's there you will forget about it all. Good luck on the thrash & don't work too hard on it. Brad
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2010 4:48 pm
I hear you there buddy. My van is actually dead right now. Long story but went to get it out yesterday and it wouldn't start and killed the batteries trying to start it mad I'm so done with all this crap lately. I'm thinking of starting a stamp collection!
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2010 5:12 pm
Originally Posted by wookee

It looks like I will be working right up till next Saturday.
Oh well I can rest up at the "Nationals".......LOL

........Wookee


at least you won't be working at the nationals this year joe. grin
Posted By: Bandvan Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2010 12:07 am
fortune cookie say:
"a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

Kudos to you for having the patience to do it right, I would have shot the whole thing in a night and and called it hot.

Black, orange, blue, or polka dot, it doesn't matter, can't wait to see it at nats. Good job dude
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2010 1:05 am
ITS only ROCK n ROLL, Northbound 2nd week of July, Its all about havin FUN. Anxious to see ALOT of Vans and VANNERS, condition not important.
Posted By: Twisted Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2010 1:06 am
Sweet color. Looking good!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 30th 2010 12:56 pm
Got both of the PW doors hung.
I still have to finish wiring up the swiches on the divers door.As soon as I get this done she is going back together and cleaned up for the trip.......

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 30th 2010 1:42 pm
Sweet!
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 30th 2010 1:58 pm
Way to go buddy. When are you guys heading up?
Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 30th 2010 2:30 pm
Joe,don't forget to save room for the green package & small box. grin
Might have to pick your brain another day about those power windows. Brad
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 30th 2010 4:53 pm
Sweet,Can't wait to see it.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 01st 2010 3:36 am
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Way to go buddy. When are you guys heading up?


SUNDAY.........

Brad, I will have room for that bumper.....

That and a mudder front spoiler that Howard is bringing will complete all the parts needed for the 89 GMC.
Now to find time to work on that one......LOL

.......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 02nd 2010 6:00 pm
was working on the drivers door last night and it looks like the switch I get from the pick and pull is bad.
I bought two but now I have to rewire the new switch.....
Time is running out and I still need to get at least enough interior back in the van to live out of it.
Mechanical, work (even custom stuff) can be a PITA.......

.....Wookee
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 02nd 2010 9:07 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Time is running out and I still need to get at least enough interior back in the van to live out of it.
.....Wookee


How long can it take to blow up an air mattress? lol
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 15th 2010 4:57 pm
Originally Posted by joshvan

How long can it take to blow up an air mattress? lol


10 minutes........
too old to sleep flat on the floor though.....

here was the inside stuffed full

[Linked Image]

there was also a pair of late 3rd gen cab doors in there.......LOL

She is in the garage now time to start blocking.....
The "Looks like it was hauling a van load of orange spay bombs that exploded",look has to go........LOL

.......Wookee
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 15th 2010 5:02 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by joshvan

How long can it take to blow up an air mattress? lol


10 minutes........
too old to sleep flat on the floor though.....

here was the inside stuffed full

[Linked Image]

there was also a pair of late 3rd gen cab doors in there.......LOL

She is in the garage now time to start blocking.....
The "Looks like it was hauling a van load of orange spay bombs that exploded",look has to go........LOL

.......Wookee

No it's not full,I see lots of room for more stuff rofl
Posted By: CatFish Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 15th 2010 8:10 pm
Originally Posted by Wizard78
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by joshvan

How long can it take to blow up an air mattress? lol


10 minutes........
too old to sleep flat on the floor though.....

here was the inside stuffed full

[Linked Image]

there was also a pair of late 3rd gen cab doors in there.......LOL

She is in the garage now time to start blocking.....
The "Looks like it was hauling a van load of orange spay bombs that exploded",look has to go........LOL

.......Wookee

No it's not full,I see lots of room for more stuff rofl


Yeah,,,,where's the "floor mounted pocketbook Bar-B-Q?" lol
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 15th 2010 8:40 pm
Wook! How did I miss that you started painting the beast orange??? Here I was eyin up this half orange early in the nats pics and it was YOU! rolleyes lol
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 15th 2010 8:45 pm
Seriously, this thread is 13 pages long and I even commented in in a couple times! Sheesh... talk about geezerism. lol
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2010 1:02 pm
Originally Posted by joshvan
Seriously, this thread is 13 pages long and I even commented in in a couple times! Sheesh... talk about geezerism. lol


Good drugs at an early age........LOL

Wizard,I removed a few things to get to my camera.....

[Linked Image]

After a month of working every evening and week end on the van I took a little break from the action this week.
Now I have fully recuperated from my vacation.I am ready to get back after it.
I will be posting more pictures as I go.......

.........Wookee
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 16th 2010 8:50 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by joshvan
Seriously, this thread is 13 pages long and I even commented in in a couple times! Sheesh... talk about geezerism. lol


Good drugs at an early age........LOL

Wizard,I removed a few things to get to my camera.....

[Linked Image]

After a month of working every evening and week end on the van I took a little break from the action this week.
Now I have fully recuperated from my vacation.I am ready to get back after it.
I will be posting more pictures as I go.......

.........Wookee


;rofl: I hear you Wookee,It usually takes me 3 days to find my camera
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 17th 2010 8:39 pm
Originally Posted by Wizard78
rofl I hear you Wookee,It usually takes me 3 days to find my camera


But Wiz... by then, you're back home and unpacking! lol
Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 18th 2010 10:49 am
Wookie! Nice work!
That orange is really going to POP when its done!!!

Also glad those PW Doors are working out for ya. Was hoping that trip would be good in return smile

Now i know why your so hard to get ahold of ya! talk to ya soon buddy
Posted By: SFS60 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2010 1:28 pm
HEY WOOKIE,i saw you back into that early at the nat's that you could'nt see that pulled up right behind you,i think you improved the front end of his van though !
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2010 1:35 pm
SSSHHH I was really hoping no body say that......LOL

........Wookee
Posted By: SFS60 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2010 2:18 pm
"BUSTED" it was right in front of me !
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 22nd 2010 8:50 pm
I got to start Block sanding on the "Beast" last weekend......

[Linked Image]

I was able to get the PS Q panel sanded to the point that I can see where it will need some attention.

Now it looks like I will have to take a break from the action for a week or two.I wore the wrong shoes because it was so freaking hot and blistered two of my toes on my right foot.
Hopefully once every thing heals up.The heat around here will break a bit, and I can get back after it again.

........Wookee


Posted By: Ram4ever Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 22nd 2010 10:15 pm
Wow Wookee, bummer about your foot. I hope it heals up soon. I'd sure be going crazy having that much bare metal open to the air!

Say, if you wouldn't mind me asking, I'm curious what brand of filler you decided on using?

Clear skies!

Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 2:28 am
yeah man frown sucks to hear about the foot...
if u can swing some extra cash rig a 220V 15-20K BTU A/C into the side of that garage and help cool ya down!!!

Cant wait to see her finished and looking pretty. !
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 2:59 am
Originally Posted by Ram4ever
Wow Wookee, bummer about your foot. I hope it heals up soon. I'd sure be going crazy having that much bare metal open to the air!

Say, if you wouldn't mind me asking, I'm curious what brand of filler you decided on using?


Actually there is not that much bare metal there.
What you see is the 2k primer and the black primer surfacer that was on top of it.
The low spots will be filled with the 2k primer re sanded primed, sanded until it comes out smooth.There are a few small spots that will need a skim coat of filler.
I will be using some new stuff that is the current "hot lick".
I can't remember it's name as I type.......

...........Wookee
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 9:57 am
Looks good Wook,take care of the foot!
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 10:20 am
Ah, I see; you're already much further along than I thought!

That's actually the first time I've seen black sealer sanded down on a large scale like that. I'd love to be there to see this in person. Was it an epoxy sealer? I've got a bunch of PPG DP90-LF here, but I haven't sprayed any yet.

Would the filler you're thinking of be sprayable Feather Fill? It lays down as thin as you want. I'd found that it's available in several colors, including a black version. I figure since I'm painting my van black, if I use black sealer and filler, when I get a paint chip, it will still look black till I can patch it.

Too bad we live so far apart; I'd probably be able to get my Son over to help block sand; he enjoys it, he's on summer break, and he's better at it than me. Must have inherited some of his Grandfather's talent for precision! And I'd like to see how you deal with some of the more irregular but large features like the fender lips and speed line ribs. I've got some round Dura-blocks, but the radius isn't a perfect match.

Get well soon!

Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 12:38 pm
The black it is NOT a sealer.It is an old school lacquer primer surfacer."Hot Rod Black"
The DP 90 is close to 100.00 a gallon.This is 35.00
This is used as a "Guide Coat" to bring out any imperfections that you would not see if the Buff/yellow 2K epoxy primer was used all by it's self....
The 2 K primer also has a "sealer" built into it.....
I have not used a spray able feather fill.While the low spots look allot worse because they are in black.They are not that deep.The 2K primer lays out heavier than the lacquer type primer sufacer does.
Once I get the whole van "blocked out" I will go back and address all of the low spots........

There are plenty of places on this van where you just have to know how to use your hands to get things right.....

.........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 4:49 pm
Dude, you should know better with the foot! How bad did Mary smack you lol Van is looking good though!
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 6:18 pm
I see! I'd thought you had the black down first. Now I see what you were doing; thanks for explaining.

I hear you on the knowing when to use your hands. I've caused nearly as much damage as good over the years when it comes to metalwork. My Son's really good at metal work though, and is going to help me with a few dings and the block sanding, since my wrists (which were both injured once) wear out pretty quickly with repetitive motion.

