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

[loserone]

16 minutes ago, grizz said:

Being made redundant

That's no good man, have you got a plan?

[Westbay]

Nice work on the glove box… looks so much better.

[Westbay]

New steering wheel so much better, well done 👍

[Westbay]

Good score with the manuals, love a good manual to browse through, can loose hours 🙂

[Asimo]

1 hour ago, grizz said:

What next?

Paint the knee-pads to match the looks-like-new glovebox?  Delete that knee-level gauge (what is it?)

[grizz]

1 hour ago, Asimo said:

Paint the knee-pads to match the looks-like-new glovebox?  Delete that knee-level gauge (what is it?)

Yes to painting those pieces, once I figure how to remove them.

 

Temperature gauge, thermostat, as these originally failed on these cars, so  this one works. 
 

But it looks shit, and is in the wrong place. 
 

Not yet figured where to move it to.  Current position is awkward to read at 70mph. 

[grizz]

2 hours ago, loserone said:

That's no good man, have you got a plan?

Simply put…… yes.

Actually….. done nothing about it. 
 

 

[loserone]

You're halfway there!

 

* there may be more to the Deming cycle than Plan and Do, but who cares?

[grizz]

20 hours ago, loserone said:

You're halfway there!

 

* there may be more to the Deming cycle than Plan and Do, but who cares?

 

yup.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to all those commenting on the obvious, Imfeel obliged to fix it. 

After deleting the 90’s graffiti, it was obvious (was from the start really) that the parts to the left and right, through 33 years of wear and aging, could do with a colour match as well.

No idea how the plastics have gone yellow, but maybe GM had different suppliers for different pieces of trim, and as long as the exterior kinda matched….. we all know how often it does not even in new cars, it was fine for the production line.

In a commercial vehicle that was expected to do a 300k mile life in a few years, longevity was possibly less important than a “survivor” that after 33 years, still only had done 78k miles. 

So as soon as I get time to disassemble these two panels, including the switches, buttons that run through them, they will be prepped and painted. 

Friday, thank goodness.

Headed out to do some training at Woolwich today.

Then we can come home to play.

Later gang. 

[Westbay]

1 hour ago, grizz said:

 

yup.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to all those commenting on the obvious, Imfeel obliged to fix it. 

After deleting the 90’s graffiti, it was obvious (was from the start really) that the parts to the left and right, through 33 years of wear and aging, could do with a colour match as well.

No idea how the plastics have gone yellow, but maybe GM had different suppliers for different pieces of trim, and as long as the exterior kinda matched….. we all know how often it does not even in new cars, it was fine for the production line.

In a commercial vehicle that was expected to do a 300k mile life in a few years, longevity was possibly less important than a “survivor” that after 33 years, still only had done 78k miles. 

So as soon as I get time to disassemble these two panels, including the switches, buttons that run through them, they will be prepped and painted. 

Friday, thank goodness.

Headed out to do some training at Woolwich today.

Then we can come home to play.

Later gang. 

Will make a big difference when done … 👍

[Westbay]

22 hours ago, grizz said:

Yes to painting those pieces, once I figure how to remove them.

 

Temperature gauge, thermostat, as these originally failed on these cars, so  this one works. 
 

But it looks shit, and is in the wrong place. 
 

Not yet figured where to move it to.  Current position is awkward to read at 70mph. 

A pod on top of dashboard ?

[grizz]

Thanks to my own eyes, and multiple comments from others, my Friday afternoon after work was spent addressing these.

So dismantling took a few minutes.

Looking a mess.

Loads of spare audio wires and plugs.

The radio, speakers and amps are a job for another day……

Need a clever audio type volunteer to come help me understand, identify and remove what can be removed, or re-use and replace what needs to be replaced in order to give me a simple Radio/CD/Bluetooth system, utilising all the speaker holes in doors and rear doors, plus maybe reinstate the two amplifiers in the side wall.

ANYONE ? 

Next job…..

PREP, PRIME, PAINT.

Done.

Much better.

BEFORE

AFTER.

To all the Zoomers…….. keep going.

Now there is a difference again, and also, you can see what 33 years have done to distorting the plastics that may have been aligned from the factory. 

