Chevy & GMC Vans

I'm new to the site, and bought an AWD Astro Ext conversion van about a year and a half ago. I've had it stored at a friend house until I had a chance to make room for it in my driveway (not a simple feat b anymeans.....)

Between work and other projects, I've had little time to do anything with it, Recently had it brought to my house so I can get started with it... Planing on turning it into a mini RV. wondering if anyone else planned on, still working on one or finished one.

would like to see how theirs is doing...... ideas I might not have thought of and so on

if this works..... I found a picture of one that is nearly the same as the one I have. Mine doesn't have the awning yet (have one for it but not installed yet) or the luggage latter and spare tire holder...

Moreforles wrote:I'm new to the site, and bought an AWD Astro Ext conversion van about a year and a half ago. I've had it stored at a friend house until I had a chance to make room for it in my driveway (not a simple feat b anymeans.....)

Between work and other projects, I've had little time to do anything with it, Recently had it brought to my house so I can get started with it... Planing on turning it into a mini RV. wondering if anyone else planned on, still working on one or finished one.

would like to see how theirs is doing...... ideas I might not have thought of and so on

if this works..... I found a picture of one that is nearly the same as the one I have. Mine doesn't have the awning yet (have one for it but not installed yet) or the luggage latter and spare tire holder...

Welcome aboard the site. These have been the greatest people. They have a ton of knowledge and expertise and are very gracious in sharing it.

What plans do you have at this point?

Welcome to the site!
Oh no, I just saw you're from Cleveland, sorry about your luck.
I can make fun cause Cinci is just as bad or worse, well, worse when it comes to sports #-o
There was some talk a while back about astro RV's, not in the camping section though, maybe under general topics, don't remember.

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

You need but to ask, Oh Great Pumpkin!

There is a group on msn.It is Tiger motor home owners.Tiger motor homes did build RV motor homes using Astro's as a platform.The one I want is a Tiger Gt which is a Astro front with a motor home rear.They where 16'ers.They are somewhat rare now and cost lots.Their was a version they built which was a pop-up style.I think it was a gx.Tiger doesn't have the molds for them anymore,so you have to buy used.You might be able to find used parts on the MSN group to pc one together.I did hear of a company in Canada that built them as well,but I don't remember their name.A 4.3 in one of the GT's still got 16mpg and had a towing of 5,000 lbs they claimed.All fiberglass motor home body worked out to be about 5,500 lbs.If I ever find one for a decent price,I am going to jump on it even if it needs a fair amount of remodeling.

My favorite is the Safari Condo, as posted above. I almost bought one from the sales rep at GTRV last year but it was $36,000 for an '05 with 35k miles on it and frankly I didn't like the cabinets, (or the price!). By the time I got done with it I'd have about $40 plus into it. I think I can buy and custom build exactly what I want for more like $20k.

However, I do love the idea of the Safari Condo. This is my fav. Skroll down and look at the interior. Oh my. Imagie it lifted and you have exactly what I'm after: a mini sportsmobile.

http://www.parnado.com/serie_s/sx/indexeng.html

http://www.sportsmobile.com/

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.

I'm working on turning my '89 cargo into a camper van. It's not going to have a shower or a toilet or anything like that thou...just basically a bed, some storage and entertainment.

I'm in the process of doing the custom upholstery now, however the weather is making progress slow. I plan to have some pics up when it gets a bit warmer.

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.

dunedog wrote:

I'm thinking on using this in that the pop top condo's are probably too expensive,and their tops aren't available now.

That's the top I have on mine and it does offer quite a bit of room on the inside. My wife (5' 4'') can almost stand up inside.

Matt are you going to strip the running boards?

I did several years back. (Actually, when I moved, and it was the only way the van was going to fit on the Ryder trailer I had rented.) But a couple of years before I removed them, I had cracked a section right behind the front wheel when I caught it on a big chunk of ice while driving out from our cabin, so I knew then they would be coming off!

While there are a few holes where I removed them, they are all out of view inside the fender lips or at the very bottom of the rocker. A few scuff marks are visible where the pieces rubbed for the four years I had them on.

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.

I wonder how hard it would be to convert a raised roof into a pop-up.

I wonder how hard it would be to convert a raised roof into a pop-up.[/quote]

Hmmm....... :-k