I'll be looking forward to more pictures when you get back into it!

Clear skies!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 6:48 pm
The van has been in primer since it first hit the road,the
summer of the 33rd nationals.......

2K epoxy primer.........

[Linked Image]

current primer just before the 35th nationals......

[Linked Image]

.......Wookee
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 23rd 2010 7:28 pm
Wow, that's awesome to know that it's held up that well!

I'd contacted PPG directly about leaving their epoxy primers exposed (since my van won't fit in my garage...) and they told me not to leave it exposed to sunlight for long since it doesn't contain any UV inhibitors.

I was a bit suspicious that it might have been a "cover their a$$" type of statement... looks like you've got some living proof it can hold up in a big way! Both paint jobs look sweet.

Clear skies!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 24th 2010 5:04 am
I don't know what or why they say what they do.
What I do know is this van stays out doors year round.
Both primers do and have faded from direct sunlight, but other that that every thing underneath of it (body work ect, ect) has held up great.

The van has never been and will never be driven in the salt.

......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 5:58 am
While some of you will be at "Freeze Out" this weekend......
Looks like I will finally be able to get out to the garage this weekend and get some VAN WORK done.
Scored a SWEET set of solid side door that will be going on the "Beast"

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

These are rust free and pretty straight.Should not be too bad to get them ready for paint.

I will have my smoothed out set with windows in them up for sale.This set is also rust free.

[Linked Image]

Just a skim coat of filler where the tag light,tag and emblems where at........

........Wookee
Posted By: LostSheep Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 7:36 am
No winders, sweeeet!..... yay
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 11:33 am
Those look sweet Joe.Where did ya score those!
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 4:06 pm
looks great, what kind of orange is that?
Posted By: SFS60 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 4:12 pm
Hey joe, no rear window's - SWEET - now your really not gonna be able to see what's behind you !! is she gonna be painted for the nat's ?
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 6:39 pm
nice score..the progress continues =)
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 7:05 pm
Originally Posted by newkirkinc1
Those look sweet Joe.Where did ya score those!

Jim,Ihave been looking for a clean set ever since I got this van.Got out bid a couple of times on E Bay
a few went way out of my budget with shipping.
A local VCVC member her in Md. was stopped by a guy who saw his Early and told them they where in is garage (bought for a van he sold).
I was able to score these at the right price.

Originally Posted by draggnastro
looks great, what kind of orange is that?


This is an inexpensive urethane enamel made by a company called Kirker .95.00 buys you a gallon of spray able paint.(1 quart of activator 3/4 gallons of paint)
This paint sprays and lays out very nice.It can even be color sanded if needed.
I was in sticker shock when I went to by the paint I have on the dash of the "Beast".85.00 a quart.(not counting activators and the clear that goes on top
This orange is called Omaha orange.GM put an orange by the same name on there Earlies.
Eventually I will get this van in two tone.I will add the more expensive paint to the second color.


Originally Posted by SFS60
Hey joe, no rear window's - SWEET - now your really not gonna be able to see what's behind you !! is she gonna be painted for the nat's ?


Boy Stan you are not going to let me live that one down.........LOL

The goal is to get her painted for the "Nationals". It would have been painted by now, health issues got in the way at the end of last season.We will see how thing go this season.

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 9:21 pm
Great score Joe! Like you, I was happy to score a set of rust free solid doors for my 85.
Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 13th 2011 11:38 pm
Wookee did you ever get those power windows in and working?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 14th 2011 1:31 am
Yes they have been in since before the Nationals.
I think the drivers side motor is weak.
That will also be addressed before this years "Nationals".
I got an E mail from the guy who actually put those doors together.He told me what the motors where out of.I need to get a new one and install it and see what happens.
Direct current from a battery charger or a good hot battery hooked up to the wires. The window goes up fast.with the right gauge wires installed the motor drags.A set of late model switches over heat.
That is leading me to believe the motor has problems.....
They where used motors so there is no telling how good they really are.

.........Wookee





Posted By: Blue77 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 14th 2011 2:09 am
doesnt hurt to replace them.
then once thats done hopefully wont have to mess with them anytime soon
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 16th 2011 4:18 am
I got the door down to the shop.
They will need a little work.
not too much.
It looks like original rust........
Never been worked or buried in bondo.
Me and Mr Lincoln will take care of the problems....

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

This is the worst of the two......

.........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 17th 2011 2:08 pm
after getting the other door stripped down they need mor work than I was hoping to have to put into them.
No biggie....
It would have been nice if they where sitting in my shop right now ready to hang in primer.

...........Wookee
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 17th 2011 2:15 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
after getting the other door stripped down they need mor work than I was hoping to have to put into them.
No biggie....
It would have been nice if they where sitting in my shop right now ready to hang in primer.

...........Wookee


sounds like something i'm working on ... always a set back ..lol Keep plugging away .
Posted By: Bigbluetotoro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 17th 2011 4:08 pm
build is lookin great! can't wait to see it finished.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 5:59 am
I picked up some 16 gauge steel I had bent up to rebuild the bottom of my doors....

[Linked Image]

I read posts all the time where guys get mad when body shops take what they think is too long to do there vans.
In some shops defense.there are things that just are time consuming.doing fabrication work and rust repair is one of them....
I could have just ground the rusty spots out and filled the holes up with some fiberglass reinforced filler.Just dealt with the bubble when they came back out.
I choose to rebuild these doors right.

here is a good picture of some of the rust hiding behind the a fold that is the outer door skin.

[Linked Image]

This meant that both the inner and outer skins where Junk.

Here is the new inner door skin all fabbed up ready to weld in

[Linked Image]

I hand formed the vents for the door drains and the pockets for the door bumpers that where in the bottom of the original door.Paying attention to details can be a "curse at times......
I do know that doing a repair like this "right" the first time I will not have to redo this work again as long as I own this van.....

........Wookee

Posted By: BvrWally Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 6:40 am
As usual...great work Joe! smile
B.W.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 7:13 am
That's a thing of beauty Wookee!
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 3:44 pm
classy! I love seeing a repair done the right way. I wish i had 1/10th the metal working skills you have wook.
Posted By: GEORGI Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 3:48 pm
looking good
Posted By: SFS60 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 3:59 pm
Nice work joe, i gather that foot is all healed up now ? keep at it, it would be nice to see it painted at the nat's!!
Posted By: frscke1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 4:41 pm
SWEET WORK IS IT GOING TO BE ANOTHER 4X4 ? LIKE SEEING THE WORK PROGRESS..
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 5:55 pm
Nice work on those 'mint' doors grin I can certainly relate to the rust repair times!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2011 10:37 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
SWEET WORK IS IT GOING TO BE ANOTHER 4X4 ? LIKE SEEING THE WORK PROGRESS..


No it is a 2 wheel drive "sleeper".It has a real bad habit of making "tuner cars" and even Mustangs look real bad from light to light.
An owner who "drives it like he stole it".

Stan, the foot is doing pretty good so far.I did go ahead and have some surgery done.healed up pretty good.If every thing holds up she will be painted for the "Nationals".That's the goal......

........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 31st 2011 4:15 pm
I got the inner door section welded in......

metal fitted and tacked into place.

[Linked Image]

a boat load of tack welds until you have one solid weld.

[Linked Image]

I do this to keep from warping the thin sheet metal.

after the welding is done the welds are ground down.

[Linked Image]

First with a hard disk.Then it is ground with a soft pad.

[Linked Image]

a "skim" coat of fill er will be used to smooth the surface out nice.......

..........Wookee


Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 31st 2011 5:03 pm
lookin good mighty nice craftmanship =)
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 31st 2011 10:33 pm
Looks great Wookie!
Posted By: lukester Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 01st 2011 4:08 am
looking good
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 19th 2011 11:34 pm
Made good use out of some decent Md weather.
I was able to get the solid door hung on the Beast

First the new side doors

[Linked Image]

then the former side doors where hung on the rear.

[Linked Image]

Nice solid GM factory steel all the way around.

[Linked Image]

There is a good bit of work that still needs to be done.I am finally getting the "look" I have been wanting for a good while........

..........Wookee

Posted By: Radarlove Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 19th 2011 11:58 pm
Lookin GOOD Wookee !!!
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 12:33 am
Ya gotta LOVE when it starts to LOOK the way you want it to, and once its Done, its Done.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 12:44 am
Thanks for the complements.

Unfortunately they are NEVER done.....LOL

Get them where you like them for a while.More ideas come along and they get changed again.......

......Wookee
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 1:00 am
Such is the case, when we think they're done, we get bored and start another project, sometimes in just as Bad a shape and sometimes worse. But sometimes its the Search and Build phase that is so much much Fun too.
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 2:51 am
yeah
and its lookin real goos as a no winder van wook =)
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 11:47 am
loooks great
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 1:19 pm
Wow Wookee! Looking great!!
Posted By: shawnzo Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 2:25 pm
looking good wookee.now all you need is a/c.
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 2:36 pm
he has 2wd 55+ ac unit
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 20th 2011 4:50 pm
drool Like a one eyed dog in a meat factory.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 21st 2011 5:44 am
after hanging the side doors and making sure the new bottom was in the correct place.I removed it and welded the outside skin up today.

used a couple self tapping screws to help hold the new skin in place

[Linked Image]

there was a slight low spot in the center of the door

[Linked Image]

these old girls do not really have flat panels on them you really have to be care full using a srtaight egde when working panels.

started tack welding.....

