What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 3:09 am
Hello Vanners!
I had a good day today. I Found and fixed an annoying rattle that turned out to be a loose upper shock bolt.
Then I removed my rear door handle. The Thumb press decided to no longer rebound on it's own many many months ago. Found a broken spring. So I Fab'd up another and got her working again good as new with only minimal cursing involved. Did not throw a single tool though, I'm getting better.
After this success, I installed some new prothane dust boots to replace 2 which prematurely split. One on a tie rod end, one on a 3 month old Moog draglink. A pitman arm puller made the job super easy. I also regreased all my zerks
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 3:21 am
Went shopping for her....20-amp fuse blocks ,#4 butt connectors, blue tape to start the black out of the grill, sand paper for the trim....had a safety meeting to pause and think about the process of what Im about to do...yep good day
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 3:30 am
Nice job on the repair!
Here is a little known fact. On the GMC rear doors there is no handle or lever to open the door from the inside. Emergency exit not required!
Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...
Originally Posted by Galaxy
You know how it goes, once ya start working on the van ya can't stop! Today I installed a new set of Wagner ceramic brake pads. So I had to paint the calipers, dust shield and A arms. Since the wheels were off might as well grease every fitting in the front end. Can't put the wheels back on before you wash and wax them. Also changed the cooling system mixture to around 75% antifreeze. Topped off all the fluids. Replaced the (inline) fuel filter. So while I was under there, Why not put a fresh coat of paint on the diff cover. Unt I did.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 3:36 am
Dont I know that ...I think the engineer that thought that one up was riding shot gun during the whole test....never got in the back...or got out...it still at the bottom of the test lake...hence as fester says "fish tank"ed...needed to have a safety meeting over that one..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 1:45 pm
Worked a little on my Ford. Repaired an exhaust leak on the AIR tube to the cat converter. Rearranged the wiring for the Sun gauges. Left to finish: Change the Aux battery over from relay to isolator and add an inside volt meter for the Aux circuit. Redo the controls for the cooling fans to add monitoring lights (green LED for on, red for fail, etc.) and rework the driving lights and fog light controls. And I'm gonna change out the condenser fans and grille while it's in the garage.
So the dash wiring and the under hood wiring is all over the place and I'm at that point where you say, "why the hell did I start this"? But it'll be better when it's finished.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 2:46 pm
last weekend when i had time off,i took off the tube grill(so it wont get rusted out in Mi. winters)and put back in the stock grill now she looks like like an ordinary 88 E250 Jeff
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 5:21 pm
Well, I've finished rust proofing front and mid under section w/ rust inhibitor and rubber coating...about to run to advance auto for more rubber spray..pics commin when finshed..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 04th 2011 6:16 pm
Wonder what years Dodge started putting rear door interior openers. My '89 has one. Good thing too, otherwise I do not know how I would have opened the door when I removed the handle to refab the spring and the wind got a hold of the door and closed it.
I think I might install a Magnefine inline magnetic transmission filter today.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 12:10 am
I opened the back doors and put some stuff in it for storage after cleaning out the neighbors shed [my overflow storage]. They're snowbirds from Mass and will be here next week until spring so I didn't want to impose while they're here.
I also hit the glow plugs for 8 seconds and cranked to her up for a little ride down the road to the beach access area and back
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 1:08 am
I did complete detail inside and out on my Ford.Wash,polish wheels and other chrome,rinsed the undercarriage with a high pressure nozzle,vacuumed and polished interior wood.and drove my Dodge around the block 2 times.I also picked up some oil and a Napa filter but ran out of daylight.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 1:09 am
I assume WD-40 to stop rust on the chrome?
I thought WD-40 attracted water and was not recommended for that?
I switched to another brand [the name escapes me right at the moment] to avoid any issues like that since I'm right here at the beach, which can be as bad or worse as the rust belt.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 1:10 am
Drove it to church and was ridiculed for being a hippie.... WTF? Then cleaned it out cleaned the windows, ran the vacuum but still ain't washed it yet. Family road with comfort though.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 1:40 am
WD stands for water displacement, it was the 40th formula they tried, and it worked so they got their name.
I've never had any luck with it preventing corrosion long term, almost the opposite. I'd make sure it never touched my tires. Petroleum distillates and rubber do not mix.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 1:52 am
PB Blaster? I use that for bolts and stuff but I always spray my bike with it as well for the winter. Keep in mind my bike and van are in a insulated building so its just overkill!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 2:24 am
Hmmm, interesting info. I've used it in the past on bicycle chains and go kart/dirt bike chains and noticed them wearing MUCH faster. Turns out WD-40 was not the proper type lubricant for these fast moving chains and other similar applications as it actually dissipated the other lubricants leaving the chains dry.
I also heard that it attracts water and can actually cause more rust and corrosion than if non treated. I'm certainly no expert and make no claims other than my personal experience but I quit buying it long ago based on info I had heard/read/experienced.
The stuff I use now is in a green spray can. It's not PB Blaster, I have that too but only for use on rusted bolts [and stuck glow plugs!]
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 3:27 am
Pictures will tell you what I am still up to.....
Took the "Beast" for a ride to the local biker bar to pickup some pit beef sandwiches for lunch.There where a couple bikers checking out my van when I came out to leave. That was a huge complament to me.To have these guys walk past some sweet bikes to look at my Van. When I left I let the Flow Master twins do a little smack talk.5g 1st gear bark sounded good from where I was setting......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 5:08 am
Looks great wookee!
I did some tinkering on mine. I found a guy on one the forums awhile back that had a 200 amp alternator to fit a late model Dodge Caravan. I had some bracket work and shimming to do to make it fit right, and also had to find the right pulley. I got that done today, and I started building the warning buzzer setup for the dual battery solenoid that Astro posted awhile back.
I think the van is happy to be getting worked on again.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 10:15 am
It works for what I need. I store in a insulated building so the wd-40 will evaporate but leaves enough on the wheel where moisture wont sit on the wheel.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 1:32 pm
The proper tool for the proper job job........ In this case the proper chemical for the job. WD40 is a very good penetrating oil. It IS NOT a good chemical to be used as a preservative type of spray A good coat of wax/wadding polish on a set of wheels works allot better.......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 3:32 pm
The only interior latch for my 78 Dodge is like your picture Hoofbeats. But that is only for opening the left door. Does not help with getting out from the inside. Also agree on the GMC/Chevy release. It was on the bottom of the left door.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 5:38 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
The proper tool for the proper job job........ In this case the proper chemical for the job. WD40 is a very good penetrating oil. It IS NOT a good chemical to be used as a preservative type of spray A good coat of wax/wadding polish on a set of wheels works allot better.......
......Wookee
I absolutley agree! That is what I normally do for my wheels. Works good on the bike motor because of the black etc. The only reason I did w-D was because I was struggling to get everything done before my hyrnia surgery this am and I figured better than nothing!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 7:32 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I guess the designers figured the cargo does not need to get out from the inside. Door locks and unlocks with a key just fine......
.......Wookee
I've sure been hosed by my 81 B250 Dodge conversion quite a few times when the rear door's blown shut or my Son's reached in for a tool and shut the doors out of habit. A few weeks ago I had to call him on my cell phone to get me back out! That was embarrassing.
I've cut the lock mechanism out of a donor van to cure this situation sometime, probably when I pull the doors to paint them. The odd thing is that my 79 B100 had the interior handle and plunger of the same type as the side cargo doors. Must have been an option?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 05th 2011 8:59 pm
Originally Posted by Ram4ever
Originally Posted by wookee
I guess the designers figured the cargo does not need to get out from the inside. Door locks and unlocks with a key just fine......
.......Wookee
I've sure been hosed by my 81 B250 Dodge conversion quite a few times when the rear door's blown shut or my Son's reached in for a tool and shut the doors out of habit. A few weeks ago I had to call him on my cell phone to get me back out! That was embarrassing.
I've already opened the popout window and reached out it to use the outside handle rather than crawl over everything inside to get to the front. I never really thought much about it either. weird... i guess it was just cheaper.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 06th 2011 3:49 am
Haven't done anything for the van lately...the brake work was enough for now. But I did finish getting a new work bench situated and some track light wired and switched. Nothing like plenty of elbow room when working.
crappie camera angle...that bench is 8' long and 4.5' deep
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 06th 2011 3:54 am
Originally Posted by Galaxy
Originally Posted by wookee
I gueuss the designers figured the cargo does not need to get out from the inside. Door locks and unlocks with a key just fine......
.......Wookee
On that point, There is also no manual lever to lock/unlock the rear door. But it does work with the power locks switch.
Not to contradict folks but having just installed electric locks on my back doors and also yrs of using manual there is a paddle handle inside the door panel to open the door from the inside and the lock can simply be slid up to unlock as well. As for there being an actual handle on the door... there is not.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 07th 2011 7:40 am
Didn't do anything today, but did last week. The NightWatch back light illumination on my Cobra 200 dropped dead (as they are known for) so I finally decided to get it fixed. But because I do everything as custom as possible (I'm one of those wire hiding freaks), I had to pull the entire lower console and two knee bolsters off the van, then take the lower console out of the van to remove the radio that's bolted 6 studs into it reinforced by steel and wood on either side.
So that project took about an hour (you have no idea how much wiring I have behind my panels). Finally pulled the radio itself from the console and brought it into the shop, where I was promptly informed it couldn't be fixed and there were no manufacturer parts available! Woo hoo?
So at the moment, I have the lower console of the Venture in my basement, in pieces, the radio on my bench sitting there, waiting for me to decide whether or not to grab a used 200 or replace it with, maybe, a Galaxy 98VHP or Magnum S9175. If I go with the Galaxy, I have to pull my 10-gauge from the battery and re-run 8-gauge to the block. And it's December in New York.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 07th 2011 1:26 pm
r and r the fuel tank, rollover valve, and all the hoses. nothing like paying someone to do something and then end up doing it yourself. two new front fenders should be in for my 79 b200 by the end of the week. ordered three windows (34 3/4 by 24 3/4 two (2!!!!) months ago and still waiting for dcmco to come through. not real happy at the moment. found the water leak i had been looking for. had this same issue with the 78 i had. the left rear fender well had a gap where the had wrapped the metal up into the well. after taking a load of old van parts to the dump yesterday (this was the inside that i took out and all the mutilated flares/running boards), i noticed the van is running better than ever nowthat i have 800 miles on the engine.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 07th 2011 5:24 pm
Been working on mine nightly. Started fabbing up an aluminum fan shroud with built in led lights. One of the toughest things to do on the old Dodges is putting an electric fan in due to clearance issues with the water pump pulley. Between fabbing up spacers for the 200a alternator and reconfiguring the power steering pump mounts, I've been keeping my nights busy.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 07th 2011 6:28 pm
Originally Posted by PYSCHOWard
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
Dreamed of it coming home from the shop !!!!
Well it must be Close, or you'd be having Nightmares that it would never get Finnished. Cruisin by Christms ?
Still was Dreaming of my van done and in the driveway, but I don't know what happened. It has turned into having Nightmares!!!!! It won't be home for Christmas, it will only be in my dreams. While I look at everyone working on their vans!! I have an empty spot. In my driveway.
So please everyone do something extra to your vans for me. So I have something more to read and look at to keep my mind occupied. They say it won't be into the booth for several more weeks. Due to Matt not being happy with the prepping.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 07th 2011 8:48 pm
I saw my van as my wife drove out of the driveway on the way to work,by time she gets home it will be dark,I'll have to wait 'till morning to see it again.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 07th 2011 9:30 pm
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
Originally Posted by PYSCHOWard
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
Dreamed of it coming home from the shop !!!!
Well it must be Close, or you'd be having Nightmares that it would never get Finnished. Cruisin by Christms ?
Still was Dreaming of my van done and in the driveway, but I don't know what happened. It has turned into having Nightmares!!!!! It won't be home for Christmas, it will only be in my dreams. While I look at everyone working on their vans!! I have an empty spot. In my driveway.
So please everyone do something extra to your vans for me. So I have something more to read and look at to keep my mind occupied. They say it won't be into the booth for several more weeks. Due to Matt not being happy with the prepping.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 3:05 am
I busted out my table saw and sliding miter saw, and a piece of Oak and made a shroud for some 12 volt halogen lights.
I have a bunch of LED's but for some things, they are just not bright enough, and I am designing this light to be movable and on a long enough adjustable arm to be pointed anywhere in my Van.
I still have to recess the lights and make the frame to hold them in. It will be sanded, stained and polyurethaned, eventually.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 3:32 am
Went to the only salvage yard in Plano, Texas. Muddy, cold and I was escorted on my entire patrol by a small pitbull (he was kinda cool, just followed me around the whole time). Anyway, a big nada; lots of Chevys and Fords, very few Dodges and no Dodge mids.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 6:59 pm
Got to drive my van today WOOO HOOOO!!!!!!nothing special just to the local bakery for fresh bread then to the local Esso to fuel up 3cents off supreme on Thursdays $1.24.6 a litre.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 8:16 pm
Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by Bikertrash00
Originally Posted by Bullet
Changed the steering column out, now I have tilt wheel and delay wipers.
I just found an 82' tilt column with pulse wipers, was the pulse just a plug in for you?
Yep, a box that plugs in between the column harness and chassis harness.
So the column came with the box? I thought I had a column, was going to drive there tomorrow and now they say they don't have it. I posted in the wanted section. I am still a newbie this isn't hijacking a thread is it?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 8:33 pm
Just drove around the area...bought some gas. Nice day, just a bit chilly(35-40). Happier than a pig in sh*t! Nothing else as far as maintenance or repairs to do until spring.I hope! Just expect to go on some short hops (50-125 miles) out to Long Island during the winter..but that's all.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 8:39 pm
Went in the garage today and van was still there. Haven't drove that one in over 6 weeks and that was just to the auto parts store to buy a water pump for the other one.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 9:48 pm
I drive my van every Wednesday for 4 hours on my paper route. This week I swapped the stock radio for another one that had both channels working. AHHHHH that sweet stereo sound... Aaaaaand I tried (unsuccessfully at that) to fix a windshield leak. Yep, it's a Chevy alright. I can stick my finger in the hole I found. I guess I just need to administer more roof patch. More is better right?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 08th 2011 9:55 pm
washed it finally, 1080 miles and 18 quarts of oil blown through splattered all over the van, used an entire bottle of simple green diluted enough to be paint safe. Took the battery to auto zone to get charged up. I think the battery is on its last legs. Gotta hook up the trailer and get a washer/dryer tomorrow.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 09th 2011 3:11 pm
Originally Posted by Bikertrash00
Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by Bikertrash00
Originally Posted by Bullet
Changed the steering column out, now I have tilt wheel and delay wipers.
I just found an 82' tilt column with pulse wipers, was the pulse just a plug in for you?
Yep, a box that plugs in between the column harness and chassis harness.
So the column came with the box? I thought I had a column, was going to drive there tomorrow and now they say they don't have it. I posted in the wanted section. I am still a newbie this isn't hijacking a thread is it?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 10th 2011 2:48 am
Let there be light!
I made a faceplate yesterday. Practice. You can see it on left. Made a thicker one today.
I used an old clamp on spotlight with the adjusto arm hardware on a rusty old 1$ home depot clamp, and used a ciggy plug, for now.
Superbrite spotlight I can easily reach and point anywhere in the Van from the roof, Or I can unclamp and relocate it.
A little final sanding, staining and polyurethane might occur in the near future, or it might not. Here it is clamped on the tongs which hold my roof fans to the ceiling.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 10th 2011 4:36 am
Got it inspected for safety sticker, Got $40 worth of petrol, and took measurements for frt tires, need to get the Slots off before Too much more snow flies.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 18th 2011 1:57 am
Worked on my exhaust leak. Bolt broke so the manifold had to come off. It's close in there!! Now I gotta drill the rest of the bolt outta the head......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 18th 2011 2:24 am
Originally Posted by CatFish
Worked on my exhaust leak. Bolt broke so the manifold had to come off. It's close in there!! Now I gotta drill the rest of the bolt outta the head......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 18th 2011 2:51 am
put in my new window plugs , (thanks Tide) or plug on the drivers door , got it to work , but couldnt get the wires to go down inside the door right , then a couple wires came out of the plugs and tried to solder them and that wouldnt work . got so freakin pissed , should have walked away sooner , came in the house and busted my remote to my tv lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 18th 2011 3:16 am
Got the van running today after a good battery charge & replaces the gaskets around the four side marker lites(should of been done this past summer) topped off all the fluids then took it for a ride. Great day.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 18th 2011 5:51 pm
Well after about a month of not seeing it I opened the garage door and looked at it for a few min. Mmmmmmm can't wait for spring!!!! Sure do miss cruising in her but she's safe and sound.....:)
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 19th 2011 2:57 am
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
put in my new window plugs , (thanks Tide) or plug on the drivers door , got it to work , but couldnt get the wires to go down inside the door right , then a couple wires came out of the plugs and tried to solder them and that wouldnt work . got so freakin pissed , should have walked away sooner , came in the house and busted my remote to my tv lol
finally got the drivers side window switch in and working like its supposed to be .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 19th 2011 1:22 pm
Got all the dash back in, fired it up, adjusted the carb and filled the transmission, *pop* goes a brake line, typical GM, why did they run the lines in the bottom of the front crossmember where water can sit and eat away at them? Oh well, still closer than than before to getting on the road.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 19th 2011 7:21 pm
Man this is hard for me to read here. How you guys are working on your vans and those that aren't can at least go out and see them. And I read in another thread here that some vanners have Christmas lights in their garage for their vans. Too CoooooL!!! Mine I got word was move to the other shop with an indoor paint booth and it is bigger. They couldn't spray the roof comfortably. Now I am waiting for all the samples of paint to be mixed and the final approval of all the graphics and designs. Can't wait.
It's fun to read all the post in this thread, you see how vans are so much part of are lives.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 19th 2011 8:17 pm
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
Man this is hard for me to read here. How you guys are working on your vans and those that aren't can at least go out and see them. And I read in another thread here that some vanners have Christmas lights in their garage for their vans. Too CoooooL!!! Mine I got word was move to the other shop with an indoor paint booth and it is bigger. They couldn't spray the roof comfortably. Now I am waiting for all the samples of paint to be mixed and the final approval of all the graphics and designs. Can't wait.
It's fun to read all the post in this thread, you see how vans are so much part of are lives.
Richard
Very compelling stuff here, hell throughout the entire website really. I love the work people are doing the uniqueness of each being tailored to their very imaginations as far as they can go with all the custom work. one of these days though. I asked my sister if she'd like to get involved in interior so I've already got colors picked out for interior and exterior, seat designs and since I have a child I'll have to upgrade the second row captains chair with a shoulder belt, thinking doing leather for the captains and keep the cloth for the bench but same colors. not sure yet.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 19th 2011 11:53 pm
I have been fitting the rims I got with the van and went to Summit Racing and found new lug nuts and washers to mount them...I might try something I haven't seen done to these rims before, I'm going to take them to a powdercoat shop and maybe have them sprayed bright silver metallic or powdercoat chrome... I also have some brand new Western hub covers coming I got off of ebay for 28 bucks shipped. They're black and chrome with ribs down the side and a chrome 'WESTERN' on top of the cap outlined in black. I'm thinking this might look real cool when done, will see..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 20th 2011 1:11 am
I'm hoping so guys ...will see what the quote is to have them done...also the van will be dropped appr. 2" in the rear and 3 in the front & I'm going to try and put the 295-50-15 shown on the rear in the front and go with a 315-50-15 out back...will see..right now it's "buying Christmas presents and trying to pay the bills...lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 20th 2011 1:25 am
I didn't do much today but since I had the manifold off anyway I decided to plug the EGR while it was easy to do. The tube will go on over the plug and I can get rid of all that black gunk in my intake.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 20th 2011 3:17 am
Originally Posted by draggnastro
roof scoop Boot? or an induction device to make the hood scoop functional?
Both very good guesses, Chris, but not even close. Actually, it's something none of the manufacturers even thought of back then, but most everyone needs now.
I'll be posting more pics once I get it all smoothed out and ready for paint.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 20th 2011 6:05 am
So I finally got the color scheme unfortunately it will be a long while til I can do it. BUT the interior (may be some time after tax return) I'm planning on doing a copper colored carpeting with maroon colored seats and maroon headliner and copper curtains and maybe real copper to replace the wood trim. For the exterior I'm looking at a copper color as well, bit more vibrant much like GM's sunburst orange color but mixed with some gold to make it look more vibrant, with black striping along the sides pretty much like the white and brown stripes are now. As for the wheels do them in same copper color too but with 3 inch wide white walls and shiny moon center hubs. here's a VERY rough idea I can't doodle on MS paint but you'll get the idea.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 20th 2011 11:47 pm
gavwe big red 10 gallons of hi test and a bottle of lucas feul treatment. cheapest tune up ihave ever done.......LOL huge differance for the better in how it is running today compaired to yeasterday. Loaded her guts up with yard waste and went for a ride. Tomorrow it will be a double dump run. inoticed the high speed harmonic vibration went away. New rear axel cured that. full day of driving the old girl tomorrow....... Daily drivers like to be driven.
Nice looking fab work Boot....... Is that a custom gauge mount ?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 21st 2011 2:16 am
Well, I put some GAS in it after i run out bout 4:30 this mornin, good thing i had some in a can in the back. It was a u turn and back a couple miles to the station.Gotta fix that gauge for sure, didn't drive it last week and forgot to fill up, atleast it was only $65 or so compared to $100 + in the 97.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 21st 2011 1:07 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Even Delco's wear out...... My factory Delcos lasted longer than any aftermarket battery though.
.......Wookee
One thing I've had happen several times with original Delcos that I haven't had happen with any others, you can literally pull in, shut it off and then get back in 10 minutes later and the green eye is gone, dead and done. Good batteries though, almost always last longer than their warranty.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 21st 2011 3:52 pm
Originally Posted by Boot
You can see this would never work for a large double din DVD/nav system, since they didn't have those back then.
You mean the size of the factory hole? I had a double DIN nav/dvd in my '77 in that location. I made a dummy factory AM face to fit in the factory bezel that flipped down on hinges. The double DIN slid out from that cavernous space behind the faceplate so it looked factory when closed. It worked well, but I eventually went to a KOS-V1000 with a KOS-L432 mounted in the overhead console. The van met its demise before I found another use for the space behind the faceplate.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 21st 2011 6:05 pm
Originally Posted by MrHoney
Hey aftoyboy, I thought that was a school bus drawing !
the stripes aren't right, I thought the same thing they need to be more flared doing like a tail or come upwards at the end. As I said, I'm no artist and this is a VERY rough idea. Thanks for the input though, got any other ideas on the stripes though?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 21st 2011 10:44 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
I have been fitting the rims I got with the van and went to Summit Racing and found new lug nuts and washers to mount them...I might try something I haven't seen done to these rims before, I'm going to take them to a powdercoat shop and maybe have them sprayed bright silver metallic or powdercoat chrome... I also have some brand new Western hub covers coming I got off of ebay for 28 bucks shipped. They're black and chrome with ribs down the side and a chrome 'WESTERN' on top of the cap outlined in black. I'm thinking this might look real cool when done, will see..
Just got a price from the shop to do the powdercoat to the wheels...60 bucks each including the sandblasting . I'm going down next week to look at the color chips...he says he has a real nice bright argent silver sparkle I might like or chrome , will see .....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 22nd 2011 12:35 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
I have been fitting the rims I got with the van and went to Summit Racing and found new lug nuts and washers to mount them...I might try something I haven't seen done to these rims before, I'm going to take them to a powdercoat shop and maybe have them sprayed bright silver metallic or powdercoat chrome... I also have some brand new Western hub covers coming I got off of ebay for 28 bucks shipped. They're black and chrome with ribs down the side and a chrome 'WESTERN' on top of the cap outlined in black. I'm thinking this might look real cool when done, will see..
Just got a price from the shop to do the powdercoat to the wheels...60 bucks each including the sandblasting . I'm going down next week to look at the color chips...he says he has a real nice bright argent silver sparkle I might like or chrome , will see .....
I've seen a couple bumpers powdercoated with the chrome, they looked good, from 20 ft you couldn't tell the difference. I'm not sure how it would look with all the texture between the fins tho'.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 22nd 2011 2:43 pm
Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
I have been fitting the rims I got with the van and went to Summit Racing and found new lug nuts and washers to mount them...I might try something I haven't seen done to these rims before, I'm going to take them to a powdercoat shop and maybe have them sprayed bright silver metallic or powdercoat chrome... I also have some brand new Western hub covers coming I got off of ebay for 28 bucks shipped. They're black and chrome with ribs down the side and a chrome 'WESTERN' on top of the cap outlined in black. I'm thinking this might look real cool when done, will see..
Just got a price from the shop to do the powdercoat to the wheels...60 bucks each including the sandblasting . I'm going down next week to look at the color chips...he says he has a real nice bright argent silver sparkle I might like or chrome , will see .....
I've seen a couple bumpers powdercoated with the chrome, they looked good, from 20 ft you couldn't tell the difference. I'm not sure how it would look with all the texture between the fins tho'.
You think the bright argent silver might look better ? I'm experimenting here..and open to criticism ...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 24th 2011 11:43 pm
Very interesting guys....so if I have them blasted and chrome powder coated and didn't like them, I can always paint {body color}over the powdercoat on the insides with chrome fins for the retro look...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 25th 2011 10:34 pm
Powder coating,just like chome plating will high light and and all inperfections in the finish of the wheels. To the point you really have to watch how hard you sand blast them because the pits from the sand blasting will show up.........
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 26th 2011 4:42 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Powder coating,just like chome plating will high light and and all inperfections in the finish of the wheels. To the point you really have to watch how hard you sand blast them because the pits from the sand blasting will show up.........
...........Wookee
thanks for the info Wookee..will bring this up at the powder coating shop and see what he says...I don't want to ruin these wheels.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 6:44 pm
Today I put on my vintage 70's prism plate that says GMC van on the front and on the back I put on my license frame that reads "Girls Wanted" Inquire Within" The van is in storage until spring but it was nice to see her!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 7:03 pm
OK rub it in. At least lostinthe70eees you can open a door and see your van. All I have are pics of it going through cosmetic surgery. I could drive the 50 min. drive to see her.
Looks like I picked the wrong week for sniffin glue!!
All you hard core 2% vanners; Say hello and be nice to your van/s every waking day. Drive your vans often, because you don't know when they may go!! Man separation anxiety sucks. I want my van back. I can even look at pics of it. Just doesn't help. This may sound weird, but she is a part of me.
Hopefully I will have her back by the next outing here in L.A.Hopefully.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 7:09 pm
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
OK rub it in. At least lostinthe70eees you can open a door and see your van. All I have are pics of it going through cosmetic surgery. I could drive the 50 min. drive to see her.
Looks like I picked the wrong week for sniffin glue!!
All you hard core 2% vanners; Say hello and be nice to your van/s every waking day. Drive your vans often, because you don't know when they may go!! Man separation anxiety sucks. I want my van back. I can even look at pics of it. Just doesn't help. This may sound weird, but she is a part of me.
Hopefully I will have her back by the next outing here in L.A.Hopefully.
Richard
I feel the same, you get attached and it does become a part of you. One thing you need is a vintage Dodge van plate on the front. PS I have one.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 7:44 pm
lostinthe70eees; I was thinking of that, but Calif. has a two plate law, but that was because of the Red Light Cameras. Now they are supposed to be going, gone kaput. To me they were a waist of money. Intersection collisions were down, but rear end collisions were UP!!! So maybe the two plate law will change or not be enforced. Yet with all the financial difficulties Calif. is having, I wouldn't bet on it!!! Thanks for the offer all the same. Who knows I may hit you up later!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 8:42 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Very interesting guys....so if I have them blasted and chrome powder coated and didn't like them, I can always paint {body color}over the powdercoat on the insides with chrome fins for the retro look...
