[gtkane]

I've been posting on here (and the old site) for a while, and chops asked for pics of my ride, since my avatar only gives a hint of things.
It's a 88 Astro re-named ASTRUCK. It lost 700lbs of vanage during a 3 day thrash in 2005, and have since replaced everything else. I'll let these pics explain.

 

[gtkane]

I also laid out some polished aluminum diamond plate to dress up the rear.

 

[WVKayaker]

Very cool. awesome pics. thanks for sharing...

 

[trybe13]

That's pretty rockin'! :banger:

 

[jinmajay]

Nice... I'm doing the v8, lifted, new front, extended version of yours. :wink: How long did it take you to do that? Did you run anything from the sub frame to the rear hangers? I Like it Steve! (Multiplicity)

 

[gtkane]

It took 3 days to complete all the metalwork. Then another couple of weeks to get it looking decent, allthough at first it looked like a real beater!
After driving it for a couple of months(and people pointing and laughing), I did the body properly. Then I built the motor, trans, rear end, interior, and sprayed it bright red. I should also mention that I did it all myself, and diddn't farm out any of the work(not because I'm good, but because I'm cheap!).
Here's a pic 3 days into the project, Nov. 2005

 

[chops]

Thats sweet thanks for posting them for me and the others

 

[jinmajay]

(not because I'm good, but because I'm cheap!).

You and me both... :thumbup:

I have a saying, "The only thing I don't do is transmissions and brain surgery!" and I'm thinking of trying the transmission on this project van.

 

[gtkane]

I do GM trannies for a living(at a dealer).
Pick up a repair manual and try it!(I can talk you through it if you get stuck!)

 

[moboman]

(not because I'm good, but because I'm cheap!).

If I had that kind of skill, I would do everything myself. Amazing, nice truck!

 

[gtkane]

Thanks! Allthough "skill" is probably not the proper term....how about "doing everything 7 times until it looks right"?

And just to show that I can't leave well enough alone, last week I started cutting up the front for a different look. I'm making a split front bumper(a-la '70 camaro), and a vertical grille that wraps from the bumper right on to the hood.

 

[jinmajay]

see if this works...

 

[jinmajay]

the body and rear has been hanging from the barn all winter while i've been working on the subframe, suspension and engine.

Are you putting a scoop on yours?

 

[gtkane]

No I'm not installing a scoop(although it looks like it!). I simply dropped the center of the hood and filler panel by one inch so when I install the new grille it will be flush.

 

[Mr_Roboto]

Cutting the top off to the back seats was worth 700lbs even with the modified doors? Wow, I would have never guessed that.

 

[gtkane]

700 lbs comes off really easily!
The glass alone is prob. 100 lbs!( I busted all the glass out, swept it up and put it in the trash can-I had a hard time bringing it to the curb!) The rear seats, carpet and underlay wieghs a ton. The lower half of the rear doors, all the trim and excess metal add up to quite a bit.
When I first did it, the truck shot up like a 4x4! That's why lowering it was a priority.

 

[SoraD]

do you know how much it weighed after your project was done? sweet project too btw unk:

 

[thyubernoob]

Any new ics: of the new grill yet?

 

[gtkane]

I posted some pics under "exterior" the other day.
Things are coming together!

 

[Southern]

(not because I'm good, but because I'm cheap!).

You and me both... :thumbup:

I have a saying, "The only thing I don't do is transmissions and brain surgery!" and I'm thinking of trying the transmission on this project van.

Include me into this group as well. I never had a tranny go bad yet but chances are I will learn how to if and when my tranny goes.
I am very impressed with your work gtkane. :bravo: