Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
Hi guys, not really new just re-registered. Formerly know as MeTanVan. I have been working on my 2001 GMC Safari for the better part of 2 years. It took me about 8 months to find the AWD van with comparatively low miles, and good maintenance records.
So far I camperized the interior, installed 245 AH AGM battery pack, cTek D-250-S Dual and Smart pass charging system. Which charges the battery pack from the Alternator, and tandem 83 Watt Kiocera solar panels(166 Watts combined) Installed a 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter.
Installed an Odyssey Extreme AGM Battery when the stock battery gave up(Love that battery!).
Removed the engine clutch fan, and installed twin 11" Spal electric fans, with Durale fan control kit from Summit racing.
Installed Trans cooler. Installed a 2" front hitch(providing attachment point for a portable winch set up that can be used front and back.
Flipped the rear 2" hitch for ground clearance. Modified the front grille to make room for accessories (Trans oil cooler and about to add a fan for that cooler, will be adding PA speaker, so far) Installed projector headlamp housings.
Thanks guys for the post on the 3 + 1 lift, it worked perfectly! Monroe shock package from E-bay.
ARB 8' x 8' Awning, with zip on room.
The future projects list include 30.5 tires on wrangler 17" wheels, with hubcentric spacers to the Jeep wheels, the backside of the spacers are machined to fit the van hubs. (working on refinishing wheels)
Running boards (Wife having a hard time getting in and out after the lift)
Chassis mounted fresh water tank. Possibly an auxiliary fuel tank.
Front and rear bumper modifications, and or replacement. Swing out spare tire carrier.
A 2 speed transfer case. Maybe a diesel swap. I really would like to have the extended range that a well done diesel swap could give me.
I also have my eye out for some sort of pop top.
I will be posting photos, sorry but I did not document everything I did.
So far I camperized the interior, installed 245 AH AGM battery pack, cTek D-250-S Dual and Smart pass charging system. Which charges the battery pack from the Alternator, and tandem 83 Watt Kiocera solar panels(166 Watts combined) Installed a 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter.
Installed an Odyssey Extreme AGM Battery when the stock battery gave up(Love that battery!).
Removed the engine clutch fan, and installed twin 11" Spal electric fans, with Durale fan control kit from Summit racing.
Installed Trans cooler. Installed a 2" front hitch(providing attachment point for a portable winch set up that can be used front and back.
Flipped the rear 2" hitch for ground clearance. Modified the front grille to make room for accessories (Trans oil cooler and about to add a fan for that cooler, will be adding PA speaker, so far) Installed projector headlamp housings.
Thanks guys for the post on the 3 + 1 lift, it worked perfectly! Monroe shock package from E-bay.
ARB 8' x 8' Awning, with zip on room.
The future projects list include 30.5 tires on wrangler 17" wheels, with hubcentric spacers to the Jeep wheels, the backside of the spacers are machined to fit the van hubs. (working on refinishing wheels)
Running boards (Wife having a hard time getting in and out after the lift)
Chassis mounted fresh water tank. Possibly an auxiliary fuel tank.
Front and rear bumper modifications, and or replacement. Swing out spare tire carrier.
A 2 speed transfer case. Maybe a diesel swap. I really would like to have the extended range that a well done diesel swap could give me.
I also have my eye out for some sort of pop top.
I will be posting photos, sorry but I did not document everything I did.
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- ASV Supporter
- Posts: 2153
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:45 pm
- Location: Selah, WA
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Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
Welcome (back)!
Since you didn't post any pics, I'm guessing you are just making all this up....
Since you didn't post any pics, I'm guessing you are just making all this up....
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!
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 - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
Yes, I am actually in Western State mental hospital suffering from delusions of building an expedition van. I faked taking my medication for about a week now, and managed to bribe one of the nurses to let me get on the computer so I could post this subject. It turns out that this is good therapy for me, and they might cut down on my medications. In the mean time I will be looking for photos of a GMC Safari that matches my delusions.
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- ASV Supporter
- Posts: 2153
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:45 pm
- Location: Selah, WA
- Been thanked: 1 time
- Contact:
Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
That's all right. I claim to be a Safari owner, but it's been in pieces for more than 10 years now...Ironhide wrote:Yes, I am actually in Western State mental hospital suffering from delusions of building an expedition van. I faked taking my medication for about a week now, and managed to bribe one of the nurses to let me get on the computer so I could post this subject. It turns out that this is good therapy for me, and they might cut down on my medications. In the mean time I will be looking for photos of a GMC Safari that matches my delusions.
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!
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 - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
OK guys, all kidding aside I did manage to transfer some pics to my computer. For some reason the pics did't upload from my phone. For all you non Washington members, Western State is the mental hospital in Lakewood, Wa.
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
....PS the first photo in the last post is of the rear part counter top which opens up to storage in the l/r wheel well area. Thats all the time I have now, but stay tuned for more photos.
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- ASV Supporter
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- Location: San Diego, CA
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Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
That's amazing! Great work.
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
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- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
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Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
Hi,
Good ideas. The storage net is good idea.
My 2003 AWD with 2" lift has some stuff too.
You can install LED dome lights in your Astro.'
I also bolted 3/4" plywood to rear walls to mount accessories to side wall.
Plywood drop leaf shelf for sink and stove.
Igloo electric ice chest, now replaced with ARB fridge.
AP
Good ideas. The storage net is good idea.
My 2003 AWD with 2" lift has some stuff too.
You can install LED dome lights in your Astro.'
I also bolted 3/4" plywood to rear walls to mount accessories to side wall.
Plywood drop leaf shelf for sink and stove.
Igloo electric ice chest, now replaced with ARB fridge.
AP
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
Thanks Astrolander, always admired your GTRV conversion. As you did, I am keeping my eye out for some kind of pop up top to install on Ironhide. I plan to continue to improve on this build as I am able. Really doing deep research on a diesel conversion and trying to narrow down the best engine for the best value.
Thanks Guys, I appreciate any and all input, good and bad.
Attached more photos today.
Thanks Guys, I appreciate any and all input, good and bad.
Attached more photos today.
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- I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 168
- Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 7:10 am
- Location: Boise, Id
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Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
I like it!
Yes, my wife wanted me to be institutionalized when I suggested selling my long run with 4x4 Toyotas to get an Astro mini van. Now she loves it and can't imagine life without it!
Ryan
Yes, my wife wanted me to be institutionalized when I suggested selling my long run with 4x4 Toyotas to get an Astro mini van. Now she loves it and can't imagine life without it!
Ryan
2004 Astro (was AWD now 4X4) 125,000 miles: purchased April 2012
Colorado Camper Van poptop
4" Overland lift, Rancho 5000 Cooper AT3 245/75/16 C,
4x4 - NP236 Transfercase
Propex HS2211 propane heater
I am copying a few of you hope you don't mind!
See my build here
Colorado Camper Van poptop
4" Overland lift, Rancho 5000 Cooper AT3 245/75/16 C,
4x4 - NP236 Transfercase
Propex HS2211 propane heater
I am copying a few of you hope you don't mind!
See my build here
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 10:47 am
- Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Re: Hello from Mount Vernon, WA
My wife loves it also. We've gone on a couple of a few trips so far, and the van has been so comfortable. I am getting ready to do some overlanding next summer.