I think there is a time to step away and start drinking.

Now is not the time.

Later.

 

[grizz]

S10 sold this morning.

 

Just filled the tank for buyer, and fresh MOT getting done this afternoon At 4.30.

 

[grizz]

PS.

Video.

https://youtu.be/fauI2Wu7k2k?si=Mwp-cdQb4YkdGk62

[Westbay]

Looking good! 👍

[Westbay]

20 hours ago, grizz said:

S10 sold this morning.

 

Just filled the tank for buyer, and fresh MOT getting done this afternoon At 4.30.

 

Very generous Grizz, makes refreshing change to “should be enoughin it to get you to the petrol station” 🙂

[grizz]

Swapping parking places……

With the S10 sold, to be collected once license plate is swapped etc.

Astro now truly has become Number One Child.

Van has a lot to prove.

And of course.

.

.

[Westbay]

Did you keep the number off the S10?

[SilverMachine]

cool  van! is the mx-jeep still there?

[grizz]

So Saturday after the S10 sold, I filled it with fuel, and took it for an MOT.

Sunday I unpacked the two steel cabinets worth of spare parts for It and also the spare GMC parts I have for it.

I was amazed at how much stuff I had bought and collected for it over the last three years for it.

There are also two boxes already packed with wiring looms, complete ignition sets etc. 

One of the things I rediscovered was a centre console from a 7.5 Ton refrigerated truck that I bought years ago.

When driving the van to Margate two weeks ago, I had a cooler bag for stuff, but thought it would be nice to have a bigger glovebox/storage space than the standard one I just removed the 90’s  graffiti from.

Plan born.

I test fitted it on the floor, but also like this, with a plastic stacker box under it.

Preferred the raised position to flat on the floor.

So I washed and cleaned all of it with ammonia based scrubbing soap and a pot scouter, unfortunately the stains on the plastic would not shift.

So on to plan B.

This included the plastic box, which had a huge crack in the bottom. 

So the plan was to cut a hole in the side and reinforce it all. 

Magic stuff, plywood.

Screwed and glued together, the next job was to 3M Scotch pad the console, then mask and wipe it all down with thinners. 

Followed by plastic primer.

Step away…….

Coffee…..

Satin black.

Cup holders and all the leading edges got a few coats of paint as they are high impact areas.

And test fitted after paint.

Still needs to be secured to the box, and a bit of carpet or fabric added to box floor. 

And looking in from outside.

Really happy with that all.

To me, this is a small job with a great outcome.

Video 

https://youtu.be/OF1an8w_82c?si=eTDOscFksmhD-jYz

Next job…….

Drive the bloody thing a bit. 

.

 

[Westbay]

39 minutes ago, grizz said:

So Saturday after the S10 sold, I filled it with fuel, and took it for an MOT.

Sunday I unpacked the two steel cabinets worth of spare parts for It and also the spare GMC parts I have for it.

I was amazed at how much stuff I had bought and collected for it over the last three years for it.

There are also two boxes already packed with wiring looms, complete ignition sets etc. 

One of the things I rediscovered was a centre console from a 7.5 Ton refrigerated truck that I bought years ago.

When driving the van to Margate two weeks ago, I had a cooler bag for stuff, but thought it would be nice to have a bigger glovebox/storage space than the standard one I just removed the 90’s  graffiti from.

Plan born.

I test fitted it on the floor, but also like this, with a plastic stacker box under it.

Preferred the raised position to flat on the floor.

So I washed and cleaned all of it with ammonia based scrubbing soap and a pot scouter, unfortunately the stains on the plastic would not shift.

So on to plan B.

This included the plastic box, which had a huge crack in the bottom. 

So the plan was to cut a hole in the side and reinforce it all. 

Magic stuff, plywood.

Screwed and glued together, the next job was to 3M Scotch pad the console, then mask and wipe it all down with thinners. 

Followed by plastic primer.

Step away…….

Coffee…..

Satin black.

Cup holders and all the leading edges got a few coats of paint as they are high impact areas.

And test fitted after paint.

Still needs to be secured to the box, and a bit of carpet or fabric added to box floor. 

