Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Forum banner
Cancel

Nearly done! What am I missing?

929 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  realityguy, 
I
Full 300 watts of solar, two batteries (1 connected to front, 1 gets solar), awning, 5in lift, 30in tires, interior entertainment system, iPad navigation system, new speakers.

What are some little things I can do to really increase my love for this van? I want slotted rear windows, window fairings to protect from rain, and a big ol grill cover, but I’m also blanking on what kind of performance upgrades would be available to me to give it something special nobody else has.

ill be bringing it to some locals to redo the interior completely to open it up and make it livable, but until then this is what I have. Ideas welcome!!

Automotive parking light Wheel Car Tire Vehicle

Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Car Land vehicle
See less See more
2
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Bikley
I can't offer any advice, but the consensus in my house is, that's really cool!
Reply
Save
Like
tinworm
That looks awesome!
Reply
Save
Like
C
Looks good. Just a couple of comments/questions. Why are the solar panels elevated so much? Are they mounted to a rack? As to the batteries, how many usable Amp Hrs and any reason separating the charging of them? I've got both of mine hooked to my panel and the alternator using a battery isolator.
Reply
Save
Like
markmitch
There really isn't much that can be done to the V6 other than having a custom less restrictive exhaust system, starting with a custom Y pipe, as that part is junk from the factory. No idea how much improvement it will be for the amount it would cost, though. I would think other members will add to this.
Reply
Save
Like
I
copperhead said:
Looks good. Just a couple of comments/questions. Why are the solar panels elevated so much? Are they mounted to a rack? As to the batteries, how many usable Amp Hrs and any reason separating the charging of them? I've got both of mine hooked to my panel and the alternator using a battery isolator.
Click to expand...
i mounted the panels to the rack so I could have a bit of storage underneath them and avoid drilling so many holes into the roof.

each battery is 100 ah and I separated them because I wanted to have an absolute fail safe if one was depleted or if one encountered a problem.
Reply
Save
Like
C
irrelevantivinf said:
i mounted the panels to the rack so I could have a bit of storage underneath them and avoid drilling so many holes into the roof.

each battery is 100 ah and I separated them because I wanted to have an absolute fail safe if one was depleted or if one encountered a problem.
Click to expand...
Gotcha, panels and usable roof space/storage is a trade off. FWIW, a member here showed a way to mount panels using OEM roof rack(which I stole BTW) so extra holes needed. Doesn't allow for under storage though. Not sure on what your power requirements are/will be, but I'd be surprised if whoever does the interior conversion doesn't recommend re-configuring your battery setup with them both to be charged from the 2 sources.

Who love to see more pics of your awning setup and where it came from. I spent quite a bit of time and money rigging up a "tinker toy" setup, but honestly, never ended up happy with it. I wish I had used the money toward a pre-fabbed unit.
Reply
Save
Like
I
copperhead said:
Gotcha, panels and usable roof space/storage is a trade off. FWIW, a member here showed a way to mount panels using OEM roof rack(which I stole BTW) so extra holes needed. Doesn't allow for under storage though. Not sure on what your power requirements are/will be, but I'd be surprised if whoever does the interior conversion doesn't recommend re-configuring your battery setup with them both to be charged from the 2 sources.

Who love to see more pics of your awning setup and where it came from. I spent quite a bit of time and money rigging up a "tinker toy" setup, but honestly, never ended up happy with it. I wish I had used the money toward a pre-fabbed unit.
Click to expand...
unfortunately I don’t have any details on the awning- it was installed already when I bought the van.

Plant Tire Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
S
Heres my write up on some window rain guards, Wide window visors

I'm also looking for louvers to fit the rear window but I have not yet got all my ducks in a row to actually start trying to find matches.

Not sure what you could do performance wise since idk how much work you want to put into it but I've heard the 4.3 makes some good power if you turbo it.
Reply
Save
Like
realityguy
You need some old palm fronds hanging off the rack and some dino dung on your tires and in your wheelwells..Good Job!;)
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Forum
A forum community dedicated to Chevy Astro and GMC Safari owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Engines Uncategorized Electrical Exterior Projects/Builds
Top