Project VANDAMN!!!

[VANDAYUM]

Hello Everyone!

I am a factory worker who moonlights as a framer for an old boss of mine. Before Christmas, he asked if I could take the Shelving Units out of his 03 Astro work van so he could install them in one of his trailers and retire the poor Astro to the scrap yard.

I have been looking for a project vehicle for a very long time since I lost my 94 Chevy Cheyenne. To convince my wife this was a smart move I told her we should buy it for her youngest son who lives with us (21), as a solid first vehicle (blended large family, very long story )

My step son loves it, loves how it drives excreta. After much deliberation and planning, we decided on turning it into this;

we plan to do this project over 3 - 5 years or so but this is our game plan
Convert V6 to V8
2WD to 4x4
Manual Transmission
2" Lift Kit
2" Body Lift
Solid Front Axel
285/75 R16 tires
Cab Visor
Rear window grills
Fix All Body Work
Add two rows of bench seats (removable)
Front brush bumper
Paint Black

Here it is currently in all its nasty, rust bucket glory;

We are currently running 2" wheel spacers and we love these things!!!

I have ordered a whole bunch of stuff to start off with and will be posting the build as we install parts.

Have a great day and stay tuned!!!

[Rod's Trucks]

YES! That is a long project list. What a great way to partnership with a young son. You both will learn a lot...maybe more than you thought possible.

I hope you have patience and auto body repair skills.
I hope that DS lower panel is the worst spot on the van, but the PS looks like it is quite similar.
Before you put a lot of other effort into it, get the rust issues under control.
Check radiator core support and front frame extensions for rust.
Good luck.

[dcsleeper]

YAY!!
Looks good even as it's rusty self!