[chinaman4u]

I wanted to thank everyone's post(s) and picture(s)...have proven invaluable.

I recently bought my 4th Astro/Safari van. I thought I would posts pictures as I fix her up, since everyones' pictures helped me a lot in the past.

 

[xit]

ready for the pictures & welcome to the forum, good luck.

 

[chinaman4u]

After purchase, I drove her home 2 hours. Drives nice, but I took back roads and never went over 40mph. These are pictures taken by the previous owner that she posted in the classified. Located in Pennsylvania, so she is rusty/rotted. I hope some of my 'fixes/photos' will help others, as others' threads, has helped me.

2002 AWD with towing, rear AC, rear heat, plus standard options. 151,000 mileage.

 

[chinaman4u]

I was midway through this first repair, and decided to share...radiator support! At first, I tried lifting the body, but pulled the frame up with it. It worked, on my past vans. This time, I had to chain the bumper rails to the bottom of my engine lift, in order to raise the body to proper height.

 

[medicman]

this makes me so glad I bought my van from Wyoming instead of the rustbelt I live in

 

[chinaman4u]

I knew what I was getting into. This is only the beginning, much more damage will be shown.
Note: i just found out ODB port power is same circut as the rear cigarette lighter power(blown AUX fuse). I also have the front cig lighter stays on(this is likely normal) but the rear heat/rear air blower power remains on as well, not sure why, could drain my battery one day.

 

[sixsix]

A "Heart Felt Welcome" to you is in order, but not Automatic...


LOL - "NO PROPERLY WORKING CIGARETTE LIGHTER"... that's it, game over, ditch it, no way, hands full, see ya' later, rip off...
Rust on it too?

Looking forward to repair pics - we Live For Pics ( except the upside down blurry ones ).

 

[tinworm]

Welcome! Im partial to the color, i find it hides the rust on mine

 

[chinaman4u]

Welcome! Im partial to the color, i find it hides the rust on mine

I was shocked to find spray paint costs $18! But Walmart saved the day, with matching paint to boot! The paint is very close, depending on which viewing angle, maybe a different primer, can get it closer. I use tape to prevent overspray(notice straight lines), this is just a quick paint over rusty spots.

(Krylon 7519 gloss classic red closely matches 2002 Astro paint code 307D)

 

[tungtide]

Lucky paint match

 

[tinworm]

I was shocked to find spray paint costs $18! But Walmart saved the day, with matching paint to boot! The paint is very close, depending on which viewing angle, maybe a different primer, can get it closer. I use tape to prevent overspray(notice straight lines), this is just a quick paint over rusty spots.(Krylon 7519 gloss classic red closely matches 2002 Astro paint code 307D)

Oh hell yes
I have numerous paint issues to resolve!

 

[VannyD]

Nice ride! I am following the post to see what you do with the RCS. I have to do mine too.... Syracuse Salt.

 

[chinaman4u]

Didn't as much as I wanted this weekend, cut out some of the rust and made some brackets to bolt into bushings....

.....then I reassembled the front end to check height and alignment. I probably will make new pieces, using sheet metal to replace what I cut out. The brackets will have holes drilled and bolted in, I'll have to wait for new bushings in order to finish.