Chevy & GMC Vans

Went to see the Astro today. Nose gone, half of the engine gone. Quite an endeavor, but all for the greater good. The cylinder heads will be overhauled. Also saw the rusty, dented sill that will be replaced. Decided to reroute the exhaust pipe to the back (over the axle to the right end corner).

(check the New Members section for the introduction of my campervan)

michielw wrote: ↑Sat Jan 23, 2021 8:06 am Decided to reroute the exhaust pipe to the back (over the axle to the right end corner).

that's probably where it was originally


What are you going to do about the rusted body sections?


Thanks for the pics.

What sections do you mean?

Photo #4. Looks like a rocker panel. But I'm guessing there might be more.

That’s the right sill, it will be replaced. No other rusted parts found. All the bodywork is fine.

Wow. You can find body parts for these old vans in Europe?

There are some Astros around for parts but my garage ordered a new sill in the US. I found a small Astro/Safari community in The Netherlands, I don't know yet how (in)active they are. I'll find out once all the crucial mechanical/welding stuff is done and I can focus on rebuilding the interior.