I would for sure inquire whether they will use sand or glass beads. Sand will stick and stay in the aluminum because of the porosity of the aluminum, it is more aggressive and depending on the grit, can take more air pressure to blast with it. I am sure they want to rough up the wheels to get a good surface for the powder to adhere to. The body color would look good, probably better than just argent. Since they will be blasting them back clean anyway, you can take two of them, tape off the fins, spray one argent and the other gold, use a scotchbrite to shine up the fins a little and slip them up on the van and see what you think. They would also look good with a cast iron gray between the spokes. It's extra work but sometimes the best way to decide is just try it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 9:14 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
I have been fitting the rims I got with the van and went to Summit Racing and found new lug nuts and washers to mount them...I might try something I haven't seen done to these rims before, I'm going to take them to a powdercoat shop and maybe have them sprayed bright silver metallic or powdercoat chrome... I also have some brand new Western hub covers coming I got off of ebay for 28 bucks shipped. They're black and chrome with ribs down the side and a chrome 'WESTERN' on top of the cap outlined in black. I'm thinking this might look real cool when done, will see..
Just got a price from the shop to do the powdercoat to the wheels...60 bucks each including the sandblasting . I'm going down next week to look at the color chips...he says he has a real nice bright argent silver sparkle I might like or chrome , will see .....
I've seen a couple bumpers powdercoated with the chrome, they looked good, from 20 ft you couldn't tell the difference. I'm not sure how it would look with all the texture between the fins tho'.
You think the bright argent silver might look better ? I'm experimenting here..and open to criticism ...
Hard to tell from photos but we sandblasted these wheels on Jerry's 72 then wet sanded the fin tops and outer portions of the wheel then used a small air grinder with buffing wheel attached to polish them to a nice shine. We used the hammered Rustoleum black for the inner portion of the wheels and a cast aluminum on the back side. They are holding up great on their second year. I can get you some close ups if needed.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 27th 2011 9:33 pm
To me I'd think that Argent would be more forgiving then chrome for imperfections. And the color powder coat will conceal minor pits and divots. You might want to ask what their medium is sand, glass, walnut shells, plastic pellets and so on. you'd want the one that does the best job with the least damage. So when they tell you post it or look it up to see if it is what you want. These rims and this van fell into the right hands. It's going to look great!!!!! Keep us posted!! And don't forget pics.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 28th 2011 12:26 am
Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Very interesting guys....so if I have them blasted and chrome powder coated and didn't like them, I can always paint {body color}over the powdercoat on the insides with chrome fins for the retro look...
I would for sure inquire whether they will use sand or glass beads. Sand will stick and stay in the aluminum because of the porosity of the aluminum, it is more aggressive and depending on the grit, can take more air pressure to blast with it. I am sure they want to rough up the wheels to get a good surface for the powder to adhere to. The body color would look good, probably better than just argent. Since they will be blasting them back clean anyway, you can take two of them, tape off the fins, spray one argent and the other gold, use a scotchbrite to shine up the fins a little and slip them up on the van and see what you think. They would also look good with a cast iron gray between the spokes. It's extra work but sometimes the best way to decide is just try it.
Thanks for all the info Bullet...Im looking for a brighter look and It's hard not to just go with S/S Cragars....but I keep thinkin I can do something with these rims I'll like...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 28th 2011 12:28 am
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
To me I'd think that Argent would be more forgiving then chrome for imperfections. And the color powder coat will conceal minor pits and divots. You might want to ask what their medium is sand, glass, walnut shells, plastic pellets and so on. you'd want the one that does the best job with the least damage. So when they tell you post it or look it up to see if it is what you want. These rims and this van fell into the right hands. It's going to look great!!!!! Keep us posted!! And don't forget pics.
Richard
Richard..thanks for the positive remarks and advice ..will see how it all works out..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 28th 2011 7:28 pm
I snapped off a stud changing the thermostat in my 90 chevy last night. I PB Blastered it, I tapped on it while trying to turn it with a vice grip, I ground flats on the stump and heated the manifold with a torch and tried tapping and vicegripping and PBing it again.... all no good. I finally hauled out the welder and welded a giant blob on top of it and then welded a nut on top of that. The heat from the welding and having a nice new "head" it came right out just like butta. Total job time = 4.5 hours. Bleah. Then I got a nice 2 hours of sleep till I had to get up for my paper route. At least I have some crankin' heat now.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 31st 2011 2:26 am
OMG I love those wheels, I'd like that on my mid.
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
I have been fitting the rims I got with the van and went to Summit Racing and found new lug nuts and washers to mount them...I might try something I haven't seen done to these rims before, I'm going to take them to a powdercoat shop and maybe have them sprayed bright silver metallic or powdercoat chrome... I also have some brand new Western hub covers coming I got off of ebay for 28 bucks shipped. They're black and chrome with ribs down the side and a chrome 'WESTERN' on top of the cap outlined in black. I'm thinking this might look real cool when done, will see..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - December 31st 2011 2:40 am
I've bout an HEI distributor for my 73 E-100, have yet to bring it home, need to do several things before I can make it into a daily driver, rather than occasional, which is rough getting behind the wheel as is. I've been driving my 99 like a raped ape, I need to back off before I break it. LoL Between 2 vans, one is impossible to do engine maint/repairs and has serios wheelchair lift mechanical issues, and the other has everything within reach, a basic ride right down to the lift, just needs rearranged. The lift in the 99 is rather easy to get back to functioning as long as you have a BFH nearby. It's cold out, when spring comes I'll get back onto working on the van, rewiring the lift, replacing all of the switches, gonna try avoiding stuff for now.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 01st 2012 11:51 pm
Unloaded some supplies i got for insulating it about 2 weeks ago, then put some arm rests and sunvisors in. Its been rainy and too cold to do much else.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 03rd 2012 10:11 pm
First really cold day today, So I took her out to get the juices flowing and... Dove it like I stole it !! The van ran great! Pinned the speedo @ 2,300 rpm, smooth as glass
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 03rd 2012 10:44 pm
Not exactly today...but over the weekend. I affixed my new registration stickers after the van being expired for over a year!! I would crank it and drive around the block and do this and that to it, but this time got it out on the freeway. May have to work out some flat spots on the tires. I replaced the dash a few months ago and during the drive the speedo was clicky and bouncy...gotta check that out. Also noticed it's running a little on the warm side and I need to troubleshoot that. Slowly getting her back on the road.
Also...attempted to reseal the roof vent. Did it a few years ago and noticed it's leaking again. Now my paneling near the vent is warped and wrinkled.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 03rd 2012 11:30 pm
Well, today I did the following:
Wolf Den: Looked at her and SMILED because she is is all tucked in for her winters nap.
Astro: BROKE HER ! Now I have to figure out what is wrong with her! grrrr
She ALMOST over heated today while sitting and idling , did not over heat, but did hit the YELLOW section of her factory temp gauge, Shut her down and let her cool off. Went out and drove her, she is stumbling and has no power to speak of until about 3500 or so (guess, no tack), then she smoothes out some. I have checked her over and found ONE plug wire kind of singed, NO milk shake in oil or radiator. No sweet smells from tail pipe. . . . . . thinking the coil might be pissed off and dying as it is the factory one with 200K miles on it.
* * EDIT * *
I THINK I found the problem with the Astro, The drivers side front plug wire was/is burned through, arcing out bad, and the coil is 200 K Miles old, so in the AM I am going to go to Advance Auto Parts and warranty out the plug wire, and purchase a new coil ( just to be safe) . pretty sure that will fix her.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 04th 2012 12:48 pm
drove it to work, had a light snow here yesterday, as i pulled in the parking lot at work onto the fresh snow i floored it and got her drifting sideways for a bit and clocked in for the day, snow was gone in a few hours
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 04th 2012 8:19 pm
Hooked up a loose hose on the air smog pump. Put some gas in it and ran it for about 30 min around a field..gotta get tag and insurance in a week or two!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 05th 2012 1:11 am
the 93 got a steering gear box and a right tie rod end installed... top off all fluids get it ready for Road Trip...
the 92 got the balance of the stereo stuff for the install..butt connectors in line fuse and 3 20 amp fuse blocks it will get done while Im in Redondo Beach on Sunday...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 05th 2012 1:16 am
replaced the bad plug wire and added a new coil, runs great again. It does have a slight hesitation off the line, like a miss still, but I think the # plug may have fouled out with the bad wire. I am going to give it a day or two and see f it clears up on its own. If not, new plug soon, and of course it is the HARDEST ONE TO REACH ! GRRRRR
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 06th 2012 8:34 pm
Got the starter, fuel pump, intake, exhaust, and torque converter bolts all taken apart, labeled and bagged. Now i need to get my floor jack and tall stands to get it in the air to pull the motor out.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 06th 2012 10:54 pm
Originally Posted by Galaxy
Beautiful day here in New Jersey, and a balmy 53 degrees. So the van got a bath this afternoon. Then went to meet my buddy in the park for a safety meeting
Bet you were cold after the bath...your shaking when you took this one...before or after the meeting?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 07th 2012 4:21 am
Today I washed Freedom.If I get back early enough from the poultry show tomorrow I will be putting on a little wax and packing a few things for Vanners for Vanners next weekend.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 07th 2012 7:00 am
Topped off fluids, drove to court but turned around to atty office. Vacuumed interior picked up trash straightened out tools in back not bath yet. Worked on finding/fabricating stereo mounts but no luck yet. Still trying to figure what to do with the trim for a good clean look as well. Stumped.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 08th 2012 2:07 am
took into a mechanic that said I need new exhaust, front end bushings and springs, gear box, and drive shaft needs balancing. So to cheer myself up I installed my new sounds system
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 08th 2012 4:05 am
Finished putting the rack and battery back in and burned off 1/4 tank of gas taking it for a ride. Boy did I get a dirty look when I ask for the gas card 2 days in a row.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 08th 2012 4:06 am
Originally Posted by FrictionAffect
Finished putting the rack and battery back in and burned off 1/4 tank of gas taking it for a ride. Boy did I get a dirty look when I ask for the gas card 2 days in a row.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 09th 2012 2:40 am
Originally Posted by JoeCollins
took into a mechanic that said I need new exhaust, front end bushings and springs, gear box, and drive shaft needs balancing. So to cheer myself up I installed my new sounds system
sorry about the bad news, but that looks a lot like my "sound system" lol. got one behind the drivers seat and one under the passengers seat
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 09th 2012 10:29 am
Still waiting on mine. They said they want everything to be just right. So do I. That's why I pop in here to see what's going on. Right now I envy the ones who can see, touch, sit in, drive, fix or even know it is close by. So keep up the great work here and soon I will be adding more then just this. I didn't know being so long with out my van would be so depressing!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 11th 2012 6:44 pm
Thanks for the pics,it looks you guys had some fun in the sun. Here it sunny but cold -12c -22c windchill,so any pics from a warm climax helps with the winter blahs.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 12th 2012 1:47 am
Originally Posted by frscke1
Wow! 3 more months ...I couldnt go that long without them touching the road....
Yeah sucks being in WI, last time I drove her was Thanksgiving day, been lucky this year as no snow yet. Hit 50 today which is super rare, although we are supposed to get about 5 inches of snow tomorrow. Nothing on the ground yet so it's been a nice few months but man I miss the van!!! This is the time of year when I start ordering stuff for spring though!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 12th 2012 3:01 am
dropped a steel running board off at the local steel fabricator to have a new set bent up for the 89 GMC. Plan on sporting "summer trim" this summer.....
Originally Posted by frscke1
they will be in SoCal Slow Ride - Palos Verdes Cruise- 1/08/2012
Ok, enlighten this east coast Vanner. Is somebody locally publishing your pictures???
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 12th 2012 6:37 pm
Steel running boards ..I'd like to see that. I've wanted running boards but not stock. Be interested in something a little beefier. Look forward to seeing what what you come up with wookie.
woops..4got to hit quote. I'm commenting on previous post...sorry
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 12th 2012 7:18 pm
Just came back from the shop. Had a new radiator put in. $245.00. Cheap I thought. $123.64 for radiator, $23.96 antifreeze, $84.00 labor. He's done a lot of work for me and everything always works and he never marks up the parts.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 13th 2012 6:53 am
Sadly I think just about everyone is having some bad weather. We are getting hit with a wintery mix...so I went over to my vans shelter lodge, took a peek in just to make sure that darn cat didn't climb up again with it's muddy paws... where it sits patiently waiting for it's trip dowm to Ft Lauderdale in 2 weeks where I will start the long overdue mural work and transform the slick black into killer Dragons. Afterall my PA plate came in DRGNLRD --Dragonlord. I look forward to seeing my venner friends next spring.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 13th 2012 1:01 pm
Went out and kissed it...waited 1/2 hour for someone to get some warm water so I could unstick my tongue from the hood......Started it up to warm it up....stepped out of the van and fell on the ice ....noticed I had an antifreeze leak as I got out from under the van where I ended up......Swept the snow off the hood and opened it..........A squirrel flew out from underneath it as I released the secondary latch, and once again fell on the ice.....hmmm funny wear on the right front tire....... tried to open the door and found I locked the keys inside it........went to the rear of the van and fell on the ice again, which was ok as I had to reach under the trailer hitch to retrieve the spare key...noticed the temporal spare , cable and holder is missing ...... funny when I tried to get it off it would not budge........glad I had a full size spare on the rack......hit it with my hand and it was flat........opened up the door, and got the scraper, and only fell twice on the ice doing that.....opened the door up, shut the van off and went back to bed....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 13th 2012 4:23 pm
Originally Posted by dragonartlord
Sadly I think just about everyone is having some bad weather. We are getting hit with a wintery mix...so I went over to my vans shelter lodge, took a peek in just to make sure that darn cat didn't climb up again with it's muddy paws... where it sits patiently waiting for it's trip dowm to Ft Lauderdale in 2 weeks where I will start the long overdue mural work and transform the slick black into killer Dragons. Afterall my PA plate came in DRGNLRD --Dragonlord. I look forward to seeing my venner friends next spring.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 14th 2012 7:01 am
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
Went out and kissed it...waited 1/2 hour for someone to get some warm water so I could unstick my tongue from the hood......Started it up to warm it up....stepped out of the van and fell on the ice ....noticed I had an antifreeze leak as I got out from under the van where I ended up......Swept the snow off the hood and opened it..........A squirrel flew out from underneath it as I released the secondary latch, and once again fell on the ice.....hmmm funny wear on the right front tire....... tried to open the door and found I locked the keys inside it........went to the rear of the van and fell on the ice again, which was ok as I had to reach under the trailer hitch to retrieve the spare key...noticed the temporal spare , cable and holder is missing ...... funny when I tried to get it off it would not budge........glad I had a full size spare on the rack......hit it with my hand and it was flat........opened up the door, and got the scraper, and only fell twice on the ice doing that.....opened the door up, shut the van off and went back to bed....
You need to go get a blessings done for yourself and perhaps submit this popst to the Guiness book of records for the most mishaps to a person with a routien check of a vehicle in under 5 minutes...wishing you better luck next check on your Van
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 14th 2012 8:52 am
Originally Posted by dragonartlord
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
Went out and kissed it...waited 1/2 hour for someone to get some warm water so I could unstick my tongue from the hood......Started it up to warm it up....stepped out of the van and fell on the ice ....noticed I had an antifreeze leak as I got out from under the van where I ended up......Swept the snow off the hood and opened it..........A squirrel flew out from underneath it as I released the secondary latch, and once again fell on the ice.....hmmm funny wear on the right front tire....... tried to open the door and found I locked the keys inside it........went to the rear of the van and fell on the ice again, which was ok as I had to reach under the trailer hitch to retrieve the spare key...noticed the temporal spare , cable and holder is missing ...... funny when I tried to get it off it would not budge........glad I had a full size spare on the rack......hit it with my hand and it was flat........opened up the door, and got the scraper, and only fell twice on the ice doing that.....opened the door up, shut the van off and went back to bed....
You need to go get a blessings done for yourself and perhaps submit this popst to the Guiness book of records for the most mishaps to a person with a routien check of a vehicle in under 5 minutes...wishing you better luck next check on your Van
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 14th 2012 1:36 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
Thats either hilarious or Im feeling bad for you.....which is it?
Nobody can have that much bad luck at one time & I know you are stickler about the upkeep of your van...
Cold weather got to my brain....and my body , but this was the actual sequence of eVANts.....
.Front wheel , pot hole damage probably
Temporal spare...who cares....
Recently mounted spare tire on aluminum rim whick apparently leaked...back to steel one for now...Aluminum rims up here take offense to plus 12 - minus 12 ( C ) mood swings by Mother Nature....The rim treatment does not cure right when the tire is mounted as a spare as it does not get to heat up..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 12:43 am
put in a new air filter , crank case filter , adjusted the timing and throttle screw ,added some oil and fresh anti freeze, then gave Sanitarium a bath and vacumm.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 1:00 am
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
Originally Posted by frscke1
Thats either hilarious or Im feeling bad for you.....which is it?
Nobody can have that much bad luck at one time & I know you are stickler about the upkeep of your van...
Cold weather got to my brain....and my body , but this was the actual sequence of eVANts.....
.Front wheel , pot hole damage probably
Temporal spare...who cares....
Recently mounted spare tire on aluminum rim whick apparently leaked...back to steel one for now...Aluminum rims up here take offense to plus 12 - minus 12 ( C ) mood swings by Mother Nature....The rim treatment does not cure right when the tire is mounted as a spare as it does not get to heat up..
OK I feel bad for ya!...are you a real "Doc" or "Van Doc"? cause I think you might need both of them.....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 2:31 am
well,,changed the life blood (oil)..winter blend 10-30w w/a shot of lucas oil treament...may give it a bath in the morning before we head out to the monthly car show I like to goto at a local flea mrkt..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 2:42 am
Went down to see my van. Looking better then the pics showed, but in the same shape as last reported. Did make headwind on the color, colors of the graphics, and the graphics themselves. Matt is going to make up a detailed drawing (We did a rough sketch) and then paint up a panel to see if all the colors, the colors of the graphics and the graphics themselves will mesh together and look right. So hope by next we I will know and see the results. Can't wait!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 6:06 am
Worked on my 69 Chebby,been 2 months since i did work on her,hooked up battery,started up and did interior work, great day!!! off to get two new rear tires today on my 76 Chebby,2 flats on friday meeting w/WNYVANSINC @ 1PM
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 1:22 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
OK I feel bad for ya!...are you a real "Doc" or "Van Doc"? cause I think you might need both of them.....
Well I have been accused of diagnosing and operating on vans for some decades now.....
As far as a real Doc goes, my secondary MOS was medic, and I currently hold First Responder first aid certificates so I can do more than some first aiders can...... You have to obtain your own pharmaceuticals though as I am not a dispensing Physician
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 15th 2012 3:51 pm
Friday eve...Battery light came on while out running errands,brought van home and grabbed the wifes car to finish errands- Saturday morn-Van would not start..Battery was shot,jumped van and Altenator was screaming,...replaced Alt,Battery,and serpintine belt...$325.04 in parts...20 degree weather...Priceless...lol...let's go vannin!!!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 16th 2012 9:01 pm
I need a new air vent grill for my dash. Mine got broken from some crazy wheelies I did last fall. It fell out and I accidentally stepped on it. Getting ready for Autorama. Thanks.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 20th 2012 5:42 am
In the last 3 weeks, I have lost what little heat I had (found a completely burnt cell in the blower motor). Had the throttle linkage snap on the way home from ordering the part for that one. Converted my mechanical linkage to cable from a '95 and had the brackets bend so I sill only haad 25% throttle at best. Lost my headlights that night, but found a jury rigged way to get more throttle. So far, I have replaced the gas pedal, cable, brackets, blower motor, resistor, headlight switch, and dimmer switch, and have just today recieved my heater switch/cable and dash vents. I now have headlights again, and can throttle up around town, but still blow fuses every three minutes for the heat. I'm thinking it's in my fuse block, but no time or light after work to test/try.. Let's see what tomorrow brings....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 20th 2012 10:40 am
Finally fired Big Red up...... The Flow Master Twins sound nice. Now drop the tank and install a new fuel pump, filter, sender unit, and O2 sensor.......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 20th 2012 1:06 pm
after a trip to Hendersonville NC, i found oil blown all over the engine compartment and the dipstick blown out about 3/4 inch. guess that is what you call blow by on an engine with 1000 miles on it. out the door shortly to get another engine. good thing i love my dodge. she probably hates me for having a half wit work on her. "soon my baby soon" we will be chasing the sun.lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 20th 2012 1:41 pm
Originally Posted by purplesporty17
after a trip to Hendersonville NC, i found oil blown all over the engine compartment and the dipstick blown out about 3/4 inch. guess that is what you call blow by on an engine with 1000 miles on it. out the door shortly to get another engine. good thing i love my dodge. she probably hates me for having a half wit work on her. "soon my baby soon" we will be chasing the sun.lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 21st 2012 2:43 am
Ran it for a while,cleaned my battery terminals,cleaned out the cargo area and put some air in my back left tire. I am very ready to get this beast back on the road!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 24th 2012 7:21 pm
Washed the van today,it really needed it after that last snow.Got lucky it rained last night and this morning so it cleaned most of the salt off.It is overcast 5c warm enough to wash it in the driveway.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 24th 2012 8:25 pm
Well over the weekend I built a billet aluminum cabinet to hide my spare tire. No pictures yet until finished though. Thinking about getting it anodized in what else but orange!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 26th 2012 2:21 am
Replaced my 2 House/ Auxiliary batteries with 2 Crown True Deep Cycle 12v batteries. Group 27, 115 amp hours each. If I had the Height in my battery box, I'd be using 6 volt golf cart batteries in series, as they are even burlier deep cycle batteries.
Not Cheap at 105$ each before tax, but they are true deep cycle 12 volt batteries.
Most batteries which say deep cycle/rv/marine are dual purpose batteries. Wally world everstarts dual purpose batts could be had for 82$ per battery in my area. Better than a starting battery for deep cycle use but 8 to 12 pounds lighter than the Deep Cycle Crowns of equal size.
My engine starting battery is almost 5 years old now and is just about done too. But the New Deep cycles together have about twice the required CCA to start my engine.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 26th 2012 1:55 pm
Took my 94 van in last Friday to the shop that put the transmission in. They sent me a coupon for an oil change and a "72-point" inspection.
Came back that I needed a new drag link and upper ball joints. That explains the loose steering feeling I've been having lately. Ball joints? Crap..I had new ones put in 6 years ago. I'll check them myself when I put the drag link in this weekend. Went with Moog brand.
Just turned over 186,000 miles. All that steering stuff under there is original!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 27th 2012 12:47 am
Took "Big Red" for a ride today.looks like all the work turned out pretty good. The "Flow Master Twins" sound better than the stock set up. A couple more small things to knock out and I should be on the road for Florida next Thursday morning.....WOO HOO
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 27th 2012 4:01 am
...........................Todays task ......Monstaliner Roll on bed liner ....before and after .....Man it's....lots of work IE: welded up extra holes ...sanded & wipes down with MEK then masked and still needs a second coat tomorrow. did the engine cover too. should be all worth it
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 27th 2012 1:48 pm
I have that same thing in the plans for the back of my 89. A local street rod shop used the spray on stuff(comes with its own gun) on the underside and all of the interior metal on allot of the street rods they built.The stuff is as tough as nails and actually sound deadens the metal and seals out moisture very well.....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 28th 2012 2:55 am
I cleaned the ground cable connections on my 500 amp Shunt.
Those bolts have 9/16" heads. The 2 smaller flat head screws are for the sense wires which goto my battery monitor, which counts ALL amperage into and out of my batteries.
I also added another 4 awg cable from the Shunt to the House batteries. This in theory should allow more alternator current to make it into the house batteries when they are low, and the engine is turning the alternator fast enough.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 28th 2012 4:26 am
Originally Posted by frscke1
Drove it to the store and went to the beach and grilled a Rib eye....
i think he put that in there to rub it in, just a little, cause it sounds nice, I went to boneyard nuthin special just checkin it out bought whole set rechargeable tools at pawn shop so i can cut junkyard vans floor for my 84 Chevy's apart now i need the rechargeable grinder, yesterday, oogah horn for the 93 gmc sounds like a sick dog i need to wire in the relay and replace it with my air horn
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 30th 2012 4:10 am
Today I attempted to fix the tentionor pully from squeaking sprayed lots of wd40 on it but no luck started finishing up the stereo install as well and ran into a snag, I've got it mounted in there nicely with the help of some plumbers tape but the I started trimming the surround trim for it and I cut a little at a time and fit it but it's not fitting properly. Looks like it'll have to stay open until I can find someone to fab one up for me out of fiberglass. But I did put $50 bucks in it brought to full tank. YAY I love having a full tank.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 30th 2012 4:21 am
Drove the Astro some today, looked at Wolf-Den and came up with a few ideas for her too. . . . got to figure out how to fix/remove the two long pieces of glass in the vista roof and eliminate the remaining holes where they where. Should be a interesting look when done. I want it to look SOMETHING like this :
***EDIT***
The wife is trying to convince me to paint Wolf-Den THIS COLOR what do you think? We have not decided if we are taking the side windows out or not. . . .but the two long windows in the vista are gone, soon I hope.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 30th 2012 4:57 am
That's close to the color I'm going to have on my dash. It's pretty loud for outside. I'd say photoshop that one as a test run for sure! See if she likes it then.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 30th 2012 5:06 am
Me and my helper(my 7 year old, Shelby) pulled the head off the motor today, some terrible carbon and burnt antifreeze? build up on the pistons. the motor is so loose at this stage that Shelby was able to grab the balancer and spin it herself! Yikes!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 30th 2012 5:08 am
Originally Posted by Ram4ever
That's close to the color I'm going to have on my dash. It's pretty loud for outside. I'd say photoshop that one as a test run for sure! See if she likes it then.
(-And if you do too!)
;0)
I put up a photochop request in VAN ART section, I hope someone has some skills and will help.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - January 31st 2012 10:21 pm
finished pulling the bottom end as far as i plan to, the rest is for the machine shop to do. Now i got to figure out how to get the block and head in the trunk of the car to take it to the shop thursday. im tired of working on greasy mechanical work already, im ready for warm weather so i can finish my interior and some of the stuff i want to get done to the outside.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 01st 2012 12:11 am
For the last day in January it sure was like a spring day here in New Jersey. Sunny and 53 degrees. So Since I didn't have any work lined up I decided to play with my van. I did a complete wash and wax on the van, and then went out for a long ride through the reservation. I'll tell ya, what a great way to cure a case of cabin fever. The van was running perfect and sounded great growling over the twisting mountain roads. The day culminated with a safety meeting at a club members house.
One final wipe down and on the road just in time for a sunset van ride home...... Nice
Eat my Dust...I'm gone! (no way that ford is catching me)
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 01st 2012 1:24 pm
Took the van out for a spin around town running errants. Sunny,perfect Januarty day The "Flow Master Twins" sounded pretty good. The Cragers look good in the store fronts as I rolled past them. Got new tunes installed. Set out tomorrow morning in the AM for my exalent adventure to Florida.....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 01st 2012 5:35 pm
Monday I replaced a 2.5 year old muffler that fell off last Saturday, and the day before I replaced a 3 mo old battery. Today, I hope to finish wiring in my solenoid so I can give myself a jump from the second battery if I ever have a problem again. Maybe figure out why my stereo sound so much quieter than it did before the battery replacement.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 02nd 2012 1:03 am
I,m looking for a vent grill for my van. I think mine is a after market one for air conditioning. Please take a good look at these pics and let me know.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 04th 2012 2:34 am
Junk yard run today...picked up a few things and here are some pics of other things I'm working on.
Leather wheel cover out of a Jag..free. I like free.
Headboard I'm gonna break down and use some of the pieces for my bed headboard...w/marble inlays in the posts which I may use as a port way into the bed area.
I picked up some wooden door panels to copy and will be mounting my window switches and made these leather door pulls.
And I was able to find an original bicentennial (76) flag and put it on my headliner. Weird but I'm really happy with that. It finishes the space between the 2 wooden strips I put on.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 04th 2012 2:36 am
Originally Posted by FrictionAffect
Junk yard run today...picked up a few things and here are some pics of other things I'm working on.
Leather wheel cover out of a Jag..free. I like free.
Headboard I'm gonna break down and use some of the pieces for my bed headboard...w/marble inlays in the posts which I may use as a port way into the bed area.
I picked up some wooded door panels to copy and will be mounting my window switches and made these leather door pulls.
