Grizz’s OCD Awesome ASTRO Van 🚙 Megane SCENIC 1.5dci 🚙 MX5 JEEP For Sale.🚨 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 USA Road Trip

[grizz]

45 minutes ago, Rustybullethole said:

Mmm astro van. Lot to like about that Grizz well bought. Straight 6? Can see why the wet vac may be required. Proper shagging wagon. 

4.3l V6 auto.

need to interrogate the build sheet, it will tell if it is a 179 or 200 bhp or something like that. 

[yes oui si]

Love that van

[grizz]

So I saw the van advertised a while ago on the tightly run ship that is “Unusual cars for sale”

I have always been kinda into Commercial vehicles, trucks, vans, anything practical.

But of course I already had the Rumblegrizzkin Chevy S10 in ZQ8 spec with its 4.3l V6 auto and extra cab.

This is an amazing car/truck. 

Small, for an American, and actually has 4 seats, the front buckets are also a bench, when you lift the armrest, and the midget seat in the rear folds down for a skinny 10 year old. 

But as much as the truck is a great thing, at times my butt itches for a change, and weirdly, with work insecurities etc, the best fix is to buy more cars. IYKWIM 

So I got my head around to deciding to reduce the fleet significantly, including the Rezin Rockit should I get approached randomly (which has happened) 

The van is well known in certain circles and everyone wanted it, but nobody bought it.

So I did my research and found out what I could, based on a few photos, and later a short start up video.

I also approached a complete random stranger on GarageJournal.com whose avatar showed he lives in Scunthorpe (10 miles from the van) and after a long, enjoyable conversation with Vaughan, who turns out to be 70, just recovering from cancer surgery, and still rides a KTM 990, he agreed to go take a look at the van, and go for a short drive in it. 

This all happened last Sunday, and when he called me later in the day, there were no punches pulled, and his feedback was that is was a 33 year old van, and it had the bones of a good car. It needed a few bits tidied up ( I like to polish turds) and that if faced with the dilemma of buying or not, at the stated price, he would buy it. 

So I called the seller ( who was going to buy the truck off me, but ended up buying a 1972 Toyota Crown wagon on Saturday) and asked if there was any movement on price, which there was not.

So I asked if I could still have a go at squeezing his bits, and he asked what I wanted, which I said was taking delivery of the van with a full tank of fuel. 

Monday was spent insuring, getting recovery sorted and generally trying to fit the day job into my schedule.

By 3.00pm I had Green Flag recovery switched from the S10 for a total increase of premium of £2.48 

Here is a video of my total motivation, and information on the van before buying it.

https://youtu.be/ewf60bR00k8

I will add a few more pics and observations of the van later for those morbidly interested.

In the mean time, having been an underused, 78k mile van, the battery gave me a load of solenoid clicks after I got back home last night.

I went to Sallys place for dinner and to show her the van, which of course needed a jump start.

So a battery is first on the list of items.

I see that as a longer term wear and tear item if a car is not used much. 

 

[grizz]

So on having bought the van and setting off with it, a few random observations of the first hour, well, 5 hours really.

When Colin picked me up as Scunthorpe station, he just came rolling in, and there was other nois in the background that the camera on the phone picked up on.

https://youtu.be/WYSLvCNGBO4

But the van was shorter, and stockier than I had expected. ✅

The rumble from the twin side exits - OOOOOFFF ! ✅

Having been built and professionally lowered by THE DROP SHOP in Mission, Texas, the road holding, and drive is amazing for a van, being short and low, it can be thrown into roundabouts with gusto, and never wallowed like a typical American car or truck. The further I drove, the more confident I became and far from pushing it, I was assessing it all the way, and it gets a big ✅

Colin filled the tank as part of the deal, and I doubt he zeroed the trip meter, or filled it to the neck, but even in the most unscientific way possible, it used less than an indicated 1/2 tank on the 200 mile trip home, a mix of motorways and A-Roads, so another apparent ✅

Radio/CD/USB/Starship control desk has been cut in by an angry badger, so I need a new/used original dash filler panel to get back to standard as I could not figure the radio out, YET. So a certain ❌

Driving position in what is believed to be Corvette seats is good, but maybe 150mm or 6” too close for me. I will address that soon. ❌

Cubby hole fitted to the “Dog House” engine cover has someone’s old art airbrushed on it, replace or repaint ❌

Door speakers of unknown origin, vintage, ability, and missing a screen one side needs replacing ❌

Comes with a removable tow hitch, in my world that gets ✅✅✅

Load body has remnants of amplifiers etc cut into it, if they work, reinstate and use, if not, remove and cover holes ✅❌

Getting home was a pleasure, simply because it was an unknown quantity to grab and drive 200 miles ✅

Going down the side of the house down my narrow alley necessitated folding a mirror in, it is that wide @ 77” and driving out, I just folded both in, wound the window down and kept my eye on keeping the drivers side 6 inches or 150mm from the concrete posts of the fence, naturally, the other side would be good enough. So size gets one of each too as I would have it despite the size. ✅❌

Due to overall limited use, the battery made it home, then left me in the lurch a few times in quick succession at home, new battery getting collected later today £60.00 Certainly not a seller problem, but a cost ❌

Service records, despite low mileage non existent so no base to work from doing standard maintenance, so need to get a full fluid, filters and ignition service,,again, part of ownership, so neither good nor bad, but possibly bad due to previous ownership ❌✅

Overall impression, looks, first drive gets ✅✅✅✅✅ of these and ❌of these.

