Left Dutch Door Gutted

ANYTHING FROM BUFFING YOUR PAINT TO REPLACING A DASH PANEL
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Topic author
Mr Bean
I finally get the smurf thing
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Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:30 am

Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by Mr Bean »

I pulled the panel off the left dutch...and cut the metal cross-braces out...pulled the speaker out...and it now contains my tire chains, emergency tools/lights/flares, everything. Put the panel back on loosely...works like a charm! Just saved more space in the interior for camping. Once I get some more time, I'll grind down the sharp cut edges.

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~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
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6spd_monte
I sleep in my van
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Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:50 pm
Location: Orange County, CA

Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by 6spd_monte »

I think that's a cool storage idea!
Have you considered replacing the plastic panel clips with a quick release fastener? Maybe something like a Dzus fastener?
-James

1987 LT
249,000 miles

Topic author
Mr Bean
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:30 am

Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by Mr Bean »

6spd_monte wrote:I think that's a cool storage idea!
Have you considered replacing the plastic panel clips with a quick release fastener? Maybe something like a Dzus fastener?
I would like to replace them with some sort of quick release...or cut a door into the foam panel itself. The Dzus fastener might work really great too. When I set up what's best for us, I'll post it...the pic only shows the tire chains in the blue box...but after the pic, I stuffed TONS of stuff in thereand filled up the entire space tightly. Goves, flares, flashlights, air compressor and hose, poncho, emergency blanket, wrenches/tools, reflective triangles, and more stuff I can't think of at the moment. works for us. The emergency kit bag was a pain and always in our way...not so anymore!
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
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ihatemybike
I plan to be buried in my van
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Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by ihatemybike »

Wow, that's different. I would have gone into the side trim in the back. There is a lot of unused space behind the panels around the wheel wells. First area I'd use is on the drivers side between the little covered cubby and the third row's seat belt.
Aaron

2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86

Topic author
Mr Bean
I finally get the smurf thing
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Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:30 am

Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by Mr Bean »

ihatemybike wrote:Wow, that's different. I would have gone into the side trim in the back. There is a lot of unused space behind the panels around the wheel wells. First area I'd use is on the drivers side between the little covered cubby and the third row's seat belt.
True. Had the plastic off whilst cleaning and drying the carpet before i solved my dutch door leak issue...and noticed there was space behind there. already utilized some of it for jumper cables and nonsuch. just hard to get to it since i haven't cut into the plastic yet...nervous to do that...
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
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jeff hosford
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 39
Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:53 pm
Location: Eagle Michigan

Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by jeff hosford »

what about using velcro to hold the panel in place.
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CaptSquid
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Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by CaptSquid »

Go to Radio Shack. They have EXTREMELY HEAVY DUTY Velcro available.
Mike, Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4

Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!

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Topic author
Mr Bean
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 105
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:30 am

Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted

Post by Mr Bean »

CaptSquid wrote:Go to Radio Shack. They have EXTREMELY HEAVY DUTY Velcro available.
would work! Might just do that...once again, the top portion is held by the rubbery trim piece...but the lower half flops around a bit.
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
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