Is it just me, or is this happening to a lot of vans lately?

[MountainManJoe]

Wow I didn't know you could open it like that. These guys are going balls out with your van!

[6spd_monte]

I didn't know either. I have a feeling I'm going to learn quite a bit about body work through this process. I had briefly entertained the idea of trying to take on this repair myself. I'm glad I came to my senses. This is a skill that I don't have just yet and I'd feel awful if I screwed it up.

[icebrrg3rd]

Since you got that side opened up, why not slap a slider in there!

Sure looks weird sitting there in her naked frame. The donor Astro probably looks funny too with a big bite chomped out of her side. Glad you're getting her fixed up and back on the road.

-Andrew

[astroturf]

Who needs an X-Ray Machine?

Great Update.

Thanks, Jim

[6spd_monte]

Since you got that side opened up, why not slap a slider in there!
-Andrew

That's a neat idea..... for someone else to try. This is already costing enough!

Here's the latest update: I stopped by the shop today and the van is on the frame bench. They're planning to pull the floor and inner structure back out tomorrow. They explained how it works, I've never seen anything like this before. They will anchor the van to the bench and then pull the damaged areas back to normal. They will clamp to the edge of the floor in several spots and pull there, and they will weld one or more tabs to the wrinkled section below the filler neck and pull there too.

Pictures!

[astroturf]

Great Pix James

Thanks, Jim

[6spd_monte]

More News! They were able to straighten the inner structure and the floor with the frame puller, so it was only necessary to replace the outer skin. When I checked in today the donor panel was already welded in and Gilbert (the technician working on the project) was in the midst of smoothing out the details. I chatted with him for a couple of minutes and it's obvious to me that he really takes pride in his work. I'm beginning to get excited!
Here's today's pictures:

[astroturf]

This is happening very quickly and very very nicely.

Thanks again, Jim

[6spd_monte]

More progress means more pictures!

[Smiliesafari]

It's good to see this van being put back together.

[tbhager94]

looks good, so you decided to get a full paint job.

[6spd_monte]

Yeppers. Full paint job and a color change!
Here's some pictures from today, including one of the test panel for the color we picked. They tell me that by tomorrow afternoon they might have the door jambs painted. It that turns out to be true then I'll have more pictures for you.

[astroturf]

James,

That color is gonna be S W E E T...

Jim

[Smiliesafari]

Oh ya...........that looks like "Give me a ticket" red.

[snapple]

Great progress James! Thanks for the great pics and updates!