And I was able to find an original bicentennial (76) flag and put it on my headliner. Weird but I'm really happy with that. It finishes the space between the 2 wooden strips I put on.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 04th 2012 2:55 am
My smog pump pully was wobbling like mad so i tightened the pulley bolts...If it keeps giving me problems i am going to put an idler pulley on it,if i can find one for a 94 econoline. I'll do it! Im crazy! ARRGURGUHHHH!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 04th 2012 3:39 pm
Finished hooking up my stereo, put the southwestern print curtain up between the cab area and cargo area to keep heat up front, tags and insurance, I am now van mobile... FINALLY!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 04th 2012 3:46 pm
Nothing, I dont have a van ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Yet
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 04th 2012 6:26 pm
I took the rear brackets off that lock the doors in place when you shut them they are being chromed as well as the bolts. Also jacked the front end up off the ground, tires went flat since being in storage since Nov. Getting new wheels anyways and tires, otherwise I'll take these off and have them redone and keep them or sell them.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 06th 2012 5:24 am
Yesterday I twisted up 25 feet of 8 awg cable for my Solar charging circuit. Should allow higher voltages to make it to my MPPT charge controller and thus more amps into my Batteries.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 06th 2012 6:09 am
i like the tire carrier on there new, been toying around with whether or not i want to put mine back on or not. Wish i could find some pop outs for mine too!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 06th 2012 2:32 pm
Astro, I thought the tire carrier would be a good idea, but I kinda heat it out there, my biggest problem with it is my 16" tire is too big for the back door, It hits the tail light and only opens part way. as for the pop outs way easy to put in, i was kinda freaking out cus I had to drill holes lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 06th 2012 11:12 pm
Originally Posted by Lee7673
I dropped the tank (AGAIN) and put in a new sending unit (AGAIN).....still having issues!!!!!!!
Lee, are you doing the work yourself or having someone do it? I need to put in two sending units. Have them here but the quotes to do the work seem over the top.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 07th 2012 4:50 am
I bought another all weather, rubber backed 3'x5' carpet at Home Depot. I cut it to fit nicely around my captain's chair bases. It is pretty easy to remove and clean. It also works well at keeping spills from getting into the seams of my wood laminate floor.
I am going to power wash my older one and cut it to fit around the drivers seat and doghouse.
Also Bought some electrical goodies for the plan to move my Solar charge controller closer to the batteries, over thicker cabling.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 07th 2012 5:16 am
Originally Posted by Cherry
Originally Posted by Lee7673
I dropped the tank (AGAIN) and put in a new sending unit (AGAIN).....still having issues!!!!!!!
Lee, are you doing the work yourself or having someone do it? I need to put in two sending units. Have them here but the quotes to do the work seem over the top.
My friend and I are doing it. Its not too bad....empty the tank...disconnect the filler hose and overflow hose, disconnect the fuel line and the hose to the rollover valve....loosen the two bolts on the straps and drop it out!!! Just frustrated because I have an issue I can't track down yet that even with the new unit it still reads empty. You have two tanks?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 07th 2012 5:05 pm
Just went out and opened all the windows to air the stink of the previous owner out. Sprayed vanilla Febreeze everywhere. Finished packing the shower turned closet with important belongings I want to take with me when the sheriff finally comes to kick me out of my house. Currently contemplating whether I'm going to undertake doing an oil change and looking for someplace that can repair/ replace the screen I had to bust the other day when I locked myself out of the darned thing.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 08th 2012 10:12 pm
Made some progress removing the 3M undercoating (asphalt based) i used in my drivers side rear wheel well...That stuffs a mess! I used a ton of wd40, a putty knife and a pressure washer, its 90% gone now..Im almost ready to do the POR treatment.
Pulled the codes and everything checked out ok but the fuel pump is still on the way out. Gonna change that in a few days.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 08th 2012 11:45 pm
OK..decided to start cleaning her up some...started at the top..rub out and a good coat of wax ..paint is thin and original but she's shining up well for 34 years old....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 12:20 am
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
OK..decided to start cleaning her up some...started at the top..rub out and a good coat of wax ..paint is thin and original but she's shining up well for 34 years old....
nice , and i see your got your wheels put on to ,do i see a chevy pickup in the back ground ?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 12:32 am
Ya that's a 57 chevy half ton pick-up on a 4wd blazer frame and it was done right...customer paid me 200 bucks to detail it out ..touch-up the engine and frame, wax and polish it etc. he has a guy coming down from Canada to see it...he's asking 25K for it ...nice truck but tall dollars !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 1:26 am
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
OK..decided to start cleaning her up some...started at the top..rub out and a good coat of wax ..paint is thin and original but she's shining up well for 34 years old....
I wish ya warned me Pete, I could've put my shades on
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 1:41 am
Originally Posted by MrHoney
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
OK..decided to start cleaning her up some...started at the top..rub out and a good coat of wax ..paint is thin and original but she's shining up well for 34 years old....
I wish ya warned me Pete, I could've put my shades on
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 2:42 am
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
sweet , i didnt see the pics earlier , what would make that worth even more , is if it was an original Napco? 4x4.
true maybe GR...but it wouldn't ride like this one and go down the highway at 60 mph doin 1800 rpm's...I was very amazed at this truck while it was here .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 2:46 am
Originally Posted by lukester
Pete,your van is looking real good.
Thanks lukester...means a lot coming from you....I been wondering were you been lately , maybe I just missed some of your post tho...did you see the thread I started on VW buses...I was thinkin about you, vid was kinda cool....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 3:20 am
true maybe GR...but it wouldn't ride like this one and go down the highway at 60 mph doin 1800 rpm's...I was very amazed at this truck while it was here . [/quote]
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 3:26 am
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
sweet , i didnt see the pics earlier , what would make that worth even more , is if it was an original Napco? 4x4.
true maybe GR...but it wouldn't ride like this one and go down the highway at 60 mph doin 1800 rpm's...I was very amazed at this truck while it was here .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 3:27 am
Picked up a set of seats at the PAP today. There was a newer van that just came in that had 4 captains chairs and a fold down bed in EXCELLENT condition. I grabbed the front two seats (the drivers seat is all electric). I will post pics shortly. They are two tone and really nice....look brand new.....$25 a piece....whoooo hoooo!!!! I wasn't looking for seats (but need them) and just happened to come across this van that had just come in.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 09th 2012 3:39 am
Originally Posted by vanfun
true maybe GR...but it wouldn't ride like this one and go down the highway at 60 mph doin 1800 rpm's...I was very amazed at this truck while it was here .
Do you have to test drive everything you detail?? [/quote]
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 6:19 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
true maybe GR...but it wouldn't ride like this one and go down the highway at 60 mph doin 1800 rpm's...I was very amazed at this truck while it was here .
Why not.1800 RPMs for a Chevy is not all that bad.......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 7:10 pm
It is mild here today so we washed the van in the driveway saved the $10.00,got all the salt and crap off it just in time for it to snow on Saturday and get all that salt and crap back on again.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 7:23 pm
Man, I love doing stain as opposed to painting. So much less work and clean up. Now I just need to be able to remember where all the bits came from since these are just the passenger and driver door trim. Heh.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 7:40 pm
That's a lot of trim for one door! I hope that you left the driver's door assembled to use as a guide... I'd need a road map, instructional dvd and a cooler of beer to figure that out
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 8:18 pm
Originally Posted by Mutt
That's a lot of trim for one door! I hope that you left the driver's door assembled to use as a guide... I'd need a road map, instructional dvd and a cooler of beer to figure that out
Those are both the driver and passenger door trim. I haven't pulled the trim off the two side or two back doors yet. Let alone all the wood trim still on the dash and inside. I swear Starcraft used an entire tree to outfit my van.
There are also several pieces on the doors I couldn't get off for one reason or another yet.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 11:06 pm
Starcraft used a lot of good quality wood trim in there Conversion Vans......
Took the Beast of Burden II out to run errands today.The road trip to Florida was better than a tune up.The old girl is running much better than before we left for the road trip.....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 11:20 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
true maybe GR...but it wouldn't ride like this one and go down the highway at 60 mph doin 1800 rpm's...I was very amazed at this truck while it was here .
Why not.1800 RPMs for a Chevy is not all that bad.......
......Wookee
That's what I meant Wookee...she was just under 1800 at 60 mph...perfect !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 10th 2012 11:39 pm
I finished up the retrofit to a standard Chrysler electronic ignition in my 1987 Dodge B150.
I recently bought this well-used van for $400. After freshening the engine and rebuilding the carb, I still had a terrible bog upon hard acceleration, and my timing was bouncing around. It had the spark control computer, but not the lean burn carb, so the change-over wasn't bad at all. Being an electrician helped. Used stock parts for a 1983 Dodge D150 from Advanced Auto, costing me maybe $100.
The timing mark is now rock steady. By the time I got it done, I only had time to take it down the street, but no more bog!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 11th 2012 12:32 am
My brother owns a NAPCO 4x4 , 59 Apache, and that thing is wrapped out at 3500-4000 at 60mph ! Freakin 5.14 gears in it ! Good thing he has a sweet 383 stroker in it. . .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 11th 2012 1:27 am
Originally Posted by Uncle_Fester
My brother owns a NAPCO 4x4 , 59 Apache, and that thing is wrapped out at 3500-4000 at 60mph ! Freakin 5.14 gears in it ! Good thing he has a sweet 383 stroker in it. . .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 11th 2012 2:09 am
Yeah, he is pretty proud of it ! Only one thing that sucks about the truck, it was bought with his sons life insurance when he was killed while in the Marines. . . . . RIP Robert Tyler Austin Semper Fi !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 11th 2012 3:04 am
Originally Posted by Uncle_Fester
Yeah, he is pretty proud of it ! Only one thing that sucks about the truck, it was bought with his sons life insurance when he was killed while in the Marines. . . . . RIP Robert Tyler Austin Semper Fi !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 13th 2012 9:38 pm
Drove it around because it;s sat for two days without running. Frankly, I'm not sure how often I really need to worry about it not running but I try to get it out every two or three days if I don't have anywhere to go. Once it was driven and well warmed I reinstalled the wood trim I stained and started taking out the four bajillion trim parts that make up the side doors for sanding and re-staining.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 14th 2012 7:05 pm
Cleaned Rat/mouse nest off motor top. Pics under Dodge forum. Had headlight go out last nite, changed that. {what fun, screws have never been out. Heat and Blaster.} Tightened up Battery turnamels.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 14th 2012 9:24 pm
Fired my 87 4x4 Ford up and drove it around the yard a couple of times to check for anything odd in the drive line. Put it in 4x4 and locked the hubs... nice and tight! Nothing other than some tire rub from the 33s at full lock. Plates and inspection this week...sweet.
Then proceeded to the shop, had a safety meeting and stared at the 77 Dodge for an hour wondering where to start/ where to go from here....... totally at a loss.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 15th 2012 4:40 am
Stood inside it staring at the stuff everywhere then went back inside for some herbal remedy. Tomorrow I plan to unpack it to reorganize everything and decide what sort of TV I'm putting in.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 15th 2012 5:00 am
A new squeak developed from under somewhere.
Today I found it to be coming from my fairly recently installed lower control arm bushings.
I should have re torqued them at some point after install. I guess the teeth on the new bushing flattened out, or dug in, but I got nearly 7/8 more of a turn on both of the fine threaded bolts.
SQUEAKICUS ENDICUS!
Oh, here is what my previous LCA bushings looked like when I replaced them
BTW, Cherry, buy a newer 12 volt TV. Using an inverter to power a tv in not only less efficient, it causes a lot of inteference and many of the inbetween stations will be knocked out.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 16th 2012 12:24 am
Fought with my TPS screws, i think ford used locktite on em or they are just rusted in..gonna cut a decent flat head slot with the dremel tomorrow...Almost finished removing the old chipped paint from my wheel wells with aircraft remover..cant wait to finish em.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 4:39 am
Drilled my wiper cowl to put the wipers back on,
And now that the motor is broken in and my leaks have been resolved, I put the engine cover back on and built a new drink tray. The engine cover was smoothed and the ashtray shaved.
The dash is done, except for the new radio mount. That'll come later. Also put a new shifter handle on.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 1:36 pm
Originally Posted by Boot
Drilled my wiper cowl to put the wipers back on,
And now that the motor is broken in and my leaks have been resolved, I put the engine cover back on and built a new drink tray. The engine cover was smoothed and the ashtray shaved.
The dash is done, except for the new radio mount. That'll come later. Also put a new shifter handle on.
I just looked at all your photos of your van. wow what a super job ! one of the nicest trucks I've seen very simplistic and CLEAN looking, Kudos to you. Wow again !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 3:19 pm
Unfortunately nothing. Getting ready to drop $999 on the Mule (my 96 Villager) to get it back on the road (AC compressor was dead). That'll eat up my potential toy budget for a while.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 4:39 pm
Originally Posted by CatFish
To put the wipers back on huh?
I hate to say I told you so, but......
It was an extreme struggle for me. I still feel I screwed up the whole look of the van by putting them back on, but I suppose it beats sitting under bridges waiting for a storm to pass.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 5:13 pm
Originally Posted by Boot
Originally Posted by CatFish
To put the wipers back on huh?
I hate to say I told you so, but......
It was an extreme struggle for me. I still feel I screwed up the whole look of the van by putting them back on, but I suppose it beats sitting under bridges waiting for a storm to pass.
Look at it this way Boot: If a Playboy Bunny's wearing glasses do ya kick her outta bed?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 6:31 pm
Originally Posted by CatFish
Originally Posted by Boot
Originally Posted by CatFish
To put the wipers back on huh?I hate to say I told you so, but......
It was an extreme struggle for me. I still feel I screwed up the whole look of the van by putting them back on, but I suppose it beats sitting under bridges waiting for a storm to pass.
Look at it this way Boot: If a Playboy Bunny's wearing glasses do ya kick her outta bed?
If playboy bunny is wearing glasses are you look at her glasses?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 20th 2012 11:41 pm
Well i am getting my engine and body parts back on my van. Now comes the headaches. I am taking my van from a street custom to full custom. I can't say much on what is being done but i hope to have it all done for Spring Thaw. If not then i will have it at the Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pa in early june.
Tumbleweed Nova Vans Free Spirit Spirit In The Wind Southeast Van Council
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 21st 2012 12:22 am
I worked on the driveline vibration some, pinion nut loose again, driveshaft not Right yet. Also dropped the Excess Alcoa stuff from between the wheel openings.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 21st 2012 9:08 am
I'm missing my 73 somethin awful but not rushing anything, too cold for me to mess with it, I wanna throw things at the 99, it ain't getting upgrades, would love to trade it for a regular size van, ext is too big for a daily driver. Hurry up spring.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 21st 2012 9:31 am
Put Wolf-Den up for sale, starting to rethink that one, we'll see. . . .
Drove 200 miles in the Astro and never left OKC, and it is not that big of a city. . . . WTF? lol Got to do a oil change this week on the Astro, and start trying to figure out her budget for the next few months. . . .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 22nd 2012 11:56 am
I drooled on mine, and that froze to it. Then it melted off, and refroze hours later. Time will come when ot will be warm enough. I do have my oak running boards in house being sanded and re-cleared.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 22nd 2012 12:34 pm
cut an additional 5 inches out of window openings and installed new vented windows. one step closer to doing the inside. i can finally take the towels out of the inside that caught the rain. now if i can only figure out the insulation dilemma--spray glue or no glue--use silver tape to hold reflexit--use the pink in addition or not. at least the windows are in for the georgia run
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 22nd 2012 5:10 pm
Originally Posted by Boot
Originally Posted by CatFish
To put the wipers back on huh?
I hate to say I told you so, but......
It was an extreme struggle for me. I still feel I screwed up the whole look of the van by putting them back on, but I suppose it beats sitting under bridges waiting for a storm to pass.
This may be too little too late, but i used rain -x for years on my safari with no wipers and it worked great in all but a full on deluge.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 22nd 2012 5:12 pm
Originally Posted by CatFish
Originally Posted by Boot
Originally Posted by CatFish
To put the wipers back on huh?
I hate to say I told you so, but......
It was an extreme struggle for me. I still feel I screwed up the whole look of the van by putting them back on, but I suppose it beats sitting under bridges waiting for a storm to pass.
Look at it this way Boot: If a Playboy Bunny's wearing glasses do ya kick her outta bed?
Why would you kick her out Catfish? Glasses are just a target Im kind of expecting that one to get removed
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 24th 2012 7:01 pm
Got my two brand new Ansen slots for the front 15x8's and tried one on to make sure it fits! Then drove 30 miles to www.ocontometal.com to get them highly polished like chrome! These look awesome and I'll finally have center caps on the front! Should be done in two weeks, I'll post pics in spring once she's out of storage!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 25th 2012 3:42 am
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Got my two brand new Ansen slots for the front 15x8's and tried one on to make sure it fits! Then drove 30 miles to www.ocontometal.com to get them highly polished like chrome! These look awesome and I'll finally have center caps on the front! Should be done in two weeks, I'll post pics in spring once she's out of storage!
What's the cost to polish those?
Oh, installed a new Performer intake one my 4.wheeeeee
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 25th 2012 8:37 am
Yelled and called it really bad names when it wouldn't start this morning so I could unload it and get ready to go pick up materials at the lumber yard. Neighbors already think I'm crazy anyway so yelling at a van at 3 AM probably wont make a difference. On the other hand the yelling worked , got it started and unloaded. I'll see in about 3 hours if it will start again when the store opens. The van just needs to make it to the store.. as the tow truck wont mind and charges the same for the tow with material inside.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 25th 2012 6:30 pm
Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Got my two brand new Ansen slots for the front 15x8's and tried one on to make sure it fits! Then drove 30 miles to www.ocontometal.com to get them highly polished like chrome! These look awesome and I'll finally have center caps on the front! Should be done in two weeks, I'll post pics in spring once she's out of storage!
What's the cost to polish those?
Oh, installed a new Performer intake one my 4.wheeeeee
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 26th 2012 10:55 am
Which van? hehe my 96 ford i ordered front end parts, my 76 gmc detailed the motor, my 69 early chevy worked on airdamn in front of dog house,because Bert"WNYVA" said it will keep the temp. down
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - February 28th 2012 12:17 am
Just gave it a Bum's bath on the way home from work yesterday. Went lookin for the wife a nother Ride, no time for anything else this week, will be back on the road at4am.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 01st 2012 4:10 pm
Started pulling out the 1987 once maroon but now yellow carpeting only to find, to my dismay, that the driver's side was wet from last nights rain. No idea why since none of the windows were down. I got as far as doing the front third and came in for some tea and a safety meeting.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 02nd 2012 8:13 pm
Went down to Brian's so he could weld the exhaust up on my 94. The doggone tailpipe slipped out of the muffler again. I even had the correct clamp on there. Oh well..he welded it up.
I also pulled the 85 out and got the side doors aligned almost perfectly. Now the gaps are pretty much even all the way around.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 03rd 2012 6:03 am
Considering it's been months since I washed and waxed Walter (my van), I decided to bring out the turtle wax and give ol' wally a bath and a good wax. Then later on in the day I decided to get off my butt and go to the home depot and grab some grinding discs and spray paint and attend to the horrid frame rust and corrosion that is starting to take over on Walter.
Tomorrow I am going to be jacking up the rear end and pulling out the axle shafts to replace those 16 year old axle bearings and seals. Rear end has been getting a little bumpy and figured to replace the bearings and take a look at the differential and whatnot! But hopefully it won't turn out to be an expensive repair, already put thousands in parts and hours in labor into walter.
I also am going to try to bleed the rear brakes tomorrow. Couple weeks ago I took the wheels off to check the axle shafts play and one of the brake drum bars was bent so I took a hammer to it and flattened it out, now my brakes need to be bleed again. But hey better then crashing!
I will also do a little more rust removal, I have so much more to do it's not funny.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 03rd 2012 11:20 pm
I did what was planned and replaced the rear axle bearings and seals. Thankfully the axle shafts are in perfect condition so my worries are over. I also bleed the rear brakes, pedal isn't that spongy anymore!
I didn't get to test drive it cause the tank is on E and so is the wallet! LOL Oh yea and did some more rust removal, it's coming along. Slowly but surely!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 04th 2012 7:13 am
Gave the van a tune up today. New plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, pcv valve and ordered a new vacuum switch which should be in tomorrow morning. I also ripped all the carpet off the doghouse . Still trying to find the leak on the driver side
This was, by the way, this van's first ever tune up from the looks of what came off and the fact that it only has 43k miles.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 04th 2012 7:54 am
This body style van has a very common leak around the windshield, hard to find, best I might suggest is take it to a windshield shop , have the chrome removed and have them reseal the windshield. Good luck and good to see you on here again.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 04th 2012 7:56 am
Oh, as for what I did today, took the van to go grocery shopping, and then tonight took it to cruise Route 66 here in town (regular Saturday night cruise).
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 04th 2012 2:44 pm
Originally Posted by Cherry
Gave the van a tune up today. New plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, pcv valve and ordered a new vacuum switch which should be in tomorrow morning. I also ripped all the carpet off the doghouse . Still trying to find the leak on the driver side
This was, by the way, this van's first ever tune up from the looks of what came off and the fact that it only has 43k miles.
Good deal Cherry!
Best way to find leaks in my opinion is for you to sit in the van while someone squirts down the outside with a garden hose. That way you can see where the water is coming in. I vote windshield gasket or front door gasket.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 04th 2012 4:42 pm
Will just replacing the windshield do it if it's a leak there or do I need to ask them to check something specific. It has two cracks in the windshield that I was just going to fill but if it will fix the leak I'll just replace it.
Put the new vacuum switch in today and a new breather filter - which I didn't even know existed until yesterday when I was wondering what that black dripping thing in my air filter pan was.
Today I'm also considering ordering new gas tanks and straps. I'm running out of time on getting this thing trip worthy. I have a month before I'm supposed to be on the road.
**Edit - Nevermind I just read closer and saw you said to ask them to reseal it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 05th 2012 2:36 am
What did I do with them today? Well with Wolf-Den I took her winter blanket off ( also called a large tarp ), and at a friends suggestion used CONTACT PAPER to cover the cracks/holes in the two long pieces vista cruiser glass. This way I can keep the tarp off and keep the rain out of her too ! WIN WIN ! Now it will be easier to get in and out of her to work on her, so maybe I can get some work done this year !
I took the astro out for a drive to run some errands and took a few pics of the vans.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 06th 2012 4:24 am
I had exhaust installed. 1in 2 out drivers side before the back tire. Cut off cat and put on a flow master. The 2 coming out are angled. Looks good and sounds like it should.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 06th 2012 3:33 pm
Just ordered a new windshield - should be here between 1 - 4. Got a decent price (compared to the 6 places I called) from Glass America - no hidden fees to come install at the house I'm staying in
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 06th 2012 3:42 pm
A couple days ago I adjust my TV cable, trans shifts a little bit better. I also managed to bleed the brakes and change the axle bearings, the ride feels alot better aside from the driveshaft run out. I also gave walter a wash and a wax cleaned and polished the rims everything and someone drove by and asked me if I wanted to sell my van... (Nope not for sale )
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 06th 2012 7:50 pm
Originally Posted by vanfun
I installed a visor on this one.
Paul, THAT LOOKS HOT ! We will have to talk about next years taxes and buying that van then. . . . so don't do to much to it or I will not be able to afford it !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 06th 2012 7:51 pm
As for the guy peeing on/next to the van, should have walked up next to him, whipped it out and aimed at him. . . . . he would have gotten the idea real fast, and if not, let her rip !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 06th 2012 10:46 pm
Finally got on my new Ansen 15x8's and new Cooper Cobra 235-60-15 tires on front of my van. Damn it's looks stunning and finally I have center caps! The 235s filled in the fender area nicely compared to my 225s. Will get pics in spring, still in storage but trust me it looks awesome!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 07th 2012 12:20 am
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Finally got on my new Ansen 15x8's and new Cooper Cobra 235-60-15 tires on front of my van. Damn it's looks stunning and finally I have center caps! The 235s filled in the fender area nicely compared to my 225s. Will get pics in spring, still in storage but trust me it looks awesome!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 07th 2012 1:10 am
Well it wasn't today but this past weekend we got the fuel injected motor in the early fired and running!!!! First time a motor has been running in it for over 20 years. See other post for pics, video and sound.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 07th 2012 1:19 am
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
I did what was planned and replaced the rear axle bearings and seals. Thankfully the axle shafts are in perfect condition so my worries are over. I also bleed the rear brakes, pedal isn't that spongy anymore!
I didn't get to test drive it cause the tank is on E and so is the wallet! LOL Oh yea and did some more rust removal, it's coming along. Slowly but surely!
Ramvan, any leads on how to replace the rear axle bearings and seals, and bleed the brakes? Could you link me to a good website that shows how to do stuff like this? Seems like Walter and my misses (no name yet, might turn out to be a boy :)) have a lot in common, she's kinda rusty and (1994) older too...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 07th 2012 2:34 am
Originally Posted by Uncle_Fester
Originally Posted by vanfun
I installed a visor on this one.
Paul, THAT LOOKS HOT ! We will have to talk about next years taxes and buying that van then. . . . so don't do to much to it or I will not be able to afford it !
Thanks Fester! I will try to get those other pics you asked for. Had my camera out but didn't get that far as you can see
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 07th 2012 5:22 am
Got rid of the stock radio finally. $99 and free shipping from Crutchfield. I love the ability to stream audio from phone to car system. I may buy a couple more for my other cars. I'm still trying to muster up the courage to change the dash speakers
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 08th 2012 4:38 am
Drove my van to work today..did you get that..to work. First time in over 6 months. Not much but had to do something to pay for break work and fuel lines that's gotta get done. Killed the tax return getting caught up. It's only gonna be a weeks worth and now my over 00 legs, arms, shoulders and a>> are killing me. Hi Ho Hi Ho.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 08th 2012 7:29 am
Started mod on gauge pod '74 Dodge.Got some masks to make to cover exposed corners there, and a decision to make about oil pressure gauge. Have a big Autometer mech on the column but may go mech or electric in that pod upper left position.
These are Sunpro brand I hacked out of the cases. Temp has a tube, I think it's accurate.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 08th 2012 10:49 am
Sold my old boat and used the cash to put in new transmission and buy 20 square yards of purple shag carpet! (not that i'm even close to ready for the carpet)
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 08th 2012 3:26 pm
Originally Posted by lukester
Your vans looking real sweet Pete.Nice to see it out of the garage.
Thanks Luke...the weather is finally turning to spring even tho we have had a mild winter, I'll be getting my plates and insurance on her by the first of May...my son and I got it running and drove it around the farm for the first time since all Reed's help in getting the super-6 running again...and the 4-speed is just cool ! Need to find out why the horn doesn't work and I need to find a turn signal switch..there like 50 bucks ...so I'm looking for a better deal..but I'm sure it will all come together ........
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 08th 2012 3:33 pm
Originally Posted by MrHoney
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Installed my new grill I traded for with X-MAN...........
