My kids have all loved "Thomas the tank engine", and I have watched more then I should. Gordon is the biggest, fastest, and strongest engine on Sodor Island. He is blue and pulls The Express. Every time I put my foot down I swear I hear, "Express, coming through!"
https://youtu.be/fVqmS-46SlcGordon will be replacing Vanessa(my 2005 GMC Safari). I want to do some traveling. I have 5 kids and plan on pulling a camper trailer. Vanessa needed some upgrades. That is where Gordon comes in, L31, 4L80E, 3/4 ton, and 3.73 rear gear.
That takes care of hauling what I need.
I looked up the RPO codes and Gordon was a special order. Fully loaded, 8 passenger, keyless entry, power windows, locks, and both front buckets are power, heated power mirrors, front and rear air/heat, full interior, carpet, Dude just checked every box on the order form, factory and dealer installed options. He kept full maintenance records, I am the 2nd owner. It's been about 5 miles from the dealership it was delivered to new. The motor was replaced at 100,000 miles, it has 165,000 on it now. Very happy with this van. It gets better mileage then the Safari.
Picked up these wheels last weekend. I'm going to polish them and get new center caps. The tires on the van are 90% so I will just switch them. Going to the "you pull it" next week, looking for some conversion van parts. I'd like some ground effects, overhead console, GMC grill, and some interior parts. I'm also very curious about the differences between the Express composite headlight and the 1998 GM truck headlight. More pictures and parts coming.
That's a good looking van. Can't wait to see those wheels on it.
Slick ride man, can't wait to see it progress.
I never liked Gordon on the show.
He's too uppity and snooty.
So I won't be following this thread.
I'm just kidding.
(I still don't like Gordon, but I'll follow the thread.)
Cool van.
I like that color.
I went to the you pull it yesterday. Didnt find anything I could use. On the way out I got a flat tire. Then in hours of traffic Gordon started having issues. Running a little warmer then what it normally runs at. Even ran ruff a little. Made it home ok, but what a day. Never missed a lick since.?
See?
I told you he was uppity.
I wonder what that was about...
I hope it was just a traffic/extended idle sort of issue.
We hauled Vanessa off the other day. Gordon did great. Been driving the van for a while. I was wrong about getting better mileage, mileage kind of sucks. Gordon has been awesome but there are some weak points that I need to address. The cooling system could use an upgrade. Bigger radiator, electric fans, Gordon can be alittle uppity at red lights and traffic jams. But so far we are getting along. In the process of starting my own business. So, Everything has been going to into that. I have got some work done on the wheels.
A before, during, and after. They were in ruff shape. The after isn't final, they still need a cleaning and hand polish. Cant
wait to see them rolling in the Florida sun. More to come, I miss my vans!
Looks like those wheels are cleaning up nicely.
This van is huge! What a canvas! Still trying to find where to start. Been kicking around ideas but nothing has stuck yet. I detail alot of RVs at work. I always like to see the headlights. The Motorhome buliders seem to use every make and model. Today I worked this one.
Dodge Challenger I believe. Got me thinking. I need to get a GMC grill, I just like the big open grill better. Then modify it to fit the Challenger lights, some nice LED lights as running lights. This is a very ruff drawing. Just to get a visual.
I think it's very doable. Basically flat, and I can modify the grill on my work bench. The van is my daily. Buliding the van in my head before I start anything. I'm not sure how I feel about it so far. What you guys think
Nice acquisition Tim. I like the GMT Van. Score!
Dyno Dave's GMT thread will provide some insight and inspiration for sure. I had a 97 GMC 1500 with the 350. FI never failed, but a fuel pump did. Fairly close to home, but still, FYI. Also had a worn cap and rotor fail. sidelining the truck. Don't want any of that happening on a trip, dig into those service records! Nice. Good Wrenching!
Iron Chevy Small blocks, and the 4.3 will take a lot of heat, but I'd remedy that cooling issue first. The 3/4 ton GMT should be ideal for your needs. I loved my last GM 350. Don't let that one get hot. My 5.9 has new heads, but the shop obviously didn't do the WP. Had I known, I would've replaced it along with the leaky radiator, back when I was younger in 2014. Did all that in the snow. It's snowing now, and just ain't no way Bro!