Time will tell what else needs doing. 

THE DROP SHOP lowered it in the 90’s

They are also on FB and if you look at their builds, there’s some neat stuff.

Approximate collection miles.

I had done 10-20 miles already. 

Tow hitch is a massive win in my world of practicality.

Driving position in what is believed to be Corvette seats is good, but maybe 150mm or 6” too close for me. I will address that soon. 

After collecting me, the last pic of it in Scunthorpe with Colin driving.

When I got home I took some photos.

I will do the interior at the weekend with before and after etc.

Against the S10 it shows a bit of comparative size, keeping in mind the S10 is a mini truck. 

And on its own.

Chunky tyres on 15” wheels fill the arches nicely.

A very happy man I guess.

Already liking it.

Thanks for stopping by and all your comments, advice and input as always. 

.

[grizz]

My friend Bob Heine in America made a comment and observation on how,clean the rear is, along with the spoiler on top, compared to a more standard van.

And that spoiler really works in this case.

And I am not a great spoiler fan,

The smoothing, shaving handles, roll pan…… Absolutely improves the look.

Did a quick screen grab rear end pic and found another custom van with more original equipment on Google. 

 

Lots to like about this van. 

[grizz]

[quote author="@metalshapes" source="/post/2792437/thread" timestamp="1691608900"]"The smoothing, shaving handles, roll pan…… Absolutely improves the look."

It really does.

Big difference.

I'd be tempted to do a little smoothing & shaving to the front to complement it... :)[/quote]

Your suggestion is honestly at the top of my list, since I saw the van.

I did the same to the S10.

Clear lenses £65.00

Massive improvement to this…..

Either new or good used will go on there, but I think new will just look better than partially faded. 

Watch those spaces.

[grizz]

Just did my first possible “repair” on the van.

When I got back on Tuesday evening, and later tried to start it for @forddan68 and my neighbour who is a fan of American cars, there were a few clicks and then it took.

After dinner at Sallys, she had to jump start me as well, and the same thing happened, but once the jumper cables were on, it started instantly.

Last night, due to a huge truck fire on the A2/M2 the roads where I had planned to go buy a battery, we’re gridlocked as people seemed alternative routes home. So in the end I turned around, still 1.9 miles from my destination.

Came home and went to look at the battery again and take a few pics of the engine bay.

So I wriggled the terminals, and the earth which is tucked away under the fender, was loose enough that a bit of wriggling would see it come off.

So this morning I grabbed a  very small 13mm socket and tightened it, and it took quite a lot of tightening. 

Tried the ignition and instantly fired up.

Could the clicking start up be solved?

No idea, until it happens again and something else proves to be the issue.

Fingers crossed as always with a new toy. 

[grizz]

 

[hairnet]

keep the gingercators

keepthe stripes on the inside

 

[grizz]

21 hours ago, hairnet said:

keep the gingercators

keepthe stripes on the inside

 

You wouldn’t.

interior stays, gingercators….. need £65.00 to make a change.

[grizz]

Here is a video write up of yesterdays action.

 

 

Enjoy.

 

[grizz]

On 8/8/2023 at 11:01 PM, yes oui si said:

Love that van

Thank you.

It is a nice thing, and I suspect much more me than the S10 which is just too perfect.

This needs lots of small bits of fettling, and may still spring a surprise on us, but for now…… HAPPY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[quote author="@93fxdl" source="/post/2792671/thread" timestamp="1691783556"]Currently enjoying the video on the tv, a suggestion for he front sidelights, since you intend to fit clear indicators, why not pair them with switchback leds, white for sidelight, but flashes yellow
Ttfn Glenn [/quote]

Very good thinking Glenn.

I will certainly investigate that.

One of my clever mates can possibly help, and prevent me spending days figuring it all out, like I did on the S10.

https://youtu.be/jdIu7KdpWs0

That was a great modification to remove the amber front indicator lenses. 

If the clear indicators for the Astro allows it, that would be the best way to remove those horns from the front. 

[grizz]

Cleaned the rear loadbed carpet. 
 

It looks better.

 

2 hours.

