Chevrolet G20 Starcraft Conversion Van, 1994
Discussion
Today was a successful commute in the Chevy van. I purchased some stp fuel injector cleaner and filled up the 33 gallon tank. 33 us gallons = 27.48 UK gallons= 125 litres.
It cost $60.72 for the fill up. At current exchange rate that works out at 48.72 quid. That may seem cheap but it costs about 2 quid to fill up my scooter which will get about 200 miles on a full tank.
This tank will be combination of city and highway driving I am aiming for 17 us mpg/20.5 UK mpg.
This is very cool
http://www.dailyturismo.com/2015/11/go-anywhere-mo...
So there are 3 antennas on the van. The regular radio, one on the side glass and one on the rear quarter. One is for the analog TV and I don't know about the other I'll take some photos tomorrow.
The one on the rear quarter can be removed, clean up the rust around the hole and it can be used to route the solar panels to a 6v golf cart batteries/inverter and charge controller. At some point I will install a CB and could possibly mount it to the rear ladder. Just some ideas.
http://www.climbing.com/news/true-cost-vanlife/
Providing I do the work myself the solar panel system should not cost more than $500 with a sharp 250 watt panel and the other components. The goal zero system above is really overpriced but it"s a plug and play system. I've had a goal zero solar panel for a few years and it works well, but dollar per watt makes conventional household panels better value for money.
It cost $60.72 for the fill up. At current exchange rate that works out at 48.72 quid. That may seem cheap but it costs about 2 quid to fill up my scooter which will get about 200 miles on a full tank.
This tank will be combination of city and highway driving I am aiming for 17 us mpg/20.5 UK mpg.
This is very cool
http://www.dailyturismo.com/2015/11/go-anywhere-mo...
So there are 3 antennas on the van. The regular radio, one on the side glass and one on the rear quarter. One is for the analog TV and I don't know about the other I'll take some photos tomorrow.
The one on the rear quarter can be removed, clean up the rust around the hole and it can be used to route the solar panels to a 6v golf cart batteries/inverter and charge controller. At some point I will install a CB and could possibly mount it to the rear ladder. Just some ideas.
http://www.climbing.com/news/true-cost-vanlife/
Providing I do the work myself the solar panel system should not cost more than $500 with a sharp 250 watt panel and the other components. The goal zero system above is really overpriced but it"s a plug and play system. I've had a goal zero solar panel for a few years and it works well, but dollar per watt makes conventional household panels better value for money.
Ok I ran half a tank, combined city and highway, some traffic jams, stop and go. I got 15.2 us mpg/ 18.2 UK mpg. Then I ran solely highway at 70mph, half mountains and half flat, netted 18 us mpg/22 UK mpg.
I also noticed one of the rear wheel studs sheered off. No idea why, I was careful not to over torque it.
I removed the wheel and brake drum, tried to knock it out with a hammer and punch, didn't move. I'll go to the auto parts store this week and see if they loan a stud remover.
However I did get rid of a high pitched squeal at slow speeds. An old metal brake dust cover was causing it. Also the o ring on the output shaft fixed the transmission leak.
I also noticed one of the rear wheel studs sheered off. No idea why, I was careful not to over torque it.
I removed the wheel and brake drum, tried to knock it out with a hammer and punch, didn't move. I'll go to the auto parts store this week and see if they loan a stud remover.
However I did get rid of a high pitched squeal at slow speeds. An old metal brake dust cover was causing it. Also the o ring on the output shaft fixed the transmission leak.
Ok, now I am stressed.
I went to AutoZone to see what if they have a stud remover for loan, they do not.
They are available on eBay for $200+.
It is probably cheaper to replace the whole hub and all 5studs that to buy a removal tool. I believe the hub is part of the axle tube. I've only ever removed axle tubes on big trucks and I cannot stand the smell of gear oil.
I loaned this tie rod removal tool.
It looks very close to the actual stud removal tool.
The problem is the cup on the end is too wide, I used a small socket and tried to press out the broken stud. Due to the cup and ball mount, the pressure ends up making the socket move around and does not center the pressure on the broken stud itself but also the hub.
I popped the cup off and tried to use the ball mount but the thread is too short.
I'm going to home depot (hardware store) to see if I can find a long bolt with the same matching thread and try to see if that will work. Just in case I am going to figuire out what I need to swap out the axle tube.
I might try some freeze out on the stud to contract it and try to tap it out again, I have a feeling after 27 years, it will not come out.
If anyone has ideas on how to remove this, fire away.
Here is the hub but on the other side with good threads. The thread in question is totally flush so I cannot screw on a nut and bang it out.
I also can not fit a bolt extractor socket back there as I did on the spark plug.