[Linked Image]

this is where ALLOT of guys get into trouble.when you have a nice tight fit like this it is very easy to want to lay down a nice pretty continuuse bead.If this was a chunck of 1/4 inch plate you could do that.
I have found that continuous "hot" tacks work the best.

[Linked Image]

this takes time.the time I save working this area after i get dome welding makes up for it......

the straight edge and the welds close to being done

[Linked Image]

once the gazillion tack welds form a contunuse weld.Iget the hard disk grinder out.and knock down the higher welds
this is another area where you can throw too much heat into the metal and warp it.

[Linked Image]

I use a good quality brand of disk and work on long swipds the lent of the area I welded.Keeping the disk as flat as possible.

Then a break out the soft pad with a 36 grit pad on it and go over the area again.

[Linked Image]

Iwill wind up with filler a little thicker that a quater in this area.

[Linked Image]

I feel comfortable appling filler here.

[Linked Image]

Because it is a solid weld I don't have to worry about any swelling or movement under the filler.
this repair will last a long time.....

........Wookee

Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 21st 2011 11:18 am
Great work ya did there Joe.
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 21st 2011 11:34 am
great job
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 23rd 2011 1:35 pm
I'm loving the new SOLID look buddy lol
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 23rd 2011 2:57 pm
Thank Ken,
No EXTRA holes in it and NO insulation behind the carpet that is on the walls.It rides as quite as an Early Van can and I sleep fine in it.......

........Wookee
Posted By: leanmachinechevy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 28th 2011 7:19 pm
R U DOING YOUR WORK WOOKEE,IT IS LOOKING NICE.THANK FOR THE INFOR.
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 02nd 2011 8:23 pm
As everyone has pointed out, Great Work, and I like the way you've turned the posting into a tutorial... Well done...

yay
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 03rd 2011 10:18 pm
Beast lee, there are plenty of guys out there that have a garage a welder and sone simple basic tools,Still they pay through the nose to have a pro do work for them.For a wide variety of reasons.
If just one vanner looks at the pictures and reads my thread and says."I can do that".It makes sitting at my key board all worth while.....

.........Wookee
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 03rd 2011 10:25 pm
it made the difference for me!
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 03rd 2011 10:51 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
If just one vanner looks at the pictures and reads my thread and says."I can do that".It makes sitting at my key board all worth while.....

.........Wookee


Absolutely my friend, absolutely... cheers

Gotta love the power of the internet, and people that are willing to share...

I still remember the days of people being so secretive of there skills, and so many took there tricks with them to there graves... A real shame...
Posted By: planetvear Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 04th 2011 12:42 am
looking good joe! glad to see you are moving along. john
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 14th 2011 4:55 am
Finally got this door where I want it......
Shot some 2K primer on it today......

[Linked Image]

Also put some nice heavy coats of the same primer on the low spots the long block found on the rear Q panel

before

[Linked Image]

after

[Linked Image]

A light "guide coat" of black primer and some more blocking with the long board is next....

..........Wookee

Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 14th 2011 5:34 am
Looking good Joe! Can't wait to see the van in person at this years Nats. Brad
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 16th 2011 2:20 pm
You go boy!!!!! Looks great buddy!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 31st 2011 2:09 am
This door project is giving me a fit.......
I an working on is not really right.
I am trying to get it looking good enough to hold paint to get past this season.(I have the parts do another body mod in this area but not enough time before July)
With fresh paint on the rest of the Van. The body mod I am planning on will be easy to "cut in"
Here is a picture on the problematic door......

[Linked Image]

The black spots are still low spots that need more attention.

[Linked Image]

There is more filler in this door that I would like to see.(from prior repairs ).The good thing is it is not real thick.......

........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 31st 2011 11:14 am
If you use some long strand fiberglass filler the door will be fine. I always like to use it for the first coat and then skim with regular filler.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 31st 2011 1:44 pm
I was always taught that you only need to use that stuff if the area you are working need coverage that is thicker than lets say a dime.Think about it if you remove too much of it it will lose its strength........
Just like using metal too thin for a job it needs to do......

........Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 31st 2011 1:47 pm
Perfection is achieved through patience. smile
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 31st 2011 5:57 pm
yeah cheers
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 31st 2011 6:57 pm
So true smile
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2011 1:11 pm
After a week of sucky weather here in Md.I was final able to get back to my door project on the "Beast".
I was finally able to get the distorted sheet metal in this door to behave it's self and flatten out like I needed it to.

[Linked Image]

I have a couple of parts ordered for this door so the ugly handle will also disappear......
I was also able to make good progress on the other solid side door.

[Linked Image]

As soon as I get a stretch here where the weather stays dry for a few days I will pull this door and give it a heavy coat of 2K primer that is on the rear Q panel.
It is close to time to pull her into the shop and start blocking on the drivers side.......

.......Wookee


Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2011 1:41 pm
yay Almost time for paint!
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2011 3:26 pm
Weeeeeee! Great progress Wookee!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2011 4:28 pm
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Awesomeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Posted By: Twisted Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2011 8:39 pm
Looking very cool!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2011 10:12 pm
Nice Joe, getting rid of the handles.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 05th 2011 2:57 am
Originally Posted by newkirkinc1
Nice Joe, getting rid of the handles.


Jim I ordered the parts I am getting rid of at least the rear one to start.
Primer is getting old I want some Color on this van!!!!!

..........Wookee
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 05th 2011 3:13 am
Looks good, Joe
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 05th 2011 12:47 pm
Looks good buddy. It'll look nice with it's new paint.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 14th 2011 4:26 am
It's that time of the year again.Time to get serious and start getting the Early ready for the "Nationals"

I got the electronics figured out for the rear door.I have the actuator/pull hooked up and working.
I also got the mount for the key switch made up and tacked in place.Along with the patches where the handle mount and original key holes where.

[Linked Image]

There is a little more filler in the bottom section of the door that what I really like to have.

[Linked Image]

The good thing is there is NO RUST in this door......
The door is 42 years old it could be a lot worse......

.........Wookee



Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2011 5:15 am
change one thing you wind up changing a bunch more.......

the inside of this door was hacked up by a so called "pro body" man before I got it.
I could have just put the interior panel back over top of This hole but the perfectionist in me would not let that happen......

[Linked Image]

I had a set of junk doors here that had decent inner panels.

broke out the trusty wizzer wheel

[Linked Image]

I cut out a panel to make an over lay panel for this door

[Linked Image]

after spending the better part of the day sunday squaring up and prepping this panel I set it on the door to find out it was a little short.....

[Linked Image]

Threw in the towel and went to the local pub and ate steamed crabs and drank some beer.

came back tonight and made up an extension for the bottom of the door.spot welded and tack welded it in place

[Linked Image]

some soft pad sanding and now I have enough metal to screw my over lay panel in place.

[Linked Image]

here is a picture of the panel where the inside handle goes

[Linked Image]

Note that I was also able to use the factory counter sunk screws here.

..........Wookee


Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2011 2:38 pm
not bad looks like its matchin up nicely
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2011 8:21 pm
great Idea Wookie !
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2011 9:12 pm
I really liked how the factory steel looked inside of the Gull Wing Bob made up for his van.........
These lines are not as nice but the factory "look" will still there.......

.........Wookee
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2011 9:33 pm
Nice job.
Posted By: Munz Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 18th 2011 2:41 am
Real Nice Wookee!! Yes I also like when it looks like its supposed to be that way. Even though you will prolly cover this door at sometime it will be done right under there. Are you referring to the wedge door on the back of Bob Morgans chop?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 18th 2011 2:00 pm
I am talking about the gull wing door side door.
he took the two inner factory door panels and welded the two into one.......
It might be a little heavier but it looks really nice.....
Sorry I did not get any pictures of it.
I did not want to impose of Bob......

.........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 18th 2011 9:36 pm
Looks great Wookee as always!
Posted By: SFS60 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 18th 2011 10:46 pm
Hey joe, can't wait to see the debut of the paint at the nat's. i'll be bringin out my black 79 chevy 4x4 van for the first time also .
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 19th 2011 3:05 am
some times I wish I could do things as fast as the Richard Skulls on TV do things.........LOL

I got the actuator for the door dialed in and working......

[Linked Image]

Also got the inner door panel ready for primer.....

[Linked Image]

Had to replace a little of the mud I removed.......

[Linked Image]

Stan this door was the last project I had to get done.

Next it's start prepping for color......

........Wookee


Posted By: lukester Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 19th 2011 3:24 am
looking good Wookee...
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 19th 2011 11:18 am
"Richard Skulls" and his cousin "Richard Cranium" are all over the TV Wookee! LOL!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 30th 2011 4:20 am
finally got the door under a nice coat of 2k primer.

[Linked Image]

primed the removable panel.....

[Linked Image]

Got them hung adjusted and the latch dialed in...

[Linked Image]

Tthe key switch and the latch worked pretty good...

Hated to miss Lost.
Getting quality time in on the "Beast" helped to make up for it......

.........Wookee
Posted By: canavan Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 30th 2011 9:53 am
I just read this from the beginning, lots of hard work going on I'm very impressed. Got to love the look of shaved door handles!
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 30th 2011 12:35 pm
It looks Great Wookee, it won't be Long now.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 1:13 pm
I got more blocking done this weekend........

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Some time I think I am getting too old for this stuff......LOL

Posted By: heavy389 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 1:36 pm
Lookin Good wookee cheers
An I hear ya about the gettin to old........... rofl
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 2:41 pm
haha You need to get the karate kidd over there buddy!
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 3:23 pm
Our van is looking great Wook grin
Since it's almost time, Lets talk paint.
Did you decide on a color yet?
Posted By: LostSheep Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 6:08 pm
Originally Posted by GALAXY
Our van is looking great Wook grin
Since it's almost time, Lets talk paint.
Did you decide on a color yet?