I have new radiators in both of the Dodge smallblocks, but they really don't have enough radiator, IMO. I run coolers and fans on the 5.9 B350 Xplorer MH, but it is a Hot Pig with the boat in tow on any kind of grade. I have found custom aluminum radiators for the Dodges, maybe you could for the 350, as well. They are 3 row, increased coolant capacity but are not crossflow. frscke1 has custom aluminum ones in both his BBC G30s.
Here. The 454 Church Van G30 with the BBC cools fine, but has the AC fan modified to run upon start. Factory coolers with the original radiator is all good so far.
Just some Internal combustion observations. Again Super nice Van and Good Wrenching!
Check this out! If I'm ever low on water, the door is holding tank!
Express hack! Simply pull back the seal and it opens the tank!
Got to clean out the drains!
Most likely a factory option
First van here with a pond!
Had a few of those
The cooling, intake, and exhaust systems are the first things on my mind as far as mechanical.
Looking into 3 row radiators. I have everything needed to do a electric fan conversion. I'm dieing to clear up so space under the hood.
That engine cover of a catch can has to go! (Wish I could run it to the tank in the door!) I also have aluminum intake tubes from the Disastro. Id love to get the mileage up. Plugs, wires, and just started doing research for on throttle body spacers. Dual exhaust is a must. I'm not really into horsepower, but definitely into reliability and durability.
Ol' Gordon was a very useful engine today! Our work truck was down this morning. So, I hooked up Ol' Gordon. And he did awesome. Full trailer with all detailing equipment and 275 gallons of water. Just as smooth as could be. Rode like a Cadillac and looked just as good.
I have also tinted the front windows to match the rear factory tint. Small steps, but they are steps. 11 inch touchscreen and new doghouse coming very soon.
I'd never convert to electric fan again, the mountain here is hard on a vehicle, burned up my electric fan, they aren't designed to run constant to it pretty much melted inside, seized up, keep the engine driven fan the designers put on it.
Plans on building Gordon have changed. He will be used for work only. Staying basically stock. Clifford aka The Disastro (my 1998 Astro AWD) will be my personal van. Until I find the right G van.
Get a magnetic sign to put on the side so the people passing by know who's doin the excellent work ...
even a Large art easel to set beside you working with your phone number in BIG RED numbers !
Should have known you would say big and red!
Good looking van Tim, how do you like working out of a full size in comparison to the astros?
I switched to a safari back in 2000 and never looked back. I imagine the big van is more comfy hauling a big family.
I have been switching around from van to van lately. 2007 and 2014 Town and Country, 2005 safari, lifted 1998 astro, and 1998 express. The safari was awesome, but had its limits. Power, towing, and space. The Express has no limits. Seats 8 and fits 6 bikes. Towed the Safari like it wasn't there. The Town and Country is tight, with 5 kids ages 3-12. Took it to the beach, the sto-and-go option is nice. We even had 2 coolers on the rack in the hitch. She was feeling the weight. Drove it to the store today felt like a civic. I can reach the passenger door from the driver seat. They all do thier jobs well. The wife loves her van. Easy to get in and out. Damn near every door opens at the touch of a button. 4 windows that roll down.
But for me, it's the express hands down! Ford's shifter that folds flat has nothing on the Express and its ability to comfortably fit a woman kneeling between the front seats and it's high enough most people cant see the ponytail.
I to add fuel mileage, forget that! It's all about the smiles per gallon!
Good find Tim!
Everybody here pulls a trailer. In SoCal, not so much, to the jobsite, as per parking, tight maneuvering. Nice unit.
Nice find. It's good to hear your business is rock n' !
Ordered and waiting on center caps to come in. I ordered shorter caps the original caps are 5.5 inches and I ordered the shortest I could find at 3.5 inches.
But the real reason for this post is to brag. Today I pulled to a stop, looking at the Astro van sitting at the light. Maybe a 2000 RWD, had some rims like my old Safari and those huge tow mirrors from a newer diesel truck. The light turned green, he took off pretty quick. So, I pushed Gordon to 3/4 power. And pulled passed him. I laughed as I got a full length ahead. I looked back at them and noticed he was still pushing the astro. I already lifted, but couldn't help myself. I pushed Gordon up to full power. The 4L80 dropped down a gear and Gordon stood up! I was about 15 lengths ahead when I lifted this time. I love this van!
