White Wench '02

[WoodButcher]

Small world! I was born in Norwalk and used to work "down county" daily.

[90safari]

He's lived in Norwalk for as long as I can remember. Changed residences a few times, had a boat on the river that he stayed in as well. He does like hls Astro though, and even drove out and stayed with us for 2 weeks a couple of years ago. Pretty nice truck, but I don't know how you see out the back with no windows. Even my old 85 Cargo van had windows in the rear doors. I don't know, maybe it's just that I like seeing behind me. I mean my dad has probably had 4 or more Astros, and they've all had a rear window. One have dutch doors (his last one), and one had pop outs on the rear doors.
I guess that's where I get it from, from my dad, I've had an 85 Cargo (that I V8'ed), my wife's 86 (I traded labor for), my 88 that I still have and am going to fix this year, and my wife's 90 GMC Safari (that needs some rust repair).

[WoodButcher]

The no back window thing is learned. Most trade vehicles are loaded when in use so you couldn't see out the back even if there were windows. I've been in the trades a long time. Vans, pickups, box trucks, a station wagon or two, I even tried a jeep I rebuilt last year. (sold it because the clutch was too hard on these old knees) They all end with the back packed to the top. I use the two side mirror exclusively even in my wife's subaru if I drive that, I back in, not out unless I have no choice. First thing when I get in is do a walk around to see what is in back then after that the mirrors are part of my peripheral vision until I park it. It isn't hard or complicated, just practiced.

[Rinny]

I ran dodge vans for ever when I was contracting. Also had an extended E350 with a 6.0L (with all the normal issues and mods) and a quigly 4x4, loved working out of them if I needed it I had it with me!!

[1lowcab]

and a quigly 4x4,

Thats what I've always wanted!
Its another reason I have an awd Astro, I can't afford a Quigly or a Syncro Vanagon...lol!

[WoodButcher]

My first day wrenching on the Wench.
I'm starting with the front end and that core support. I just moved into this house and can't find a thing I need. It took me all day to get 2, 1/8" plates welded under the core support.

I forgot to post after pics of the welded core support. These might help others with this condition.

[tungtide]

I guess you put new parts in because it seems to be put back together. The only way I know to find a leak without dye is to fill with nitrogen then use a sniffer. It is what I do with my household units. Always replace schrader valves before nitrogen fill. nice score!

[sixsix]

... I forgot to post after pics of the welded core support. These might help others with this condition...

Sheesh

Been waiting since August a year ago for the update...
Guess we can all relax now... quit holding our breath.

LOL - nice work there - but I'm no expert.



Mike

[WoodButcher]

LOL - nice work there - but I'm no expert.



Mike

Neither am I as the pics show!

I think the AC is holding now but it is a moot point, I never got the blower fixed. Starting to get cold here anyway,,,

[90safari]

Looks like a good repair from here to me. I'm sure you made it solid though.

[WoodButcher]

Thanks amigo. Yeah, she works and gets me to work. Got creaks and groans but I figure we all do after a while.

[tonydobbs]

How do you like those Kumho tires? I was thinking about buying a set myself.

[WoodButcher]

They have held up well. Decent in snow and rain, they carry a loaded van nicely and the price was right. I'll buy them again.