"WAR PAINT!"..... devil
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 7:38 pm
Originally Posted by GALAXY
Our van is looking great Wook grin
Since it's almost time, Lets talk paint.
Did you decide on a color yet?


Kirker paints,Omaha orange.

I was able to get the roof and the jams cut in before the Nats last year........

......Wookee
Posted By: HomeBrew Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 06th 2011 8:46 pm
Those doors came out nice!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2011 2:36 pm
I was able to take the old girl out for a ride on Monday.
I really needed an attitude adjustment.....LOL
Driving this van like I stole it always brings a big smile to my face.
As usual,I am working up to pretty close to time to leave for the Nationals again this year.
She is back in the garage I have a few more small things I need to take care of and some more primer to shoot and scuff down......
I took a couple of pictures while I had her out

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Here is a picture of her just before the 35th Nats

[Linked Image]

I really did not think it was going to take four years to get here in paint at that time........

.........Wookee
Posted By: CatFish Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2011 3:33 pm
""I was able to take the old girl out for a ride on Monday.""

It's nice to get the old girl out once in a while...... grin
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2011 3:50 pm
Looks great Joe! Hey, somebody ran off with your rear door handle! LOL!

Did you intall an electric popper to open the door from the outside?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2011 7:34 pm
Nate, I really lucked out the door opens pretty good with out a "popper".....
There is more than just a door handle missing.
There is 6 body mods on the back of the van as of right now.....

Catfish, the harder I run her the better she like it.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2011 9:34 pm
Go Joe Go shift
Posted By: Munz Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 23rd 2011 12:59 am
Wookee, those doors look GREAT without the handle, it really accents the body belt line and gives the rear of the van a REAL CLEAN look along with the gas cap door and recessed plate. Keep up the great woork.
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 23rd 2011 4:02 am
cheerslooking good
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 23rd 2011 5:19 am
Thanks Munzy.I was looking at it in the shop tonight and I really wish I would have removed the reverse lights.While I should be painting the van this weekend.There is still another mod I want to do to the rear doors......
a reverse light change can still be done......
I ran out of time this year......

.......Wookee
Posted By: Eddie G Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 3:36 am
Well looking @ the new paint job u did,is awesome!!! smile i still see the grill in chrome/silver. great job Wookee!!!!!!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 3:45 am
After driving this van in primer for 6 years it is finally painted

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I need to than my friend Jeff Warner for all of his guidance through out this project.He took a day out of his busy schedule to help me take care of a few thing that needed tweaking before the paint was shot. I also learned a few new tricks about prepping for paint.It was really nice to be able to shoot paint in a real live spray booth...
The neat thing is I can say I did every thing on this van my self.........

..........Wookee
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 4:03 am
looks great joe
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 5:16 pm
awesome job wookee! lookin real good! =)
Posted By: hotrod Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 5:30 pm
vans looking great Wookee.
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 5:33 pm
WOW.....that looks great!!!!
Posted By: LostSheep Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 6:17 pm
cheers yay cheers yay cheers yay cheers
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 6:22 pm
Wow The Beast looks AWESOME Wook! This is so freaking cool. I can't wait to see it in person. Are you taking the early to the nationals?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 7:13 pm
ABSOLUTELY.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 11:15 pm
Looks great Joe! Can't wait to see it!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 26th 2011 11:22 pm
Nice Joe very good looking!
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 12:47 am
Joe , she looks freaking awesome !! thumbs up brother . drool
I can't wait to see it .
Posted By: 86ed Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 1:13 am
has to feel good to do everything on it, must keep prices down somewhat. like the others said it looks great! congrats on gettin it completed, at least the major stuff. its fun seeing quite a few vans getting paint on them now on this site
Posted By: Virtual Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 1:41 am
Looks very nice Wookee, you did a great job on it !
Posted By: Hammer Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 1:49 am
Originally Posted by LostSheep
cheers yay cheers yay cheers yay cheers


yeah VERY nice!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 1:55 am
Can't wait to see it in person cheers
Posted By: CPSChevyVan Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 2:10 am
Looks great!
Posted By: Munz Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 2:20 am
WOW That looks awesome Wookee!! Im so jealous my early need pain in a big way. Can't wait to see you and the van at the Nats.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 2:47 am
Originally Posted by 86ed
has to feel good to do everything on it, must keep prices down somewhat.


With the prices of materials and current labor rates. Doing the paint my self keeps the cost down considerably.

Munzy if this van would have not been poorly repainted and was still sporting it's original factory white color, and was in as good as shape as yours. I would have just "cut in" the bad spots and buffed the rest out.
Dave Collins did this to this 1st Gen Sport Van......

[Linked Image]

You can't really tell where he cut in the repairs.

The old lacquer paint they used on our Earlies can be buffed and worked to look pretty good.....

........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 27th 2011 4:43 pm
Nice job buddy! It looks GREAT!
Posted By: leanmachinechevy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2011 12:02 am
paint JOB turn out real good WOOKEE!!!!!!!!!LOOKS VERY NICE!!!!!!
WHAT'S NEXT??????
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2011 2:27 pm
Whats next?????
Right now I am just trying to get the interior good enough to live out of for the week of the Nationals.
The color of the interior does not match the new paint color so it now has to go.....

Here is a couple door panels I did during a break in the body work

[Linked Image]

.......Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2011 3:06 pm
Just throwing this out there, All the guys from my club are going stag to the nats. If the old lady is staying home maybe you want to park with us?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2011 3:16 pm
Charlie thanks for the invite.
Mary and my fur babies are all going to be these.
I will stop by and visit though....

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 28th 2011 3:43 pm
Fur babies..classic! smile

Joe are you parking with the VCVC?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2011 12:53 am
Nate we are trying to get a bunch of early owner to park together this year.
Early owners who have no other club affiliations from both V.C.V.C and Vintage Vans.
I have invited Brian to park with us also.I am thinking he is parking with NCBV

......Wookee
Posted By: Star Dreamer Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2011 1:07 am
Wookee, Great looking paint job on the van!

We are now an early owner again, maybe we will try a parking near by, but we won't have the early with us this trip, it is not exactly road worthy!
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2011 10:24 am
Brian has a 67 A-108 winder van that I might, just might be driving to Keystone. I don't know. It needs quite a bit to get roadworthy.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2011 1:29 pm
Didn't you drive the rat fink van up last year?

Here is a slide show that shows the work I did to the van after I attended Lost last year.....

[Linked Image]

Click the picture.

I had to take a 6 month break for the action due to a health issue....

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2011 9:22 pm
I sure did...probably end up bringing it again if this other one doesn't pan out.
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 29th 2011 9:24 pm
Great slideshow...did I spy another early Chevy in the parking lot of the paint place?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 30th 2011 2:57 am
Good eye, that is the the shop owner's 1st gen

[Linked Image]


........Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 01st 2011 4:28 pm
I was scanning through and just had to take another look at the Beast.
So freaking cool!
drool

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Munz Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 01st 2011 8:04 pm
Thanks for the compliment but my early paint is shot the front has a bit of surface rust. When I do repaint it I will definitely paint it the factory green. Hey I just scanned through the photos but I didn't see that shop owners early in the back round anywhere, anyway your van looks awesome!!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 02nd 2011 10:06 am
Nate has a good eye for spotting Earlies......LOL

In the right corner of this picture.

[Linked Image]

Also in the 3/4 front view of my van painted you can just see the DS window of Jeff's Van.......
His van is still in 2K primer.

.......Wookee
Posted By: Eddie G Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 02nd 2011 12:12 pm
Looks Good,Wookee smile
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 02nd 2011 1:41 pm
Originally Posted by Eddie G
Looks Good,Wookee smile


____________ yeah
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 06th 2011 5:39 am
Got new rubber mounted today.

[Linked Image]

I get to take her out for a little spin tomorrow or a later today.....
Still have a few more things to address before we leave on Sunday.......

Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 06th 2011 1:34 pm
nice..comin together =)
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 3:12 am
the outside is done as it is going to get for this trip to the "Nationals"

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

......Wookee
Posted By: starwars Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 3:15 am
very nice
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 1:19 pm
looks real nice wookee. What size tires are you running on it?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 3:28 pm
I am running 275-60-15's on the rear 205- 70-15's on the front.......

........Wppkee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 4:12 pm
Van look great Joe.

Ah yes..narrow tires on the front. Helps with the "armstrong" steering. grin
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 4:28 pm
I like the big little look on an early.....
Too narrow of a tire also effects how these old girls handle.
From past experience I have found a 70 series tire on the front handles the best.
Radial tires also made a huge difference....

That is also what makes an Early fun you really have to drive them.

That is also why I call this van the "Beast".
Strong running 350.No power steering brakes of A/C....