And looking in from outside.

Really happy with that all.

To me, this is a small job with a great outcome.

Video 

https://youtu.be/OF1an8w_82c?si=eTDOscFksmhD-jYz

Next job…….

Drive the bloody thing a bit. 

.

 

Nice mod, well done 👍

[grizz]

So Saturday after the S10 sold, I filled it with fuel, and took it for an MOT.

Sunday I unpacked the two steel cabinets worth of spare parts for It and also the spare GMC parts I have for it.

I was amazed at how much stuff I had bought and collected for it over the last three years for it.

There are also two boxes already packed with wiring looms, complete ignition sets etc. 

One of the things I rediscovered was a centre console from a 7.5 Ton refrigerated truck that I bought years ago.

When driving the van to Margate two weeks ago, I had a cooler bag for stuff, but thought it would be nice to have a bigger glovebox/storage space than the standard one I just removed the 90’s  graffiti from.

Plan born.

I test fitted it on the floor, but also like this, with a plastic stacker box under it.

Preferred the raised position to flat on the floor.

So I washed and cleaned all of it with ammonia based scrubbing soap and a pot scouter, unfortunately the stains on the plastic would not shift.

So on to plan B.

This included the plastic box, which had a huge crack in the bottom. 

So the plan was to cut a hole in the side and reinforce it all. 

Magic stuff, plywood.

Screwed and glued together, the next job was to 3M Scotch pad the console, then mask and wipe it all down with thinners. 

Followed by plastic primer.

Step away…….

Coffee…..

Satin black.

Cup holders and all the leading edges got a few coats of paint as they are high impact areas.

And test fitted after paint.

Still needs to be secured to the box, and a bit of carpet or fabric added to box floor. 

And looking in from outside.

Really happy with that all.

To me, this is a small job with a great outcome.

Video 

https://youtu.be/OF1an8w_82c?si=eTDOscFksmhD-jYz

Next job…….

Drive the bloody thing a bit. 

.

 

[grizz]

Don’t know what happened above…..; 

 

It looks like a double post.

 

 

Life goes on at Grizz-Towers.

George has kinda gotten used to me being back home from the USA but still comes in for super cuddles or a bit of time with me, which I enjoy. He is way beyond the level of Gabby the feral at @ivanhoew but still his own,guy.

So a few holes, nuts, washers and tightened……

Needs a bit of automotive carpet inside the base box.

Job done.

Also had some lightweight fun yesterday.

I am not planning any more stickers, and the one on the rear door will be removed once I find it unfunny.

Bought because it always made me smile 

The van does not need stickers.

This one I got from Tyler in the USA is a bit silly, but will make people do a double take.

Deeply placed on the firewall.

Struggled with afternoon light to get this pic taken.
Flying eyeball from Tyler as well.
And Tripp Jones Racing from Dennis is for his grandson who already is being prepped, like son Adam was, for a potential future in racing.

And the one that will not stay on for very long…. But I like it.

Late afternoon, mate Kevin came over in his very smart VW camper to visit and also to check out the Astro.

Of course I had to take him out for a run.

Nervous?

Came back, and it seems he approves.

He and his wife just came back from three weeks in Oregon and Washington states, which they loved.

Next job is to identify all the suspension lubrication points and then to get the van down to,the garage, get it raised up on the ramps or even higher, and grease all the various points.

Looking after stuff usually makes it last longer. 

.

[grizz]

Seems to me, I am spoiling the readers on here.

Way too much story telling and posting.

So it is time for a LUBE JOB

I think that when you service a vehicle or machine, you mostly extend its life.

So one of the things I wanted to do was clean up and grease all the moving parts with a nipple today. 

Consulting the GM service manuals I was gifted by Tony, I printed off the one page with all the lubrication points to take to the garage, rather than mess up the manuals. 

Haynes Manual was an outright failure. 

All on one one page.

So I got going.

Swapped around the cars and truck.

YouTube content I hear you say. 

Hopefully a guide.

Getting a rise out of this lube job yet?

So looking under the front end, the grease points were all a bit dirty and the grease was hardened.

When last was this thing lubbed up ?

