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.
Left Dutch Door Gutted
Left Dutch Door Gutted
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
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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- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 431
- Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:50 pm
- Location: Orange County, CA
Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted
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?
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
1987 LT
249,000 miles
Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted
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!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?
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
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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- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted
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
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
Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted
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...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.
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
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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- I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:53 pm
- Location: Eagle Michigan
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- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1230
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 4:50 am
- Location: Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted
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!!!
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!!!
Re: Left Dutch Door Gutted
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.CaptSquid wrote:Go to Radio Shack. They have EXTREMELY HEAVY DUTY Velcro available.
~Scott & Heather
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281
2001 Astro AWD LT
All about me, my girl, & our van with loads of pics:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5281