New Project Safari...

Major projects, rebuilds and overhauls covering multiple areas
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MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
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Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:00 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

I just got my first Safari in the beginning of May, I sold My sup'd up Mazda Mx3 GS, with the KL-ZE swap for cash plus this BEAUTIFUL project Safari. I have always liked Astros' And found out that they and Safaris' were Twins... So I opt'd for the Trade... I have plans for the Safari and Yes... I will be posting ALOT of pic's. I have a passion for making unique thing, that catch the eye, so on with the show....

I have a 1997 GMC Safari , RWD, 4.3L V6, standard run of the mill...

Now, when I got it the back bumper made me think that this was not going to be the best build... But with some searching I found that, there are a lot of after market parts... (ALOT)

I found a roll pan that was fiberglass from "Piranha" and this is where it is starting....

I cut the rusty bolts on the back bumper and hitch and eliminated both. I cut out the spare tire parts as well as I have AMA Gold, and don't require having a spare. As I get towed when I break down or have a flat... I debadged the front and back doors. Then I retrofitted the Piranha Roll pan and it fit snug... If you don't plan on making a complete smoothie this roll pan works also... You can leave a gap on either side and just paint it... I then went and added some Fiberglass (FG) mesh cloth to the crack and spare tire drop down key hole, Filling them in and smoothing it out...

I will be adding pictures regularly and hope you come back often and enjoy.. :canuk:

"Mad"

Here are some Pic's in order:
With the bumper and excess weight removed.
With the bumper and excess weight removed.
Debadged and retrofitted the Piranha rollpan.
Debadged and retrofitted the Piranha rollpan.
ok 030.JPG
Here is some of the smoothing.
Here is some of the smoothing.
Smoothed with the doors closed to check the gap.
Smoothed with the doors closed to check the gap.
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:00 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

Ok, By the no comments this is not that interesting... lol

I have a whole bunch of things I am doing to this Safari by the summers end, and I promise you you won't be disappointed...

This is a part in the rear end of the Safari, and I just wanted to show you the first part of the stereo build...

The pictures speak, enjoy...
photo 2.JPG
photo 1.JPG
photo 3.JPG
photo 4.JPG
photo 5.JPG
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:00 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

More pics...
photo 2 (1).JPG
photo 1 (1).JPG
photo 4 (2).JPG
photo 3 (1).JPG
photo 5 (1).JPG
any question please post...
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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Smiliesafari
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Re: New Project Safari...

Post by Smiliesafari »

Very nice work, Mad. Keep the pictures coming. :supz:
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
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krsowles
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Re: New Project Safari...

Post by krsowles »

You have my attention... I like your take on the sub in the wall. I was going to box mine behind the panel but yours is very clean. Anyone that take a new vehicle and starts the mods in the audio dept is alright! Kelly

:cheers:
Sometimes, I realize that I'm clueless...Man, I hate those moments!
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"S.S. Dark HoMutt"

1999 Chevy Astro AWD
1991 Chevy Astro AWD(retired)
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

SO, I decided My van need a hood scoop!
1 037.JPG
open 021.JPG
open 023.JPG
two in one 050.JPG
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Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 19
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

and more pictures...
1 038.JPG
1 048.JPG
1 050.JPG
1 051.JPG
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:00 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

Will be painting the hood next Warm day....

Thanks for stopping by,

"Mad"
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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MountainManJoe
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Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MountainManJoe »

These pics got me grinning ear to ear. That is AWESOME! :prayer:

Did you make that yourself?
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MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 19
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

Yes, I make alot of custom stuff. and In the experiment process of making custom Skull seats out of carbon fiber... 2 failed attempts, but not giving up.. When I have them completed I will be posting alot of pics on the process as well... Please be paitent they WILL come...

I am glad that there is interest in my baby, if there wasn't I would be sad....

"Mad"
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
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Posts: 19
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

Here's My custom gas door....
wicked pics1 176.JPG
1 045.JPG
1 046.JPG
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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MountainManJoe
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Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MountainManJoe »

can you do something like that for my rusty rockers? =P~

LiftedAWDAstro
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Re: New Project Safari...

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Now THAT is COOL! :supz: :cheers:
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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mdmead
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Re: New Project Safari...

Post by mdmead »

Gotta say this is getting more interesting with each additional pic! Way cool gas door!
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!
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Topic author
MadHattersInk
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:00 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: New Project Safari...

Post by MadHattersInk »

Painted Hood / Hoodscoop...
2 010.JPG
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2 013.JPG
Be good, or be "Mad."
But in my Van, I am "Dad!"
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