Chevy & GMC Vans

i pondered the same question.

I figure if you brace the steel roof and weld in strong hood hinges...like from a 70's Caddy, and then support it with good gas struts it could be possible.

dunedog wrote:

I'm thinking on using this,seeing it's sitting in my driveway,and the pop top condo's are probably too expensive for me.Their tops aren't available now.

You holding out on us Jim?

dunedog wrote:

I'm thinking on using this,seeing it's sitting in my driveway,and the pop top condo's are probably too expensive for me.Their tops aren't available now.

Pop tops are still available in Vancouver. Not cheap, and apparently can't get the T-Top, only the V-top (angled). (Gee, how do I know this...hmm)

mines a 94, I picked it up for $500, it was running when I bought it but I think I let it sit too long, I had the fuel tank and pump replaced, now getting 60 psi but still wont start, getting spark so I've been told its most likely the spider intake/injector? so when the weather breaks, I'll get started on it (hopefuly)

plan on running a 4' wide (partially hinged) by almost 7' long bed on the drivers side form the front seat to the back doors, on the passenger side, low counter from sliding door to back door with sink and either 2 burner propane cooktop or use a folding camp stove. A tv either on the counter or mounted (not sure where yet) on a wall bracket. either small refrigerator or 12 volt cooler

Hitchhaul on back for water tanks (2 fifteen gal) and propane tank(s)

Yeppers-look in ebay for frig's where I have been shopping for a replacement frig for my RV.(got to look in the RV section)I think you are looking for a two way frig.Be aware they are not cheap.

Check with your local RV dealer for old campers that are getting parted out, the school bus conversion forums always mention this.

For your TV are you wanting big or would a ceiling mount LCD with swivel work?

as far as Cleveland goes.... been here all my life, been tired of it, at least half of that time. I have family in Va. and NC - good for visits and a couple that my wife and I went to high school with just bought a house in Texas and that will be another good place to visit. myself, I looking at Southern ohio

So far, other than using it like a storage shed, filling it with RV parts and such, I had to replace the sliding door window as some crackheads lived across the street from my friend and a rock magically ended up inside the van, shattering the window. That was the main reason I got it to my house to keep anything else from happening to it. as simple as it sounds, the previous owner, had bought it from salvage yard (yep, salvage title) the drivers side had been side swiped, from the drivers door to the back doors.... the guy ordered a new panel from the dealer and put it on, had it in primer but started playing with drugs and needed money (good thing I guess, otherwize I wouldn't have got it so cheap.... now it I can only make myself do what I can imagine........ (easier said than done....)

My hobby as a couple years ago, is gold prospecting, so far I've spent time and about $300 on equipment and gas and fees, to find about $100 worth, but pretty good with a gold pan now, just need to be in a place that has some to find....

Thats the main thing I have in mind for the astro camper van... easier on gas than the big RV, enough room for me and if I set up the front seat to swivel, someone else can use the bed and I'll recline and snooze in the seat.

As far as the prospecting goes the next peice of equipment will be a good metal detector, possibly one that's usable underwater as well, and then after that, new scuba tanks or a Hooka system..... (compressor and airlines)

ihatemybike wrote:Check with your local RV dealer for old campers that are getting parted out, the school bus conversion forums always mention this.

For your TV are you wanting big or would a ceiling mount LCD with swivel work?

Here's an excellent school bus conversion. May or may not be a few usable ideas for a smaller RV, but it sure is a fun read.

http://www.vonslatt.com/

Moreforles wrote:I looking at Southern ohio

Be careful what area
Seriously, if ya decide to come towards Cinci, let me know, I can help ya out a little.

The Tiger Gt's that are a full motor home range from $8,000 to $12,000 for a 1989.Yeah-like I said they are pricey.So if you find one at a good price and restore it ,it would be hard to lose your investment.

Love the way that first gen. motor home looks. Have only seen a couple around. Got any pics of that model Gary ?

dunedog wrote:

If I could get Matt or Peter to find me one of these up in Quebec,it would be my choice.
They don't produce the top for the Astro/Safari size van anymore

Jim, I went to visit their plant a looong time ago. Before I joined the site (the first one) and before I had this van.

Their owners cherish them... If you need help just PM.

TV doesn't have to be that big, in fact I've got a little tine color tv with i think a 4" screen somewhere in my house, havn't seen it for a while... but a small LCD model will probably work fine (use less power that conventional one too I think)

I'm looking for 5 to 10 acres in Southern/central Ohio, around Cambridge, where I 70 crosses 77. Close enough that I can comute for awhile to keep my current customers, until I get situated there, and build a clientel there big enough to support my life style or hopefully a better one than I have now..... All work and little play makes for a tired body.....

i browsed that bus rv site. neat stuff!

A good rv forum to visit is http://www.irv2.com

They cover pretty much all forms of rv's

Since I last posted to this thread I learned that the Tiger Provans GT's was a pop-up version and the XL's where the hard top version as I pictured below.






If you PM Vangeorge,he is closely connected to Provan and I am not sure if you can still get the pop-ups for Astros/Safaris from them.He did tell me that the molds for the XL's are long gone.