Maintenance ?

Errrmmm.

So I crawled around, cleaned up and lubed up under there.

Result.

So another job done today, in order to get keep this little gem on the road.

Video:

https://youtu.be/fAmEHBt6IsI?si=tpy8UoPt44J0yzhg

So, what do you think?

Progress? 

[grizz]

Long story SHORT.

The Astro Van has a horrible IMHO radio fitted.

I believe it is wired to the battery, so permanent live, however, it seems to reset itself once you turn the ignition off and on.

I have learned a trick, and that is to select the “UP” button once it gets turned on, warmed up and starts changing its screen colours….. ( I HATE THAT) and that is to then hit the UP button, which seems to give me Radio 2 every time.

Now you can judge all you want on my radio station selection, but the day job used to necessitate a fair amount of in and out the car and thus breaks in transmission and songs.

I have never used my iPhone as a music source and cannot be r-sed (Bloody onscreen banner ads are driving me nuts here) to try the whole download thing. 

Mostly I am happy with the bunch on R2 except for J-Vine who needs a smack in the face with a haddock. 

Sometimes (Mostly for my own pleasure and shock value) I really enjoy David Allen-Coe 

KNOW THIS SONG ? 

https://youtu.be/ved2go9zEGw?si=TD-AJBs5wtqup2XH

These are the roots

Tennessee Whiskey" is a country song written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove. It was originally recorded by country artist David Allan Coe for his album of the same name Tennessee Whiskey, whose version peaked at number 77 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1981.[1] George Jones' 1983 version of the song was included on his album Shine On, and reached number two on the Hot Country Singles chart.

The song has been covered by several artists, including Chris Stapleton, whose breakout performance of the song at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards with Justin Timberlake propelled the song to a greater level of popularity. Stapleton's version of the song has been certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

David Allan Coe (born September 6, 1939) is an American singer and songwriter.[2] Coe took up music after spending much of his early life in reform schools and prisons, and first became notable for busking in Nashville. He initially played mostly in the blues style, before transitioning to country music, becoming a major part of the 1970s outlaw country scene. His biggest hits include "You Never Even Called Me by My Name", "Longhaired Redneck", "The Ride", "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile", and "She Used to Love Me a Lot".

His most popular songs performed by others are the number-one hits "Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)" sung by Tanya Tucker and Johnny Paycheck's rendition of "Take This Job and Shove It". The latter inspired the movie of the same name. Coe's rebellious attitude, wild image, and unconventional lifestyle set him apart from other country performers, both winning him legions of fans and hindering his mainstream success by alienating the music industry establishment. Coe continues to be a popular performer on the country music circuit.

The stuff that 99% of readers would turn inside out about includes…..

https://youtu.be/2VVxdeuTkQg?si=xjTFJLfEB4LkRxBa

SO……

Back to the reason for wanting a CD player and Radio 2.

I also wanted something with Bluetooth to protect my driving license.

So I pooped down to Halfords earlier on.

You know that saying IF YOU DON’T LOOK BACK AT YOUR CAR WHEN YOU WALK AWAY, YOU SURE BOUGHT THE WRONG KINDA CAR

HAPPY TO SAY, I STOPPED, LOOKED BACK AND SMILES.

As I usually do with most of the cars I buy. 

So I got helped by a lovely lady (for a change in Halfords, I have had some terrible experiences there, looking for help) called Eliza. Thank you.

She suggested choosing between the following three. 

They all are around £100.00 which to me sounds cheap for what is delivering what I need.

The selection includes these.

I have not lived with Alexa, but I hate Siri for listening in on every conversation I have. So Alexa may be very useful but also irritating like a puppy thats had too much time on its hands (paws) 

I will need to fill this hole….

So this supersized turd will leave, replaced by a single DIN unit that can drive, via some amplifiers already fitted to the wall (One powers up, one not, but possibly disconnected) a pair of 6x9’s in the holes in the doors, lets start with fresh speakers too, with less protrusions and also at least a pair in the rear doors, and maybe some tweeters if one can get them in the game as well.

Did I mention I know nothing about all this clever music installation stuff, so may need some help??