Pete thats looking beeyouteefull
Thank You Rick......I still want to end up with Cragar SS wheels ..I guess I just like the old chrome spoke look, or maybe it's because when I was a teenager I wanted them and couldn't afford them....next : visor and chin spoiler and we'll be gettin there , then we can start on the interior !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 08th 2012 11:45 pm
Drove the van to my new job I started this week and answered a lot of questions about it. Started installing my green led underglow... This weekend will finish my underglow, wire in my solenoid for self-jumpstarts, and work towards replacing headliner...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 09th 2012 12:24 am
been collecting stuff since the Mi.winter hit(if u want to call it a winter) as of now i got... headlight covers EBC front brake pads(need rotors first) front side vent windows/track L&R (THNX frickel1) slider assembly for slidin door(THNX VanPLan)
now all i got to do is wait for it to get alittle warmer out Jeff
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 09th 2012 2:56 am
Originally Posted by jlcctsi
been collecting stuff since the Mi.winter hit(if u want to call it a winter) as of now i got... front side vent windows/track L&R (THNX fricke1) now all i got to do is wait for it to get alittle warmer out Jeff
Welcome ....if there is any thing else I can keep an eye out for you know where I am....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 09th 2012 3:12 am
[quote=jlcctsi] been collecting stuff since the Mi.winter hit(if u want to call it a winter) slider assembly for slidin door(THNX VanPLan)
So that is where that was going! Leonard probly told me who was getting it that day when he was pulling it all off but I was running around pulling chrome trim whith his little flatbar like a prisoner's first day out on crack in a whore house!!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 10th 2012 1:30 am
Friskel1- as soon as i can think of anything i need, I will let you know.. Luv those CALI parts!!!
vanfun- thnx for givin VanPLan a hand.i the same way about PAP places.. OHH!! look at that over there,i need that. Hard findin parts for the "three" 80s rides i drive.. lol Jeff
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 10th 2012 1:43 am
pulled the remainder of the /6 transmission and crap, went to the jy and sourced the motor mounts i need, along with a few other little bs items i might want.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 10th 2012 6:01 am
Chris, send me a list of what you need. I pulled a set of motor mounts out of the attic in case you needed them. Let me know what else you need, I may have it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 12:56 am
After months of storage backed her out in the sun and polished the back wheels. Put in my new wooden steering wheel that I sanded and re stained and put in my new rug for the fire place. Also gently wiped the dust off, pics tomorrow!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 12:58 am
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
After months of storage back her out in the sun and polished the back wheels. Put in my new wooden steering wheel that I sanded and re stained and put in my new rug for the fire place. Also gently wiped the dust off, pics tomorrow!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 2:14 am
here ya go ,Highway ,pete right ? this is from the pic that the lady had , it was laying on a concrete floor , its still dusty, and had some cobwebs but ill get better pics tomarrow. gonna use it for the walls buddy 5 sheets.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 2:43 am
Well i wanted to go North to pick up the Ram van, but it Snowed again last nite, has for the last 3 weekends. Looks like another week or 2 in the B van.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 2:45 am
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
here ya go ,Highway ,pete right ? this is from the pic that the lady had , it was laying on a concrete floor , its still dusty, and had some cobwebs but ill get better pics tomarrow. gonna use it for the walls buddy 5 sheets.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 6:10 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
After months of storage back her out in the sun and polished the back wheels. Put in my new wooden steering wheel that I sanded and re stained and put in my new rug for the fire place. Also gently wiped the dust off, pics tomorrow!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 11th 2012 7:55 pm
got the trans mount reinstalled and the engine is in the proper position, just hung up on the oil pan, gotta source a new one and get that installed then we should be jammin.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 13th 2012 2:09 am
Not today,but last week I installed a new Autoline carburetor and pertronix Ignitor II ignition on my Dodge 225ci,Yesterday I learned how fast 4.5 quarts of oil will leak from my motor when I cross threaded my oil filter. I turned the motor off before all the oil leaked out and any damage was done,but damn talk about feeling like a dumba$$
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 13th 2012 3:34 am
Originally Posted by lukester
Not today,but last week I installed a new Autoline carburetor and pertronix Ignitor II ignition on my Dodge 225ci,Yesterday I learned how fast 4.5 quarts of oil will leak from my motor when I cross threaded my oil filter. I turned the motor off before all the oil leaked out and any damage was done,but damn talk about feeling like a dumba$$
we had a guy at work do that to a oil filter on a big deisel sewage pump truck , then tightened it all the way up , then suddenly became sick for two days .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 15th 2012 5:26 am
In the last 8 days, I repainted my fiberglass roof
I added 68 more watts of thin film solar to my roof, almost making 200 total
I ran 20 feet of 8awg and 20 feet of 10 awg cabling to the solar charge controller from the panels
I relocated the solar charge controller closer to the batteries.
I re wired, re routed re organized and ran some new wiring all in my electrical cabinet to accommodate the numerous electrical upgrades installed in the last 4.5 years.
Today I flipped on my solar circuit breaker around noon. This is what my battery monitor indicated.
It went as high as 12.4 amps when the thin high clouds parted.
Makes for happy batteries, and ice cold beer cooled by the sun.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 15th 2012 12:10 pm
Mmmmm.....solar! I'd like to do solar but I've got to wait till we can travel and live in a van enough to make it cost effective. Right now, except for overnights and sleep stops, we just stay at campgrounds or truckins that have power/water. After retirement we plan to travel and boondock/dry camp some to save $$$$$. I understand it's something people should try first before jumping in.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 15th 2012 2:53 pm
Nothing to exciting here. But I'm taking a 200 mile trip up to Rhode Island tomorrow. The forecast is for rain, So I installed a new set of windshield wipers. WooHoo
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 15th 2012 3:10 pm
That solar power does sound interesting,something to look into down the road,I like that idea solar powered COLD BEER! Had to clear snow off the van this morning.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 16th 2012 1:51 am
Originally Posted by CatFish
Mmmmm.....solar! I'd like to do solar but I've got to wait till we can travel and live in a van enough to make it cost effective. Right now, except for overnights and sleep stops, we just stay at campgrounds or truckins that have power/water. After retirement we plan to travel and boondock/dry camp some to save $$$$$. I understand it's something people should try first before jumping in.
Or research quite a bit. I've spent the last 8 months cramming as much information as I could into my brain about van dwelling. I have a feeling I'll enjoy it quite a bit.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 16th 2012 5:58 pm
Went down to Brian's help him figure out what was loose in the steering on his "king cab" pickup. He thought tie rods, but it turns out the steering box bolts were loose!!! Yikes. We took them out, put a little lock-tite on threads, and torqued them down. No more loosey goosey hopefully.
His master cyl was leaking too, but he'll put that on during the week.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 17th 2012 1:19 am
Showed it off a bit today. When we got to the show, there was tons of room
After two hours, not so much
Over 3000 cars today. The show field goes all the way back to those tall buildings in the distance. There is even more expected tomorrow, so we're rolling in at 5 AM
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 17th 2012 1:46 am
Thanks Lukester. This is one of the biggest shows on the East Coast. It has been going on for 24 years. Street Survivor got a ton of great feedback and had a huge crowd around her all day. I met a guy from Georgia with a beautiful early Ford. He said he was a registered member here but doesnt come here much. The 2 of us were the only custom vans there, and we were both slammed with crowds all day.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 18th 2012 2:06 am
got all the wall paneling put up , but the back drivers side corner , and started on the cabinet im putting in , looks good , if i must say so lol will have pics tomarrow on , My 81 G20 readers ride thread .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 18th 2012 2:54 am
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
got all the wall paneling put up , but the back drivers side corner , and started on the cabinet im putting in , looks good , if i must say so lol will have pics tomarrow on , My 81 G20 readers ride thread .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 18th 2012 11:58 pm
Originally Posted by relaxedvanner
On Friday I replaced the JVC deck in the van with a new Sony. Now I need to see if I have some room for a small sub.
I use a Rockford Fosgate R300-12 in my Late model, i'll be buying another soon for the Bvan, its Perfect for me and on sale at SonicElectronics.com for $229.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 19th 2012 12:00 am
Forgot, finally made it up to retrieve the 97 from winter storage, it felt Good to drive it after almost 5 months. Will put the Bvan on layup for improvements, at 10 mpg it'll be a nice break to get 14.7 MPG.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 19th 2012 1:43 am
Originally Posted by lukester
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
got all the wall paneling put up , but the back drivers side corner , and started on the cabinet im putting in , looks good , if i must say so lol will have pics tomarrow on , My 81 G20 readers ride thread .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 19th 2012 1:49 am
valve cover gaskets on 84 G20 today, cut floor panels, welded door pin on and installed wood steering wheel yesterday,yeah we were in the 80s on St. Patrick's day in northern IL
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 19th 2012 9:53 pm
Drove it in the St Patrick's Day Parade Saturday....over an hour wait in line and 2 hours & twenty minutes in the parade,route was a little longer & there were a lot of entrants & spectators...I think the good weather(only cloudy) & it being a Saturday brought a lot of people out.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 20th 2012 12:54 am
Originally Posted by VanVida_Israel
Drove it in the St Patrick's Day Parade Saturday....over an hour wait in line and 2 hours & twenty minutes in the parade,route was a little longer & there were a lot of entrants & spectators...I think the good weather(only cloudy) & it being a Saturday brought a lot of people out.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 23rd 2012 10:59 pm
Originally Posted by VanVida_Israel
Drove it in the St Patrick's Day Parade Saturday....over an hour wait in line and 2 hours & twenty minutes in the parade,route was a little longer & there were a lot of entrants & spectators...I think the good weather(only cloudy) & it being a Saturday brought a lot of people out.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 23rd 2012 11:12 pm
Took 2 get front alinement an he said it needed Idler arm! went to auto store an got 1,had few dollars so got cap,rotor,wires,plugs,an air filter,have a few fuel filters,only took about 2 hours for all so.....gettin alinement next week me guess...Its BEER:30
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 25th 2012 1:35 pm
Started preparing the Travel Trailer for the Easter Weakend BSCA Custom Meeting. Checking the batteries for liquid-level, reglued a peace of stripwood under the rear cushion, and filled the water-buckets with cleaning-solution as well the water-system.
The Highway-Bully is still in winterstorage and I plan to get it relicenced for the season on april 2nd.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 25th 2012 11:07 pm
Took out the grey rug that was in front of the fire place and put in a purple one. Then took a nice cruise to say hi to one of my old biker buds! Nice day here in Wisconsin. Also check out the new back bumper, put that on last weekend.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 26th 2012 4:09 am
After a long winter nap I finally fired the "Beast" up and took her for a spin around the block. Manually shifted the trans so the Flow Master Twins could talk some smack. Time to start getting her ready for the trip to Wisconsin. As soon as I get the new motor mounts in I plan on driving her more this summer........
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 27th 2012 9:27 pm
What did I do to my van today... I moved it from one side of the driveway to the other and topped it off with fluids but haven't driven it in few days as it's out of gas and I'm out of moneys. So it's been sitting for a while.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 28th 2012 1:44 am
Ummm I tried to see how fast I could burn through $20 of premium, (> 5 gal btw). I may be broke by the time I get 600 miles on this Hogg of a 460 engine.....lots of backyard camping in my future...lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 28th 2012 1:46 am
Originally Posted by hwyhogg
Ummm I tried to see how fast I could burn through $20 of premium, (> 5 gal btw). I may be broke by the time I get 600 miles on this Hogg of a 460 engine.....lots of backyard camping in my future...lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 28th 2012 2:35 am
drove it to work as always , then came home and had to take my dog to the vet , shes been limping on her left front leg , they said she just may have "wrenched" her shoulder , and should be ok .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 28th 2012 12:40 pm
Haven't even had mine out of the garage since October. Going to be a nice day so I'm going to back it out and polish up the rims. That should take about a 6 pack. Then I'm going to drive it on Saturday to "Action Vans" party....WOO WOO.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 30th 2012 11:58 pm
-Watched it get doused by several thunderstorms, which of course lined up to come to town due to my intention of working underneath on some of the transmission linkage and power steering hoses!
There was a bright side to it; it washed off the evidence of all the Starling's recent return from the south!
And the UPS guy brought in my 3rd solar panel and new charge controller!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 31st 2012 1:28 am
Just thought of it all week while i been on the road. Gona pimp it out some more this weekend. Just dont know how yet. I go home, look at her and it goes from there. Kinda like sex huh. Lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 31st 2012 2:14 am
Bin a little busy with it and catching up with posts.
What I did today. Reworked the exhaust and installed a 3"in/3"out Thrush muffler. The flowmaster finally gave out on me with a split seam. No pics of install but nothing special. turn down in front of rear tire.
What I've bin doing...Finely got some paint on the side and put molding back on. Roller coat and of course not my first choice. Money money money. gonna let it go for a few weeks, re-sand and blend it better w/ a second coat. 20 yrd rule stands.
cleaned up engine some and did wires, rotor cap, filters etc. and painted the air clearer. again nothing special.
also rewired some switches and moved the light I installed under the cup holder and added "kill" switches for the amp and the light tubes. These will be matched and going into the overhead next time I pull the dash and replace the old switch plate with a piece of wood. Thinking about putting a small digital clock in place of the old switches.
Next up and this has got to get done sooon..replace fuel and break lines. Putting that off b/c the weather can't decide what it wants to do. Also need to replace the slider hardware and get the door to line up better. Maybe even a no winder.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - March 31st 2012 2:37 am
Originally Posted by VanPLan
Bin a little busy with it and catching up with posts.
What I did today. Reworked the exhaust and installed a 3"in/3"out Thrush muffler. The flowmaster finally gave out on me with a split seam. No pics of install but nothing special. turn down in front of rear tire.
What I've bin doing...Finely got some paint on the side and put molding back on. Roller coat and of course not my first choice. Money money money. gonna let it go for a few weeks, re-sand and blend it better w/ a second coat. 20 yrd rule stands.
cleaned up engine some and did wires, rotor cap, filters etc. and painted the air clearer. again nothing special.
also rewired some switches and moved the light I installed under the cup holder and added "kill" switches for the amp and the light tubes. These will be matched and going into the overhead next time I pull the dash and replace the old switch plate with a piece of wood. Thinking about putting a small digital clock in place of the old switches.
Next up and this has got to get done sooon..replace fuel and break lines. Putting that off b/c the weather can't decide what it wants to do. Also need to replace the slider hardware and get the door to line up better. Maybe even a no winder.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 02nd 2012 1:04 am
Dropped of some stuff for chrome back in Feb and finally got it back and on the van today! Had the hood prop rod chromed as well as the rear brackets and bolts that lock the door in place when you close it. Also polished the wheels for the hell of it. And today I ordered a ton of new chrome for the engine!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 02nd 2012 1:07 am
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Dropped of some stuff for chrome back in Feb and finally got it back and on the van today! Had the hood prop rod chromed as well as the rear brackets and bolts that lock the door in place when you close it. Also polished the wheels for the hell of it. And today I ordered a ton of new chrome for the engine!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 02nd 2012 3:31 am
well i replaced the timing chain cover and timing chain and gears yesterday, it was leaking bad, changed oil,filter and welded some floor pans today, not the prettiest but the holes are smaller than a breadbox now,so far so good on that front oil pan seal
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 02nd 2012 3:39 am
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Dropped of some stuff for chrome back in Feb and finally got it back and on the van today! Had the hood prop rod chromed as well as the rear brackets and bolts that lock the door in place when you close it. Also polished the wheels for the hell of it. And today I ordered a ton of new chrome for the engine!
orrrr played a aprils fools joke on everyone saying i sold the van for a smartcar lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 02nd 2012 11:45 am
Yesterday I re-colored (spray painted with Simply Spray Upholstery Fabric Paint) what little carpet I left under the dinette and around the toilet. Today (since it looks like we may actually get some sun) I need to set out the vinyl flooring to soften so I can cut it down and hopefully get it installed.
That piece of non-molded but was supposed to be molded vinyl flooring I purchased is about 4 feet too wide and the doghouse cut out is 2 feet too small. On the plus side I'll be able to run it down under the step plates negating the problem of piecing vinyl into those spaces. I just have to cut it all down to make it fit.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 02nd 2012 8:14 pm
Put it out of the garage for the first time since last november, drove over to my workplace and than walked over for the local DOT-office, where I reregistered it for the upcoming season.
On thursday evening, I will drive over to a washing-spot, clean the outside, buy a new fill lpg for an empty bottle for the travel-trailer, and on friday will drive over to Belgium for the Wild West Easter Fest 2012 to start the 2012 season.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 03rd 2012 12:19 am
-Finally got underneath and promptly got a generous helping of that first good van dirt of the year in my eyes, LOL!
After a trip inside to retrieve my safety glasses, I managed to install the Magnefine filter in the return line of my power steering. It's got the one I already installed in the transmission fluid cooler line last summer to keep it company.
Don't they make just the most charming pair ever? ;0)
The Ty-wraps are to damp out any tendency for them to start fluttering around in the airstream, which is pretty strong down there! I *thought* I had some black ones...
BTW, I've gradually been shifting all my hose clamps over to fuel injection type hose clamps, which appear to seal better and cause considerably less trauma to the hoses. Eventually I'll migrate over to stainless ones, but for now I've been using what they sell at the local O'Reilley's, which appear to be galvanized.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 08th 2012 2:38 am
changed the oil pan gasket, top line Fel-Pro one piece 4 my 1972 350 almost bought the wrong one (1984 G20) dipstick tube is on my side, man i will never go cheap on gaskets or bearings, intake and carb 2morrow
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 08th 2012 4:12 am
Did a full detail on the van this morning....
Then took the van down to the street races tonight. Pissed on a Civic and a Neon, Should have quit while I was ahead! Got my ass handed to me by a WRX
But made up for it in the parking lot with a light show! The van looked great shining under the almost full moon. Had a good crowd hanging out diggin' on the van
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 08th 2012 5:27 am
Originally Posted by Altosax
Hey Richard, Always like the look of your van - and those orange foglights too - what's the story on those? Glass,plastic current production??
Thanks for the comment!!! They are the famous 70's Sears Quartz-Halogen auxiliary fog lights. As they describe them. They are thick glass and are heavy. Probably built better than any now a days. I have another set and may not use them. If so I will put them up for sell here.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 08th 2012 11:10 am
I finished the console between the seats. Got some speakers mounted and connected. Finished the night stand beside the bed and installed the wiring, conduit and outlets for the 120v. Working on a new cup holder for the doghouse. Still gotta rework the closet and finish the panel work and doors. Stopping it off for now to pack for next weekend.
Between the tree sap and the pollen, the van looks like it's been abandoned. I think I'll just spray it off at the car wash.....she ain't made to show, she's made to show up.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 08th 2012 12:16 pm
Washed the "Beast"and took her out for a short ride. Got to whip up on an Tuner while I was out. Even got a thumbs up from a county cop working radar. I have a list of things I need to get done to get her ready for the trip to the "Nationals".
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 08th 2012 11:18 pm
Took a nice cruise in it! All of my chrome is here now for the engine, last time it was redone was back in 2000 so time to freshen it up again with all new chrome etc. Should be done in the next month or so! Will post before and after pics.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 10th 2012 5:47 pm
Did nothing to the Highway, but made an appointment for friday 20 with my garage to get the duannual technical approval, some servicing, some planned repairs and to get a new problem fixed. On my trip to and back from the Wild West Easter Fest last weekend I experienced some bad noise from the back of the van, and after some thinking over, I think it's one of the velocity joints on the right short drive-shaft form the transmission to the wheel. After posting this suggestion on a german Vanagon-Forum, I got answers, who confirm this, and the garage says the same. So, next week friday they will check it, and than I have to order the new joints.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 10th 2012 6:28 pm
used van to go to Home Depot. Had to replace water filter housings and repair water leak. Housing R suppose to be replaced every 3 or 4 years, mine have been in since 94.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 11th 2012 4:53 am
Well Not just today...but spent the last week or so rebuilding the front end w/ CPP Drop spindles, Energy suspension / moog components and Wilwood rotors & D52 Calipers. Yea She still going together.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 11th 2012 5:57 am
Today i actually got something done. I got the rest of the nasty old exhaust cut out, re-installed the starter, and re-installed the spare tire carrier and tire.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 11th 2012 11:24 am
Originally Posted by Stingxray
Well Not just today...but spent the last week or so rebuilding the front end w/ CPP Drop spindles, Energy suspension / moog components and Wilwood rotors & D52 Calipers. Yea She still going together.
Very cool!! I wished I had used the CPP spindles. I wouldn't be having the wheel/tire fitment issues I have now.
BTW..I'll be glad to loan ya a set of jack stands!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 11th 2012 2:01 pm
Originally Posted by CatFish
Originally Posted by Stingxray
Well Not just today...but spent the last week or so rebuilding the front end w/ CPP Drop spindles, Energy suspension / moog components and Wilwood rotors & D52 Calipers. Yea She still going together.
Very cool!! I wished I had used the CPP spindles. I wouldn't be having the wheel/tire fitment issues I have now.
BTW..I'll be glad to loan ya a set of jack stands!!
Ok CatFish : There are jack-stands there but..... your gonna shamed me into buying the taller models I see. I just couldn't get her high enough to work on. And we all know better than to use the inverted cinder block technique don't we !!!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 11th 2012 4:54 pm
Originally Posted by Stingxray
Well Not just today...but spent the last week or so rebuilding the front end w/ CPP Drop spindles, Energy suspension / moog components and Wilwood rotors & D52 Calipers. Yea She still going together.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 11th 2012 4:59 pm
Working on fabricating some new headlight covers today. I couldn't decide on what color I liked better, so I'm making a couple sets. I'll post up some pics when I'm finished and let the general consensus decide.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 12th 2012 4:23 pm
Am working on finishing up the flooring for the back - but took a bunch of pictures of the now packed up van. Getting ready to hit the road as soon as I get this floor in. I have pics of that process but haven't uploaded them yet (hopefully tonight sometime). The others can be found on my blog http://cherrywanders.blogspot.com/
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 13th 2012 12:34 pm
Looks like I'm on the road today as soon as I finish up the flooring (just added some pics of that to my blog)
Bob - I may. Right now I'm probably going to head up to Atlantic City to poke around since I've never been there. Going to NY in May isn't that much of a stretch. I'm hanging around the NE US until July when I have a festival here to go to then I'll be off to who knows where.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 14th 2012 11:08 pm
Don't ya just love when a five minute job turns into a three hour chore? I needed to replace a burnt out bulb in one of the driving lights, no biggie right. Well all the screws holding the housing together were completely rusted. Oh course, I stripped one trying to get it out. Okay no big deal, get the EZ Out. Got the housing open and find that all the wire connectors are rusted together, Doh! Replace all the connections and installed the new light bulb. It don't work! Okay now pull the dash apart to check the inline fuse to the switch. Turns out the rusted wire connector popped the fuse. Success! Put everything back together and looked at the clock, Three hours had passed!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 14th 2012 11:10 pm
Originally Posted by Galaxy
Don't ya just love when a five minute job turns into a three hour chore? I needed to replace a burnt out bulb in one of the driving lights, no biggie right. Well all the screws holding the housing together were completely rusted. Oh course, I stripped one trying to get it out. Okay no big deal, get the EZ Out. Got the housing open and find that all the wire connectors are rusted together, Doh! Replace all the connections and installed the new light bulb. It don't work! Okay now pull the dash apart to check the inline fuse to the switch. Turns out the rusted wire connector popped the fuse. Success! Put everything back together and looked at the clock, Three hours had passed!
__________ ...sounds like everything I touch also....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 14th 2012 11:31 pm
i spent the morning getting to know my new '71 g20 van. had her 2 weeks now, and driven almost 300 miles, but had only pulled the doghouse long enough to check the tranny fluid. other than my old jeep project, i've always owned toyotas and nissans, and this is my first v8 (just in time for high gas prices). i cleaned up a bunch of wiring that was just laying all over the intake manifold, found and fixed a heat shield rattle, checked out the points, cap, rotor (need to replace), plug wires (old 7 mm ac delco) air cleaner (need to replace, that all helps explain my 12 mpg), checked the choke, which doesn't work at all (two small barrels (primaries?) -choke always open. two larger ones -choke always closed, rochchester quadrajet). comparing what i saw in the haynes manual to my carb confused the heck out of me, so i made a list, put it all back together and took the dogs for a ride...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 15th 2012 7:15 pm
Today, since it was about 77 degrees, I gave my van a wash. First of the spring, even though we had a relatively mild winter it was a bit grimy and gritty. Cleaned up nice. Now that the weather seems to be turning warmer I get to do the the regular maintenance, oil change, plugs, dist cap, lubing front end and spraying leaf springs. Before that I have to replace the push rod-value lifter cover gasket on the side my 4.9L 6. It's still the original and finally is just leaking too much that tightening it just wouldn't do. I bought one from Green Sales, so I have no excuse! Besides that....that's all, unless I dream of other projects to start!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 16th 2012 12:52 am
After rolling out of Detroit and making it all the way to Toledo (2 weeks ago) ;) (not a van problem, seeing an old long lost friend) ....I decided to polish the van. It hasn't been done since 1982 I'm sure and between gel-glossing the fiberglass topper and using turtle wax heavy duty rubbing compound.....I am exhausted (yes I am nuts enough to do it all by hand). One morning for the topper, 3 days for the van. It was crazy because someone spray bombed something blue in the same space...the whole van was covered in fine freckles!!
Now it's been nice enough to rain on it so I will be washing it one more time and then waxing it....it has been a labour of love and paid itself off by catching the eyes of two bikers from Kansas who were riding by and a young kid who popped in to tell me he loved it.
Pics soon when I get my new camera to do it justice
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 16th 2012 1:30 am
repaired driver door lock mechanicals,and started insulating the ceiling..one section installed and rain stopped me from going any further..miss my garage..always another day!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 16th 2012 1:44 am
Finally got out to start working on the my 4x4 E350. This weekend consisted of:
- Full wall to wall gut of the van - Cleaned up some surface rust on the floor, temp fix until I can Por 15/bed liner it. - New subfloor and Jute padding cut and installed - Installed a better set of front doors - New Deluxe E-line doghouse - Refinished some wood trim - Bolted in 2 seat bases and captains chairs w/shoulder belts. - Took it out for a quick half mile jaunt
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 16th 2012 9:24 pm
washed it, pulled it back into the carport with the olds, filled it with oil and hooked up the starter wires. Got to get a new battery and see if she will fire up now and take the accelerator rod to the shop and cut it down.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 17th 2012 8:56 am
Today I started on the new stereo system in the Astro, mounted a Clairion 1/2 dim EQ in the glove box on the doghouse, will post a pic or two in the afternoon.
I plan to go I-Pod feeding the EQ, then on to the amp, then to the speakers. . . No AM/FM, no cassette, no cd, just the I-Pod for tunes. I have over 100gig of music on my I-Tunes, what do I need am/fm, cass, or cd for ?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 17th 2012 9:14 pm
Staightened out my stereo system a bit. Installed a new Sony deck with usb and auxillary input. Picked up a Rockford Fosgate punch 12" sub in an enclosure for $60 and installed it along with my Alpine 6x9's in the doors and 6" rear speakers. Have this all powered by a 5 channel Clarion amp. Sounds good to me, not to overly bassy and very clean sounding.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 19th 2012 4:29 pm
Brought the Highway over to the garage, where they will check tomorrow early morning for the reason of the bad noise, I experienced during the easter-weekend. Also, some major maintanance work has to be done, and the two-chear-technical safety checkup, so that I will get the stamp on the licence plate for the next two years.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 20th 2012 4:08 am
Hooked up the tranny cooler lines, poured some gas in the tank so it would run on its own, test fitted all the rad. hoses i have laying around, couldnt find the right one. Off to the Zone tomorrow for a lower rad hose. Also found out that i have to buy/make a new power steering line. The speedo cable isnt even close to the same so im not sure how to navigate around that one. Maybe a cable for a V8 van would work? Sure would be nice to know what trans is in this thing.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 20th 2012 8:56 am
Originally Posted by frscke1
finished the full size bed pedistal...
and all this is behind the seat in this pic...
What kind of bench is that, does it make a bed, if so, I could use one of those, to give me a bed and seat, the fold down in my van is a bitch, and not comfortable at all, sleeping will result in a back ache.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 20th 2012 5:56 pm
There were at least two sizes of speedometer cable threaded ends, and if the end at the speedometer is colored, like pink, you need to know which color to get it absolutely correct.
Did your van have cruise control? That would have an additional cable, which may have had a different size end...
There are a number of places which still make up cables to your specs. They would ask the correct questions to put together something for you.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 20th 2012 6:06 pm
I did MORE sanding!
Thanks for the chart and info, I always wondered about the dimensions. Kind of ironic, I broke my brother’s speedometer cable last week in his A100 and need to replace it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 20th 2012 8:59 pm
Originally Posted by maples01
Originally Posted by frscke1
finished the full size bed pedistal...
and all this is behind the seat in this pic...
What kind of bench is that, does it make a bed, if so, I could use one of those, to give me a bed and seat, the fold down in my van is a bitch, and not comfortable at all, sleeping will result in a back ache.
It is a rear seat that I moved forward and built the bed behind it....no it doesnt fold...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 21st 2012 6:11 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
Originally Posted by maples01
[quote=frscke1]finished the full size bed pedistal...
and all this is behind the seat in this pic...