......Wookee
Posted By: Bandvan Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 8:34 pm
Thats one bitchin' orange Early Wookee! Im sure the pic don't do that paint justice at all, cant wait to see it in person. Congrads, it's been wicked cool seeing it transform!
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 10:09 pm
Looking great Wookee! I like orange. cool
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 07th 2011 11:05 pm
Originally Posted by joshvan
Looking great Wookee! I like orange. cool


----------- yeah
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 08th 2011 4:05 am
Looks great Wookee.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 08th 2011 4:40 pm
Really looking forward to seeing the van (and you) in Ohio!

drool drool drool drool drool


[Linked Image]
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 08th 2011 7:49 pm
You really don't know how close I came to bringing the late model in the back ground of that picture.....
A late night tonight and a long day tomorrow.Hopefully we can pack and go on Sunday.
She got rained on it's first time last night.
I already put and fixed its first scratch....
I got to bust her cherry at the Nationals.....WOOOHOO
The first van event this van attended was the 33rd.
Fist interior................................ 34th
First van event in paint..................... 39th

.......Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 09th 2011 2:54 am
Originally Posted by wookee
You really don't know how close I came to bringing the late model in the back ground of that picture.....
A late night tonight and a long day tomorrow.Hopefully we can pack and go on Sunday.
She got rained on it's first time last night.
ialready put and fived its first scrach....
Iget to bust her cherry at the nationals.....WOOOHOO
The first van event this van attended was the 33rd.
Fist interior................................ 34th
First van event in paint..................... 39th

.......Wookee


blah blah blah...
Early Chevy Van in a new coat at Van Nationals...
Need I say more. bow
grin
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 09th 2011 3:17 am
yeah lol grin
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 2:55 pm
a couple new pictures.......

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I really need to thank every one who took a minute to complement me on the work I have done on my van.
It really means allot to me coming from my fellow vanners.
More changes and improvements are waiting in the wings.......

........Wookee
Posted By: OVANNER Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 3:09 pm
Wookee! Nice job and nice choice for the color!
Posted By: vanmachineman Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 3:38 pm
devil devil I saw the van was done.looking pretty bright:
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 5:32 pm
The van's looking real good...

cool
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 5:38 pm
I was glad to see it in person. Looks great Wook! chevy
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 7:21 pm
great work on the van! looks in sweeter in person.. =)
Posted By: Eddie G Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 19th 2011 11:25 pm
Great job on the van!!!!
now i need back doors for mine to finish primering, frown "Doors"
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 22nd 2011 8:19 pm
She did take a very pretty picture......

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: GhostRyder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 22nd 2011 9:36 pm
The yellow van ?










JK lol looks good with the new paint .
Posted By: GEORGI Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 26th 2011 5:21 pm
looks great wookie mine is done to and i will get pics up soon oh by the way why did you have so many pictures with just a woman in them I thought this was your van thread lol
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 04th 2011 12:23 pm
Originally Posted by XTReME_LiMiTzZ
great work on the van! looks in sweeter in person.. =)


yeah What's next?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 04th 2011 12:38 pm
Drive it an enjoy it......
It has sat this past year longer than it has set since the van has been on the road.I was having Early withdraw symptoms.I really need to be out in it driving it again like I used to.....
Don't worry other changes are coming for it.......

[Linked Image]

.........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2011 9:50 pm
I did install a new turn signal assembly in the column just before keystone.other than than no new additions Yet....
Here is a couple new pictures of the old girl .......

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 23rd 2011 3:10 am
lookin good!
Posted By: lukester Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 23rd 2011 3:22 am
Very nice yay
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 23rd 2011 3:52 pm
looking very nice, if there was going to be an early to make me like earlies this'd be it.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 26th 2012 1:06 pm
I have been keeping my self busy working on and driving my daily driver Big Red.
The "Beast" has been setting since B broke a motor mount in it last December.
I went to advanced auto parts last weekend. Where I have Bought motor mounts in the past(5 years ago).They no longer carry the mounts I need.
I really don't like to buy parts on line.How ever.

www.car-stuff.com

Has been able to get me the last couple of need parts.Very good fast service from these folks.
I can't wait to start driving the old girl daily.

........Wookee
Posted By: Captain_E Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 26th 2012 3:32 pm
Originally Posted by draggnastro
looking very nice, if there was going to be an early to make me like earlies this'd be it.


Wow, I thought everybody liked Earlys of one brand or another. How can you not like Earlys?
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 26th 2012 3:40 pm
Just never been a real big fan of the flat nosed look. I appreciate the classic look and the fact that theres lots of classic iron being kept on the road, they just arent my thing. Never cared for the mid engine thing either, eats up too much interior space, and every one ive ever been in was god awful loud and rode like a skateboard.
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 26th 2012 4:02 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I have been keeping my self busy working on and driving my daily driver Big Red.
The "Beast" has been setting since B broke a motor mount in it last December.
I went to advanced auto parts last weekend. Where I have Bought motor mounts in the past(5 years ago).They no longer carry the mounts I need.
I really don't like to buy parts on line.How ever.

www.car-stuff.com

Has been able to get me the last couple of need parts.Very good fast service from these folks.
I can't wait to start driving the old girl daily.

........Wookee


Yep...Advance no longer carries motor mounts for the V8 A-100s either. Slant six models you can still get them. I found that Autozone still carries the V8 motor mounts in their Duralast brand. Brian bought like 6 sets. lol
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 26th 2012 11:07 pm
the people who work auto zone near me are such Nim Rods I refuse to go in there.

"God awful load and rides like a skate board".....YEP that pretty much sums is up.

This loud skate board could use a set of Oh $%it handles. Right Nate

HOWEVER these old girls draw ALLOT of attention even in primer.

"If it had a hood,it ain't no good"........LOL

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 26th 2012 11:49 pm
I buy on line alot now Joe . Just seams to be musch easyer at times .
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 27th 2012 1:46 am
Quote
This loud skate board could use a set of Oh $%it handles. Right Nate


Indeed! lol

Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 27th 2012 1:45 pm
It is just hard for this old dog to learn this new trick.....LOL
I like being able to pull the need part off go to the parts store get what i need,match the old part up to the new one,carry the new one home and reinstall it.
If they have the wrong one listed I don't have to worry about shipping the potential wrong part back.
I actually enjoy interacting with a GOOD counter person.

........Wookee

Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 27th 2012 3:54 pm
That's true Wookee. Hard to find a counter person that bothers to "look in the book" for parts. Seems nowadays if their computer says it doesn't exist, it must be true! We know better.
Posted By: Bigair49 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 28th 2012 2:25 pm
I hear you Wookee, I have a hard enough time finding parts for my 78, even the simple stuff ..they look at me like Ahh..itsa G what crazy
As for ordering on line I found most sights have a contact # so you can actually talk to a human about what you are buying. Have them send you a pic of the item before you send the cash. I was put off by online stores at first but they usually are pretty good and ship out fast. having a pay pal really makes things easier and less likely to get ripped off.
Posted By: heavy389 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 28th 2012 2:48 pm
Originally Posted by Bigair49
I hear you Wookee, I have a hard enough time finding parts for my 78, even the simple stuff ..they look at me like Ahh..itsa G what crazy
As for ordering on line I found most sights have a contact # so you can actually talk to a human about what you are buying. Have them send you a pic of the item before you send the cash. I was put off by online stores at first but they usually are pretty good and ship out fast. having a pay pal really makes things easier and less likely to get ripped off.


yeah
Posted By: Galaxy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 29th 2012 5:28 pm
We were just discussing this the other day. Recalling the good old days of Performance Center, Van Ederstien and all the good old speed shops that aren't around any more. It was a pleasure to go down to the speed shop for parts. They knew who you were and what you were working on. Good advice and American made parts!
Posted By: Eddie G Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 29th 2012 10:24 pm
Stop the van!!!,i have not had a problem w/CarQuest Auto parts here in Nia.Falls,NY
i deal w/Mike on my 69/76 Chebby for parts. And some how he is on his word!!!!Never let me down. may take a day or 2 but Great guy.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 04th 2012 6:34 pm
working on the mounts as we type.
Pictures at 11.....
I really need a performance fix from the "Beast".
these threads drop fast if you do not add any thing.this post Dropped 3 pages in less than a week.....

.....Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - April 05th 2012 4:21 pm
Originally Posted by Eddie G
Stop the van!!!,i have not had a problem w/CarQuest Auto parts here in Nia.Falls,NY
i deal w/Mike on my 69/76 Chebby for parts. And some how he is on his word!!!!Never let me down. may take a day or 2 but Great guy.


I am having problems with my local Advanced.
They no longer carry parts that i bought from then 7 years ago when i 1st started working on my 2nd gen.....
I bought a bunch of stuff.

Ok the "Beast" is back to her Bad A$$ self.
Sorry no pictures. I am in the middle of redoing my home office and my Card reader is MIA.

Of coarse doing this job I noticed some other things that need some attention.All cosmetic....

I really needed that ride.Taking this van out and running it HARD still excites me.The harder I drive it the better it runs.

.........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 09th 2012 8:01 pm
this years "nationals" makes 7 years since I came out of 2% retirement.
The 05 33rd national in Pa was the first van event the "Beast" was able to attend........

when I 1st get her in 92.

[Linked Image]

just before the 33rd Nats

[Linked Image]

at the 33rd nats

[Linked Image]

Just before the 35th Nats

[Linked Image]

Missed my deadline to have her painted for the 38th Nats

[Linked Image]

Finally got color on here for the 39th

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Leading a convoy of vanners to the drag strip at the 39th

[Linked Image]

It has been a great 7 years with many more to come.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 09th 2012 8:10 pm
What a great story Wookee! Still my favorite early.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 10th 2012 9:59 am
Wow! The beast has come a long way!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 10th 2012 10:17 pm
There are some more cool body mods and tricks I plan on adding in the future.
Unlike restoring a 69 Camaro of Chevelle.
A van is never done.
It can't be built out of a catalog.
If you get "Bored' with any part of it.Tear it out and make it better.....

.........Wookee
Posted By: lukester Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 3:35 am
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Wow! The beast has come a long way!