Speakers need replacing.

Sooooooooo………..

Question to the Collective, any preference on the head units on display, and I think Alexa, though not offering a blowjob, does seem the best bang for the buck.

Opinions, advice (HELP) all received with thanks.

[somewhatfoolish]

I'm liking that the legend on the hand brake release looks like it's been cobbled up with a dymo printer and also the antediluvian suspension that has eleventy grease points.

[grizz]

Rian, your 1990 Astro van has the same size opening as my 1987 Corvette:  1.5 DIN.  Not many vehicles use that size unit so there are very few options.  The previous owner chose to install a 2 DIN unit and that's why you have that butchered opening.  To avoid leaving space above and/or below the single DIN you are looking at, you have three options:

1. Obtain a Dash Kit with a mounting setup like this:
   
   https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120913037P/Metra-91-3037P-Dash-Kit-Black.html
2. Obtain a 1/2 DIN equalizer and fill the space above or below the Single DIN unit.  Even if you don't want the equalizer function, it might be a close or cheaper price point compared to the Dash Kit.  This one, for example, is about $5 more:
   https://www.temu.com/zy-mt-x508-car-equalizer-5-band-equalizer-car-power-amplifier-audio-eq-tuning-crossover-amplifier-12v-car-car-equalizer-g-601099520779112.html?top_gallery_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.kwcdn.com%2Fproduct%2FFancyalgo%2FVirtualModelMatting%2F0003cb8fd507ca2bc2d6a9ac1496d1fb.jpg&spec_gallery_id=2013976276&refer_page_el_sn=209279&_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_sub_channel=shopping&_x_ns_prz_type=-1&_x_ns_sku_id=17592250739942&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_gmc_account=647900107&_x_login_type=Google&_x_ads_account=1919904652&_x_ads_set=20551225628&_x_ads_id=155140706564&_x_ads_creative_id=673866321789&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzETHutGiIPcbhc-6GY5UGXMomQFY5mRYpfQDAtCYcBZ_ekrIxqQ0UhoCXFoQAvD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=17592250739942&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=CjkKCQjwmvSoBhDIARIoAMNgDuXc197eEc93iUmDvsfY9LNh_213hh0OjjZg0QwUPyWMn3z1phoCl-A&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICFMlMo6qxgPtsWUThjCSJbB4&_x_ns_targetid=pla-2204775996463&refer_page_name=adver-tmpl-ph9&refer_page_id=13554_1696538236933_fha9cgrds6&refer_page_sn=13554&_x_sessn_id=mup1pat9c1
3. Obtain a 1.5 DIN units that look like the one originally installed in your van: 
   https://www.retromanufacturing.com/products/1990-95-chevrolet-astro-van-new-york-1-5-din-direct-fit-radio?variant=42656844677276

 

 

 

Guess that is also informative.

[grizz]

Rian, your 1990 Astro van has the same size opening as my 1987 Corvette:  1.5 DIN.  Not many vehicles use that size unit so there are very few options.  The previous owner chose to install a 2 DIN unit and that's why you have that butchered opening.  To avoid leaving space above and/or below the single DIN you are looking at, you have three options:

1. Obtain a Dash Kit with a mounting setup like this:
   
   https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120913037P/Metra-91-3037P-Dash-Kit-Black.html
2. Obtain a 1/2 DIN equalizer and fill the space above or below the Single DIN unit.  Even if you don't want the equalizer function, it might be a close or cheaper price point compared to the Dash Kit.  This one, for example, is about $5 more:
   https://www.temu.com/zy-mt-x508-car-equalizer-5-band-equalizer-car-power-amplifier-audio-eq-tuning-crossover-amplifier-12v-car-car-equalizer-g-601099520779112.html?top_gallery_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.kwcdn.com%2Fproduct%2FFancyalgo%2FVirtualModelMatting%2F0003cb8fd507ca2bc2d6a9ac1496d1fb.jpg&spec_gallery_id=2013976276&refer_page_el_sn=209279&_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_sub_channel=shopping&_x_ns_prz_type=-1&_x_ns_sku_id=17592250739942&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_gmc_account=647900107&_x_login_type=Google&_x_ads_account=1919904652&_x_ads_set=20551225628&_x_ads_id=155140706564&_x_ads_creative_id=673866321789&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzETHutGiIPcbhc-6GY5UGXMomQFY5mRYpfQDAtCYcBZ_ekrIxqQ0UhoCXFoQAvD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=17592250739942&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=CjkKCQjwmvSoBhDIARIoAMNgDuXc197eEc93iUmDvsfY9LNh_213hh0OjjZg0QwUPyWMn3z1phoCl-A&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICFMlMo6qxgPtsWUThjCSJbB4&_x_ns_targetid=pla-2204775996463&refer_page_name=adver-tmpl-ph9&refer_page_id=13554_1696538236933_fha9cgrds6&refer_page_sn=13554&_x_sessn_id=mup1pat9c1
3. Obtain a 1.5 DIN units that look like the one originally installed in your van: 
   https://www.retromanufacturing.com/products/1990-95-chevrolet-astro-van-new-york-1-5-din-direct-fit-radio?variant=42656844677276

 

 

 

Guess that is also informative.

[Westbay]

5 hours ago, grizz said:

Rian, your 1990 Astro van has the same size opening as my 1987 Corvette:  1.5 DIN.  Not many vehicles use that size unit so there are very few options.  The previous owner chose to install a 2 DIN unit and that's why you have that butchered opening.  To avoid leaving space above and/or below the single DIN you are looking at, you have three options:

1. Obtain a Dash Kit with a mounting setup like this:
   
   https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120913037P/Metra-91-3037P-Dash-Kit-Black.html
2. Obtain a 1/2 DIN equalizer and fill the space above or below the Single DIN unit.  Even if you don't want the equalizer function, it might be a close or cheaper price point compared to the Dash Kit.  This one, for example, is about $5 more:
   https://www.temu.com/zy-mt-x508-car-equalizer-5-band-equalizer-car-power-amplifier-audio-eq-tuning-crossover-amplifier-12v-car-car-equalizer-g-601099520779112.html?top_gallery_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.kwcdn.com%2Fproduct%2FFancyalgo%2FVirtualModelMatting%2F0003cb8fd507ca2bc2d6a9ac1496d1fb.jpg&spec_gallery_id=2013976276&refer_page_el_sn=209279&_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_sub_channel=shopping&_x_ns_prz_type=-1&_x_ns_sku_id=17592250739942&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_gmc_account=647900107&_x_login_type=Google&_x_ads_account=1919904652&_x_ads_set=20551225628&_x_ads_id=155140706564&_x_ads_creative_id=673866321789&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzETHutGiIPcbhc-6GY5UGXMomQFY5mRYpfQDAtCYcBZ_ekrIxqQ0UhoCXFoQAvD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=17592250739942&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=CjkKCQjwmvSoBhDIARIoAMNgDuXc197eEc93iUmDvsfY9LNh_213hh0OjjZg0QwUPyWMn3z1phoCl-A&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICFMlMo6qxgPtsWUThjCSJbB4&_x_ns_targetid=pla-2204775996463&refer_page_name=adver-tmpl-ph9&refer_page_id=13554_1696538236933_fha9cgrds6&refer_page_sn=13554&_x_sessn_id=mup1pat9c1
3. Obtain a 1.5 DIN units that look like the one originally installed in your van: 
   https://www.retromanufacturing.com/products/1990-95-chevrolet-astro-van-new-york-1-5-din-direct-fit-radio?variant=42656844677276

 

 

 

Guess that is also informative.

Lot of useful information there …. I’m vering away from the ‘homemade’ blanking pice - because - ‘homemade’ ….

[grizz]

CLUNK

CLINK

CLUNK

CLINK

CLUNK

CLINK

ONLY SMALL NOISES.

Not currently apparent from the left rear wheel area.

So I got an Allen key set and proceeded to remove the centre Line centre caps

One by one they came off, nothing in there at all

Impressed that the Allen head screws all had copper slip on their threads.

Never found anything loose in the end.

Went for a drive.

Saw this Mitsubishi L200 shorty.

Makes the van look smaller than it is.

Still smiling.