Is it campervan time?

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 07/28/2020 at 21:16 • Filed to: None

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A good friend offered to go halves on a van that we’d build out. Astros seem to be some of the best bang-for-your-buck locally, a nd some of them even have these amazing triple rear doors. Yes please.

Unfortunately Express/E350s in decent shape are stretching the budget , which means sprinters/VW’s/jdm imports are definitely out of the budget. And pre-built camper vans are like $80k+ so... Lol.

But again... Astro !! Small enough to fit literally anywhere, big enough to live comfortably out of for a five day trip, and a fun base to build something. I don’t plan on modifying the bike, but I do miss the good days of Miatafications... Maybe this could fill the hole in my heart.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Find me some cool potential camper vans, oppo. That is your task for the night

Snuze: Needs another Swede > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:20

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Those Astros are great.  If you take care of them, they will take care of you.  My folks had one that went a total of 300k with no problems before it went to Guatemala!  

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:29

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One of my teachers in tech school drive an Astro. You know how they say people look like their pets, well this guy looked like his van. Square headed, with that “old body builder” looks. Always wore a Hawaiian shirt or bowling shirt. And he was a die hard GM man, who loved hot rods. Which b I ounced great off the other teacher that was previously an Audi engineer, who believed modifying a car was an insult to the manufacturer.

Also I support this idea, but those doors look like a nightmare. 

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:30

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I would love to do something like that, then hit the road and more or less live out of it for a month or two while driving all over the country.

Unfortunately that’s not a realistic prospect to have time to do so.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:30

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That has got to be the most expensive Astrovan I’ve seen for sale recently. That is also one of the only Astros I’ve seen for sale recently. That is also one of the nicest Astros I’ve seen for sale recently. It is in good shape but high miles with the good triple doors, so just a little overpriced.

But here is what you want.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/kirkland-1991-ford-econoline-350/7167674034.html

BOOM!
$500 for a running driving V8 van with plenty of room in the budget for engine swaps. And a whole new interior.

OR even better

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/lakewood-1969-dodge-van-bus-a108-a100/7167620072.html

BOOM! One of the best looking vans ever made! $3,200 is a lot but think of the possbilties! Oh yeah and it is very unsafe and has no interior basically so a little CP but very promising.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/lakewood-1969-dodge-van-bus-a108-a100/7167620072.html

I honestly don’t know what van shortage you are talking about. For $3,000, a running good condition Econoline

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-2008-ford-econoline-250-cargo/7167588389.html

Or this bette r one for less than the Astro.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ford-passenger-van/7167054389.html

You could buy a pre built 4x4 too! A little pricey at $7500.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-k5-blazer-with-four-wheel-camper/7166829630.html

Dude! Did you even try? $7500 pre built and a lot of room for negotiation. IT’ S A LOW MILE BULLETPROOF VAN THAT’S BROWN AND HAS A STOVE!

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/bellingham-1983-ford-e250-camper-van/7166554527.html

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:31

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Looks like a very good specimen, but $5,900 is crack price. If they had docs showing a new engine or a new trans, maybe we could talk, but it doesn’t sound like they do.

AestheticsInMotion > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/28/2020 at 21:32

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Ha, I like the GM/audi combo.

Don’t try telling me these doors are anything other than amazing

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:32

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https://kinja.com/logansteno/posts

'nuff said

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/28/2020 at 21:35

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PLEASE TELL ME YOU TRIED! That Craigslist is a goldmine for cheap vans!

83,000 miles, 350 V8, $3,500. Done!

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/lynnwood-1995-chevy-cargo-van-83k-miles/7166009991.html

Or if you don’t want to spend the time and money converting it this one is $6,900! SO MUCH BLUE VELOUR!

AestheticsInMotion > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/28/2020 at 21:35

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We looked at and loved both of the first two, and honestly... At $500 maybe we should go check out the yellow one. The dodge is amazing but the amount of work it needs intimidates me.

Pre-built takes all the fun out of the build!! I will admit though that I spent way more time looking at Express Vans and didn't look at the oddly cheaper Ford versions... 