Bin wanting to say how nice that looks now that it is all coming together. I remember seeing it on the garage floor with your "helpers" getting it ready for finish coats.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 21st 2012 9:56 pm
Took the van to Home Deport for wood to build the drawers for under the bed pedestal...
[/quote]VanPLan ... Bin wanting to say how nice that looks now that it is all coming together. I remember seeing it on the garage floor with your "helpers" getting it ready for finish coats. [/quote]
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 21st 2012 11:13 pm
a few days ago, she just decided to stop idling. i got in there today, and replaced plugs, points, cap, etc...and found a bad vaacuum leak in pcv line...man does she run better, and somehow the choke even started working!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 22nd 2012 12:58 am
I am gonna like this! No more floppy turn sig lever + broken cancel cams. This item has been around since the 20's - very rugged, cast metal, made in USA.
I didn't use their strap around mounting system. put studs in their threaded lugs and mounted w/ nylock nuts.
$22. + shipping. Wiring works for all, I checked that out yesterday.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 23rd 2012 7:00 pm
Ran some sea foam through it,tested codes for the first time after repairs and inspected my fuel line work for leaks..All seems fine for now. Gotta get that tire thing taken care of asap.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 24th 2012 7:24 pm
Climbed into it at 6:30 am and drove to work in the rain,climbed into it at 3:00 pm and drove home in the sunshine.Total running time 20 minutes.That seems to be all I can afford to do.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 26th 2012 2:41 am
got tiered of looking at the haze on my factory paint job on big red. According to somebody on these forums this should only be done by a professional........BS
A harbor freight "El Cheapo" buffer
Some white polishing compound.... 1.50....instant shine...... Now about that safety meeting.......LOL
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 26th 2012 12:02 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
got tiered of looking at the haze on my factory paint job on big red. According to somebody on these forums this should only be done by a professional........BS
A harbor freight "El Cheapo" buffer
Some white polishing compound.... 1.50....instant shine...... Now about that safety meeting.......LOL
.......Wookee
harbor freight "El Cheapo" buffer $24.95 Some white polishing compound.... 1.50. instant shine...... having a safety meeting while polishing your own van..............priceless
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 26th 2012 1:32 pm
I have owned a couple nice pick ups over the years.
I like to keep them clean and let them age,patina on there own.It just gives a pick up it's own personality. I sold the fully loaded 95 GMC in the picture and bought Big Red. Over 100,00 miles on it it was getting ready to need some engine work and the paint was showing it's age.I figured if I had to do work to it.Might as well find a van and kill two birds with one stone.There is nothing that I hauled in the pick up I have not been able to haul in the van......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 26th 2012 7:39 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I have owned a couple nice pick ups over the years.
I like to keep them clean and let them age,patina on there own.It just gives a pick up it's own personality. I sold the fully loaded 95 GMC in the picture and bought Big Red. Over 100,00 miles on it it was getting ready to need some engine work and the paint was showing it's age.I figured if I had to do work to it.Might as well find a van and kill two birds with one stone.There is nothing that I hauled in the pick up I have not been able to haul in the van......
......Wookee
____cool pic ! I have a tubbed 83 Chevy C-10 shorty with a 406 small block my buddy has been coming over after work wet sanding and rubbing out the paint and we cant believe how nice it is coming out...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 26th 2012 7:56 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
Im sorry....
Don't be.They served there purpose.Daily drivers to keep the miles wear and tear down on the vans.Not a bad average.In the past 32 years I have only been with out a van for maybe 6 months
Packing the van up tomorrow give it one more bath.As soon as my Pap Pap duties are done.I will be on the road north
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 28th 2012 2:55 am
Got my vintage 70's license frame in the mail today from Ebay, took the plate off and also picked up my new sticker tag for 2013. Will put it back on the van tomorrow, love it!!! Grass, gas, or ass....No body rides for free!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 28th 2012 3:26 am
Originally Posted by Bikertrash00
Sweet (leaf) find!!!
Thanks Bikertrash00, I've been looking the last few years for a vintage one and it's in super super nice shape! Can't wait to see it on the van, oh loving your updates on your van too. It's looking bad ass.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 28th 2012 12:56 pm
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Got my vintage 70's license frame in the mail today from Ebay, took the plate off and also picked up my new sticker tag for 2013. Will put it back on the van tomorrow, love it!!! Grass, gas, or ass....No body rides for free!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 29th 2012 5:51 pm
Well, today turned out to be a great day, so what a better way to spend time workin' on the van! I had a pushrod-valve lifter cover that has been leaking a bit, so I ordered a new gasket and spent today taking off the cover (which was the original) and replace the gasket. With the help of one of my sons it went pretty good. Down below are a few pics.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 29th 2012 11:28 pm
Not to much,had to work this morning,as I was leaving I noticed left rear tire was low,got fuel needed a litre of oil $8.39 ouch!That's what I get for buying it at a convenience store.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 29th 2012 11:50 pm
Put new bushings on the wiper linkage and got them working...put another coat of filler on the front spoiler and started cutting in the quads!!!! (Pictures under readers rides "My new 77 Dodge project")
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 30th 2012 3:28 am
Drove "Big Red" home from Spring Thaw like I stole her. Changed the interior back to daily driver set up. I still feel like vans have soles. They run there best when they are cleaned up and looking good. or in "Big Red"s case almost looking better....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - April 30th 2012 6:28 pm
I abused the Astro for three days moving all my crap to the new place....... Glad that's over....Now that I have everything out of it Millie and Chiquita wants me to remove the bed and put carpeting in there...Nippy is staying quiet on the matter ;)
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 01st 2012 12:36 am
Nah, I taped cardboard over the hole inside the dinette - there's still plenty of flow - at least more than there was when the cat was sitting in there for 4 days. The hole is over a wheel and the exhaust pipe for the toilet (I think) is also run there. They just cut the cabinets out in a huge rectangle to go over the wheel and the exhaust pipe. I neatened that up with the cardboard.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 01st 2012 2:08 am
Originally Posted by Cherry
Nah, I taped cardboard over the hole inside the dinette - there's still plenty of flow - at least more than there was when the cat was sitting in there for 4 days. The hole is over a wheel and the exhaust pipe for the toilet (I think) is also run there. They just cut the cabinets out in a huge rectangle to go over the wheel and the exhaust pipe. I neatened that up with the cardboard.
Steel screen made out of expanded metal would be better
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 02nd 2012 9:38 pm
Went to see Mother. Then went shopping for weekend. Iced doen beer and mixer. Loaded up Liqueur Cabinet. Gassed Van. Ready to leave in morning for Docs.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 07th 2012 10:42 pm
Just took off the wheels, inspected and cleaned the brakes, rotated the tires, and did some wire-brushing and painting on the chassis and under carriage.... not much!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 08th 2012 12:01 am
Well, I walked out with a beer in hand.....sipped the beer, looked the van, thought about what I wanted to do to it, sipped said beer, opened the side door, looked inside, closed door, sipped beer, went back inside.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 08th 2012 12:06 am
Originally Posted by Awbartley
Well, I walked out with a beer in hand.....sipped the beer, looked the van, thought about what I wanted to do to it, sipped said beer, opened the side door, looked inside, closed door, sipped beer, went back inside.
That's what I do most of the time, I even do that without the beer. But it's not as much fun......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 08th 2012 3:01 am
Parked her for good. After driving her everyday for 15 1/2 years, through life changes, jobs, truck-ins, good weather and bad, Betsy can no longer go down the road safely. My steering wheel was up and down instead of the correct way so I mentioned this to Rick. As the steering wheel was being moved, I'm staring past the drivers wheel and noticed (and HEARD) the steering box literally jumping up and down and back and forth. I thought for sure the front end was going to collapse. Six men have looked at her and told me there is no hope, she is too rusted out. I am so sad I can't stand it. She still looks good and purrs like a kitten. It's going to take a huge bottle of Jack on a bad weekend for me to tear her apart and ship her away. I'm seriously thinking of taking out my etched windows and turning her into a flower bed. I just can't think of her leaving my driveway. On a happier note, Rick finally got his 8-door back out of the shop it had been in over 2 years. He's a happy man, I'm a sad girl
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 08th 2012 11:53 am
Originally Posted by Deb
Parked her for good. After driving her everyday for 15 1/2 years, through life changes, jobs, truck-ins, good weather and bad, Betsy can no longer go down the road safely. My steering wheel was up and down instead of the correct way so I mentioned this to Rick. As the steering wheel was being moved, I'm staring past the drivers wheel and noticed (and HEARD) the steering box literally jumping up and down and back and forth. I thought for sure the front end was going to collapse. Six men have looked at her and told me there is no hope, she is too rusted out. I am so sad I can't stand it. She still looks good and purrs like a kitten. It's going to take a huge bottle of Jack on a bad weekend for me to tear her apart and ship her away. I'm seriously thinking of taking out my etched windows and turning her into a flower bed. I just can't think of her leaving my driveway. On a happier note, Rick finally got his 8-door back out of the shop it had been in over 2 years. He's a happy man, I'm a sad girl
That's a shame.....Isn't there any way you can get a spare frame, at least the front section and join it up (either by welding or bolting)?? There must be some vanners in your area that could give some advise.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 08th 2012 5:06 pm
Threw a huge tarp over it since I woke up this morning with a wet bed I found the leak coming in through one of the built in window shade screws. Not sure how to fix it but I'm going to start by putting silicone along the joint where the fiberglass top meets the van body. Fingers crossed that works.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 08th 2012 7:52 pm
Just took the interior window trim off and found these two huge holes in the metal *sigh* now I know where the water is coming in, I just gotta find it on the outside of the van so I can seal it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 09th 2012 12:36 am
Cherry, this is a place where fiberglass reinforced body filler will work very well to take tare of a hole like that. You can buy it in quart sized cans.Along with squeegees to apply it. A piece of duct tape over hole will help to hold the filler in place until it hardens.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 10th 2012 11:18 pm
Went to get the AC recharged, they had a loose fitting...so done with that and went to close the windows and they dont go up...WTF...so got it home and pulled the pass door panel and installed new window switches.....Damn its cold in here !!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 10th 2012 11:34 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
Went to get the AC recharged, they had a loose fitting...so done with that and went to close the windows and they dont go up...WTF...so got it home and pulled the pass door panel and installed new window switches.....Damn its cold in here !!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 11th 2012 6:28 pm
Re-installed the power steering pump, started sanding the wing, waiting for the lil lady to come home so i can run out and get some 2-part epoxy and paint.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 12th 2012 12:22 am
I did a full detail on the van this afternoon. And then took it to a car show. It was a total bust! It was a very 'clicky' show. I don't think it was the van so much as... long hair freaky people need not apply
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 12th 2012 12:43 am
Originally Posted by Galaxy
I did a full detail on the van this afternoon. And then took it to a car show. It was a total bust! It was a very 'clicky' show. I don't think it was the van so much as... long hair freaky people need not apply
That SUCKS....feel for you man ! I hate &$$*@#$% big time......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 12th 2012 2:15 am
Just Thought about it, as i've been on the road all week, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. Headed home tommorrow, its waiting patiently in my wharehouse for my return.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 12th 2012 2:50 am
Helped Brian bleed the brakes on one of his A-100's, then went to put the new upper ball joints in my 94. Got the wheels off, got the ball joint popped from the driver side spindle, put the socket on the ball joint, and then realized we didn't have a 1" drive ratchet.
Oh well...I'll get an adapter and do it next week.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 12th 2012 3:01 am
Originally Posted by Deb
Parked her for good. After driving her everyday for 15 1/2 years, through life changes, jobs, truck-ins, good weather and bad, Betsy can no longer go down the road safely. My steering wheel was up and down instead of the correct way so I mentioned this to Rick. As the steering wheel was being moved, I'm staring past the drivers wheel and noticed (and HEARD) the steering box literally jumping up and down and back and forth. I thought for sure the front end was going to collapse. Six men have looked at her and told me there is no hope, she is too rusted out. I am so sad I can't stand it. She still looks good and purrs like a kitten. It's going to take a huge bottle of Jack on a bad weekend for me to tear her apart and ship her away. I'm seriously thinking of taking out my etched windows and turning her into a flower bed. I just can't think of her leaving my driveway. On a happier note, Rick finally got his 8-door back out of the shop it had been in over 2 years. He's a happy man, I'm a sad girl
Very sorry to hear of your loss Deb,sure looks like it was a sweet van.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 12th 2012 10:54 pm
Got the exhaust welded up so no more slippage at the cat joint, vacuumed and cleaned the interior, reinstalled the bed, and tomorrow repack for the vanning season...
Treat her to an oil change tomorrow, and a nice grease job, a can of Seafoam, and awaywego !!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 13th 2012 1:50 am
Drove to work this evening a seven minute drive and the check gauges light came on,the temp was almost 260.I crawled under saw nothing leaking,rad looked clean.On the way home temp stayed ok until I headed towards town(my wife was also working tonight),then began to climb again got the van home called my brother in law who's a mechanic said he is going to drop by tomorrow.Don't think it is anything serious but I ain't takin' any chances.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 13th 2012 1:28 pm
Originally Posted by MrHoney
Looking good Pete, tires are coopers ? what are the sizes you went with. I like the multi spoke wheels, my fav.
295-50-15 on 15x10.... yes Coopers , I have run Coopers on my 1 ton dump trucks and cars and vans and have great luck with them even tho I hear people say they don't like em ?....
Yeah Rick ,my favorite wheel is the good old Cragar SS but there 179 bucks each ...chrome wagon wheels are still period correct and 15x10's are only 89 bucks each so I thought I would give this a try !!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 13th 2012 2:46 pm
Wheels look great Pete!
Dr. Bob...make sure you buy ATF +4 fluid for that trans.
The front wheels bearings are worn out on my conversion van (they are original with close to 200K on them!) although I have cleaned and repacked them a few times in 10 years of owning the van. So I ordered up new bearings & seals and also a set of new MOOG U-joints from Rock Auto. Next weekend's project before I hit the road for Lost.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 13th 2012 3:53 pm
Didn't actually do anything to my van, but did do something for it. I grabbed a bigger (3.75" dia. vs. 2.5" stocker) driveshaft (free-from '73 C-class motorhome) for the rear axle swap (8 3/4 from '73 Maxi to replace JJ's puny 8 3/8").
Might have been a waste of time since it still needs to be shortened, but stripped the rust off and shot some satin black on it.
I expected tiny 7260 u-joints on JJ, and wasn't real surprised to find them on the Maxi, but considering the size of the driveshaft and 7,500 rear axle (Dana 70) rating, I was shocked to find them on the motorhome.
At least I'll save a little cash on that part of the swap...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 13th 2012 8:18 pm
Bad day!!! My friend and I were putting new brake pads on the front, pretty much all done and was looking at the engine when she shifted and fell off the stand landing on the rotors. The only thing that happened was the hood slammed shut and the prop rod went to the outside putting a small ding on the side of the hood and chipping off some paint on the top side area. Thank god nothing else happened below!! I shit my pants. After getting it up and the wheels back on everything is okay. So now I'm either repainting the hood or getting a fiberglass one with a scoop. Found a 70's hood with the scoop and working on a price as we speak and ordered the flake I need. Lesson learned, watch out for soft black top in the sun and always have the stands resting on the frame, I had mine about an inch from it with the jack stand below holding it. Yeah yeah I know stupid. At least we weren't underneath it and my lower spoiler didn't get ruined. I guess I'll have to make it bad ass now with a scoop!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 13th 2012 11:15 pm
Talk about dumb, here I is.... 2 days ago, I had my panel out for the first time in a couple of weeks. Was just a quick stop at the gas station, (460s love fuel). As I was leaving, I felt a bumping and heard a thumping. After a few minutes of looking underneath I realized the critical nature of the lowly cotter pin. Knowing I had installed one, I realized I had not properly bent it in place. The castle nut on my driver's side upper ball joint had backed off, causing it to lift up and was riding on the inner lip of my rim. Fortunately nothing was ruined but my wife's morning. I was able to jack it up and reinstall a new castle nut.......and properly install the cotter pin....could've been ugly at 80 mph!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 14th 2012 12:31 am
Update, talked to the guy that owns this vintage fiberglass hood and we worked out a price. I'm sending out the money order tomorrow, he's also a vanner on my facebook. Hopefully within the next month she'll be on Mother's Nightmare!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 14th 2012 2:11 am
switched wheels between the Dodge and Ford. dropped the Dodge off the jack on myself. Good thing i have ninja like reflexes and got out before it smooshed me, just scraped my elbow on the bottom of the bumper. Spent 2.5 hours and half a bottle of rum scrubbing the shit off the roof and washing the whole van. Took my lovely wife out for mothers day and had a great day.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 14th 2012 5:08 am
This is something I've been wanting for a while, a rear LED monitor / TV so I spent the last week hooking this up then put in one of Wizzards DVD's and man this video is awesome!! This TV runs off the front head unit but I think I will also install a high definition devise of some kind because the TV is HD. I also installed an inverter to plug this TV into and I bought a converter (didn't install yet) so I can have 110, run my electronics and charge my batteries off the converter. Here are 2 photos 1 of the install and 1 of the finished job. I welded up a bracket and mounted it right over the upper amp using the same mounting screws with spacers and bolts behind the amp plate to hold the extra weight. [img:center][/img] While I was in there I installed a box for outlets on the left side so I can switch the plug from inverter to 110 and also installed another box to access all the inputs and outputs of the stereo inside the wall............Outta Sight.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 14th 2012 10:31 am
Today,well actually friday I finally ordered the rocker panel rear lower corners rockers,should be in by friday or saturday...cant wait to get the body work done..
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 14th 2012 3:54 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Wheels look great Pete!
Dr. Bob...make sure you buy ATF +4 fluid for that trans.
The front wheels bearings are worn out on my conversion van (they are original with close to 200K on them!) although I have cleaned and repacked them a few times in 10 years of owning the van. So I ordered up new bearings & seals and also a set of new MOOG U-joints from Rock Auto. Next weekend's project before I hit the road for Lost.
Ordered up my parts online. Advance Auto wanted almost $100.00 for these parts! Got the same from Rock Auto for around $63.00 shipped to my door. That's for National bearings/seals and Moog u-joints. Crazy.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 14th 2012 11:37 pm
Crawled around it this morning before work,this afternoon after work and this evening to find out why it would not start at 6:25 this morning.Turns out it is in the tilt steering harness,my brother in law had tried everything then by accident moved the wheel and bingo it started.So it is something to fix in the near future.Yesterday Sunday afternoon cleaned it inside and out,then opened a beer and admired my work.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 15th 2012 3:52 pm
Actually, last week I had to bring the Highway again to the garage. The exhaust-header wasn't tight anymore, so I let installed a used and planed header and they found out, that one of the staybolds was broken. Yesterday, I refueld (was lucky, got Diesel for 1.409 Euro per Liter) the Hihgway and washed it. So, now I'm ready for the 12e Int. Van & Custom Van Meeting in the Netherlands from thursday to sunday.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 15th 2012 9:01 pm
I drove by it at the shop to sitting in the same spot it has been for 4 weeks!!!! This 4x4 rebuild is taking forever, finding parts is a bitch and now I find out I have to have the tie rod sleeves custom made ($400 WTF). I wont be getting it back until at least Monday now.
Looks like its red doors and no stereo for LOST (baring any other further hold ups that would totally screw my plans). No paint, no interior, no carpet.... I never dreamed it would take this long to get this F%$%ing thing sorted out. totally coming unprepared for class........
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 15th 2012 10:08 pm
Battery was dead for some reason yesterday, only 3 years old. Anyways charged it over night and got it back in today. Starts right up. Found a body man to paint the 70s fiberglass hood I have coming with the scoop, he's also gonna repaint my stock hood too.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 16th 2012 8:37 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Wheels look great Pete!
Dr. Bob...make sure you buy ATF +4 fluid for that trans.
The front wheels bearings are worn out on my conversion van (they are original with close to 200K on them!) although I have cleaned and repacked them a few times in 10 years of owning the van. So I ordered up new bearings & seals and also a set of new MOOG U-joints from Rock Auto. Next weekend's project before I hit the road for Lost.
Ordered up my parts online. Advance Auto wanted almost $100.00 for these parts! Got the same from Rock Auto for around $63.00 shipped to my door. That's for National bearings/seals and Moog u-joints. Crazy.
Got my parts today. I'm disappointed in Federal-Mogul right now.
The u-joints are made in the USA, but the grease seals are made in Mexico, and the bearings are made in China.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 17th 2012 1:13 am
Timing adjusted. New plugs, new wires. Running like a CHAMP!
I may miss the backfiring a little bit (kidding)... It was sort of fun in the parking structures in town, though. Loved watching people shit themselves...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 17th 2012 9:08 am
Added a small bit of LED lighting to her. . . . . more to come !
LED underbody kit will be added some. . . . all blue . I also plan to paint the headlight buckets white and TRY to find some clear running/turn signal housings as well as paint behind the grill silver/aluminum to make the LED lighting show up better.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 17th 2012 3:38 pm
Originally Posted by Uncle_Fester
Added a small bit of LED lighting to her. . . . . more to come !
LED underbody kit will be added some. . . . all blue . I also plan to paint the headlight buckets white and TRY to find some clear running/turn signal housings as well as paint behind the grill silver/aluminum to make the LED lighting show up better.
ebay for clear corners UF. Ive bought quite a few sets for my old Astros from there.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 17th 2012 4:54 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
I'm part of a multi-nation company?
Dodge is....Italian's own it and China makes there parts...
Easy now.. it's all of the Big Three, not just Chrysler. Just go to your local dealership & look at some boxes in the parts department. You will be shocked!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 18th 2012 3:05 pm
Originally Posted by Uncle_Fester
Added a small bit of LED lighting to her. . . . . more to come !
LED underbody kit will be added some. . . . all blue . I also plan to paint the headlight buckets white and TRY to find some clear running/turn signal housings as well as paint behind the grill silver/aluminum to make the LED lighting show up better.
The lights look great! And I agree, the headlight buckets would look better painted white.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 18th 2012 9:08 pm
I parked in the Bar lot across the street because some idjiot, at 4 oclock on a the Friday of a long weekend drilled down through a gas main, making me homeless !!!! On the other hand I may get to sleep in there tonight with Millie, Chiquita and Nippy !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 18th 2012 11:19 pm
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
I parked in the Bar lot across the street because some idjiot, at 4 oclock on a the Friday of a long weekend drilled down through a gas main, making me homeless !!!! On the other hand I may get to sleep in there tonight with Millie, Chiquita and Nippy !
Keep your hotel receipts & turn them into the co that put out of your house...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 18th 2012 11:56 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
I parked in the Bar lot across the street because some idjiot, at 4 oclock on a the Friday of a long weekend drilled down through a gas main, making me homeless !!!! On the other hand I may get to sleep in there tonight with Millie, Chiquita and Nippy !
Keep your hotel receipts & turn them into the co that put out of your house...
Hotels are cheap !!!!! Bars are expensive up here !!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 19th 2012 11:51 pm
Hey fellow vanners, been a minute since i been on here(still lurkn tho lol). just luv wat everybody does to there vans. Just been busy with work and keepin 3 rides runnin. Want to thank Fricke1 and VanPLan for the parts they took the time to remove and send to me They installd and work great. THNX again. other stuff dun... headlight covers painted rims found cupholder thingy frnt pads installd tube grille 4 summer E3 plugs and MSD stuff
but the bad thing is wen i took off the dog house i found this..
2 broke bolts BUMMER
everybody keep up the GREAT work and i'll get more pics of wat i been doin Sory so long later,Jeff
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 21st 2012 3:20 pm
went to the jail to see my daughter, On friday she decided she needed a new car without paying....she is facing 5 felonies....who suffers the kids 2 boys...they tel me her bail is $75,000
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 21st 2012 4:34 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
went to the jail to see my daughter, On friday she decided she needed a new car without paying....she is facing 5 felonies....who suffers the kids 2 boys...they tel me her bail is $75,000
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 21st 2012 6:42 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
went to the jail to see my daughter, On friday she decided she needed a new car without paying....she is facing 5 felonies....who suffers the kids 2 boys...they tel me her bail is $75,000
Man sorry to here that ....don't know how I would act if this happen to me....hope it gets better for you...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 22nd 2012 2:29 am
so there was this really loud clunking sound in my passenger door. i pulled the panel to see what all the noise was about and found this big (lighter for scale) bracket thing laying in the bottom of the door. not sure what it is or why it was there, but nothing is missing from inside my door. check 1 noise off the list...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 22nd 2012 9:56 pm
Changed the oil and filter. Checked all the other fluids and the pressure in the tires. Pre-flight check done! Loaded up my bicycle and all my camping gear. "and I can't wait to get on the road again"
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 25th 2012 2:41 am
looked at it out the bedroom winder...haven't done a thing since it died but do have a hit list..parts and price list...and decisions to make. the biggest of which is when to get my neck surgery done.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 25th 2012 8:36 pm
Dropped off the fiberglass hood I got from a vanner on here and now she's at a local body shop. They are gonna go over it etc fix the cracks and soon she'll be painted and on the van.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 25th 2012 9:11 pm
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Dropped off the fiberglass hood I got from a vanner on here and now she's at a local body shop. They are gonna go over it etc fix the cracks and soon she'll be painted and on the van.
BADAZZ!!!...going to make that van even better lookin...."If that was possible"....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 25th 2012 10:09 pm
Originally Posted by HighwayStar
Originally Posted by lostinthe70eees
Dropped off the fiberglass hood I got from a vanner on here and now she's at a local body shop. They are gonna go over it etc fix the cracks and soon she'll be painted and on the van.
BADAZZ!!!...going to make that van even better lookin...."If that was possible"....
Thanks guys, may be a few weeks. I think I'm going with a screen for the front area. I may even repaint the front clip of the van and get a new bumper. Cash is tight now, spending money that I wasn't planning. Still have a box of chrome here for the engine but that will have to wait until this is done. I've always wanted a hood like this on my van, can't wait to see it all done.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 26th 2012 12:25 am
Well, the A/C in the Astro stopped blowing through the upper vents. The wife told me I had to fix it today, or she was no longer gonna drive it. I did a bit of troubleshooting and discovered the terrible shape of the vacuum lines...8 dollars worth of lines, 3 hours worth of labor. Fixed the issue
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 26th 2012 6:18 pm
Took some of my House of Kolor F17 gold flake and mixed a portion with some clear. Took a small brush and touched up some spots on the van, looks perfect! Also ordered a brand new front bumper and bumper bolts on Ebay.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 26th 2012 6:38 pm
Started work in the bedroom. just getting ideas....dont like it going to start over...the mattress is off a brand new daybed & it needs to be trimmed about 3"...I laid gray tile under the mattress....also working on the drawers for under the bed pedestal, the drawers have slide trays....still have to set the tracks...make draw faces and trim it all in red oak and alder......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 26th 2012 6:50 pm
Gonna make the ft frame taller to hold a matt & a pc of 4" foam....so the ft frame needs to be 4" taller..that board was a JY pc out of a conversion (just there to get ideas)...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 12:49 am
Universal joints, greased the wheel bearings, adjusted the rear brakes, added a touch of gear oil. Installed a yellow/ gold metal flake steering wheel.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 3:18 am
well, i havent driven it in two weeks , was kind of thinking about selling it ,got it out today , took a little road trip and bought a nice tv cabinet , was nice to have the cool air blowing by , and to have cruise control , while jamming to Metallica , gonna go rinse it off tomarrow and vacumn it . Made a 40some mile round trip and only used an 1/8th of a tank of gas.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 5:48 am
Major surgery!
Funny that the only anesthetics involved made their way into me, LOL!
;0)
It's actually been more than just *today*, but over the last few especially busy days I tore the front off the Van and engine to Helicoil several bolt holes in the block and timing chain cover which had damaged threads, and to replace the timing chain oiler tab. After seeing how the paint had deteriorated over the last 5-6 years, I decided to powder coat all the various brackets and the timing chain cover.
I even pulled the bumper off for the first time ever:
For Helicoils it's pretty critical to drill the holes really straight, so I modified a 1-2-3 block to act as a drill guide for the 25/64" size drill needed for the 3/8" Helicoils.