It sure has and it looks great cheers
Posted By: 93GMC Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 11:08 am
love the timeline pics!!
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 11:51 am
love the pics Joe awesome !!
Posted By: Bikertrash00 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 11:58 am
Sweeeeet! cheers
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 1:31 pm
I showed the timeline pics to my wife, shes not a huge early fan, but the transformation from 92 to 2012 she said "Wow, thats a cool van!"
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 3:51 pm
Great pics... cheers
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 11th 2012 8:56 pm
Thanks for the complements.
I have a bad habit of seeing what some things can be, instead of what is really setting right in front of me.
When this van found me in 92. It had been setting outside in a drive way since 79.
I was faithfully doing the 9 to 5 thing.Actually 11pm to 7am.
I all most threw in the towel more than once.....

What a long strange trip it's been......

........Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 12th 2012 5:36 am
You saw what my dodge started as, im the same way Wookee, ive considered selling my baby once or twice.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 12th 2012 12:09 pm
When I was younger I was all ways a sucker for a challenge.
When I went into the work world my dad told me to pick the job the other guys refuse to do because it is too hard and jump on it.You will learn a lot and look great in the bosses eyes.
daggonastro,your van has came along way.I hope to get to see it this summer at the "Nationals".

......Wookee
Posted By: al55 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 13th 2012 2:34 am
Great pics thanks for posting it was like taking a trip in a time machine. cool
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 14th 2012 8:09 pm
began working on adding a scoop to the belly pan.

[Linked Image]

after all of the fab work is done the scoop will be primed with 2K primer and the inner walls will be coated with this.

[Linked Image]

I will also be applying this to the insides of my dog house and to the cab floors of the van before carpet goes down.
I wanted to drive the van a little longer .Now that I have it up on stands I see some things that need attention before the road trip to Wisconsin.....

.........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 14th 2012 8:20 pm
Looks good Joe!
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 14th 2012 8:39 pm
NICE!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 15th 2012 4:16 am
There is a certain stretch of road that that gave the "Beast" a black eye with a sucker punch...
Early Chevy Forced Air induction......
I think this and a couple of other minor tricks and it will be time for we to give her another shot at that stretch of road.......

......Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 15th 2012 4:49 am
Looks cool! Tell us more about this stretch of road?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 15th 2012 5:09 am
after the beast has another go at it I will let you know all of the details.
Even as hot as she was running (230 degrees) the valves did not rattle and when we shut her down for fuel it did not puke out and internal fluids.Running regular gas.fired right up each time I shut the engine off...
Lets just say I had to run her easier than a really wanted to be running her......It was a 65-70 run.

here is a picture of the scoop hanging

[Linked Image]

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 15th 2012 12:01 pm
The Dodge's have a similar issue sometimes.

Brian also adds a scoop to the belly pan and he'll cut a tunnel to the front of the doghouse.

Funny thing is though I had an A-108 with a slant six. I had the radiator recored by a local shop here in Elkridge. The fellow said that while they couldn't offer a 4 row core and still retain the top tank, he offered up a 2 row with capacity of a 4 row. That van never got hot and we didn't have to modify the belly pan or cut in a tunnel.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 15th 2012 4:09 pm
scoop looks good. hope it solves your problems.
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 15th 2012 7:55 pm
That scoop should take care of things... I enjoyed the transformation pics as well... Keep at 'er...
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2012 1:39 am
Rad has been completely record.
Just pulling those long mountain grades on Rt 68 where the only time I have really had and temp problems in 7 years.

.....Wookee
Posted By: vanfun Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2012 1:50 am
This is one fine looking machine! Had the privilage to see it at Keystone. She sounds even better!lol
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 17th 2012 9:09 pm
Ah yes..I-68. Beautiful drive out to the Nats last year.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 23rd 2012 7:03 am
fitted the back of the scoop up tonight.......

[Linked Image]

It should weld up nice.....

......wookee
Posted By: Mutt Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 23rd 2012 10:07 am
looks good!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 23rd 2012 3:21 pm
Thanks Mutt.
The foreman at the shop that bends steel for me got the panel I am working on wrong twice.
I can make it look like i want it to.
It will just take more time to pull it off.


.......Wookee
Posted By: Awbartley Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 23rd 2012 7:10 pm
the scoop looks great to me.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 24th 2012 6:34 am
Played spark monster tonight.......

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

......Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 24th 2012 2:50 pm
i miss having a good welder...
Posted By: SaabGuy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 24th 2012 4:28 pm
I love my welder even though it gives me bad ideas. I wish my plasma cutter didn't die though. Can't afford a new one right now.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 24th 2012 7:45 pm
plasma cutters are pretty nice.
I learned how to use an oxy acetylene torch very well.
If i was doing aluminum and stainless work like I used to do.
There would be one in my shop.

.....Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - May 24th 2012 8:08 pm
That is true, with the proper tools its easy to get carried away with the mods.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 04th 2012 1:40 pm
Ok it is now June.
Time to throw down and get serious working on the "Beast", to get ready for the road trip to the Nationals.
Broke my welder in Wednesday.I hope to get that back by the end of the week.
I have plenty of other projects to keep me busy.

Painted the underside of my dog house lid with Dupli Color Truck Bed Coating.

[Linked Image]

While I am at it I will also use the same stuff on the cab floor of the "Beast"

[Linked Image]

The late model snack tray will be recycled to fit the front of the dog house.

I have two seasons of road crud and over spray to clean out of the engine compartment.

[Linked Image]

Along with this stuff I also have a graduation party in Pa to make along with a local birthday party of a good friend the following weekend.....

Let the games begin.........LOL
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 04th 2012 6:41 pm
Love that truck bed liner Wookee, should do a good job of quieting down the road noise. You planning on carpet for the cab? I hate when my welder breaks! If i had one to break....
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 05th 2012 3:52 am
Yes I will be installing carpet.
Not too sure if it will be done by the Nationals though.

a local street rod shop used spray on bed liner on the floors inside of the doors and on the underside of there customers cars .It made a huge difference sound wise.

I got to see some cars with age on them and the stuff hold up great over time.

.......Wookee
Posted By: Vanner68 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 08th 2012 12:23 am
Bedliner will seal the steel so that nothing will reach the surface underneath.

I plan to do this with my early as well, but no carpet up front.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2012 4:41 am
got some more metal work done on the scoop.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 22nd 2012 5:42 am
cool. What is your reason for building this? Was the van getting hot?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - June 23rd 2012 1:27 am
Just a little hotter than I feel comfortable running this engine during 90 to 100 degree days at 65 to 80 MPH......

Other Rarly owners claim a temp drop of better than ten degrees.After an installation of a scoop.

I have been driving the "Beast", belly pan less for the last couple of weeks.I have seen no real difference in the temps.
This tells me the factory design was not working.

.......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 23rd 2012 12:38 pm
I figured i would bring this thread up to the top again.
the scoop made a big difference in the operating temps of the "Beast' out and back from Md to Wisconsin.
On the hottest days running at 80 she never sent higher than 210.
There was a couple of stretches on the turn pike on the way home that the old girl was pegged at 90 between gas stops.
Yes I got beg enough stones to cruise my early at 80.
This is the longest road trip the "Beast" has been on to date.
The following pictures where taken by other photographers
This is huge complacent to me that my creation is worthy of there attention

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I do enjoy taking the Early Van crew out for a cruise around the fair grounds at the "nationals"

This year I got to convoy out to the "Nationals" from ohio to Wisconsin with Vintage Chevy Van Club members along with a couple late model vans.
We had 9 vans in our convoy from 7 different states

.........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 13th 2012 4:30 pm
Looking good buddy! Going to see you at Keystone?
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 19th 2012 12:24 pm
weather has been nice here in Md.
I lost a cylinder on my 89 GMC daily driver van.
One of it's jobs was to haul our trash to the dump.
Being retired, I am too cheap to pay the local contractors to haul my trash of.
Our land fill Is all paved.and very well kept.
I laid an old blue tarp down on the floor and loaded the van up.

[Linked Image]

The "Beast" got way more attention from the county employees that Big Red did.
I even got an offer to sell her.....

[Linked Image]

On the 2nd trip up the road.I got a chance to embarrass a 4X4 puke up that thought his truck was fast.
The "Beast" had no problems eating this truck's lunch.

[Linked Image]

......Wookee

Posted By: Bikertrash00 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 19th 2012 2:13 pm
Hell Ya Wookee, show them pukes what it's about shift
Posted By: Lordmodelbuilder Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 19th 2012 5:11 pm
Next year in Ohio, I do want a ride in your van. Never got around to it in Wisconsin....other than turning it around Sat. night when I was striping it. See you next year Joe!
Posted By: jwebb Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 19th 2012 6:30 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
The other thing I want to do BEFORE any paint goes on is to "block out" the current primer on this van with a long board.
I could just DA it and shoot it......
No, I like to do things the hard way......LOL

......Wookee
thats not the hard way its the correct way to do a show quality paint job a da is ok for the late model plastic junk but your doing the correct way lookin good
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 20th 2012 12:36 pm
Originally Posted by Lordmodelbuilder
Next year in Ohio, I do want a ride in your van. Never got around to it in Wisconsin....other than turning it around Sat. night when I was striping it. See you next year Joe!


It's quite a ride, when you ride with Wookee! smile
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 20th 2012 2:00 pm
jwebb,thanks for the complement.
There are still natural waves in the sheet metal of this van.
I know I can get them out by skim coating the panels and doing more blocking.
I just really do not want even that small amount of filler on the original steel.Just because I do drive this van HARD.
The right color combo will help to make the imperfections less noticeable......