AestheticsInMotion > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 07/28/2020 at 21:37

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Man. With beater Miatas going for $7k and rusted out 80's Toyota pickups sometimes getting more than that it's hard to make sense of this market. Especially with Covid-19 going on. Scooters and vans seem to be selling instantly 

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 07/28/2020 at 21:40

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This whole going-to-work thing really throws a wrench into van-life plans doesn't it

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:43

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The long wheelbase Econolines tipped over if you cornered hard with a bunch of heavy crap behind the axle. They were pretty reliable though and a camper build shouldn’t ignite their poor handling characteristics while hauling heavy stuff. That first and second Econoline looks like a great base at a good price. Do the research on which engine you are getting though. Ford V8s are usually good but the vehicles attached to them usually fall apart. Not much to fall apart in a van so IDK.

Yellow one for a fun project and white modern one for a solid base for an interior build that doesn’t touch on the mechanicals too much. DONE!

Oh, and this one runs on CNG and is pretty CP at those miles but some negotiating might make it a candidate.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ford-passenger-van/7167054389.html

Also, see my other suggestions below

Roadkilled > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:44

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In my opinion, the Astro wouldn’t be a bad choice. As others have noted, it can be reliable with regular maintenance. It uses enough common GM parts that it can be repaired just about anywhere with relatively cheap parts. It can handle be lifted a little to get more ground clearance and it’s easy to modify. You wouldn’t be the first to turn one into a camper.

CB > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:47

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V8 swap?

onlytwowheels > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:48

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https://bend.craigslist.org/cto/d/redmond-1997-gmc-safari-camper-van/7161947474.html

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:51

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Mopar or no car

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:52

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Oh yeah, if you want an Express, buy a Savannah. $2100 but rough and maybe rusty.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-98-gmc-savana-1500/7167771531.html

But I can’t pass over how suspiciously clean this older Chevy is. $6,000 is a lot but 80k miles is also a little. He’s selling the tools with it so that would take a big chunk out of the price.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-1989-chevy-g20-service-van-tools/7164270025.html

But I think we all know what you really want. If a taxi company near me can keep these profitable, you can for only a $2000 buy in.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-1992-toyota-previa/7162955570.html

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/28/2020 at 21:53

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Rust :(

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:53

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You can’t buy an unmodified Astro for that price when a fully built out running 4WD swap camper Astro is a grand cheaper. I’m beginning to think you didn’t even try.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-chevy-astro-camper-van-awd/7162439911.html

AestheticsInMotion > onlytwowheels 07/28/2020 at 21:55

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Neat! I wish they took better pictures of the kitchen cabinet thing attached to the trailer hitch

AestheticsInMotion > CB 07/28/2020 at 21:55

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The motorcycle? It's heavy enough

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:56

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My family had AWD Astros growing up. They where unstoppable tanks, with properly equipped tires deep snow was no problem.

CB > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:57

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The Astro, smartass.

facw > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/28/2020 at 21:57

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facw > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 21:59

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Not that much!

AestheticsInMotion > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/28/2020 at 21:59

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I saw that one. Loved it. Might actually be the first choice at the moment (the yellow Ford sold......) 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > facw 07/28/2020 at 22:01

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But this is BLUE velour, acres and acres of soft cru shed blue velour, not the soft crushed red velour Zap Branigan likes. I don’t think I saw him obsess over blue velour even once while red velour has a special place in his heart. Err, come here Kiff, I want to have your opinion on something. . .

AestheticsInMotion > CB 07/28/2020 at 22:02

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LS engine vs. Astro. Gif form

thatsmr > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:03

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Mine was RWD and needed a tranny at 180k exhaust sensors all day sliding door bungeed and front doors had to open windows to pull from outside  I loved this rig, the ultimate runs even lousy all day. Everything broken by 250k just kept going but tired of failing smog. Wish I still had it

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:05

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Wow I guess the full sized can market really is hot in your area. I would heavily consider the pre built rwd Astro. It is very much a project, but it is a good base with the real expensive stuff taken care of. 

onlytwowheels > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:07

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It looks like the bed folds and the cabinet stores in the van for travel. Attaches in hitch at camp location. Maybe???

