Vanning


Vanning is a compulsion, an obsession, an occupation, an affliction, a fascination, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it, must. Those who don't, think it's a waste of time. For me it is a calling.

Monday, July 30, 2012

 I've reached the point where I need to start painting . I got the engine out. The trans needs to be painted. And the underside is getting painted too. Along with the rear axle and springs.., The rear end is out and needs sanded and cleaned up.
    The underside needs cleaned and sanded.....still can't get over a 40 year old van with no rust on it.. I'm in  heaVAN!!
 After a day and a half of sanding and scrubbing I got the parts painted. The green is going to contrast nicely with the black on the underside
 the bottom of the gas tank gets a little finkizing before it goes back in.
 Time to start putting things back togeather.,.,.,what fun!!!
 One thing I hate is layin on my back gettin dirt in my face.... but it looks so good when its done!!
 Tank went in easily
 Damm this is heavy
  Axle back in
 gota put on brackets for the disc brake conversion

All together...now for the front half

Friday, July 20, 2012

NEXT!

   Summer is flying by. Between the shows I've done and the Van Nationals , the summer is half gone. It's been hot and the garage is a sauna.. but that hasn't stopped me. I've been working on the wiring. I want to get all the wiring in and working before any of the interior gets started.   The engine is wired and running. Next is to get the dash and gauges wired up.
 T
The stereo is also going to be wired up. The amp for the bass is going in the wall behind the passenger seat.
I want to get everything in the dash working.I found a digital dash unit that fits in the stock Dodge instrument bezel. It looks stock shut off, but is ultra cool.
    Alpine head unit works, but I still need to get some good speakers..  The power windows are wired. Switches hooked up. The electric solenoid  for the side door is wired and working. Still to go is the wiper switch.the brake switches and cruise control, then to finish the steering column.                                           
The Deathstar is finally back in California. Tom made a side trip to the Van Nationals and won Best of Show in the Van Nationals  Show & Shine competition. Congrats Tom!                                                                                                                                                    The next major step is taking the motor and trans out to finish painting the transmission and the underside of the body.... that will be the next update.  Till then....................