Here is a picture of an Arizona body 1st gen just shot in black

[Linked Image]

Mine is not even close to that straight.
The "Beast" was originally used to haul vending machines or supplies here in Md in it's past life.

......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 20th 2012 2:09 pm
Originally Posted by Bikertrash00
Hell Ya Wookee, show them pukes what it's about shift


Mustangs Camaros, rice burners, now a turbo diesel puke up is added to "the list"......

.......Wookee
Posted By: Bikertrash00 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 20th 2012 2:10 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
jwebb,thanks for the complement.
There are still natural waves in the sheet metal of this van.
I know I can get them out by skim coating the panels and doing more blocking.
I just really do not want even that small amount of filler on the original steel.Just because I do drive this van HARD.
The right color combo will help to make the imperfections less noticeable......

Here is a picture of an Arizona body 1st gen just shot in black

[Linked Image]

Mine is not even close to that straight.
The "Beast" was originally used to haul vending machines or supplies here in Md in it's past life.

......Wookee


Man that looks straight, which it better be straight before you lay gloss BLACK on it. I personally love white, hides everything.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 20th 2012 2:17 pm
I also really like white, when I was looking for a color there was all ready a few white Earlies out there.
I really want to play with some metal flake here soon.
I want to do the upper panels on the "Beast" in a silver.

......Wookee
Posted By: jwebb Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 21st 2012 1:00 am
with a large spray tip you can mix up a batch of clear and dump dry flakes of what ever color spray as many coats as it takes to acheive total color coverage and acheive that 70s bass boat look then come back and spray straight clear sand and buff it out can give other custom paint tips and ideas if anyone needs them as I used to own my own custom shop
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 21st 2012 2:47 am
I got a chance to mess around with some metal flake way back when I was a pup. This was the old lacquer type paint.
we put a base of silver down.sanded it smooth.mixed the flakes in with clear shot that wet sanded that smooth.then put a final coat of candy paint over the flakes.
The key to a smooth finish was lots of wet sanded.
I have not had a chance to mess around with the newer enamels or urethane paints used the flakes and the clear.
I am also pretty sure I need to invest in a better gun that the tips can be changed out........

.......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 27th 2012 3:35 pm
It was time for our yearly act of Kindness.
Each Christmas NCBV delivers Christmas baskets to needy families in the Edgewood area.
100 families have a little extra in there fridge.

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: jwebb Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 27th 2012 8:19 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I got a chance to mess around with some metal flake way back when I was a pup. This was the old lacquer type paint.
we put a base of silver down.sanded it smooth.mixed the flakes in with clear shot that wet sanded that smooth.then put a final coat of candy paint over the flakes.
The key to a smooth finish was lots of wet sanded.
I have not had a chance to mess around with the newer enamels or urethane paints used the flakes and
I am also pretty sure I need to invest in a better gun that the tips can be changed


out........yeah its the same basic concept with the large metal flake you want a large tip 1.8 or 2.0

.......Wookee
Posted By: Bigair49 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 28th 2012 4:35 pm
Wookee that's A great deal there it's always nice to see people helping other people. This world needs to see more of this kindness and less of the evil that gets so much attention .
Way to Go Wookee!!
and the BEAST is looking good!
Posted By: OutlawZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 29th 2012 9:12 pm
Wowza....Finally just finished reading this thread. Started at like 11 am this morning and just started going. Van looks great man.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 30th 2012 1:47 am
Thank you for the complement.
Unlike a few others I do go back into the earlier pages and find this thread when I do up dates /changes.
I also do not mess with my photobucket accounts so the pictures should all be there.

This season will be my 8th season of vanning in this van.
Her first van event was the 33rd Nationals in Pa.

........Wookee
Posted By: OutlawZ Re: "The Beast" is back..... - December 30th 2012 1:54 am
Originally Posted by wookee
Thank you for the complement.
Unlike a few others I do go back into the earlier pages and find this thread when I do up dates /changes.
I also do not mess with my photobucket accounts so the pictures should all be there.

This season will be my 8th season of vanning in this van.
Her first van event was the 33rd Nationals in Pa.

........Wookee


Nice! Yea that def made it a bit easier to read your thread for "Big Red" In fact i just finished reading that thread and threw in some info that may help you keep TBI in it with that crate motor.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 4:43 am
Ok time to bring this thread back to the top again.

first I need to thank my family and my vanning family for all of the support to help me bring the Beast back.
If I did not have this support I might have thrown the towel in on this van.

a Vintace Chevy Van Club member cuts this rust free front clip of of a 67 chevy van.Loads it into a van going to NOLA where I picked it up and bring it home

[Linked Image]

The "Beast" was resting in my shop waiting for here parts to arrive.

[Linked Image]

Because of a badly bent brake peddle.I could not drive her.
Rick Dixon from Nort Chesapeake Bay Vans.
came by and gave the beast a ride down to.
Warner Auto body in Baltimore.

[Linked Image]

Jeff Warner Vintage Chevy Van Club Member.Long Time Jack Of All Trades body man.staerted working his expertise on the "Beast"s crumpled sheet metal

[Linked Image]

As of today he has the door gaps in the drivers door back to pre accident distance and the drivers door closing very nice again.

[Linked Image]

It will be ten days before I will be able to visit the beast again.I will try to keep this thread updated.....
..
Me and the "Beast" along with Dakota really missed attending this years "Nationals'

.....wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 4:54 am
we had a pretty good run going.
33rd Nats was our first.
We only missed the 36th
Up until the 41st.
A nice 6 year run
if you got a change to take a picture of the beast at any of these events I would like to see them.
One of my favorites

[Linked Image]

Thanks in advance

........Wookee
Posted By: radicalran Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 7:59 am
Wookee, thanks for the update. I have been wondering if progress was being made. Glad to see that you have people doing the work that understand the sentimental value. I hope that all is well with you and your family.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 10:57 am
Joe, glad to see it coming along.
Posted By: Eddie G Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 11:05 am
SuperBeast has a front bumper for ya that bert deliverd to the Natz,Smiley gave the bumper to superbeast so hopefully you will get,also i will shipp the winder gasket out to you. smile
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 12:16 pm
that's awesome wookee it's good to see you posting again . I wish I could see how they put her back together , I always like to see how things are done . maybe you can leave them a camera so we can get some photos ?
I'm sure that's the last thing the guy wants is to stop working and take pics ... lol
And that's very awesome for all those evolved in getting the clip up to you .
Posted By: VanPLan Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 12:23 pm
Seems a lot of Good people are going to Good places in the after life. cheers Nice to see you up and moving Joe.
coffee
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 12:26 pm
Looking good.....it's coming together!
Posted By: MrHoney Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 12:31 pm
Great photos wook,thanks for the updates. Its great that soon your Beast will be well and like old. I Bet you cant wait to drive you van again....
Posted By: apo234 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 12:36 pm
I cant wait to see it all back together again!
Posted By: Goose111 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 4:30 pm
Thanks for the update, and it's looking good now, that the doors close in the same way as before.

Hope to see more pictures, and also from me a Thank you very much to all the Vanners, who help you out in this hard time.
Posted By: Ghetto Rat Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 7:57 pm
[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Posted By: MrHoney Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 20th 2013 9:00 pm
Originally Posted by Ghetto Rat

[Linked Image]


My favorite Early Chevy, Was Rev's Juicy Lucy & his twisted sister panel
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 21st 2013 1:59 am
Great pictures Getto Rat......

I have been in heaven the last 8 years of my life.....

.......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 21st 2013 2:02 am
Originally Posted by MrHoney

My favorite Early Chevy, Was Rev's Juicy Lucy & his twisted sister panel



[Linked Image]

......Wookee
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 21st 2013 10:03 am
Always liked it.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 21st 2013 11:40 am
Sweeet
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 30th 2013 3:33 pm
All of the pulling on the front end is complete.
Now comes the time to prep the front "skin" to be hung.

[Linked Image]

.......Wookee
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 30th 2013 4:04 pm
A lot of work going on there. Will be sweet to see it on the road again soon!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 30th 2013 9:05 pm
Can't wait to see it fixed back up
Posted By: radicalran Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 12:34 am
I always enjoyed trimming used parts and installing them. Should be like brand new very soon!
Posted By: al55 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 12:50 am
Alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay yay yay yay yay yay
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 1:02 am
Good to hear Wookee...... smile
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 1:08 am
alright moving forward !!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 1:36 pm
Originally Posted by radicalran
I always enjoyed trimming used parts and installing them. Should be like brand new very soon!


In a case like this I would really prefer to use a new piece of sheet metal/skin.Removing this sheet metal is a time consuming procedure.
No new panels are available so a rust free Cali front clip was obtained.

......Wookee
Posted By: HomeBrew Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 2:17 pm
I was always curious how a nose job would play out on an early.

Take lots of PICS ;-)
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 8:13 pm
I left a memory card at Jeff's shop.
Not only is he an excellent body man he is a good photographer also.
The pictures I have been posting are ones that I shot during visits to his shop.

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 31st 2013 8:22 pm
Looks like she'll be good as new Wookee!!!
Posted By: draggnastro Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 06th 2013 4:36 am
Didnt know your van got wrecked Wookee, Sorry to hear it. Glad your ok and good to see the vans getting fixed.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 6:03 am
unfortunately it looks like I am setting out this years van season.
the front sheet metal is getting closer to being hung.

[Linked Image]

inner sheet metal from the doner van

[Linked Image]

one more picture of the new front sheet metal

[Linked Image]

......Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 6:14 am
I also scored a set of decent no window side doors to replace the doors on the back that I am not happy with.....