RacinBob > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:16

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Naw, the uplander is the droid for you....

https://www.motor1.com/news/308530/chevy-uplander-stealth-urban-camper/

https://camperreport.com/what-is-a-stealth-camper-van/

http://fiberine.com/GVMR/Mini_Van_Tops.html

Drives far better than a astro

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:17

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It really, really does.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RacinBob 07/28/2020 at 22:24

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I have been in U Bodies. Never again. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:32

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A Dodge van maybe solid though...

AestheticsInMotion > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/28/2020 at 22:35

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Wait. Which one is that? 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:38

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It screams rust trap. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:43

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Typo for 4wd/awd one I showed you

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 22:44

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Hopefully, when I get my Vic ready, I can sell it. I’m not trying to make any money with it, just get some money back out of it so I can get back to work on Rusty.

facw > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/28/2020 at 22:58

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Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > facw 07/28/2020 at 23:01

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You got me there. If only the earth were half as pleasant a place to reside as a big blue velour marble. 

Taylor Martin > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 23:05

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I sat it’s campervan time. Campervans are great.

For Sweden > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 23:16

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Fractional van ownership what a society we live in now

The Snowman > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 23:40

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https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-2000-chevy-express-2500/7164728296.html

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > AestheticsInMotion 07/28/2020 at 23:47

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https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/spanaway-2011-isuzu-npr-30-eco-diesel/7156433425.html

smobgirl > AestheticsInMotion 07/29/2020 at 00:05

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Build out an old ambulance!

But yes, it’s definitely camper van time.

AestheticsInMotion > smobgirl 07/29/2020 at 01:16

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I'd rather live in a firehouse and build out a less bulky van... 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 07/29/2020 at 01:26

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There was this awesome one I found on CL once. Gotta find another listing like that one.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/craigslist-find-of-the-day-1835500821

Sovande > AestheticsInMotion 07/29/2020 at 07:30

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You need a hearse.  Tall enough to carry a motorcycle (maybe?) and long enough to sleep in.  Forever.

TheRealBicycleBuck > onlytwowheels 07/29/2020 at 11:46

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I t looks to me like the “kitchen” is a scaled-up Boy Scout Patrol Box (aka Chuck Box) that’s made to be carried on the hitch. The platform folds to allow access to stuff stored underneath.

i86hotdogs > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/29/2020 at 11:50

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Need that yellow Econoline. It’s one of my favorite van body styles.

i86hotdogs > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/29/2020 at 11:50

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Both of those are great looking. The wheels on that empty one are sharp!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 07/29/2020 at 11:55

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It already sold. Shamez because those are good looking vans. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 07/29/2020 at 11:57

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Imagine those wheels but with a blue veeeeeelouuuuuuur interior. 

i86hotdogs > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/29/2020 at 12:02

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If I could get one of that era that can  tow, I’d make the RallyVan a dedicated race van.

just-a-scratch > AestheticsInMotion 07/30/2020 at 12:20

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Star for Cam Chancellor.

just-a-scratch > AestheticsInMotion 07/30/2020 at 12:22

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Friends of ours are big on the Astro camper-van. https://www.thewaywardhome.com/

VincentMalamute-Kim > AestheticsInMotion 07/30/2020 at 14:03

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I just saw an Astro chassis cab with a small camper body in Boulder yesterday. I did not know GM sold Astros as chassis cabs. Or maybe the upfitter chopped off the body? Looked like this one:

https://carscoms.com/other/1989-chevy-astro-van-tiger-by-provan-48119.html

TheBlightOfGrey > AestheticsInMotion 07/30/2020 at 14:44

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https://boise.craigslist.org/cto/d/boise-chevy-astro-cargo-van/7163705870.html  

$3900, 114K

https://boise.craigslist.org/cto/d/caldwell-1991-chevy-astro-van/7159236876.html

$650. Mystery what’s wrong with it or the mileage.

https://twinfalls.craigslist.org/cto/d/twin-falls-great-work-van-camping-van/7162324305.html

high-mileage. But big and built out for camping