Astro Chinook camper (for sale-but that's not the point)

[T.Low]

http://www.wenatcheecar.com/vehicledeta ... =117996837

I can't post the pics right now (maybe somebody could or I'll try to do it later-thanks)

I thought about offering $2200, swapping the interior into my van, then putting my seats into it and selling it for $2000, $1500, or whatever.

But the main item I would want is the seat bed and it is too...well, it doesn't look like what I need. WHat's the deal with that thing? The back sits up in limbo all night while the base folds into the entire bed? So no stowage underneath (which is very much needed in an Astro.) It's just not the design that will fit our needs.

So if we don't like the bed, where is the $ value in that interior? The plumbing and wiring must be quite basic and I'd want to modify all that anyway. The cabinets are cool but totally dated. At a minimum reface the cabinets or possibly replace all together. The fridge is cool (no pun intended) but it's 25 yr old technology and I'd probably want a top loader Edgestar or something anyway.

Don't get me wrong, it's a kickass little van and i think it could be a great little Astro camper for somebody. A great candidate for a 4x4 conversion including straight axle swap, v8, and paint job.

Matty; it's Wenatchee Car dealer but says "Location: Yakima". May be a consignment(?) Chinook is an Eastern Washinton company, yes?

I'll try to post the pics later for research info for this camper section.(unless somebody else can get to it first).

[MountainManJoe]

[astrozam]

Interesting, never seen that style interior before.

[mdmead]

Chinooks were built here in Yakima. They went belly-up about three years ago and the factory is now a Coca Cola distribution warehouse. Chinooks, at least in recent years, were VERY pricey. Assuming they were when this was built, it has depreciated a lot.

I don't really see much appeal in this either. As stated, the bed is weird and a person could build the rest themselves. The biggest negative though is that as a 2wd, it would need an AWD or 4x4 conversion.

(But being an Astro/Safari van, it is still cool!)

[Herbie]

Tom, I agree with your assessment 100% - the bed is too "odd" to transplant and the cabinetry isn't worth the effort to transplant. If you really need cheap/easy cabinets, look into cutting down dome ikea stuff to fit - it'll probably be just as well made for your purposes - RV cabinets tend to be pretty weaksauce in my experience.

I really need to finish my writeup for my bed system - I think you'll find it simple enough to merit consideration.

[fishesfromtupperware]

I don't think that one's for me (the color is heinous), but the bed looks kinda interesting. I never thought of putting it on the floor. That would keep you from bumping your head while getting dressed on a platform, but eliminates floor space in sleeping configuration,,,,,,. So?
And it might help one's somnambulence.

The storage ought to be about the same as a vanagon with the locker in the back. You'd just loose the underseat storage. If you used a good inflatable instead of the fold out mattress, that'd give you about half of the storage back.

Just thinking out loud and jealous because I have not been working on my stro (although I did manage to get it stuck and unstuck in some deep sand yesterday) It's time for a lift.

[badassastro]

It looks like you have to be about 4 foot tall to use the bed, or sleep flat on your back with your feet under the seat back. It is kinda neat, but I dont see much use as being able to sleep in.

[MountainManJoe]

That looks like a piano in the back.

[RocKrawler]

I really need to finish my writeup for my bed system - I think you'll find it simple enough to merit consideration.

Get hot!

[DL Horowitz]

T.Low

Can I ask about your awning, looks simple...is it?

I have an 2005 astro we use for some camping.

DL

[brokenwrench]

is that a fold down piano keyboard?