This is why I replaced the chain oiler tab - the original timing chain I replaced 6 years ago had eaten part of the tab:
At the time I'd gotten the standard "you can't have it" answer when I tried to obtain them from the Dodge dealer, so I'd left the damaged one in place. I had better results at obtaining one this time, thanks to www.wholesalemoparparts.com
I sandblasted the parts to be powdercoated:
This is how the timing chain cover turned out:
I had masked it with high temperature tape and Aluminum foil, which worked great.
Some of the brackets are matte black powdercoat:
These brackets have the mirror silver base coat for the candy color which is going on in the next day or so:
Oh, I also began filling in the side cargo door windows with metal:
One down, one to go!
After two mid-week raids on a salvage yard I just discovered, things are looking up considerably:
I feel much better now... And so does the owner of the salvage yard!
;0)
Hey Nate, what do you think of this oddball double-snorkle air cleaner:
It was in a 1987 Dodge B2L12 "Country Cruzzer" with a 4-barrel carb on a 360 engine. There was no linkage attached to the 2nd snorkle, and it is lightly spring-loaded in the closed position. I'd mentioned discovering and wanting the dual vacuum motor snorkles before, and actually got one last fall from a Jeep Grand Wagoneer for me to use on my van, but this dual-snorkle unit is almost certainly going to find it's way onto my engine, as soon as I turn down a 4-barrel to 2-barrel adapter on my lathe.
My busy week seems like it will keep going for a ways yet...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 11:18 am
Originally Posted by Ram4ever
Major surgery!
Funny that the only anesthetics involved made their way into me, LOL!
;0)
It's actually been more than just *today*, but over the last few especially busy days I tore the front off the Van and engine to Helicoil several bolt holes in the block and timing chain cover which had damaged threads, and to replace the timing chain oiler tab. After seeing how the paint had deteriorated over the last 5-6 years, I decided to powder coat all the various brackets and the timing chain cover.
I even pulled the bumper off for the first time ever:
For Helicoils it's pretty critical to drill the holes really straight, so I modified a 1-2-3 block to act as a drill guide for the 25/64" size drill needed for the 3/8" Helicoils.
This is why I replaced the chain oiler tab - the original timing chain I replaced 6 years ago had eaten part of the tab:
At the time I'd gotten the standard "you can't have it" answer when I tried to obtain them from the Dodge dealer, so I'd left the damaged one in place. I had better results at obtaining one this time, thanks to www.wholesalemoparparts.com
I sandblasted the parts to be powdercoated:
This is how the timing chain cover turned out:
I had masked it with high temperature tape and Aluminum foil, which worked great.
Some of the brackets are matte black powdercoat:
These brackets have the mirror silver base coat for the candy color which is going on in the next day or so:
Oh, I also began filling in the side cargo door windows with metal:
One down, one to go!
After two mid-week raids on a salvage yard I just discovered, things are looking up considerably:
I feel much better now... And so does the owner of the salvage yard!
;0)
Hey Nate, what do you think of this oddball double-snorkle air cleaner:
It was in a 1987 Dodge B2L12 "Country Cruzzer" with a 4-barrel carb on a 360 engine. There was no linkage attached to the 2nd snorkle, and it is lightly spring-loaded in the closed position. I'd mentioned discovering and wanting the dual vacuum motor snorkles before, and actually got one last fall from a Jeep Grand Wagoneer for me to use on my van, but this dual-snorkle unit is almost certainly going to find it's way onto my engine, as soon as I turn down a 4-barrel to 2-barrel adapter on my lathe.
My busy week seems like it will keep going for a ways yet...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 6:58 pm
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
well, i havent driven it in two weeks , was kind of thinking about selling it ,got it out today , took a little road trip and bought a nice tv cabinet , was nice to have the cool air blowing by , and to have cruise control , while jamming to Metallica , gonna go rinse it off tomarrow and vacumn it . Made a 40some mile round trip and only used an 1/8th of a tank of gas.
What do you mean you were thinking of selling it? Don't let that GMC Jimmy replace your sweet van.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 8:37 pm
Originally Posted by GhostRyder
well, i havent driven it in two weeks , was kind of thinking about selling it ,got it out today , took a little road trip and bought a nice tv cabinet , was nice to have the cool air blowing by , and to have cruise control , while jamming to Metallica , gonna go rinse it off tomarrow and vacumn it . Made a 40some mile round trip and only used an 1/8th of a tank of gas.
Thinkin' about sellin' it? Don't be talkin' dirty now!!!!!!!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 27th 2012 11:31 pm
Originally Posted by lukester
[quote=GhostRyder]well, i havent driven it in two weeks , was kind of thinking about selling it ,got it out today , took a little road trip and bought a nice tv cabinet , was nice to have the cool air blowing by , and to have cruise control , while jamming to Metallica , gonna go rinse it off tomarrow and vacumn it . Made a 40some mile round trip and only used an 1/8th of a tank of gas.
What do you mean you were thinking of selling it? Don't let that GMC Jimmy replace your sweet van.
yea, now thinking of keeping it and making it a tow , trail rig
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - May 28th 2012 7:58 pm
Ehh, not good, not good. I too have a similar thing going on, severe front end and rear end rust. My front end rust isn't too severe, it is still salvageable. My rear end is pretty bad but even if it rusts away I can still fix it, would need to make a new frame and weld it up and do a fish tail support.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 01st 2012 3:58 am
Well the Captain Kurk (custom van) did some work on the running board lights on my van. So I had to show them off today! (I know, blurry pics. Best ya can do with cheap camera) But ya get the idea, No bulbs out!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 01st 2012 8:39 am
I got in more sandblasting and powdercoating before it rained.
I took a picture in the sunlight of the parts I had finished powdercoating. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out so far:
The reddish purple candy is somewhat similar to the color I intend to use on my fiberglass dash when I build and paint it, only it will contain colored flake.
I finished up the sandblasting and powdercoating on my core supports:
I also pulled out my cruise control servo brackets and hood latch, and blasted and coated them too. The hood latch will require several passes yet due to it's having such a complex shape with integral parts which can occupy several positions.
This powdercoat is really some pretty tough stuff; I accidentally had laid down an excessive thickness on one area of the driver side core support (it's a bit difficult to estimate the thickness of matte black) so it trapped some air and bubbled a bit in the oven. I took my random orbital sander to it to smooth it out, and was favorably impressed at just how tough it is; it took some genuine effort to remove the bubbles with 180 grit, and the adjacent areas practically laughed at my efforts. -Definitely should withstand insect and pebble strikes! It also smoothed right out and flowed together seamlessly where I did the sanding and touch up.
I can see where powdercoating could get to be a habit...
Now I'm debating on whether I should clean up the surface rust on my tube grille and powdercoat it with clear, or powdercoat it black, like I'd been planning all along...
I also checked into a set of turbine rims, but they were the wrong bolt pattern. Bummer! First set I ever had a realistic chance at.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 01st 2012 8:47 pm
I finished assembling the headlights and custom grille for may e150 today. THe headlights are off a mid 90s grand prix/cutlass and they fit behind the custom grille very well. It kind of reminds me of the hot wheels from the 60s where the grille went all the way across.
Also got the wheels and tires mounted after refinishing the old cyclones. They turned out pretty nice I think. I also mounted up the NOS set of J&J flares I found on CL. I still need to mount the chin spoiler but that will have to wait. Next on the list is mounting the side pipes and getting them hooked up.
before grille
Mocked up before assembly
fully assembled
The lower valence is pulled out because I am contemplating frenching the hood and fenders out around the grille. I just have not decided the best way yet.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 01st 2012 9:21 pm
Motorjunkie: That Econoline is lookin' mean!
Ram4ever: That powder coating is the cat's a$$. Lovin the Purples and blues, hard to believe anyone can get results like that from home with a spare oven, some patience, and a media blaster.
Me, Im just enjoying driving my Ford everyday since I got it back last week. Jammin' to the new stereo I put in and using the van to make cash....which I then plan to spend on it.....its a vicious cycle vanners.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 02nd 2012 6:08 am
Originally Posted by motorjunkie
I finished assembling the headlights and custom grille for may e150 today. THe headlights are off a mid 90s grand prix/cutlass and they fit behind the custom grille very well. It kind of reminds me of the hot wheels from the 60s where the grille went all the way across.
Also got the wheels and tires mounted after refinishing the old cyclones. They turned out pretty nice I think. I also mounted up the NOS set of J&J flares I found on CL. I still need to mount the chin spoiler but that will have to wait. Next on the list is mounting the side pipes and getting them hooked up.
Lovin the grille and flares! Love to see another Econoline gettin fancied up! before grille
Mocked up before assembly
fully assembled
The lower valence is pulled out because I am contemplating frenching the hood and fenders out around the grille. I just have not decided the best way yet.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 02nd 2012 3:44 pm
Washed the Highway and traveltrailer and than drove over to my workplace, where we had a photos-session.
First the new paramedic-cars, and than a special session for the Hihgway with trailer to get good pictures for the Custom Vanner Magazine.
After the seesion went over for refueling and now it's resting in the garage again. On thursday, the last custom-weekend before I will fly over to Denver.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:03 am
Sorry to hear that. Do you think it had lost pressure and got hot or was it just a freak defect? It looked like it was a pretty good tire. It was a futura Super sport from Pep Boys right?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:10 am
Thanks,Yea I don't have a clue,It just shredded at 70 mph and I was in the left lane and made it to the right shoulder as quick as I could trying to slow it down and not flip it
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:29 am
there was a time when tire actually started to "look" worn before they gave you problems. Now a days tires that are showing little to no wear just come a part........
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:31 am
well today i put the front end up on jack stands, removed the wheels, took apart the brakes to clean them and to de-glaze the pads and rotors. then put everything back together. i can tell you i have one hell of a headache from the sun. but yep just checked the brakes, van doesn't brake well and it's pissing me off. and the dam van is so sensitive to road imperfections but of course all my bushings are all cracking and I can't replace anything because the hardware is all frozen and if i remove it then snap so until i get some dough to fix it im going to have to settle for a crappy drive.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:31 am
Spent the day over at Darrin (Vanatic05)'s house with the van up on the lift replacing the oil pump, and pan gasket and a fresh oil change. Felt so good to blast some Foghat and nail it on the interstate back. Love it!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:45 am
Originally Posted by draggnastro
Glad to hear you're ok Wizard, Is the van ok?
Thanks,Seems to be it took a little chunck out of the running board and ripped the inner flap off,But never going to find a wheel to match,I'll be calling State Farm first thing in the morning
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 1:48 am
Originally Posted by motorjunkie
Sorry to hear that. Do you think it had lost pressure and got hot or was it just a freak defect? It looked like it was a pretty good tire. It was a futura Super sport from Pep Boys right?
We had stopped for gas about a 1/2 hour before everything seemed fine then,I liked those Futura's but now I'm not sure
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 2:01 am
Originally Posted by Wizard78
Originally Posted by motorjunkie
Sorry to hear that. Do you think it had lost pressure and got hot or was it just a freak defect? It looked like it was a pretty good tire. It was a futura Super sport from Pep Boys right?
We had stopped for gas about a 1/2 hour before everything seemed fine then,I liked those Futura's but now I'm not sure
im running those futura's. Ruh roh! There are places that can repair a billet rim like that. May not be junk.... Hope thc onsurance company takes care of ya!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 2:10 am
I hope I can find somebody to fix it or match,Sure don't have the money to replace all 4 right now.The back side shredded as bad as the front but didn't hurt the back side
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 2:46 am
Drove her 41 miles to a custom body shop, 2200 to get the front clip repainted and repaint the fiberglass hood I got from a vanner on here. After ten years she's got some small cracks on the lower front spoiler and left front flare. Can't wait to get that hood on with the scoop!! Looks like August before he can get to it. Drove her back and detailed her then put it away for the day.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 4:39 am
Originally Posted by Wizard78
I hope I can find somebody to fix it or match,Sure don't have the money to replace all 4 right now.The back side shredded as bad as the front but didn't hurt the back side
I had a damaged custom wheel from an accident and the company paid to replace all four because they knew I could not match it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 10:11 am
Originally Posted by motorjunkie
Originally Posted by Wizard78
I hope I can find somebody to fix it or match,Sure don't have the money to replace all 4 right now.The back side shredded as bad as the front but didn't hurt the back side
I had a damaged custom wheel from an accident and the company paid to replace all four because they knew I could not match it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 10:24 am
Glad to hear that y'all are OK. How old was the tire Ricky? I've got tires (295/50s) on the rear of the GMC that I don't trust any longer. They were made in April of '04. They look good at about, maybe, 65-70% tread left but they're too old for me. Again, very happy that you had things under control.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 10:39 am
Originally Posted by CatFish
Glad to hear that y'all are OK. How old was the tire Ricky? I've got tires (295/50s) on the rear of the GMC that I don't trust any longer. They were made in April of '04. They look good at about, maybe, 65-70% tread left but they're too old for me. Again, very happy that you had things under control.
Thanks Buddy,they are maybe 3 0r 4 years old.No dry rot and Great tread,But they will be gone now
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 10:49 am
We hadn't driven the old Ford in a long time. So we decided to take it and wash it off. You ever had a vehicle so dirty that, at the vend-a-wash, you feel like you're painting?? Anyway, it's was pretty dirty. After spraying the crud off we decided to run out that tank of gas. So, we went loaferin'! We went back roadin' and found a nice place to eat. Eased around for about 120 miles total. The old Ford, as always, seemed to enjoy it as much as we did!! It was a good Sunday.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 6:05 pm
I pulled the left subwall back out, did a little more trimmimg around the wheel well. It fits much better. I pulled one more power wire for an accessary that I may add later. Then it got re-installed.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 6:21 pm
Today I removed the dog house to just check everything after I had it sitting for a month. Checked air filter, throttle body, intake manifold, distributor cap and rotor, double checked the wireset to make sure that the wires are routed in accordance to the firing order. I checked fuel pressure a steady 43 PSI running, checked oil pressure 40 PSI at idle hot,80 PSI at idle cold. Checked vacuum and it's perfect, checked PCV valve and breather filter both ok, checked the vacuum of the breather and there is steady vacuum which is good. Checked refrigerant and needs refrigerant but not going to add until I rebuild A/C system. Checked coolant overflow and it was overfilled and had some rust colour on the bottom so I emptied, cleaned, and put some coolant mix in the overflow container. The oil pressure sending unit will need to be replaced as it reacts slowly. I also need to replace some vacuum lines as I currently don't have cruise control. Everything else is A OK! And tomorrow my driveshaft comes so excited about that so tomorrow I will be replacing some seals and the pinion yoke for the new shaft. I will be taking pictures (maybe) of the process incase someone on here has to replace a seal or yoke.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 04th 2012 8:35 pm
final coat of shiny on the drink tray, hosed the leaves and dirt from under the hood and door jambs. Took it to a local guy here wanted $250 to replace the donut gaskets... no thanks. So, ill get in it and drive it to work tonight.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 05th 2012 6:35 am
I finally began reassembling my engine today.
Since I want to install my new Mopar Performance water pump, I had felt spurred to be adventurous a day back and popped out the front two freeze plugs and found some amazingly nasty looking debris inside:
Not sure what it was, but it was hard like sand, and nearly white in color.
I took my pressure washer and rammed it inside the openings for the water pump and freeze plugs and blasted away. The results were pretty epic! All sorts of debris came out initially, and I was still getting colored water out after nearly 4 minutes! By 5 minutes it cleared up. And keep in mind my engine had been running nice and cool!
BTW, this might be of interest to all you Mopar owners - I finally talked to a Machinist with a great reputation for building up race engines, and discussed the bolts which penetrate the water jacket on the 318 engine with him. He told me he uses Aviation Permatex on them as thread sealer.
Well, just by coincidence, I happen to have a bottle of it on hand, courtesy of my Dad! He was an aircraft Mechanic during World War 2, working on P-38 fighters and B-17 bombers, then after the war on B-47 bombers. In other words, my bottle has a pedigree...
;0)
I remember seeing this bottle in his tool chest from way back when I was a little tyke in the 60's. It's still in perfect shape, and didn't really require any stirring, though I tried anyway just to be certain.
I decided to perform yet another live experiment, so I sandblasted and powder coated most of the large bolts.
I don't for sure how it will hold up, but it almost has to do better than the engine paint I used previously, which became pretty unsightly within a year or so.
After inspecting all the bolts, I decided to buy several new long bolts, so for now I pinned the timing chain cover in place to set the gaskets:
Some of those long bolts are really odd sizes, like 5.25" and 3.75" long. I may just have to cut longer bolts down a bit. I know the originals no longer available from Mopar; I'd checked several years ago and only found 2 of the sizes still in stock, and they weren't the longest ones. At least I have lots of hardware stores nearby! McMaster Carr may provide a few options as well.
Another option with genuine potential is that I found a shop which sells high-strength stainless steel bolts (and even complete V-8 engine kits), including the original style cap bolts with the indented hex heads, and polished 6-point and 12-point bolts with the wide flange in both coarse and fine threads. They even have stainless hose barbs, Zerk fittings, and carburetor linkage hairpin clips!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 05th 2012 6:28 pm
Got the SEM ColorCoat in the mail today wich I'm using to paint my very scruffy doghouse. Since I couldn't really tell on the computer screen what color I needed I got two; Dark Tan and Light Oak. I got the advised prep and bonding set as well. The wife was still at work, the kids were in front of the TV, and the sun was still shining so I gave it a go. Grey Scotchbrite scuffing, cleaning with cloth and water, plastic prep and adhesion promotor all went on. After color testing the best match was the light oak, color was actually pretty close, but the one spray can didn't cover the doghouse entirely, so what should I do ? Order another one or bring in the other can ? Right, I have little patience and used the other color
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 05th 2012 6:35 pm
This was the first time that I had a glance at my engine as well ! Still looks pretty stock to me, even some thingies I've never seen before, lotsa wires and cables too..
Anyway; the second spray can covered the doghouse nicely but I could tell the color was way off...after dinner the thing was dry and I put it back, COLOR MISMATCH OF THE MONTH !
But I think I just tell people I wanted it this way, custom !
While I'm taking a second look at the pics it kinda looks like a port-a-potty
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 05th 2012 7:12 pm
ram4ever....Looking good, did you happen to price a stainless bolt kit for a 318...oh and I use that aviation sealer on vw parts, but I can remember what....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 06th 2012 12:32 am
Well today I install my new custom made dynotech driveshaft, but had to do a little extra to get there. First I had to remove the old shaft from the old pinion yoke, then remove the old pinion yoke which took only a couple minutes. Then I removed the old pinion oil seal. Then I compared the old oil seal to the new oil seal, the new oil seals flange was to wide, so I sent my mother out to pick me up 2 quarts of valvoline durablen 85W140 gear oil and a different seal, the seal she brought back wasn't the correct one either (not her fault, I gave her wrong part number), so then I had to go back to the autostore to return the wrong seal and buy back the seal I had her return, then I took the new seal and used an angle grinder and some hand files to shrink the circumference so the oil slinger on the new pinion yoke wouldn't come in contact with the flange of the oil seal. So then I installed the new oil seal with some permatex RTV black then installed the new pinion yoke, a victory performance forged 1350 pinion yoke made for the chrysler 8 3/4 axle (fits 9 1/4 as well). then got that all installed and torqued down then put the axle on jack stands, took the wheels and drums off, checked preload by feeling by hand. then put wheels and drums back on, lowered vehicle. then removed old driveshaft from the extension housing. then removed the transmission extension housing yoke seal and installed a new one. the old seal was actually only 6 months old but I decided to replace it for the sake of being thorough and because my old slip yoke had a dent in it which might of damaged the seal. then the fedex man arrived with the new driveshaft, i open the box took the shaft out, looked at the invoice inspected everything took measurements to make sure it fits, then took the dynotech stickers i asked for and put a sticker on my bumped. then i put the new driveshaft in which is perfect fit, perfect fit. the shaft is 4" X .083" X 60.93" DOM steel 4140 it weighs 26 lbs came complete with forged solid body spicer 1350 u-joints, forged spicer tube yokes, cast spicer slip yoke for the 727 same as the dodge viper yoke, and the driveshaft as an assembly was balanced between 5000-8000 RPM. then installed the drive shaft and tightened the yoke u-bolts down 20 ft-lbs guess by hand. then filled the axle with valvoline gear oil and took it for a test drive down the street. vibrations are all gone and the ride feels so much better. PHOTOS ARE HERE FOR PUBLIC VIEW: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...000860743365&type=1&l=0b84ff8c46
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 06th 2012 4:34 pm
I love new parts, I just don't love rust! Yes Dynotech does an amazing job with driveshafts which is exactly why I picked them, I did my research all over the web and couldn't find one single complaint about that company and there reputation in the racing industry speaks all for itself. But I am happy as a fat kid with a cupcake right now.
The label looks upside down cause I took the picture from the passenger side.
So yea, I'm very happy. No vibrations from the driveshaft unlike the old one, I can drive on the highway again. It's just amazing piece of art. And it goes good with the new transmission too!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 07th 2012 12:29 am
the Whole grille will be for sale, including the bezels, exhaust tip & bow ties....couldnt see them go the the crusher...look at what the Border Patrol did to this van....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 07th 2012 5:01 am
Many years ago, my van was painted with a brush, poorly.
As I neither have the funds, nor the location or tools to make it look proper, I have been stuck with this hand painted method.
I've also been battling roof gutter rust, and most recently, bottom of the door rust.
So my third door is usually stuffed with fan belts, hoses and a bunch of other crap, and when I took it all out and stick a shop vac down there, it just kept getting uglier.
I evetually dug out and removed all the loose rust and treated it with several dousings of Ospho and started getting some layers of rustoluem yacht enamel over it, but there was still this hole in the bottom of the door.
I had some extra epoxy mixed from repairing a surfboard, and decided not to waste it. So I saturated a 4x12 inch piece of thick carbon fiber and slapped it over the hole. The brown is epoxy I mixed wood flour into to make a thixotropic paste like bondo. Not pretty but it should allow any moisture to drain out the vents and keep stuff from falling out the hole in the door, perhaps even slow the rust enough so I don;t have to look at it for another 5 years.
I am nearly done with the paint job. I Started with the back doors back in November and now all that is left is the front two quarter panels, the hood and that section under the grille.
Looks okay from a distance. Like a washed sneaker. Anyway the Rustoleum yacht enamel can be waxed so it should be easier to keep clean.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 07th 2012 10:38 pm
Went to the Wal-Mart to have my wheels balanced and rotated. I bought wrangler radials from them less than 1 year ago installed, balanced, and everything. Well lately I have been getting some low speed vibrations and knew from experience that the wheels went out of balance and well sure enough they were, all 4 completely out of balance. So they balanced and rotated them for free because I got lifetime balance and rotation when I purchased the tires. The head tech said he had trouble getting the wheel nuts off because they were on very tight (manufacture specs calls or 135 ft-lbs), and so I knew from that there would be more problems such as a stripped wheel stud and sure enough when I went home to fix one of the center caps I found a stud to be completely stripped so I just came back from autozone after purchasing a new stud and nut but it's raining and won't be able to replace until tomorrow. Now I'm worried that I have other studs that need to be replaced and I just don't have the damn money.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 12:10 am
Well they make you sign a wavier that doesn't hold them liable for any damages.
Normally when I remove and install wheels I do everything with hand tools not air guns or anything like that. But hey it was one lug nut one stud and I do have a habit myself of over tightening the nuts but I have never stripped one doing it...
For the sake of it I'm going to go and remove and install one nut at a time to check to see if any others are stripped so I can get the headache over with now instead of on the road when I drive up north in a couple weeks. Hate to have a wheel come off doing 70!
I'm still at awe how all 4 wheels went out of balance, and they were way out of balance.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 12:42 am
I had the bearings packed earlier this week. Today a bath and quickie-wax. Then I decided to try to get the radio out. Now I'm headed to the radio forum to ask questions about how to do that!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 2:03 am
It was pretty standard issue in the early nineties. I need to do some work on it. My van suffers from 18 years of love from my father, the original Jim-wacker. Still undoing a lot of "repairs". What kind of top do you have? Mines a Mark III conversion. I've seen almost the exact same top on Dodges and Fords.
I think the newer ones look more "tacked-on" than the classics.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 2:09 am
Sherry Designs from 1995. I have a photo, I have plenty of photos before I started to really work on Walter. I have to wax Walter and upload some new photos. But my top is so un-aerodynamic in terms of efficiency and speed but it does create a good downforce. My last van was a Sherry Discovery from 2003 ish era and that thing was so aerodynamic, but that 5.9L killed.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 2:22 am
The 5.9L was a sweet motor, but it did love its gasoline! I'd like to see it. The Big Green has been in my family since new, so I've not had another conversion. If I were rich I'd probably have a yard full ! Just something about 'em I've always loved. Our church van is a '93 Dodge with a 5.9. Still working on how to sell it to the wife when they get ready to upgrade . I'm headed to bed, but I'll catch you later.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 2:29 am
Yea I want to get another van one with a top though, the top can be a pain sometimes. I also want a dodge ram pickup 3500 and a dodge ram 1500 with a 5.2l and a durango 5.2l
anyways yea the 5.9L does love that fuel. i didn't see the point in the 5.9L because I hear people who have a 5.9L now and they say "oh good MPG when towing" I was towing a 32' travel trailer with my 5.2l van and was getting about 12-13MPG. Love the 5.2L, my top engine I think. But yea catch you on the rebound. I will probably have some photos to share with you and everyone else, been hesitant about sharing because I'm so conscience about the hi top (clear coat and stuff)... I'm gonna be going sleep soon too, have to get up early.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 12:18 pm
Mines a daily driver so havent done much to her lately. Just cruising back and forth to work blasting the tunes. Is all good though. I do like the van The Big Green, looks nice.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 5:07 pm
Helped my buddy get his 67 Dodge A-van up and running. Turned out to be a bad coil. I thought the condenser went bad. No biggie so now he has a brand new set of points AND a new coil.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 08th 2012 8:38 pm
Went out early before the rain came so I could replace the stripped wheel stud, went to remove the wheel and there was another stripped stud so had to go out to the auto part store get another stud and nut. Finally was able to replace those two studs and nuts. Torqued them down to 110 ft-lbs and went back to each wheel loosened the nuts and torqued to 110 ft-lbs. All is well now, finally. And yes I did reseat the bearings 20 ft-lbs then back off then finger tighten and new cotter pin.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 09th 2012 1:39 am
Put a new (ie, old one I had laying around) radio. Now I get clear sound, but only on the left side. Got REAL nice and shiny, gonna make a run to Junaluska in NC on Sunday. Course, since its shiny, I expect a downpour in Asheville. Changed the oil.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 09th 2012 10:42 pm
waxed one side of walter and his hood. removed about a gallon of coolant from the radiator and displaced with distilled water (anti-freeze to water concentration was too high). then checked pH and then checked the specific gravity using a hydrometer. then remove one of the old broken vacuum lines for the cruise control so I could measure for replacement and then removed dog housing to fix a broken vacuum line for the EGR. and now on vannin
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 10th 2012 10:34 pm
Got back to it after being on the road all week, drove home cranked the tunes and gave it a Bum's bath. Too hot to do much, but will clean out the b van after dinner.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 10th 2012 10:56 pm
Replaced a old vacuum line for the cruise control module and vacuum reservoir. Now my cruise control should work, going to be going on a long trip and I need that cruise control.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 11th 2012 12:50 am
A Vanners Dream... I was in a good sleep dreaming about camping at a lake and a Lady came up to me and asked if I had an aspirin. I said "Yes I do". I walked around the back of my '92 van opened the back door open the top right drawer and got an bottle of aspirin. Walked back around and handed her the bottle. As soon as I did I woke up sat straight up in bed. Confused I Wrote down "Hi boy" on a pc of paper. When I woke up, a Hi boy dresser sits at the foot of my bed, still confused I look over and see the paper. Looked over looked down looked over and yep Im putting a Hi boy in the back of the '92 van, trimmed in Oak & Alder.
This wknd I finished staining a magazine rack..
Door pull handles, light panels, door & window trim..
