95 Astro AWD, 100k young, the preservation thereof.

[augidog]

what I bought, and what I got.

TRUMP 2020

[sixsix]

OK - I give up - they're both 088s ...?
Kinda' look like the same pattern.
Connector issue ...?

ah...yup
TRUMP 2020

[augidog]

I can't wait to see how long it lasts because I LIKE taking my door apart.

(I don't think Amazon is going to approve and publish my review)

[sixsix]

I can't wait to see how long it lasts because I LIKE taking my door apart.

(I don't think Amazon is going to approve and publish my review)

Did I miss something there ? What's wrong - is there another thread or covered in Chat ?

[augidog]

the imprecise stamped housing and spun shaft ends do not exactly inspire confidence.

they remind me of wuhan-flu bicycle parts.
yes, I went there.

plus I am pretty upset with ACDelco for using an original "Made in USA" image in the product description.

[sixsix]

Well, that bottom one looks just like every other one I have ever seen ( that style, anyway ).
Spun shaft ends...?
And I looked a quite a few when attempting to put a "Door Disassembly" Thread together. Still working on it , tho...

The real bummer is... you did not get the Good "Mexico" parts. Seriously.

When you get the old one out - if not already, pop the socket top and see what CB it has.
I have seen 4 types.

Your remarks give away your newness to good old GM aftermarket elec. stuff. Altho, I realize you are a fine mechanic, nonetheless, all the more, what w/ the muffler back knowledge.

Have you given any thought what fasteners you intend to use?
If going 1/4-20, you'll have to drill em' out slightly.
I did that, as 5/32 and 3/16, whatever I tried originally, seemed so light, allen wrench size sooo small.
and riveting was a REAL HASSLE the 1st time a decade ago. Grinding, etc.

I can direct you to the correct area of our build if you like. Door stuff is in the last few pages...

[augidog]

Well, that bottom one looks just like every other one I have ever seen ( that style, anyway ).
Spun shaft ends...?
And I looked a quite a few when attempting to put a "Door Disassembly" Thread together. Still working on it , tho...

The real bummer is... you did not get the Good "Mexico" parts. Seriously.

When you get the old one out - if not already, pop the socket top and see what CB it has.
I have seen 4 types.

Your remarks give away your newness to good old GM aftermarket elec. stuff. Altho, I realize you are a fine mechanic, nonetheless, all the more, what w/ the muffler back knowledge.

Have you given any thought what fasteners you intend to use?
If going 1/4-20, you'll have to drill em' out slightly.
I did that, as 5/32 and 3/16, whatever I tried originally, seemed so light, allen wrench size sooo small.
and riveting was a REAL HASSLE the 1st time a decade ago. Grinding, etc.

I can direct you to the correct area of our build if you like. Door stuff is in the last few pages...

oh no, buddy, I'm well-aware, and would have had no choice but to buy, but "c'mon man" (<-- ) the pic should show the actual product. the friction-spinning, or perhaps lousy peening, of the shaft ends to lock them in place. slightly off-center with burrs, not precise or even close to original quality. the "lumpy" housing. the "wavy" rubber seal around the drive-gear. those noticeable details matter to me.

I'm going to use screws, in anticipation of a premature re-replacement. i have a fine selection of small aircraft-grade hardware, so I won't need to drill. I know where your door info is, and it helped me prepare for the job. all under control.

[Sp3cialNe3dz]

did you ever find out who originally built out these handicap Astros? i just picked one up too in portland. 97 Safari AWD w/ 80k and the high door. I'm just curious if you found any information.

[augidog]

my van is well-documented. I'm the 4th owner excluding dealers, and it's never left Oregon from what I can tell.
Conversion by Coachcraft Industries in Brownsville. the last activity I've seen from them dates to 2012.
Sold new by Primasing Motors (Chevy GMC Buick) which still exists in Lebanon.
I bought it from Truce Auto in Redmond, and had it delivered to the coast.

[augidog]

First of all, the van has been trouble free & an absolute blessing. Second, dig the new accessory...free is good!

My home has a new accessory, too. All genuine Made in USA.

it wasn't free.

[Leeann_93]

Good to hear - and see.

Freedom isn't free.

[sixsix]

Been a while - felt like few lines...

FREEDOM is not FREE

Keen Basket,
carry it all

Nice Pole,
we can see

Looks comfy,
Freedom Says

Van Protection,
SAYS It All

[augidog]

Well, that bottom one looks just like every other one I have ever seen ( that style, anyway ).
Spun shaft ends...?
And I looked a quite a few when attempting to put a "Door Disassembly" Thread together. Still working on it , tho...

The real bummer is... you did not get the Good "Mexico" parts. Seriously.

When you get the old one out - if not already, pop the socket top and see what CB it has.
I have seen 4 types.

Your remarks give away your newness to good old GM aftermarket elec. stuff. Altho, I realize you are a fine mechanic, nonetheless, all the more, what w/ the muffler back knowledge.

Have you given any thought what fasteners you intend to use?
If going 1/4-20, you'll have to drill em' out slightly.
I did that, as 5/32 and 3/16, whatever I tried originally, seemed so light, allen wrench size sooo small.
and riveting was a REAL HASSLE the 1st time a decade ago. Grinding, etc.

I can direct you to the correct area of our build if you like. Door stuff is in the last few pages...

i found it quicker & easier to just grind clearance for the bottom-right hole, and use larger than OE pop-rivets. here's my popped-top.

[sixsix]

Thanks for the pic, aug - that is the same as the last motor / pass dr I worked on.
That grinding you mentioned - you'll see we ground clearance for our riveter back then also.

I just soldered the 2 ends of the bi-metal ( exposed thermo-couple ?? ) together.
Time will tell ( yeah, right ) if my work pays off.
Spending 100 hrs of 'life-time' to save 20-30 bucks almost seems Luddite.

I appreciate any comments I might get concerning that poem ...
LOL