I went to AutoZone to see what if they have a stud remover for loan, they do not.
They are available on eBay for $200+.
It is probably cheaper to replace the whole hub and all 5studs that to buy a removal tool. I believe the hub is part of the axle tube. I've only ever removed axle tubes on big trucks and I cannot stand the smell of gear oil.
I loaned this tie rod removal tool.
It looks very close to the actual stud removal tool.
The problem is the cup on the end is too wide, I used a small socket and tried to press out the broken stud. Due to the cup and ball mount, the pressure ends up making the socket move around and does not center the pressure on the broken stud itself but also the hub.
I popped the cup off and tried to use the ball mount but the thread is too short.
I'm going to home depot (hardware store) to see if I can find a long bolt with the same matching thread and try to see if that will work. Just in case I am going to figuire out what I need to swap out the axle tube.
I might try some freeze out on the stud to contract it and try to tap it out again, I have a feeling after 27 years, it will not come out.
If anyone has ideas on how to remove this, fire away.
Here is the hub but on the other side with good threads. The thread in question is totally flush so I cannot screw on a nut and bang it out.
I also can not fit a bolt extractor socket back there as I did on the spark plug.
Not sure if I mentioned this earlier but the sale price of the van in 1994 was $38k, in today's money it is around $65k.
This compartment is for a radar detector, closes and opens and has a 12v socket.
The windshield trim is missing in the back ground as I am going to respray 3m adhesive on the trim to reattach the material.
It's missing the front spoiler which I think really finishes it.
I successfully drove my riding mower up the ramps into the back of the van but I did not account for the roof. Once I got the back wheels on the van I was stuck and had to slide myself off, due to my chest being on level with the roof. It was a comical sight to see.
The left rear door can be opened wider once the spare wheel is removed.
There is no way my motorcycle will fit in the back, even if the windshield is removed it will hit the roof.
I think you'd be surprised what some heat/cold will do.
But if not, two thoughts.....
Why not drill it out till you get close to its full size the use a small dremel bit to split one section removing the stress locking it in, the remainder should then come out quite easily.
Or if you can grind the flange off of the back, you could then drill and tap it, thread in a bolt and use a puller/slide hammer to draw it out towards you.
But if not, two thoughts.....
Why not drill it out till you get close to its full size the use a small dremel bit to split one section removing the stress locking it in, the remainder should then come out quite easily.
Or if you can grind the flange off of the back, you could then drill and tap it, thread in a bolt and use a puller/slide hammer to draw it out towards you.
I saw one of these on my way to work this morning, or a variant thereof. A 1996 model but a short wheelbase. It also proclaimed to be 4WD.
Didn't look as good as yours, it was all black, with blacked out windows etc, but however long it has been over here, the UK weather hasn't been kind to the condition of it.
Didn't look as good as yours, it was all black, with blacked out windows etc, but however long it has been over here, the UK weather hasn't been kind to the condition of it.
Great read, really impressed with your story and writing. Also like that you're doing a lot of your own work on it. American vans along with late 60s early 70 big 2 door sedans are my favourites.
My friend has a lateish Dodge Ram day van but has a very different interior, more modern looking and all tan with no wood.
I was lucky as a kid that, back in the early-mid70s my Dads friend had what was supposed to be the first Dodge custom van in the UK which he regularly lent to my Dad so got to go in it a lot, great memories driving around South London back then and a real head turner amongst the UK traffic.
It was like this one but it had a sunburst paint job - red/orange/yellow front to back and full red shag pile interior with swivel captain seats and slot mags/ white letter tyres
My friend has a lateish Dodge Ram day van but has a very different interior, more modern looking and all tan with no wood.
I was lucky as a kid that, back in the early-mid70s my Dads friend had what was supposed to be the first Dodge custom van in the UK which he regularly lent to my Dad so got to go in it a lot, great memories driving around South London back then and a real head turner amongst the UK traffic.
It was like this one but it had a sunburst paint job - red/orange/yellow front to back and full red shag pile interior with swivel captain seats and slot mags/ white letter tyres
Great thread, slightly off topic. I personally want to setup a sales channel in the USA for a product we have invented.
In two weeks I will be in New Orleans, then onto New York doing some research for other reasons..
Possibly next year I want to travel through various locations in the US meeting a few key people and demonstrating said gadget, to do this I either need to hire or buy an RV (of sorts).
Any suggestions most welcomed!
In two weeks I will be in New Orleans, then onto New York doing some research for other reasons..
Possibly next year I want to travel through various locations in the US meeting a few key people and demonstrating said gadget, to do this I either need to hire or buy an RV (of sorts).