Took a break & went to the park for fresh air showed a copy of Custom Vanner Mag and he stated to drool & wouldnt put it down....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 11th 2012 5:37 pm
After I returned from the 5. American Car & Bike Days yesterday afternoon, I smelled Diesel-fume from the motor. Checked and found, that one of the injection-pipes has a small hole and was blowing of diesel on the motor.
Because I will fly over to the US on thursday for 5.5 weeks, I had planned to unregister my Van to safe some money (it cost me less than I have to pay for one month street-tax to deregister and reregister the Van, not to count the insurance), so I removed the licence-tags and put it in the garage for a rest.
When I return (perhaps still from the US) I will order a complete set of injection-pipes to replace all 4 of them, so I will have no problems when I drive the long trip to the next van-meeting in Dahme, eastern see in august.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 11th 2012 6:53 pm
i have been drivin' it like crazy since i got it back on the road last day of may, this photo was taken by Johnny (arctic) when we was on our way to a Ozzy consert!
had some trouble with the ignition, but got it figured out and fixed yesterday, this is this seasons daily driver (69 108 G-20 TMWADPIDSOB Van)
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 11th 2012 11:17 pm
Decided on Rusto Satin for the dash + cluster and sprayed. Tried out several rattle can choices, but liked the finish and went with it.
Still assembling cluster. Got a 3315 Autometer fuel gauge to match my Mopar sender off eBay for $5 + shipping! So in it goes, no more 5volt limiter, other gauges are modded Sunpro mechanicals - except volts of course. This is a cheap solution that fits in the pod 71-77 Dodge bVan.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 12th 2012 5:53 pm
Was throwing a code 32 on the Dodge yesterday so today I went to autozone bought a EGR valve and just finished replacing it. I'm upset because that was 69.99 of hard earned money and now flush.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 12th 2012 9:55 pm
Originally Posted by Altosax
Decided on Rusto Satin for the dash + cluster and sprayed. Tried out several rattle can choices, but liked the finish and went with it.
Still assembling cluster. Got a 3315 Autometer fuel gauge to match my Mopar sender off eBay for $5 + shipping! So in it goes, no more 5volt limiter, other gauges are modded Sunpro mechanicals - except volts of course. This is a cheap solution that fits in the pod 71-77 Dodge bVan.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 2:51 am
Pulled off the rear differential cover (was leaking badly). Cleaned it up real good and painted it. Will put the new gasket on tomorrow and put it back together.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 8:21 pm
Finally was able to get the van up to 100MPH, went to the junk yard to get window regulators to fix my customers Jeep. I am going to have to bring the van back to get the wheels rebalanced again, they went out of balance again... Cheap wal-mart tires. I also am going to have to replace my leafs as the rear of the van is now sagging What the hect is next.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 8:38 pm
Got the call, van is done. $200 over quoted price... Getting tired of being screwed by mechanics. Guess i'll be doing everything else myself from now on.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 8:45 pm
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
Finally was able to get the van up to 100MPH, went to the junk yard to get window regulators to fix my customers Jeep. I am going to have to bring the van back to get the wheels rebalanced again, they went out of balance again... Cheap wal-mart tires. I also am going to have to replace my leafs as the rear of the van is now sagging What the hect is next.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 9:13 pm
Originally Posted by Wizard78
Did you get a call that it would be over the quote?
i called him over the course of 3 days. He wouldnt give me a quote til it was done, so needless to say i will not be visiting him for my exhaust needs ever again.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 9:22 pm
And whats the solution to that? I need the van back, like yesterday. I realy dont want the law involved if i dont have to... Pay him and take it to court?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 13th 2012 10:06 pm
Yea I was thinking of the add a leaf at one point but I tow a very heavy trailer.(in terms of tongue) The tongue is over 700 lbs and the springs I have are just 1800#. I contacted stangel bros in PA and they make them for my van for like 165 each and they offer them in 3 weights 1750, 2300, and 2500 so I figured I will just get 2300# because that will not only give me an extra 1000# of capacity but it won't change the handling as much as say 2500#. Besides the extra 400# I can make up with a weight distribution. But yea I was at the junk yard parking lot looking at my van, and the back is down and front is up (face palm) shit...
It's very annoying driving fast or when it's windy the front end just goes all over the place.
But the springs will probably be my next project, so I have to save up. I been fixing cars around town for a few dollars here and there and I have made about 100 bucks after all my personal expenses gas and stuff like that. Gas is expensive, I would mind if gas was back to 1.25 like it was 10 years ago or so. Hell back then the van could take us from NJ to FL and back to NJ for about 175 dollars give some of course. Now round trip is about 370-400 bucks fuel, it's crazy man.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 14th 2012 12:14 am
I don't have a weight distribution, it's around 700lbs dead tongue weight. It's not too much because the vehicles rating is for 800. The back of the van didn't go down too much when I put the trailer on it, but there wasn't much farther it could of gone before it would hit the load spring.
I want to get a weight distribution so bad but they're expensive.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 14th 2012 12:16 am
Fished working on the van, finally got rid of that Code 32. The connector has some loose wires causing the EGR transducer to go on off on off. Checked operation in both cruise control on, off and it's all good no codes.
Lost wheel balance again, just had wheels balanced a week ago. I probably have defective tires, checked rim radial and lateral run out and it's good.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 14th 2012 1:23 am
replaced fuel pump gaskets both the pump and block had layers of dried up gasket layered with silicone, yeah it took awhile to clean up, so far so dry... i hope :30 at last
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 14th 2012 2:54 am
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
I don't have a weight distribution, it's around 700lbs dead tongue weight. It's not too much because the vehicles rating is for 800. The back of the van didn't go down too much when I put the trailer on it, but there wasn't much farther it could of gone before it would hit the load spring.
I want to get a weight distribution so bad but they're expensive.
For a trailer your size with a 700# tongue weight you absolutely MUST run a weight distribution set up and a sway control. Even with trailer brakes the load is so far to the back that in a panic stop you would be through the back seat of the car in front of you, hopefully not mine! Ive towed alot of weight alot of miles, talk to any trucker or seasoned RV'er. Please look into getting one ASAP. Too bad i just sole a 1400# bar setup with a brand new sway control for 45 bucks not a year ago!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 14th 2012 3:12 am
Actually the trailer only weighs about 4700 Lbs and it's a dual axle but they put the axles so to the rear of the trailer which is why it has such an excessive tonque, but with the trailer brakes it stopped WELL! I mean really well, but yes I do understand the importance actually the requirement of a weight distribution but like I said I just don't have the dang money. Thankfully I'm only going to be towing about 25 Miles this time and at speeds of about 45-55MPH and it's not on a highway or anything like that. But I have to get new leaf's because mine are riding on the overload spring and this is not towing! They're shot to hect, and everytime I hit a bump I feel like my bumper is going to touch the ground, and I have new shocks which helped so much compared to before.
The rearend of the van is just so heavy because of how Chrysler positioned the drivetrain and powertrain. But they were smart about it, more weight in the back to prevent roll over.
But 700# I put that on my van and wow my van went down!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 14th 2012 11:47 pm
Loaded the van to go to a van run... Then unloaded the van cuz I couldn't go. Went out for a rip with the van tonight. Passed through a local car show and paraded down the center row. One of the attendees yelled out "Looks great, but does it go?" So I slowly cruised to the gate... Then gave them full throttle and brake!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 1:41 am
Took the van back to wal-mart this morning tried to get them to replace the tires and like usual NO! So they rebalanced them again and they were all out of balance. I love it, they need a reason to replace the tires, basically the guy is like why are they defective. I said because I haven't put more than 5000 miles on the tires and you have rebalanced them 3 tires, one weeks ago from today he balance them and today he balanced them and they keep going out of balance and I have a bad vibration at 60 MPH and goes up which is most likely a lateral run out. Of course the little machine they balance the wheels on never gets close to 60 MPH, they spin them until they reach maybe 35-45 MPH depending on if it's a dynamic or static balance. Well they balanced them and like clock work they stripped out another stud and nut so I went to my local advance auto and they didn't have them in stock so I drove over to the advance auto in the town next to me and got them, then I go home and positioned the van so I have more room to work right in front of the garage. Then I go take the rotor off and the inner bearing I replaced about 1 year ago fell apart during the rotor removal because the cone was seized to the spindle, so I was able to remove the cone from the spindle by taking a chisel and a hammer and popped it right off, then I had to get a bearing and the only car was in the garage so I had to wiggle the car out of the garage then I went to the autozone because I still had the receipt for the old bearing and the warranty had just expired about 1 month ago and the Autozone could only get me another bearing by tomorrow as non in stock at the store. So I drove over to the advance and bought a new bearing, seal, and brake parts cleaner. I then proceeded home, replaced the stripped wheel stud, then deglazed the rotors, then cleaned the hubs of the rotor where there was casting sand on them, I then greased everything and assembled them. And mounted the wheels, I tell you what a God damned day! And the balancing still hasn't gotten rid of my vibration that occurs at 60MPH and up, I think the tires are defective, I know it's not a driveshaft vibration because that would occur in the 50 MPH range based on previous experience and my axle ratio vs. rolling radius of wheel. But I got the van up to 100MPH it's top speed the other day and that was the day I started to get 60+MPH vibrations was after I got the van to 100MPH, and mind you the tires I have are only rated to 112MPH! So I kind of warped out the tires. That or my vibration is coming from the brake drums which are rusted to hell all over and who knows how old they are, probably the originals.
But 3 days ago I had 150 dollars and now I have maybe 15 dollars left due to vehicle operating cost (gas sucking bastard), and repairs I have had to done recently.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 5:56 am
I crawled inside my electrical cabinet, unscrewed the floor hatch over my 2 flooded group 27 Deep Cycle Crown 12v batteries, checked the specific gravity of all the cells, then topped them up with water.
All cells were above 1.280, some were 1.305. Tomorrow I'll disconnect all electronics from the house batteries and program my solar charge controller to take them up to ~15.8 volts for a few hours to equalize the cells. If the sun is out. I need about 10 amps to get the batteries up that high and my solar can do about 12.5 to 13 depending on temperature and sky clarity.
They took about 1/3 a gallon of distilled water. It's been about 4 months since I last checked them.
No corrosion on the cables, batteries performing well.
Also cleaned the 40 mm low CFM, low amp draw computer muffin fan which blows cool air on the cooling fins of my compressor fridge 24/7. Lots of dust on the blades. A clean fan is an efficient fan.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 2:57 pm
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
Took the van back to wal-mart
After you get them rotated & balanced do you take it easy for the 1st day or do you jump on it & spin them....romping on it will cause it to move the tire on the rim and that will put them out of balance
There are many other options, many with better pricing. A few months ago I added a thin film 68 watt Unisolar panel(epvl-68) that I bought from Amazon.
Blue Sky 2512i controller( wish I bought the ix model) Blue Sky IPN pro remote ( battery monitor and voltage adjuster) Deltec 500 amp shunt. Kyocera 130 TM panel.
I bought the 8 awg cabling from panel to controller from
The Kyocera has a junction box. The unisolar uses Mc3 cables. I bought a 50 foot 10 awg MC3 extension cord, from Amazon.
To power a small 12v compressor fridge indefinitely, 60 watts in a sunny environment will do it. Using an inverter on a residential fridge, make that 80 or more watts.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 6:26 pm
Oh no I take it very easy on the van, I'm starting to think that maybe my drums are out of balance. I do need some suspension work however most of the vibrations seem to come from the rear end and mostly the driver side more so then the passenger.
I certainly refrain from trying to spin the tires because I don't want to spin the outer race of the overrunning clutch in the transmission.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 6:29 pm
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
3 days ago I had 150 dollars and now I have maybe 15 dollars left due to vehicle operating cost (gas sucking bastard), and repairs I have had to done recently.
Responsibility sucks....Or as Dennis Leary says, life sucks get a fu@king helmet.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 6:43 pm
Not so much responsibility, but how over inflated everything is and how underpaying jobs are, I mean I make around 60 bucks an hour but that's only when I am called in, which rarely happens. But it's a part of life.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 7:44 pm
Still tire shopping..Thinking about painting the stock rims flat black and i have been looking into solar systems for further down the road. I really need to plan out my arm rest/console!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 7:52 pm
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
Not so much responsibility, but how over inflated everything is and how underpaying jobs are, I mean I make around 60 bucks an hour but that's only when I am called in, which rarely happens. But it's a part of life.
Iwould think that lowers your per hour to min wage then
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 8:48 pm
Picked the van up from the exhaust shop today, messed around with fixing some rust holes and picked up an awesome hex shaped end table to be my entertainment center. Also got a package from Frske today in the mail. My table base and post! Think im going to have to extend it a little and make it a little taller, but its exactly what i need!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 10:25 pm
Well *I* didn't do it and it was yesterday but Dave screwed on a new plug port as well as sealing up a roof leak from the old antenna fin. Hopefully the leaking is done now.
AND ... Nate was awesome enough to send me some barn door screens he wasn't using. Can't wait to get these installed! The next van run is going to be so comfy! By the way, Nate, they fit my doors perfectly - I know that was a concern you had since they weren't made for a Ford.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 15th 2012 11:50 pm
I am a mobile mechanic pretty much. But I do build performance transmissions, engines, rear ends, suspension, steering, chassis, and more. Currently though It's mostly fixing cars, worked on a 72 Nova that needed brakes that was 150 bucks labor took about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, then that same customer needed there window regulators fixed on there Jeep and I finish that tomorrow. Soon I will be designing and building my own car because I'm sick of the crap these companies make today.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 16th 2012 12:35 pm
Originally Posted by honkytime
AND ... Nate was awesome enough to send me some barn door screens he wasn't using.
And where does one get these?? They would be awesome in my chariot!!
I have no idea where he got them but they're awesome. There are a few brands of these out there but most of them wouldn't do for me because of the cats. You might look into the magic mesh magnetic ones since you don't have to be concerned with pets dragging them down. Hell, you could probably make a velcro set pretty easily.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 16th 2012 5:26 pm
Went back to wal-mart and spoke with the manager there, told him how his employees broke a corporate policy and they said they would replace all the tires, then we go to the tire department and they don't have the ones I need in stock and said it wouldn't matter because I would have to pay the difference, so instead we made a deal that they refund the full amount I paid and I keep the tires. So I am going to be getting better tires from some place else soon. Going to drive these tires until death then put the new ones on. So victory is mine, 4 tires and 380 bucks refunded. I caught them in so many ways how they broke policies and actually broke a couple laws not only selling an inferior product and admitting to it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 16th 2012 5:55 pm
But really you get what you pay for....if you get $50 tires dont expect them to last too long or complain about the tire separating....budget tires are just that....Buy it right or buy it twice...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 16th 2012 6:03 pm
They were 80 something dollar tires, and not to long ago quality tires would only run you about 80 dollars but yes times change, the issue was the tires where actually defective, they had a radial run out of .064" and the thread wear wasn't even which confirms the radial runout. The tires performed well in the beginning however wal-mart installed tires that didn't have proper load rating which there policy states they will not do but they did it anyways which is why I got the money back. I normally don't complain, but when you have the tires less then 6000 miles and you have to have them balanced 3 times and won't hold balance something is wrong. They loose there balance within 100 miles, and like I said I measured the run out and even with the naked eye you can see that sucker is out of round.
Thing was when I purchased the tires I didn't have allot of money and needed tires as my old ones were dry rotted.
But I am going to be getting Hankook H727's users seem to be very satisfied with them, they are a best seller on tire rack. They have a BIG thread rating of 700 versus my goodyears that only have a 300 rating. The Hankook's have a 5 year 100K mile warranty, they also are the proper load rating and are inexpensive. I can get a set of 4 for 368 dollars and with the mail in rebate they come out to 318.
But thank you, point was the tires I got were like you said, crap cheap get along tires but even then they shouldn't have that excessive of a run out.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 16th 2012 6:07 pm
Yea thanks, It took some doing but the fact I had them with corporate wal-marts policy which they broke is what got the manager to change his mind. But now I can save a little and get some quality tires. I use to have Uniroyal Tiger Paws, great tires but they don't make them in the size I need anymore
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 17th 2012 5:26 am
Went to the Bone Yard today to look at a '95 G20...found it had a good dash kit...
so I grabbed it...Installed a lot of it in my '92 but the switch and door pull handle positions are different so I need to get 6 pcs from these 2 pcs...2 door pull handles plates, 2 eletric switch plates, a radio bezel and a dash top trim pc...
also got a set of door pockets and soft felt visors...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 17th 2012 5:07 pm
Took our 1994 Safari Van to Canada last weekend to attend Vanfest! Luckily, we had no issues with the wheels, as returning home I decided to try to repair the damaged Oxidation, which had taken place on a front passenger wheel. The Van sits in our VanPort thru the winter months and the moisture from a discharge vent on a garage furnace, attacked the wheel! Yesterday, my Grandson helped me to remove the hub. It was "Bonded" real well to the wheel, as it took us 2.5 hours to get off! I am just thankful to not having had to do any work on the road!!! It is SO much easier working at home with one's own tools!! Link: http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/...0Summer%20of%202012/?albumview=slideshow
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 17th 2012 5:13 pm
Originally Posted by BvrWally
Took our 1994 Safari Van to Canada last weekend to attend Vanfest! Luckily, we had no issues with the wheels, as returning home I decided to try to repair the damaged Oxidation, which had taken place on a front passenger wheel. The Van sits in our VanPort thru the winter months and the moisture from a discharge vent on a garage furnace, attacked the wheel! Yesterday, my Grandson helped me to remove the hub. It was "Bonded" real well to the wheel, as it took us 2.5 hours to get off! I am just thankful to not having had to do any work on the road!!! It is SO much easier working at home with one's own tools!! Link: http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/...0Summer%20of%202012/?albumview=slideshow
Holy Moley! So it sits out all year, under a cover right ?
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 17th 2012 5:59 pm
No. Without a cover, but I guess I should buy some wheel covers? It's our "Summer Cruiser", till the Earlies are back on the road! Hey, the Van is 18 years old! It's the "Newest" one in our "Bunch"! lol
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 17th 2012 11:14 pm
For the second week in a row, I drove her home and unpacked her after a Van run.........sorry for you guys that have had to sit and type about doing nothing for the last two weekends......
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 18th 2012 12:15 am
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
For the second week in a row, I drove her home and unpacked her after a Van run.........sorry for you guys that have had to sit and type about doing nothing for the last two weekends......
Good for you Doc.. but I don't consider it nothing spending Fathers day with my wife ,son and daughter...family first in my book ! time is creeping away to fast and I love my family so first things will always be first.... :)guess we all have different "forks in the road" so to speak and I hope my life will allow me to get to some of these events eventually....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 18th 2012 5:53 pm
My daughter is wanting to put her "Bug" back together. We jumped into Big Red and took a ride up to Maple Grove to attend a "bug Out" We attended on here well over ten years ago. This one was allot smaller. This event was disappointing.
I did make the most of the trip by handing out Johnny O's cards out to Van /Bus owners in attendance.
This group looked like they would fit right in with the vanner crowd
They has just finished a "Safety Meeting" when I stopped in
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 18th 2012 9:24 pm
More wood shop
The door switches and handles were different on the van I got the trim kit from.....Sooooo I had to get 6 pc out of 2....radio bezel, ele switch plates & Door pull handle plates. I also got a maple cross out of it...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 19th 2012 5:59 pm
Worked on repairing rear gull-wing. Who ever made this gull wing put lights in it and never sealed them. Just wedged them in there. needless to sat the water got in there and rotted the wood frame si I'm replacing what's rotted.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 20th 2012 12:47 am
Well went out to fill my tank so I can hit the ground running tomorrow for my trip, well I'm at the gas station and I get about eww 11 gallons in and I'm checking the tank for any leaks just incase and sure enough there is two pin holes on the filler tube, WONDERFUL I SAY. So I stopped putting gas in the tank and then ran home said to my mother that we have a leak. So then I run over to the home depot to get some hose and clamps so I can patch the holes. They only sell in 10 ft rolls, so I run over the the advance auto parts and the guy behind the counter gave me a small cut of rubber hose and I bought two clamps. So I took the hose, cut it in half and slipped it between the two clamps and clamped it down and drove around a little so the fuel can swish around, went to the gas station checked for leaks no leaks and continued filling. Before I even left home to fill up my mother asked me if the tank leaks? Looks like she jinxed us!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 20th 2012 3:39 am
Ya know Frscke, when I saw you cut up all the wood I thought....oh man why's he doing that but when I saw the finished pics I must say it looks really good cut up and it all matches the other rectangular pieces all over the van. Good call, it looks good very custom / original and it keeps the flow of the door panel pleats.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 20th 2012 4:15 am
Thanks guys I just have to keep at it or it wont get done & I just keep finding things at the yard that interrupts the order of things...Well after seeing what I did I couldnt stop, I just got done installing a Magellan Gps w/a 7" screen....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 20th 2012 6:57 pm
Packing Walter for the trip to NJ, I don't want to leave FL but I have to. I'm nervous something might happen on the way up so everyone please say a little prayer for my Walter, my mother, and I.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 21st 2012 2:57 am
Originally Posted by frscke1
Thanks guys I just have to keep at it or it wont get done & I just keep finding things at the yard that interrupts the order of things...Well after seeing what I did I couldnt stop, I just got done installing a Magellan Gps w/a 7" screen....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 21st 2012 10:53 pm
Something is missing...
Oh yeah the top trim pc....
I took the oak one out and put it in the '93 and made a maple one ...
At the laundry mat a Lady heard the music came over to see the inside and said "It looking like the inside of an Escalade"....my reply was "there makeing the Escalade look like my van"....she had a good chuckle...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 29th 2012 4:19 pm
Said good bye to one old friend, and one rusty pos today. Finally moving up a decade in the van world. Picking up my "new" 99 Ford E250 in just a couple hours.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 29th 2012 10:50 pm
Well, did a few things, 1) Decided I am keeping the Astro as a daily driver. 2) replaced the t-stat with a lower temp for the summer months ( last night ). 3) got a "new" used fan clutch and fan to replace the one that died three months ago and installed them. 4) getting a new upper fan shroud for her in AM. . . MAYBE tonight?
Hope she will be happier now and stop trumping at me! Lol.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 30th 2012 8:30 pm
Today I finally 'installed' the dash mat that I had ordered a few weeks ago, again wrong color, but at least it matches the doghouse I recently painted in the wrong color...
I'm also driving on Liquid Purified Gas since a week or two, I had it installed a few weeks ago with a 70 liter tank bolted to the underside of the Van. This alternative fuel costs about a 1/4 of regular gas with no powerloss, happy !
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - June 30th 2012 8:47 pm
Replaced oil pan gasket,took it to a cruise-in . Met two other vanners took some pictures and one of them said will post some pictures . people gathered and commented how the vans brought back memories .
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 02nd 2012 1:20 am
Finally got my van back, stayed at my grandmothers so my mother had to take the van for a couple days. Well, last time I had the van it didn't make any noise and well today the torque converter is making it's wonderful whine noise. Back in December when I rebuilt the transmission I replaced the converter and I was skeptical of the converter because it was painted and just didn't seem like a quality part but when you have limited money you have to get what you can. Well for the last oh I don't know maybe month I have noticed issues with shifts and with engine braking, didn't always want to engine brake and sometimes the van will roll backwards on a incline, even slight inclines. On top of all that when I would be driving in 4th gear and then gun it I would notice a shudder before the downshift which would be the TCC disengage, common for that shudder but for a long time never had shudder then all of a sudden on the highway I had to get going and bam-o shudder. All leading to the torque converter... I checked to determine if it's really the torque converter and not something like the axle by putting the parking brake on and just touching the gas pedal and it only whines in forward gears and reverse, not in neutral or park.
Also about the converter, it was painted by the manufacture and there was some paint run off that collected on the converter so that probably threw the balance off, the second I saw the bad paint job I was like "ehh it's gonna shake."
Well the good news to all of this, IT'S UNDER WARRANTY! yippppeeeeee
But all that out of the way, today I drove my van to the local pepboys (only auto store close enough). I hadn't any intentions of really buying anything, but I bought some nice snap-on gloves because I am going to be replacing leaf springs next month and now going to be replacing the torque converter so I said ah why not some gloves. While waiting in line to pay there was a elderly gentleman who was looking at R134a for his Ford, I told him if he wanted to save money he could purchase the small 12oz cans. He said he needed the can tap and the manifold and of course being the mechanic I am, I travel with all my tools. So I said I had my manifold and can tap and would be more than happy to fill his system. He wasn't interested, but right after I paid for the gloves he asked me if I had my manifold and about how much refrigerant would he need, I told him that I would have to hookup my gauge and check the system pressure. So he said ok! I went ahead filled up his A/C system and he gave me 20 bucks and a bottle of some fuel additive.
Then I went back to the apartment and sprayed some WD-40 on the shackle bolts and removed the shackle bolts cleaned them with WD and then torqued them back on 45 ft-lbs. I did this just to clean the treads so when I go back to replace the springs they will come off cleanly. I actually wanted to find out if they were even going to come off without breaking and sure enough, they came off fine!
Have 500 miles left on my oil, goes fast!
But this is my list of repairs I have to do when I get back home... *disgruntled*
Replace leaky filler tube Replace broken side door latch (lock mech) Replace leaf springs, plates, u-bolts, bushings, etc... Replace Torque Converter Motor Oil/Filter Change Need to fill side doors with R11 or equiv insulation (missing insulation) Clean inside and outside of van (dog hair, blood, odor, damn...) Dog ripped a plated shade so going to have to find one
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 02nd 2012 12:56 pm
Originally Posted by Lee7673
I had big plans to work on the van all weekend but we had a fierce storm last night and lost power. They said it might not come back for 3-4 days!!!!!
Lee..we got lucky up here in Brooklyn Park..power stayed on, but man you could tell there was a storm. Debris everywhere, but pretty much cleaned up now.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 02nd 2012 12:58 pm
Went down to Brian's to check out an oil leak on the van he's working on. The "leaning tower of power" needs either a new rear main seal or the oil pan gasket is just leaking. oy vey.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 02nd 2012 7:37 pm
Well it's my mother, I too wouldn't let anyone borrow my van but argueing with a woman is not worth the headache. And today, a misterious scratch appeared on the side of my van that went far enough to reach the primer, it wasn't there this morning when I left the van with her! And then I get in my van and the seat is soaking wet. I'm telling you, this woman is going to be the death of my van and I.
But my agenda when I return to florida is really to replace the suspension, torque converter, and the rest on that list. I just hope my receipt for the torque converter hasn't faded.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 02nd 2012 8:00 pm
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Originally Posted by Lee7673
I had big plans to work on the van all weekend but we had a fierce storm last night and lost power. They said it might not come back for 3-4 days!!!!!
Lee..we got lucky up here in Brooklyn Park..power stayed on, but man you could tell there was a storm. Debris everywhere, but pretty much cleaned up now.
Three days.....still no power. BGE (the utility company) said it might take up to the weekend to get everyone turned back on. The house is getting warm and I am on a well so I have no water!!!!! But.....the worst part is my generator isn't strong enough to run my compressor and I am in the middle of doing a lot of bodywork so I can't work on the van right now!!!!!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 02nd 2012 8:48 pm
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
Well it's my mother, I too wouldn't let anyone borrow my van but argueing with a woman is not worth the headache. And today, a misterious scratch appeared on the side of my van that went far enough to reach the primer, it wasn't there this morning when I left the van with her! And then I get in my van and the seat is soaking wet. I'm telling you, this woman is going to be the death of my van and I.
But my agenda when I return to florida is really to replace the suspension, torque converter, and the rest on that list. I just hope my receipt for the torque converter hasn't faded.
Last time my mom borrowed a car from me she blew it up less than 5 miles from home. NOBODY borrows my van, there aint no arguement, woman or not. I put too much heart and time and money into it to let some one who doesnt respect vehicles to slam doors, spill coffee and park the shopping cart against it. not happening. I'd let maybe 3 other people drive my van, and they are all in my club and more careful with their vans than i even am.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 03rd 2012 3:30 am
I am with ya there, I normally never let anyone near my van. But like I said, I just didn't need the headache. I am mad about the scratch, sure there is body rust in some areas but come on...