[Linked Image]

hard to find doors with bottoms this nice....

[Linked Image]

.......Wookee
Posted By: MrHoney Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 11:43 am
wow those doors look pretty good....nice find smile
Posted By: apo234 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 11:50 am
Awesome find!!! cant even find doors that good for my 96!
Posted By: CatFish Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 12:00 pm
I remember a day when the Beast was looking for a friend.....
[Linked Image]

That is one lucky van!
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 2:26 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I also scored a set of decent no window side doors to replace the doors on the back that I am not happy with.....

[Linked Image]

hard to find doors with bottoms this nice....


for sure...nice score !
[Linked Image]

.......Wookee






For sure ..nice score !
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 2:28 pm
The doors look good (and had to be real hard to find). Looks like the Beast is coming together!
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 3:48 pm
Originally Posted by MrHoney
wow those doors look pretty good....nice find smile


yes they are
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 4:21 pm
The seller described them as immaculate.
They will need some work for them to hold paint.
assorted door dings a set of side doors get
the price was right so I snagged them up.
They had set in the sellers shed for 30 years.
They where found in Crownsville Lee

........Wookee
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 16th 2013 5:46 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
The seller described them as immaculate.
They will need some work for them to hold paint.
assorted door dings a set of side doors get
the price was right so I snagged them up.
They had set in the sellers shed for 30 years.
They where found in Crownsville Lee

........Wookee
Wow.......right in my back yard!!!
Posted By: kawrider Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 17th 2013 4:27 am
Awesome score! I thought about the Beast earlier when I was on the road for work. I wish I had time for a camera. I saw a flat black Chevy early on a trailer headed south on I-79. It looked like someone's pride and joy on the way to a new life.
Posted By: al55 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 17th 2013 4:55 pm
Excellent find!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 29th 2013 3:56 am
Finally was able to go to the shop where the "Beast" is at to do some work today. Felt good to be out of the house.Felt good to be wrenching on her.
Man I can really feel it on my old bones.
Gradually getting my feet used to earning there keep.

Stripped the dash to get it ready for a repaint.

[Linked Image]

..........Wookee
Posted By: Bikertrash00 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - August 29th 2013 3:15 pm
Great to hear Wookee! cheers
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 6:11 am
the Beast is officially back

[Linked Image]

Posted By: radicalran Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 9:07 am
Wookee, that's great! I'm happy for you. How are feeling these days? Diabetes under control? Enjoy!
Posted By: Goose111 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 1:18 pm
Congratulations!!!!

Good to see it back in good shpae.
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 1:21 pm
Ohh Man she's looking better then ever buddy !! its nice to see her looking so sexy .
Posted By: pirate Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 1:52 pm
Looks Great....Congrats..Maybe I will get to see her this year in person
Posted By: lukester Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 3:24 pm
Looking good man.Congrats on having her home.
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 3:44 pm
Sweet!!!! Looks great Wookie!
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 4:06 pm
looks great wookee, are you thinking about going to Bakers in June ???
Posted By: quiet1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 4:55 pm
nICE!!! Way to bounce back...
Posted By: apo234 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 19th 2014 6:11 pm
WOW! that is some awesome work there!!!!!!! looks great!!!!!!!!!!!!! glad to see it alive again!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 5:51 am
Randy,my Diabetes is under control.

How ever Diabetes does not play by the rules for me at least.

It is the only illness you can do every thing right be anal about it,still things go wrong.

Do you what the biggest killer of diabetic's with there diabetes under control????

CAR WRECKS.

I did every thing i was supposed to do.
When I left Jim's place.
my blood sugar was 145....perfect.

I got my self turned around going to my next stop My adrenalin kicked in an I went through all of the carbs I ate from breakfast.......
The rest is history.

I am back on an insulin pump again.
One my doc can work with.......

Medicare will not let me switch brands of pumps because my old Amimus pump has a good bit of it's five year warranty on it.

.......Wookee
Posted By: crazyvanman Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 6:39 am
Wow looks good again.
Posted By: MrHoney Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 10:28 am
Hey Wook, Nice to see that the van is done and looking sweet.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 10:39 am
Van looks sweet Joe , glad to see it again! Great to hear your doing better also and hope to see ya soon.
Posted By: Captain_E Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 3:17 pm
Great news Wookie. Hope to see you at an event this year.
Posted By: kawrider Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 4:18 pm
Your van looks great Wook! I really hope I get a chance to meet you and see your van in person this year! Like we spoke about earlier, I have the big D too. My numbers stayed around 100 all weekend at Freeze Out. Luckily there were no incidents on the drive down or back to Fairmont, but it got me this morning. The whole deal: too hot, the sweats, the shakes. Once I had some food I was ok, but one never knows what this idiotic disease will do from one day to another.
Posted By: chevyvan93 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 20th 2014 4:40 pm
Looks great.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 24th 2014 10:47 pm
Left her out in the snow.........

[Linked Image]

She is not bitching about it.........LOL

.......Wookee
Posted By: Bikertrash00 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 24th 2014 10:54 pm
Aauuh, that poor girl, she's cold! laugh Congrats Wookee!
Posted By: kawrider Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 24th 2014 11:12 pm
The cold is good for curing that fresh paint! Even looks great in the snow!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2014 12:18 am
Its good to see iot out Joe. yay
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: "The Beast" is back..... - January 25th 2014 6:20 pm
Glad to see it all straightened out again. Take care Joe and enjoy.
Posted By: EagleDave Re: "The Beast" is back..... - February 24th 2014 10:56 pm
Hey wookee just read the whole thread. Great looking early. Hated when she got bent but glad your Ok and glad to see everything come together to get her back on the road.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 12th 2014 4:11 pm

As usual I am working on the van right up to the last minute to leave for an event.I had planned on leaving for the Nationals today 7/12/14.Looks like I have to bump my departure date out till Monday.
The first event this van ever attended was the 33rd nationals in Pa.We had a very good run over eight years only missing the 36th nationals in Illinois due to health issues.
Missed last years Nationals because my van was still being worked on.
Hopefully the seven hour ride to NY will be uneventful.
I really can't describe in words how you how bad it sucked not being able to attend any van events last year.
I am working hard to right this ship.

very happy with the dash repaint

[Linked Image]

the 350 responded well to a simple plug change tune up

[Linked Image]

It cleaned up really nice too.with help of these products

[Linked Image]

Replacing the brake front shoes today.

[Linked Image]

I got my moneys worth out of this set....LOL

I hope to see every one again in NY

.....Wookee


Posted By: DrBob Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 12th 2014 4:55 pm
Be looking for you Wookee, I'll be at building 11.
Posted By: SFS60 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 12th 2014 7:07 pm
Be nice to see yah,it's been awhile joe !!
Posted By: c1run1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 13th 2014 1:20 am
Joe i'll be there in the running wild camp ! cant wait to see you!
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 13th 2014 2:36 am
Might not be leaving until Tuesday now.
when i install the drivers side shoes and they seated.The wheel Cylinder started puking out fluid.
Some times doing mechanical work just sucks......

.......Wookee
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - July 13th 2014 11:18 am
Glad you will be making the nats Joe.Van looks great and have a good time! Hope to see ya soon.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 17th 2014 3:50 am
[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: AlleyKatUpholsteryMt Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 17th 2014 3:57 am
Sick ride
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2014 6:59 pm
Well she did it !!!!!!!!
She is back to her old self.
She made a trouble free 2 1/2 hour trip, up and back to a van run like she has never been down.Worst casualty was a lost center cap due to a pot hole just south of Lancaster.
I normally do not show the van.
I did show just the outside at this run and received a 2nd place trophy.
I am a very happy camper

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I could not have been able to do this with out all of the help I received from the vanning community.
Thanks again to every one !!!!!!!

.........Wookee


Posted By: jules73 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2014 8:12 pm
Glad you had a successful trip. looks sweet!
Posted By: Bigair49 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2014 9:48 pm
Wookee the van looks Great! Glad to here she's back to her old self.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2014 10:19 pm
Glad to see you got it out and about again.Congrats buddy!
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2014 11:26 pm
good to see your van back on the road, realy looks good,,feelin pretty good Ill bet !!!!!!
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 22nd 2014 11:55 pm
Looks great Wookee......glad to see it back on the road!
Posted By: kawrider Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 23rd 2014 12:39 am
She looks awesome and it was a real pleasure to see The Beast and finally meet you in person Wookee!
Posted By: lukester Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 23rd 2014 1:16 am
Im glad to see she is back.Looking really sweet.
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - September 23rd 2014 3:09 am
Kawrider,I had a blast talking to you and Sandy.
Sorry I did not hang out at your camp a little longer.
Thanks for stopping by.

Jim,she is ready for another trip out 70/76 west ward.

67 Econo Guy, she is driving as good as she looks.

Lee, pretty sure she can haul a welder as well as a GMC pick up can......

Thanks for the complements guys......

........Wookee
Posted By: wookee Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 09th 2015 10:12 pm
The old girl made it through our Md. winter.
Still don't have my late model junk running yet.
Because of the last bout of white death arriving so late I sat a pretty good van event out last weekend.
Salt encrusted roads and the possibility of black ice
where my reason for not making the ride up through the PA country side.
Every time I jumped in her she started.
The first time in two winters that she had snow on her roof top.
That all melted off and there is no extra wet spots in her interior.......
I am looking forward to a good 2015 van season.......
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: "The Beast" is back..... - March 12th 2015 10:57 pm
Looks great Joe hope to see ya this year.
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