Any suggestions most welcomed!
Mike, I did try a propane torch to heat it up, however I do not think that will get hot enough. On the weekend I'll get some freeze out and try that.
Today my wife is going to the hardware store to see if she can find a longer bolt to put in that tie rod remover. If it does not work I will do as you said.
The only thing I can fit at the back of the hub is a metal hacksaw blade to saw off the flange.
I have a cheapo easy out kit from harbor freight, basically a reverse drill bit. Drill a pilot hole with a regular drill bit and then use a reverse thread bit. If that fails, I will drill the stud gradually increasing the size of the bit. I think the hardest part is one it gets to the outer how to remove that metal.
Shakermaker if it was 1996 it would be an express van, the last year of the fan was 1995. If it was definitely like mine 4wd was available but not from Chevrolet. The most common 4wd conversion company were Pathfinder vans. You can occasionally find them using tools like searchtempest.com. However certain parts are no longer made as they are out of business. On the express vans the 4wd was done by Quigley who are still around and then when the express van was updated they had awd from the factory.
Check this out
http://smclassiccars.com/chevrolet/232563-1978-che...
Pits, this van would indeed be perfect for dogging if you are into that. Dogging is not as mainstream here as it is back home.
As for the cowboy hat and triple denim, that's pretty accurate for the older people that drive these.
I guess I downplayed how I bought the van. So the guy who we got it off was in his 70s, maybe 60s, a heavy smoker and drinker. He had a dark suntan, long grey hair in a pony tail, almost reminded me of a burnt out Hulk Hogan.
He was wasted when I called him on the Friday, he was wasted when he woke up on the Saturday and his was still wasted at Saturday noon.
He was knocking back cans of Keystone Light, he offered me one I declined. I always take a pistol with me to craigslist sales just in case I am walking into a setup, it has happened to other people. No need to this time as he was a happy drunk.
I'd spent a while looking at it, convincing myself in my mind the faults it had were no big deal. I couldn't see past the wood.
By this time I was pretty hungry. The old man had put some pork steaks on the grill and asked us if we wanted to stay for lunch. I said sure. The problem was he was still drunk and by the time the steaks were ready he had totally overcooked them.
Not wanting to be cock, I started eating my and it had been totally overcooked. My wife couldn't eat hers and when the old man wasn't looking she tried to give it to me. I quickly wrapped it in a tissue and stuck it in my pocket. Hmmmnn that was tasty, thank you sir.
When we left he offered me a Keystone Light for the road, I starting laughing and told him no thanks.
Spanglepants, thanks, I love those tri color faded 70s color schemes. Rib eye steak for $2.95, amazing. I do remember in the UK seeing Bedford vans with a dually axle and porthole bubble windows. This can right now would definitely fail an MOT, cracked windshield, suspension/steering components all need replacing and the brake master cylinder and reservoir need replacing too.
I'd really like a delica or a 4motion vw transporter.
Bgark it is possible to rent rv's from places like cruise America but there not cheap.
I guess it depends on your budget, you could buy one of these g vans for very cheap and sell it or give it away when your done. You could camp on BLM Or Walmart for free. The usa is not as dangerous as the media makes it out to be, just use situational awareness as to where you are staying the night
Or you could buy a late 90s RoadTrek class b camper and sell it when your done, you will have no problem selling a class b camper. I guess it also depends on how big and much of the stuff you are selling.
This is a Ford e150 Quigley 4wd that is a service vehicle for pikes peak. This is at the donut shop at the summit. This is a very nice van.
14100ft, The mountain range to the right is Cheyenne Mountain aka Norad.
Standard GM switch gear, the cruise control switch, all feels fragile.
To turn on the lights you pull the knob.
So the handbrake, known as the parking brake here is engaged by pressed the pedal to the floor, to release you pull the brake handle.
Sorry if this is the same in the UK, I don't ever recall a floor mounted parking brake.
The knob on the left opens and closes a flap on the side. I have no idea of it's purpose.
Headphone socket for video and tv, plenty of ashtrays and 4 cigarette lighter sockets.
First aid compartment, testing the black out curtain for size, still need to sew the side hems.
Excuse the mess I have not yet cleaned it. Ice Cooler box with drain.
All the foglights wiring harness is still there.
Today my wife is going to the hardware store to see if she can find a longer bolt to put in that tie rod remover. If it does not work I will do as you said.
The only thing I can fit at the back of the hub is a metal hacksaw blade to saw off the flange.
I have a cheapo easy out kit from harbor freight, basically a reverse drill bit. Drill a pilot hole with a regular drill bit and then use a reverse thread bit. If that fails, I will drill the stud gradually increasing the size of the bit. I think the hardest part is one it gets to the outer how to remove that metal.