But, the scratch is so sever it cannot be buffed out. But hey as long as it runs well and so on, but once I repaint it no one is touching it!
I can't wait till I replace the rear suspension, have everything in the back of the van waiting for me to install, the new springs are yelling my name! So embarrassing driving around with a van that has a saggy asss!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 03rd 2012 10:43 am
RamVan..
A guy in our club has a 2001 Dodge van (5.9L) and he was having the famous TC shutter during the 1-2 shift. He had the converter replaced with a heavy duty unit and all is right with the world again. Rest of the transmission was fine.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 03rd 2012 9:06 pm
Thanks, I don't have 1-2 shudder. My shudder is when the TCC disengages during WOT, it doesn't shudder anymore though because I killed the converter though lockup still engages and dissengages. But I know exactly what is wrong with the transmission, I specialize in building these torque flites for performance and heavy duty use. But I used a cheap converter which I knew wasn't the best decision but like I said I only had so much money left.
The broken converter explains why the vehicle doesn't always engine brake and why the vehicle rolls down some hills. Thing is the converter didn't start to whine until recently, but during the time it wasn't whining when the vehicle didn't want to engine brake, I knew that it would be the converter. But anyways, my WOT 1-2 shifts are slightly delayed but that isn't a biggy.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 03rd 2012 9:08 pm
I think I'm past touch up. Eventually when I am finished fixing all of it's mechanical issues, suspension and steering etc... Then I will cut out the rusted panels, weld in new ones and the rest goes without saying.
The one problem I will have when it comes time for paint, removing all of the custom windows.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 03rd 2012 10:08 pm
Originally Posted by Lee7673
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Originally Posted by Lee7673
I had big plans to work on the van all weekend but we had a fierce storm last night and lost power. They said it might not come back for 3-4 days!!!!!
Lee..we got lucky up here in Brooklyn Park..power stayed on, but man you could tell there was a storm. Debris everywhere, but pretty much cleaned up now.
Three days.....still no power. BGE (the utility company) said it might take up to the weekend to get everyone turned back on. The house is getting warm and I am on a well so I have no water!!!!! But.....the worst part is my generator isn't strong enough to run my compressor and I am in the middle of doing a lot of bodywork so I can't work on the van right now!!!!!
Yeaaaaaa........just got my power back on (4 days after the storm)!!!!! Looking forward to some A/C (it's 92 degrees inside my house)......AND.....I can fire up the compressor and start back on the van tonight!!!!!! Whoooooi Hooooooooo
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 03rd 2012 10:10 pm
Originally Posted by Lee7673
Originally Posted by Lee7673
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Originally Posted by Lee7673
I had big plans to work on the van all weekend but we had a fierce storm last night and lost power. They said it might not come back for 3-4 days!!!!!
Lee..we got lucky up here in Brooklyn Park..power stayed on, but man you could tell there was a storm. Debris everywhere, but pretty much cleaned up now.
Three days.....still no power. BGE (the utility company) said it might take up to the weekend to get everyone turned back on. The house is getting warm and I am on a well so I have no water!!!!! But.....the worst part is my generator isn't strong enough to run my compressor and I am in the middle of doing a lot of bodywork so I can't work on the van right now!!!!!
Yeaaaaaa........just got my power back on (4 days after the storm)!!!!! Looking forward to some A/C (it's 92 degrees inside my house)......AND.....I can fire up the compressor and start back on the van tonight!!!!!! Whoooooi Hooooooooo
The hell with eating or a shower....just get me back to my van.....thats hard core
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 04th 2012 1:13 am
After successfully fixing a bad vacuum leak and exhaust leak over the weekend, today I took it in and got the windows in the front two doors re-tinted (original 89 tint had faded to nasty purple) and got the replacement conversion window tinted darker. Looks good.
When I got home I snuck out to the garage and sanded and primed the bargain air dam I got from Discount Van Truck on eBay. They were having a clearance sale and I picked up a vintage air dam for $26 plus shipping! I think it was made in 1981 since cast into the lip of the air dam is a little box that says "Fits Ford 75-81 Late". That tells me this piece was made in 81 and then sat on a shelf for 31 years! Once I get it painted and installed on my van I will post some pictures.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 04th 2012 6:00 pm
Got up went to the home depot, purchased a roll of faced R-13 insulation for 11.20. And spent a couple of hours insulating walter the van. The conversion company didn't do a good job at insulation the side doors, rear doors, or the rear corners of the van. I wouldn't be surprised though if the side doors were fully insulated then some of it was thrown out during a repair or something. But the side doors really didn't have any insulation at all. So Walter is fully insulated, when I get back home to FL I will remove the seats and sofa (have to clean the dog hair) and I will remove the interior panels and add insulation where it is needed.
I wanted to insulate the bottom of the driver and passenger door and was doing it and I thought to myself I can't insulate them because the water will encourage mold growth! Damn it!
Well all insulated and hopefully it will help keep the interior temps down a little bit or help keep the inside warm during winter and cooler inside during summer! The old insulation was R-11 so this R-13 should be a bit better, besides I think it was actually better to use the R-13 on the doors because of how thin they are etc...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 3:20 am
Originally Posted by RamVan2500
I think I'm past touch up. Eventually when I am finished fixing all of it's mechanical issues, suspension and steering etc... Then I will cut out the rusted panels, weld in new ones and the rest goes without saying.
The one problem I will have when it comes time for paint, removing all of the custom windows.
The winders arent that hard to remove, just time consuming to take all the interior trim out of the way.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 3:22 am
I kept fooling with the electronics while rocco buffed out the scratches. Washed it, waxed it, and cleaned out the inside....again. Waxing a full size van sucks! Thank god for winders
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 3:35 am
I got my $26 air dam installed. I rattled canned it the same color as my van last night and it turned out OK, but I need to put another coat of paint on since there are a few light spots.
Before the air dam with the fog lights:
With the air dam but no fog lights (air dam uses the same bolt holes the fog lights were mounted in):
This air dam mounts in the same holes as the smaller factory air dam that was on the van, so I had to remove the original air dam to make way for this one. I like the raised v-shaped section in the middle that matches the contours of the license plate opening in the bumper. I need to figure out a way to mount the fog lights again without cutting into the air dam. I am making 600 mile round trip family road trip this weekend and hope to see if the air dam improves fuel economy. I miss the fog lights already, but I am pretty happy with this bargain spoiler.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 4:52 am
Not PNP. I got REALLY lucky on eBay. Trucknvans was have an inventory liquidation sale and I got the sir dam for $26 plus shipping. It was made in 81 and has sat on a shelf for the last 30 years. It has a few nicks and scrapes, but I don't drive a show van so I don't care!
Taking conversion van interiors apart is a pisser. Someday, I have to take the back end of my interior apart to fix a few problems like the rear AC and such. I don't look forward to it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 2:09 pm
Dang! Now all you guys will steal my Social Security info! Thanks for the compliments. I think it turned out OK for what it cost. It is nowhere near perfect, but I don't care.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 6:32 pm
Yea the worst part of taking apart the interior is the screws most times won't hold when you go to put everything back together. But the rear A/C & Heat is very easy to repair for me because it's a relatively small unit, it's when you have to replace those custom windows then you have to take everything apart.
I too am in the same boat with the A/C, I have to replace the expansion valve and so much more... But hey hope it goes well for you, I'm just fixing all the mechanical issues before I go to the A/C.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 05th 2012 11:24 pm
The rear AC works, but the foam sealing the ducting has disintegrated over the years and much of the air leaks out into the wall. My van is just about mechanically done, but it is 23 years old now, and it is really time to start in on the cosmetics. The paint is about dead, the interior is clean but needs to be freshened up, and I want to do a bit of customizing.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 12:56 am
Wow 23 years, 2 more to antique! Mine is 17, expansion valves have kicked it, front lines are rusted, have leaks in the o-rings, and the insulation isn't all that great. So when I make everything mechanically new, then I will redo the entire a/c system. The rear box isn't sealed very well much likes yours but mine isn't cause of foam it's just because of how they manufactured the box, the ducts are black and aren't insulated so I am going to either replace those with insulated ducts or just buy insulating wrap, the rear blower motor doesn't pull air like I would want it to but it does it's job, or did it's job. But the heat works!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 2:14 am
replaced painted front bumper with a chrome bumper. now need chrome back bumper. Added boe tie fog lites,replaced stock front seats with highback seats.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 3:42 am
The '93 got the gas pedal mashed to the floor on a lighting ride home to drop it off and hauled ass with a friend to go get the '92 back home....my baby has been away from home for 2 days.....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 3:50 am
Lets see, picked up a couple cages for the new stereos. Cleaned it out, measured and cut some boards to mount the flat screen to. Checked the A/c system pressure. 0...awesome. and started packing for the nats.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 4:21 am
Finally got the dash and engine cover finished and installed. Wired in the head unit then went ahead and installed the captain's chairs (thanks Craigslist).
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 12:00 pm
Originally Posted by bootsy100
Finally got the dash and engine cover finished and installed. Wired in the head unit then went ahead and installed the captain's chairs (thanks Craigslist).
Bootsy, That looks freakin awsome, thats one thing I liked the most about my Dodges was the metal dash. You did a great job there.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 12:18 pm
Originally Posted by bootsy100
Finally got the dash and engine cover finished and installed. Wired in the head unit then went ahead and installed the captain's chairs (thanks Craigslist).
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 06th 2012 1:57 pm
Thanks guys. I thought I got in a little over my head with the dash project but it came around in the end, largely due to my paint/body guys who made everything smooth and finished. It took 6 months of Craigslisting to finally score a deal on seats, so now that those are in it's about time to fill up the cooler and go for a drive. All the rest of the finishing work can trickle in here and there (paint wall panels, install interior lighting, build bench seat to house amps/speakers, etc). It never ends...
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 07th 2012 3:35 pm
I thought about washing it, but decided not to. I did get rid of annoying rattle in the back. (Steve and Suzie have been so helpful about helping me decide what to put in my van.) Later, I think I might back it out of the garage and mosey on over to the fairgrounds to see if there's anyone in the line-up.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 07th 2012 10:30 pm
Decided to take the right rear interior out so I can check the rear ac expansion valve for a model number and to see if my rear ac has a drier which it doesn't. I got the change to clean the rear ac unit, the condensate drip tube was clogged. I figured since I had a ton of extra R13 insulation I would just rip out all the old R11 insulation and replace it with the R13. Alot of areas by the rear ac box that didn't have insulation and some of the vapor paper on the old insulation was all ripped up so all fixed.
So far I have been making some decent progress on the van.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 08th 2012 2:51 am
cleaned it some more, removing road tar off the doors, hooked up the cb radio and went looking for an antenna. Began packing for the Nats. Filled it up with gas.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 08th 2012 11:06 pm
To the family and drove one and a half hours to the coast. He spent three days just chilling on the beach having fun in the beautiful Northwest weather.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 12th 2012 3:41 am
Well just went to the edison lab in west orange NJ with mother and grandmother. Yesterday night I took apart my A/C system to just check the condition of the lines and everything like that and what I found, NOT GOOD! The H-Block expansion valve had powdered rust in the suction side, the inside of the piping had some surface rust here and there quite minimal except for the discharge line and on top of that, the piping is hard to find if need replacing. So when I go to rebuild my suspension when I get back in florida, I am going to use the phosphoric acid after removing the rust from the leaf spring hardware use it on the refrigerant lines, then repaint them and seal everything off until i finish rebuilding everything. but damn it, rusted internally isn't good, probably sludge in the compressor and condenser, eitherway i was going to rebuild the compressor but damn, it just got more involved.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 14th 2012 10:39 pm
I FINALLY got around to replacing my broken grille. If you can ignore the busted fiberglass on the hood (another project for another day), it looks pretty sweet.
Before:
After:
I also did my yearly rust-check on the body: I found all the tiny spots--mostly in the door frames--that were starting to get rusty, and attacked them with a wire brush and WD-40, cleaned them, then hit them with primer and spray paint. Luckily the stock Rust-Oleum white matches my van exactly. Not the most glamorous fix-up, but it has to be done. The chassis may be a lost cause, but I'm not letting the body go without a fight.
It treats and preps rusted metal beautifully for primer with minimal effort.
----------
Today I assembled an adjustable fan from various parts.
I bought the Vector adjustable voltage ciggy plug 6+ years ago for my MP3 player, but it has been unused for a few years now. Here is a similar product as I cannot find the exact one online: http://www.pinecomputer.com/restcarvoco.html
There is a little keyway to adjust the voltage dial. I superglued in a piece of flat plastic so no tool is needed to adjust speed/ voltage. It is capable of outputting 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9 and 12 volts.
I was going to make a cold air tube for my alternator, and stick this fan inline to force feed it air, but decided that I did not have THAT much spare time for something that is not really needed.
When fed 12 volts, this 80mm fan is LOUD and pushes a dense, narrow column of air across the Van. It claims 84 CFM. Lots of these muffin fans push air out at much wider angles with hotspots of higher velocity. This fan is like a spotlight
The Adjustable voltage ciggy plug works as a speed control. Note it will not start the fan spinning on the 1.5v, 3v, or 4.5v settings. It will run nearly silently on 3 volts but after starting the spinning by a higher voltage, or by blowing on the back of the fan.
Right now it is on 3 volts, aimed at my chest from 4 feet away, and I feel a light breeze, only on my chest. Cannot even hear it.
At 3 volts, it draws less than 0.1 amps. At 12 volts, 0.9 amps, and the draw is not linear.
The adjustable arm is from a 120 volt incandescent spotlight I no longer needed hanging around in my storage unit. The width of the attachment points matched perfectly to the width of the fan. I pre drilled some small holes, and took some tiny machine screws that I salvaged from my former Sony stereo to hold the adjustable arm to the fan.
The 2 inch spring clamp cost 1$ at home depot
A couple of crimp on connectors and some heat shrink, and I've got a powerful, tiny fan I can clamp anywhere in my Van, plug into any of my several ciggy plug receptacles, and adjust the aim, the speed, and noise to an acceptable level.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 15th 2012 1:27 pm
Originally Posted by Uncle_Leon
I FINALLY got around to replacing my broken grille. If you can ignore the busted fiberglass on the hood (another project for another day), it looks pretty sweet.
Before:
After:
I also did my yearly rust-check on the body: I found all the tiny spots--mostly in the door frames--that were starting to get rusty, and attacked them with a wire brush and WD-40, cleaned them, then hit them with primer and spray paint. Luckily the stock Rust-Oleum white matches my van exactly. Not the most glamorous fix-up, but it has to be done. The chassis may be a lost cause, but I'm not letting the body go without a fight.
Once a year, usually in the spring, I do the same thing. I know that the chassis may be a tougher nut to crack, it's tougher to get to, and you may need various wire brushes and types of paints (spray, brush ) to get at all the problem areas. But it's sort of necessary. That's the foundation of your van, just like a house. You can have a great house, but if the foundation is bad the house collapses. Take your time, when you have it. It can be tedious, and never ending, but after your done you'll be glad you did. It will look better and you'll have a more solid and stable frame.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 15th 2012 4:11 pm
Originally Posted by Sweet_Spot
Once a year, usually in the spring, I do the same thing. I know that the chassis may be a tougher nut to crack, it's tougher to get to, and you may need various wire brushes and types of paints (spray, brush ) to get at all the problem areas. But it's sort of necessary. That's the foundation of your van, just like a house. You can have a great house, but if the foundation is bad the house collapses. Take your time, when you have it. It can be tedious, and never ending, but after your done you'll be glad you did. It will look better and you'll have a more solid and stable frame.
Sweet Spot, I would love to take on a project like that. But how do you get underneath your van? Do you use drive-up ramps? Given that I can only work in the street, and have running boards, I'm a little limited.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 15th 2012 5:57 pm
I know working on the street can be a pain in the butt, and many times unsafe. Maybe if you can find a quieter street (a dead end), or an open area (a lot ) that's not being used. As for me, I really have no room in my garage, either side to side or height wise to work indoors. I use ramps but the problem is with having running boards. I have to jack up each side with my hydraulic jack and slip them under the wheel. Usually I just jack up one end at the time and crawl underneath and clean and paint. That was easier when I was 25lbs or so lighter! I wish I knew someone with a lift that they weren't using on a weekend. Standing up would be easier on my back.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 16th 2012 4:53 pm
I unloaded all the crap from the Nat's trip. Way to tired last night after 13 hour drive home. Maybe I will actually clean it after I return from the next 2 week holiday at our cottage.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 17th 2012 1:19 am
I went to wash it, and was a little too eager to close the slider conversion Van window.
It shattered. And I did not notice until I went to re open it.
Balls.
The only saving grace was that years ago, for heat blockage, I taped the interior of the window with FlexFix aluminum tape so while completely shattered, it is still mostly together.
With a little help of a Shopvac to get some shards by the edges, and more flexfix on the exterior glass, I still have a sliding window, just no lock, and not really wind or watertight, as if it ever was. I'm probably gonna just gonna paint the tape black while I think up a tolerable solution. I'd rather not replace the whole window. I'm thinking of getting some smoked plexiglass and perhaps cutting out a portion of track to be able to insert it.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 17th 2012 4:51 pm
Just enjoyed it .
Sitting in the park enjoying the Van and handing out promo cards to all vans that comes thru....Looking for more vanners to start Sunshine Super Vans of San Diego....Want to move here to join ?
Ah come on....sun, surf, 75 deg, cool ocean breeze, bikini's whats not to like surf, mts, desert all in a 35 min drive....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 17th 2012 4:58 pm
If it is just the small sliding glass portion you can replace it, if you have a photo and some dimensions of the window and or a similar window I may have an extra or two extra slides. I replaced an entire window (hard to find since company got bought), but I have a sliding glass piece from another window and can always get glass pieces for really cheap. Just letting you know incase, I too get a little too quick of the draw with closing them windows, I never broke a window that way. Only two windows and two ways, one is playing golf and the other I slammed the passenger door to hard and the glass just shattered.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 17th 2012 5:05 pm
Not a damn thing, drove to the library to finish do some work and had to lend my mother my van which every time she brings it back there is something new a scratch or something, nothing I can do about it because I don't want to kill the bitch in a fight. But anyway, for now I'm just counting down the days until I go back to Florida. I have a bus load of work to do. Replace Filler Tube Replace Torque Converter Replace Door Lock Mech Re-glue rear view mirror Replace rear suspension (leaf springs, bushings, bolt, plates, etc...)
Rebuild Entire A/C system, involves flushing and replacing of expansion valves, filter drier, o-rings, seals, fasteners, rebuilding of compressor, salvaging of piping (all rusted so I have to remove rust in and out and paint after clean), so on so forth)
I also have to take the seats out and clean all the dog hair and throw up spot or spots up off the carpet, clean everything. Clean and wax outside of van.
I may be purchasing a weight distribution, I am pissed because I wanted to buy a new tool but I don't want to wear my suspension premature with towing that heavy trailer I talk about. Always something and never enough time or money... Life...
All this the above is just for my van...
Then I have another vehicle, my mothers car I have to fix. Needs new wheel studs and wheel nuts Hyundai Elantra so pain with the hubs. Needs who knows what else.
Then a customers dodge van. Needs transmission overhaul so I'm going to be busy with that.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 23rd 2012 11:25 pm
Just got in from replacing the front brakes on the van. Getting ready for a trip west next month and I thought brakes would be handy going through the Rockies.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 25th 2012 5:09 pm
Getting her ready for 4 days of camping out of the van next week; one night with some musician friends, so lots of guitar playing, and 3 with some motorcycle friends.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 25th 2012 5:13 pm
Originally Posted by Hayduke
Getting her ready for 4 days of camping out of the van next week; one night with some musician friends, so lots of guitar playing, and 3 with some motorcycle friends.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 28th 2012 7:48 am
I got inspected!! My neighbor who, I grew up with, And is by the way probably one of the best mechanics in the state if not country, Inspected Jack at his garage. I know what you are thinking.."That was an easy pass! (Jack is the name my grand son chose, so its Jack) WRONG! Rick cares about his friends and neighbors, So he is even more intense of an inspector. He was very impressed with the van over all and said it was one of the cleanest vans he has seen. It was a fleet van and has 143.000 on it. It has a clean bill of health and he gave me a "heads up" on things that might not pass next year. So I'm happy and relieved Pup. After all, I drive my grand kids in this van, so a tough inpection is good.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 28th 2012 1:11 pm
Originally Posted by Pup E. Trucker
I got inspected!! My neighbor who, I grew up with, And is by the way probably one of the best mechanics in the state if not country, Inspected Jack at his garage. I know what you are thinking.."That was an easy pass! (Jack is the name my grand son chose, so its Jack) WRONG! Rick cares about his friends and neighbors, So he is even more intense of an inspector. He was very impressed with the van over all and said it was one of the cleanest vans he has seen. It was a fleet van and has 143.000 on it. It has a clean bill of health and he gave me a "heads up" on things that might not pass next year. So I'm happy and relieved Pup. After all, I drive my grand kids in this van, so a tough inpection is good.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 29th 2012 7:42 pm
Yes Jack is rough but spotless!! He is a fantastic driver and I feel like a true vanner again. There are many plans in the works and when money is better, change will be made. For now we are keeping him healthy. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/pupetrucker/OurNewVan.jpg This is a pic at the home of the couple we bought him off from.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - July 29th 2012 8:35 pm
Rock on Pup! sometimes i wish we had safety inspections here. easy way to find out problems before they become serious. not to mention some of the pos vehicles on the road here make me nervous.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 02nd 2012 9:58 pm
They didnt want to talk when I had the '92 there but when I took the '93 I must have had a dozen people around my van wanting to see the inside....Van washes are a good place to get them out of there car and into van....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 03rd 2012 8:40 pm
Was it the stainless shroud we have to move around to get to the bolts ? In the bone yard I scratched a van taking them off & knew I would scratch mine putting them on soooooo...
I learned to put tape & paper on the side of the van...
Good reason to get out in the junk yards and practice on there junkers....
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 03rd 2012 10:02 pm
Working on fixing a stumble/miss the astro has developed in the last few days. Found a bad plug wire, three bad vacume lines ( so far ) and a bad / burned cap & rotor. Replaced all that, stumble much less, but still there. Once it drops below 90 tonight, will work on it more.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 06th 2012 4:04 pm
Was at the Pocono 400 yesterday and was saddened to hear that a fan died. I was safe and sound in the infield...fun race. First NASCAR event I've ever been to and just happened to drive by and see that it was on....this not working thing is great for those types of chance encounters.
Today though my alternator sounded just awful and right when i pulled up to the National auto parts store...it seized. So thankfully they had one in stock, spent the 30min swapping it and was on my way.
Exhaust tip broke off awhile back (like in charleston). when I was runing through Shenandoah my monoxide meter beeped off at 490ppm...it was time it was time to fix it. On saturday I had a great guy from trophy tire in strousburg put on a new exhaust from the y pipe back. I went with the biggest dang magnaflow muffler they had in stock...it's huge!! and ran 2.5" pipe off the 2 1/4 stock. I wanted 3" but a. they didn't have stock and b. the price really turned me off. Getting out of there for 242$ was good enough for me.
Oh yeah and my fuel pump decided to leak on saturday but some great guys at Jimmy's auto in Blakeslee popped one on in 10 minutes. I wish I had of been in a position to do it myself to save the money as they appear to be pretty simple.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 08th 2012 11:53 pm
Brand new 3 inch exhaust from the manifolds back. 87= No Cat. High flow muffler with and a big ass stainless tip. Dumps out the back behind the passenger tire. Sounds MEAN! What do y'all think?!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 09th 2012 12:56 am
replaced trans lines after one broke this past weekend while finishing oil pan gasket which i broke (it was a one piece fell-pro)while changing my cam, it was a long week i think i can make it to C.I.T.A. now, fingers crossed
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 09th 2012 1:23 am
Finished rebuilding the A/C system in my van today. Also put new insulation in to keep it cool. Front vent temperature is 52 F, and rear vents are 60 F.
Replaced, Front and Rear Expansion Valve, Filter Drier, O-Rings, Seals, flushed system, New Oil and 60 oz R134a. All is well.
I selected a front superheat of 3.5F and rear of 4F. The inside ambient temperature is about 64F, and the insulation is all R13.
Last week I replaced the rear suspension as I was talking about it about a month ago on here. New suspension cured so many things, the understeer, the vibration due to improper driveshaft angle. It's a whole new van now!
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 10th 2012 7:21 am
For a few months now I suspected my wheel bearings were not very happy.
Today I had a look see.
Then I cursed once, twice, thrice and once more for good measure.
These Timkins have about 10 k miles on them. I put them inside New duralast rotors that had new races already installed. Head smack, shoot foot, oh well, live and learn. Dooooooh!
It looks like the tapered timkin bearings did not match the taper of the Duralast races. Driver's side outer race was spinning around in the rotor too.
Ok you picture addicts, how bout some close ups?
Look at the shiny spot round the perimeter of the race from where it was spinning in the bore. Slightly obscured the country of origin.
BTW, before I really cleaned the bearings and took large photos and looked closely, I thought I was going to get away with a re packing. The brake cleaner removed a lot of the grease's EP( extreme pressure) additives like moly and ZDDP which obscured the damage.
I got some High Moly high ZDDP synthetic grease going in on the new bearings and races.
Valvoline Synpower VV986.
I also Lubed all my grease fittings with a new tube of Redline CV-2, and wiped down all those front suspension parts I replaced or painted 2 summers ago. Was finally able to get The XRF lower ball joints to accept some grease
Wish I had Ram4ever's home made power coating set up when I repainted the control arms. My rattle can paint is showing signs of ablation.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 10th 2012 12:25 pm
Doesn't look good, had something similar happen to me too! Bent cage and that was causing wheel lockups and then of course ABS brakes wanted to cut in. I already had to replace a Timken bearing, it was stuck on the spindle. Used a chisel to smack it out, then cleaned the spindle with emery and put a new National Brand bearing on. Good as new.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 13th 2012 2:32 am
tested a RockFord Fosgate 500 watt 2 channel amp, with two RockFord Fosgate 12in punch subwoofers , i scored from a guy at work for $200, holy crapppppp this thing hit hard, to hard for me , so i tested my Sony Xplode 600 watt 4 channel amp , that I thought i fried one channel on, but it mysteriously started working again. so I got tunes in my van again the Sony doesnt "hit" near as hard as the RockFord Fosgate does.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 13th 2012 5:43 am
Well I sectioned 3" per side 6 inches total out of my rear bumper. Chip Foose overhauling Van did this. So today I finished mocking up & repositioning out side brackets . Will weld the brackets on permanently .....remove carrage bolts & weld up the holes. The front is next ..then off to the plating shop. Took longer than I though.
Re: What Did You do To your Van Today? - August 16th 2012 9:14 pm
Took her on a trip to J/Y got some stuff from a 81' seat belts,wiper arms,ash tray & lighter that never seen use! ash tray was still shinny inside! going back for more! he told me dont worry that van has your name on it!!! lotsa stuff but TMW van ! lol
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and key!!
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sent
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Very compelling stuff here, hell throughout the entire website really. I love the work people are doing the uniqueness of each being tailored to their very imaginations as far as they can go with all the custom work. one of these days though. I asked my sister if she'd like to get involved in interior so I've already got colors picked out for interior and exterior, seat designs and since I have a child I'll have to upgrade the second row captains chair with a shoulder belt, thinking doing leather for the captains and keep the cloth for the bench but same colors. not sure yet.![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Tattooingsc/junk/SDC10069.jpg)
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..I'd like to see that. I've wanted running boards but not stock. Be interested in something a little beefier. ![[Linked Image]](https://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa335/frscke1/vannin.jpg)
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rear sway bar bushings on Freedom.Getting ready for C of C ![[Linked Image]](https://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm140/lukester_vanner/Swaybarbushings3.jpg)
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Put on my sparkplug wire separators!! Thanks to Ryan at ![[Linked Image]](https://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e88/nbreece/120302_0002.jpg)
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even if it is still winter up there lol
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I turned the motor off before all the oil leaked out and any damage was done,but damn talk about feeling like a dumba$$ ![[Linked Image]](http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor2/img/box_example.jpg)
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