Good deal & nice job. Big difference
Nice work. Looks like a new trailer.
Thanks guys! Ordered some stickers for the trailer with my company name. Should be ready monday. I also replaced all the lights with LEDs. Center caps should come in monday. Cant wait!
Still waiting on the caps. Last seen 6 hours away. But the lettering did come in. Put it on this afternoon. Business is still growing and planning to add more services as I buy the equipment. The back door is also lettered the same.
My name is Litteral, as am I. I have heard every joke, literally.
My buddies will ask if I'm telling the truth. And I answer, I am the truth.
Thanks for the incentive to keep working, posting and sharing my story with you guys! Awesome site! So many sites or its members are not as helpful and welcoming as this. No matter the van or the owner, everyone seems to be treated equally. I would like to thank this site's creators, moderators, and its members. Very positive, thoughtful, helpful, and friendly! Best automotive forum, literally!
I made to the you pull it yesterday. Didnt get everything I wanted but I got what I needed. A new window for the red van and a wiper cowl cover.
Had to pull the wipers so I gave them a shot of black paint while I had them off. I also got some dome lights from a G20 conversation van.
Safari Tim. Nice set up and you have skills brother !
I'm the senior member of the California Caveman Club! ( I still haven't figured out how to post pics )
When I bought my 1974 G10 Shorty back in October 2020 ; Charlie was kind enough to post my pics and story. Good man with good skills.
I spend hours looking at custom vans online. Yesterday I came across this 1st Gen Express, and fell in love. I love the old school vans, but they are expensive or need a lot of work. This van has the old school feel, but a somewhat modern van. My van is too new, to be cool and too old to be new.
This is the only picture I have been able to find. It's from Japan. I know it's just a lowered conversation van, stock everything and some paint. But for me the sealed beams and painted grill put it over the top. Its got me thinking about if it had the quad headlight set up, smooth the bumper and flares and add some flaring to the chin spoiler.
I'm on the fence about the running boards. Think I like just the flares better with a electric fold out step. The big open GMC grill is more my style also. Didnt make it to the junk yard this weekend and picked up some extra work today. So, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday I can slip away.
LET THE GOOD TIMES BEGIN! I made it to the you pull it this morning.
I got the dash cover and all the little covers, (about 7 parts to the dash).
This part sucks! Need to change anything on a Chevy dash and this whole thing has to come off and around everything. I'm going to simplify that with the new dash. The dash came out pretty simple. Mostly clips, but some screws. I have pictures of the van after I removed the dash, as reference for later. I couldn't find any pictures online of whats under the cover, let me know if anyone needs them.
This is where I had to stop on the center compartment. Now that I have any extra dash I can pick back up. Got to build a stand to hold the dash so I can start reshaping it.
I also got the GMC grill with sealed beams,(the GMC badge will not be staying). Did not get the buckets. Still have not settled on the headlights yet. I'm starting with the sealed beam grill, because it is basically flat around the headlights. My options so far.
1.Stock composite
2.Stock sealed beam, with aftermarket LEDs
3.Aftermarket 1997 Chevy 1500
4.2015 or newer Challenger
5.1976 Monte Carlo (stacked dual square sealed beams), with aftermarket LEDs
6.Round sealed beams, with aftermarket LEDs
1-6 Whats your choice! I can't pick.
The taillights were an easy choice, picked up a set of Cadillac taillights while i as at the yard. These will be going in the stock location, but I will be updating them with custom programmable LED. I also got the lower valence for the front bumper.
I have a problem sitting still. If my hands stop moving I fall asleep. Anytime. Anywhere. I like to stay busy. These projects will fill in during rainy days or when its too dark to be outside. I will post pictures of the progress.
Nice finds at the pull it yard. Keep us posted with pictures about the progress. Looking good
Front signal lights look pretty cool
This morning I was walking back to the van. The color is so weird. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I dont. I haven't seen it much on other vehicles.
Parked in the shade nice sunny day.
It was about 4 am, so just the lights in the parking lot. What you guys think.
The paint on my wife's car also changes color based on the lighting. However, it's not as dramatic as your van. Your van looks great in either color!
Nice in any light
I agree it looks much better
Yes sir, much better. I'm enjoying watching this one progress.