[grizz]

@stuboy there you go……

 

 

[grizz]

So………. 

The front end, lights etc.

I had a suggestion from a friend to get an ally grille, to go with the clear side repeaters. Not sure about that. 

Had it on the 79 Blazer and replaced with a new old stock original, which I preferred 

Also, need to see if there are smoothed/closed in headlight bezels out there, that could work too.

Along with a clear lens side repeater and possibly deleting the current side lights, followed by installing switchback LED bulbs as suggested by a few guys and @westbay.

@zeberdeewesty did a couple of photoshop deletes…..

I like that, compared to the current look.

Yesterday, Mate John, the driving school instructor was over for a few hours to look at the van.

We checked all the lights and found one bright lamp out, and also the reverse lights had been replaced with yellow bulbs as indicators, a great idea IMHO as red indicators are often not seen clearly on American cars. 

So I need to go find a correct light bulb, either in the garage or shop. 

[grizz]

Took a quick pic of the rear view mirror, trying to show the black with blue metal flake paint on there.

 

Kinda lost unless you look for it, in bright sunlight.

 

Still, pretty too.

 

 

[grizz]

Busy weekend.

The van has a ton of things to address and keep me busy.

And as I have gotten to know it more and more while washing, cleaning and touching and feeling it, I am realising that I lucked out again. 

Keep in mind, there could still be 101 surprises hiding out of sight somewhere. 

Mate John, one of my old lodgers and driving instructor, who helped with the electrics of the Rezin Rockit, came around yesterday.

He is a tech fan and bit of a guru. 

He really liked the van, casting a critical eye over it

One of the jobs I had identified after washing the van at first, was the Center Line billet alloy wheels that needed to be brought back to life and shine

Up close they looked really tired.

So I got some Autosol metal polish and some rags to just try it out……

John had the camera.

Test spot looked much better

And 35 minutes later……

And then a lovely pic, possibly my favourite so far.

140 plus minutes well spent.

Another hour to be spent today.

So that was a great result.

Overnight I remembered how the Poorboys wheel sealant added to the S10 wheels I had refurbished.

So this morning I got the tub, some rags and started again.

Clearly this sealant polish was still improving the work as it took more ally from  the surfaces.

Elbow grease time.

And the RESULT IS AWESOME.

It really is rewarding when you see the changes, day to day.

And the photos allow you to look back and SMILE. 

Again, video for the lazy traveler .

https://youtu.be/uBvvhqyndCk

More tomorrow for those who still want to see what is changing. 

Weekend over. 

.

[grizz]

https://youtu.be/uBvvhqyndCk

[grizz]

Well………

Any road trip sees me “IN” 

This time……

I was the destination.

As David Bowie sang……..

Ch-Ch-Changes.

Today part of a multi vehicle churn started.

@glenanderson , @craigrk and I were initiating a multi vehicle trade and swap around.

Todays phase was Glen returning a lawn tractor that came though here a few years ago, that his son has used to earn his Duke of Edinburg award.

The Lawn tractor, along with the one I fetched from @frankenhealey last year, or was it this year, will be headed to Craigs home in Shropshire.

He originally wanted the Canta, and had first refusal on it, but also realised that his wife has a glass jar on the kitchen window sill that is reserved for his testicles.

So choosing to not walk like John Wayne, he let Glen take the Canta on as a new father and son build, continuing with what I started (I just cleaned it up a bit) 

Mate Fil, “Sparkplug” had to step out of the race, having had second refusal as his Sprinter camper van blew up its engine.

So Glen and son Fin have a Canta, and Craigs collection of lawn tractors continues to grow.

I have gained a bit of space. Which will increase once the Rezin Rockit is sold. And then the Blue Van will be stored in the carport as it is in such good condition.

Hopefully the S10 finds a good home as well.

Video to be edited later and uploaded even later.

But suffice it to say that as always, having Glen pop over was a great pleasure.

His,Son Finlay was very taken wit the S10 and Rezin Rockit, as he should be.

But the Canta had both of them laughing like madmen when they saw it, got in it and drove it.

This little car really does bring a load of joy for what it is.

So the tractor as delivered, used to be red……..

Perfect name too.

While,Glen looked the van over, he remembers the rear door stay, opened it and poked a finger in the hole…….

Producing a door stop…… 

Like magic.

And of course Fin was taken with the van as well, I let him start it and rev it on the driveway, though, given a choice I suspect he would have the truck.

Happy chappie 

 

All too soon it was time For them to head home……

Glen to face Mrs Anderson, who is not impressed. 

But I am sure she prefers him tinkering, rather than drinking or doing silly stuff.

Happy team, headed out.

Looking forward to seeing how Glen and Fin progress and proceed with the Canta.

 

[grizz]

https://youtu.be/PZ-K08G8gC8

[grizz]

https://youtu.be/BKX3Q-QOJMA

[grizz]

Polishing paint, video link above. 
 

