Pro-Touring Astro Van

[Boyd]

I can't remember his username, but what happened to the guy who was building a PT Astro Van? I haven't seen him on the board in a long while and was wondering how his project is coming along.

[kmcanally]

Here is a link to the project thread:

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=20086

[1FstChevy]

Perhaps he's since rolled it, I couldn't see an astro van being too friendly in the turns.

[TonyL]

It's all about the center of gravity on a van. They can be made to handle. It's essentially an S-10. They even had AWD versions of them. The glass is the problem. It's so heavy and so high. Replace it with lexan though, and... ?

/He was on as recently as yesterday.

[1FstChevy]

Heh, don't worry I just took a look at that thread. As far as Astro Vans go I think thats about as serious as it gets!!!

[hoosiergta]

I can't remember his username, but what happened to the guy who was building a PT Astro Van? I haven't seen him on the board in a long while and was wondering how his project is coming along.

astroracer where are you ......I'm a big fan of what you doing.I thot about putting my sbc/trany in the middle but went stock lay out because I think the whole thing would need to be on a heavy swing arm.Vette IRS would fix that!

[Vegas69]

Very cool build but I can't see myself investing that kind of time and money into an astro van. I'd like to think my build is somewhat of an investment.

[vanzuuk1]

I have a 92 astro and I swear I wish dynacorn made a body,mine is rusting away but runs fine.

Its also fun to park rear wheel drive in the snow...

[astroracer]

astroracer where are you ......I'm a big fan of what you doing.I thot about putting my sbc/trany in the middle but went stock lay out because I think the whole thing would need to be on a heavy swing arm.Vette IRS would fix that!

Hey guys. Thanks for thinking about me and my project. The past year has been one of those years from hell.
Lost my job due to a company buyout a year ago (I am now working direct at AM General [the Hummer people] and looking forward to very nice bonus).
Lost my brother-in-law to a car accident last Easter weekend. He was 53 years old, had just retired in February and had his 1st grandbaby on the way... This was(is) a tremendous blow to my family and is something we will be dealing with for a long time.
Working tons of O.T. at the new job made for 12 and 14 hour days (including the drive to work and back) which didn't leave a lot of time for anything other then sleep and must do things around the house.
I did pick up another project I didn't need.... A '49 F1 Ford pickup that was started by a buddy who lost interest. I have all of the pieces to throw this one together after I get the chassis set up. Plans are to hit it hard this winter and have it drivable in the spring.
The Astro is sitting there waiting. I will get to it next year. I also took a Tig welding class last fall to get some more experience with that so I can feel comfortable welding up the new suspension.
Anyway, been pretty busy, just not a lot of time spent in the shop...
Thanks.
Mark

[nbecker]

Sorry to hear about the hard times.

Wheres the pics of the truck?????? you know the rules.

[hoosiergta]

Gad to he from you! I've never talked to you but I went all the way back thru all of the threads about the plans,changes to plans ect.Blows me away! Mines going to be a driver,parts hauler,lawn tractor transporter( main reason I didn,t go mid engine),car trailer tug. We've had like 5 of them . One I put on a4x4 truck frame it only had 31"tires but was 8 ' tall . seemed smart just to take it apart and part it out!I'd like to get a short one like yours and make a mid engine pick-upout of it.Yeah I 'm a bit of a redneck.I'm trying to recover though .

[twosaturns]

I too was watching for the progress from astroracer. I had a GMC safari for a while, really appreicated its versatility. I REALLY wanted to drop it, smooth it, lose the rear bumper, etc. but when I didn't need a van anymore (work change) I got rid of it. next time, i think I'd like to do a short one '95 or earlier (I prefer the slant nose).