The big boy needed a bath. The valance was straight out the junkyard. Loving the new look. Wanted to share a better picture.
Just look at that shine. Sad with the issues in the paint, and scared to see what it could cost to try to blend. My brother was a painter and he says it be tuff to blend with the way it changes.
Thanks again guys! The dash has been a slow process but still working on it.
Wow = nice score out of the junkyard !
Love the valance, my 97 has the same one. However you are missing the valance extension. My 97 has a 2" wide strip below that valance.
Don't count me out guys. I wasn't happy with the dash. I started over. This time i stripped the dash, vinyl, foam, down to plastic. I need to build a stand to hold the dash and console as if it were in the van. Working 14 hours, 6 days. So, I'm in the planning phase. The paint is bugging me. The is going hood and roof is dead! The paint is also flaking off. Playing with a photo editing, I came up with what a think will be the cheapest fix.
This covers the bad spots and looks good. Helps hide all this glass. My brother and I painted my trailer, so we will do this also. Wet sand and buff it will look good. The grill will be black also, once it gets done/started. But full tune up is first!
I think it would look good painted like that.
I definitely dig that, looks sharp.
Gordon limped home today. He is missing pretty bad. I just looked at the records the original owner kept and I don't see a tune up listed. He is setting 174,000 miles now and records show that the motor was installed at 108,000. So hopefully a fresh tune-up should fix him right up. But I'm also worried it might be more. When I got home popped the hood and it smoothed out, but then started again. Poor guy. Any tips?
Computer is getting the wrong info and telling the motor to run that way.
Id check sensors O2 CTS ... gas delivery N vacuum
Could be a bad plug wire
Took forever, but Gordon was back at work Saturday night. That damn hurricane blew me into next week, so I been trying to make up the time. I been stuck driving the soul-less Town and Country. She is great for what she does, but not getting any respect at the job site. First pothole repair done from a Town and Country.
Post diggers, shovel, rake, 2 bags of asphalt, a bag of concrete, and she was LOADED.
Look how clean that block is. I think the oil came from spillage, I need to check the tube. I was wanting to go to the pul it this weekend, but didn't make it. I need round a/c vents, thinking something like F250 Ford. Round and easy to clean.
I made a better frame to hold the dash and removed all padding. I covered the a/c vents and airbag with Pollywall. I need the trim for around the radio/gauges. I don't want to take Gordon apart until I have everything ready to go in.
The next time I hear someone talk about money problems, I'm going to offer to buy their time for the next 2 weeks. I make money all day! I have yet to find away to make time.
Slow day at work today. Thankfully Gordon was there to help pass the time. He got a fully exterior detail, with a heavy coat of banana wax. My new favorite picture of Gordon! The flake just loves this Florida sun. Really shows the color change.
Its hard to see in this picture but there are 3 dents down the passenger side. Looks like someone opened the rear door too far, and the front 2 doors on this side have dents. The paint is fine, looking for a paintless dent repair. But we have paint issues in other areas.
In his first life, he was a family trip van and spent most of his time backed into the carport. The hood and driver side getting the sun.I detail for a living and my van is a rolling billboard. So, I want it perfect. Down the road I will have to have him repainted, but til then.
The grill, bumpers, flares, and side skirts will all be done in black also. I want to keep the van looking good as
I build it. Everything will be built, painted, and installed, giving the van two-tone paint until complete. Still not set on the final color or style.
Thank you guys for feeding my obsession. Gordon getting ready for work!
Polyester resin will eat styrofoam. I'd do a test piece to make sure that would Not happen with what material you will be using. I found out the hard way. That is a LOT of work that would be a shame to loose. Good Fabbing! Impressive!
Very cool
Cant wait to see it done
Can't wait to see " the magic "
Hay SafariTim, love your work. I like what you are doing here, cant wait to see the finished product.
Don't know anything about fiberglass myself.
Gordon, very cool
That is a ton of work, can't wait to see finished product.
Cool, so can you upload an interactive picture of your van now?
It's pretty basic. A round room with an opening to drive a vehicle into. The walls are on a track and it spins around the vehicle. They use it at the dealership to take pictures of the vehicles to post them online. Walls and roof are white. I'm dieing to bring my projector up on slow days, lol.