 

[grizz]

A friend, JB Math in Oklahoma gave me what I regard as a lovely compliment yesterday, saying that I have an innate ability to find those little imperfections that when corrected, make a nice impact.

To me, some of the bodges and repairs I see, make me wonder why people did not just do it right in the first place, as the effort is the same as doing it right.

Yesterday’s small jobs would have nickwheeler rubbing his hands together in glee. 

The black gloss paint came out…….

A few small jobs to do, necessitated some masking up, and also dismantling weather seals in the door frames, but with a nice impact.

First job, mask up the cut and shut Recarro seat bases. Welded, ground and left like that……

Nice job mr Craftsman.

[grizz]

After work a quick few small jobs.

WD40 in the lock barrels, got all three doors to lock. In a secret sequence.

Also went back to the garage and fetched the G3 and some cloths.

The rear end, roll pan and lights were not as tidy as I would like them.

So rear end paint polished, followed by the rear lights that were less than good.

After quite a bit of buffing, the results were satisfactory, or a bit more than that to be honest.

Plan is to go out for a drive with Sally tomorrow.

No idea where to go really, and @glenanderson will possibly have advice on Dover and Folkestone, I hope.

Not really interested in Dover castle, expensive and done recently..

Any ideas for greater Kent gang?

No tight car parks of course. 

.
 

[grizz]

[grizz]

Took the new van and Sally for a ride today.

One of the places we ended up was on the Isle of Sheppey, at good friend Darren’s engineering shop.

Always one to look for other avenues of revenue, and also liking a project or two on the side.

This is current with great potential.

 

After making a full round of his newest car, engineering and fun stuff, I searched his massive dumpster/skip in case there were treasures in there……

No luck.

But, associated with one of his current engineering projects, was this……..

We got into a quick negotiation and a sensible price was agreed.

This may end up being a fart in a wind storm, or it could become real thunder.
SO ANY INPUT, PAST EXPERIENCE, PHOTOS, DESIGNS, WARNINGS ( fiscal and H&S) are welcome.

At this point Sally just said OMG, Really? And carried on on her Instagram.

So we were discussing me taking ownership of this beauty after it has served its purpose here……

And turning it into a 4 wheeled drivable vehicle.

If Barstools, Ammo cases, lawn tractors and mobility scooters can…… then why not a Jetski.

Steering wheel, rear view mirrors, comfy seat.

WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?

 

So right now, it is just an idea fuelled by a lot of cannabis and beer.

Input welcome.

Don’t be negative, get with the madness.

 

[grizz]

Up early, as usual, then went to fill the van up to its neck, suspect 75 litres or 15 gallons, too lazy to search Google right now.

Local gas station is still running a manned forecourt, so you may not fill your own car/truck. 

 

Likes the Dino-Juice.

Let’s see how much it likes it. 

Once Sally got here, we set off.

She took a pic of me because of my silly grin most of the way.

One of the places we ended up was on the Isle of Sheppey, at good friend Darren’s engineering shop.

Always one to look for other avenues of revenue, and also liking a project or two on the side.

This is current with great potential.

 

After making a full round of his newest car, engineering and fun stuff, I searched his massive dumpster/skip in case there were treasures in there……

No luck.

But, associated with one of his current engineering projects, was this…….. Check the last two entries https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/211832/grizz-s10-rumblegrizzkin-sale-real?page=179

Once we’re done at Darren’s it was off to some shops.

Now we all know the saying, “If you don’t look back at your car when you walk away, you bought the wrong car”

Well, I never expected to hear the words from a usually reserved, noncommittal Sally. 

Half way to the shops, she stopped and looked back, saying “You,did get lucky finding such a nice looking van”

High praise indeed from the Queen of Yeah, it’s OK.

Coming back, I felt compelled to take another pic of the same blue van, these colours really do love a bit of light.

Lastly, an early morning message from Dennis……

Looks like it is going to continue being hellishly hot in the USA.

I don’t really care, as long as I get there.

[Barry Cade]

Was the tank brimmed? Mine holds 27 gallons 😯

[grizz]

7 minutes ago, Barry Cade said:

Was the tank brimmed? Mine holds 27 gallons 😯

Yes, and it indicated at least 1/3 full

[Barry Cade]

4 hours ago, grizz said:

Yes, and it indicated at least 1/3 full

Seems to be a lot of talk on the forums about tank size. I read here the low fuel light comes on with 30 litres left!  😯Yours must be 17 gal. (US)    https://www.astrosafari.com/threads/actual-fuel-tank-capacity.143162/

1985-1991/17gal.
1992-1997/27gal.
1998-2000/25gal.
2001 and later/27gal.
seems 17 gal was optional for some 4 cylinder vans,so they say.