Shakermaker if it was 1996 it would be an express van, the last year of the fan was 1995. If it was definitely like mine 4wd was available but not from Chevrolet. The most common 4wd conversion company were Pathfinder vans. You can occasionally find them using tools like searchtempest.com. However certain parts are no longer made as they are out of business. On the express vans the 4wd was done by Quigley who are still around and then when the express van was updated they had awd from the factory.
Check this out
http://smclassiccars.com/chevrolet/232563-1978-che...
Pits, this van would indeed be perfect for dogging if you are into that. Dogging is not as mainstream here as it is back home.
As for the cowboy hat and triple denim, that's pretty accurate for the older people that drive these.
I guess I downplayed how I bought the van. So the guy who we got it off was in his 70s, maybe 60s, a heavy smoker and drinker. He had a dark suntan, long grey hair in a pony tail, almost reminded me of a burnt out Hulk Hogan.
He was wasted when I called him on the Friday, he was wasted when he woke up on the Saturday and his was still wasted at Saturday noon.
He was knocking back cans of Keystone Light, he offered me one I declined. I always take a pistol with me to craigslist sales just in case I am walking into a setup, it has happened to other people. No need to this time as he was a happy drunk.
I'd spent a while looking at it, convincing myself in my mind the faults it had were no big deal. I couldn't see past the wood.
By this time I was pretty hungry. The old man had put some pork steaks on the grill and asked us if we wanted to stay for lunch. I said sure. The problem was he was still drunk and by the time the steaks were ready he had totally overcooked them.
Not wanting to be cock, I started eating my and it had been totally overcooked. My wife couldn't eat hers and when the old man wasn't looking she tried to give it to me. I quickly wrapped it in a tissue and stuck it in my pocket. Hmmmnn that was tasty, thank you sir.
When we left he offered me a Keystone Light for the road, I starting laughing and told him no thanks.
Spanglepants, thanks, I love those tri color faded 70s color schemes. Rib eye steak for $2.95, amazing. I do remember in the UK seeing Bedford vans with a dually axle and porthole bubble windows. This can right now would definitely fail an MOT, cracked windshield, suspension/steering components all need replacing and the brake master cylinder and reservoir need replacing too.
I'd really like a delica or a 4motion vw transporter.
Bgark it is possible to rent rv's from places like cruise America but there not cheap.
I guess it depends on your budget, you could buy one of these g vans for very cheap and sell it or give it away when your done. You could camp on BLM Or Walmart for free. The usa is not as dangerous as the media makes it out to be, just use situational awareness as to where you are staying the night
Or you could buy a late 90s RoadTrek class b camper and sell it when your done, you will have no problem selling a class b camper. I guess it also depends on how big and much of the stuff you are selling.
This is a Ford e150 Quigley 4wd that is a service vehicle for pikes peak. This is at the donut shop at the summit. This is a very nice van.
14100ft, The mountain range to the right is Cheyenne Mountain aka Norad.
Standard GM switch gear, the cruise control switch, all feels fragile.
To turn on the lights you pull the knob.
So the handbrake, known as the parking brake here is engaged by pressed the pedal to the floor, to release you pull the brake handle.
Sorry if this is the same in the UK, I don't ever recall a floor mounted parking brake.
The knob on the left opens and closes a flap on the side. I have no idea of it's purpose.
Headphone socket for video and tv, plenty of ashtrays and 4 cigarette lighter sockets.
First aid compartment, testing the black out curtain for size, still need to sew the side hems.
Excuse the mess I have not yet cleaned it. Ice Cooler box with drain.
All the foglights wiring harness is still there.
Morningside said:
Loving this thread and Starcraft sounds like a 1960s James T. Kirk van.
I presume the flap opening is to allow fresh air in?
Haha yes my wife said something similar. They make a lot of boats and travel trailers (caravans).I presume the flap opening is to allow fresh air in?
Yes the flap let's air in but I don't get what's wrong with the window, plus it's only on the driver's side. Each door has a pillar windows.
Any idea what aerial this is for?
And this. This is the worst exterior rust on the van, for now it is solid and only appears to be surface rust. I'll fix all the exterior rust at one time
The aerial for the radio is on the wheel arch. Obviously one is for the analog TV and the other one I have no idea.
Also the left headlight bezel I removed off the vandura fits slightly different and does not have the end pieces, you can see metal between the headlight and grill. I'll have to order a Chevy bezel off eBay for $20.
Now I'm going to take a lunchtime nap on these supercomfortable chairs, I really prefer cloth over leather.
Edited by 5ohmustang on Friday 3rd March 14:25
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