Build slideshow of my Astrolander

[T.Low]

Finally have put together a little build thread of my mildly modified Astro(lander). As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I did a slideshow that somehow turned into an Ode to my Brother In Law. But what can I say, he sure made life easy for me during the process so far.

Interior is still a work in (not much)progress, so no pics yet. Same with front and rear bumpers.

Ya gotta start somwhere.

Like I said before, I was jonesin' for the ultimate mountain bike kayak shuttle rig that could poach some camping off the FS roads and do some easy 4x4 trails, while providing shelter and good freeway ability. Then, before you know it, I discoverred overlanding.

Hope you enjoy it.

2003 Chevy Astro AWD: NP233c 4x4 2spd hi lo transfercase w/ elctronic shift. 4-5" Overlandvans lift kit, Rancho 9000s adjustable shocks w/ indash remote and on board compressor, 265/75 16 Kelly Pathfinder ATs, 4:10's w/ Eaton posi in rear, GTRV Pop Top w/ sleeper bunk loft, prewired for solar, and tons of Thule.

http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/e...view=slideshow

[viatierra]

Good lord that was cool. Never seen a rockin' Astro on the trail next to a D90 before! And you definately fit in.

I want one...

[truck mechanic]

Very Very cool !!! I have always wanted a 4x4 van, always wanted full size but you have givin me some idears.
thanx for sharing
Paul

[EMrider]

Outstanding project and documentation. Thanks.
R

[Tree]

Enjoyed it Thx man!

[weezerbot]

Fantastic! Can't wait to see more....rockin van!

[Lynn]

Great van.

For the admirers, would it be inappropriate to link this in?

[ujoint]

Great build! (and I'm sure there's more to come)

[T.Low]

Good lord that was cool. Never seen a rockin' Astro on the trail next to a D90 before! And you definately fit in.

I want one...

3 Corners Marker, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon





Fortune Creek Trail to Gallaher Head Lake, Washington, with NWOS







Thanks for all the kind words guys. I brought the van home stock a year ago, and the lift kit was already in the mail. I just wish I would have orderred the Pop top earlier too so I could have had it for more of my trips.

I get asked to go with the guys on Northwestoverlandsociety.org often, as well as PacificNorthwestBackroadAdventures.com They like my rig, and understand its purpose as well as its abilities and limitations. A guy I found on Expo has a Sportsmobile and we have since found out that we live three streets away from each other, so we get out a bit. Spent 31 nights camping in the van this first year.

Have a lot more plans as everyone, but the New World Order has us on Financial Lockdown until we see whats going to happen, so progress has ground to a crawl.

Expo has been informative, inspirational, and just plain enjoyable. Thanks all of you.



Ujoint: If your van is described as "Slightly modified", how am i to describe mine?

[Railvan]

Hey neighbor,

When we goin' again?...

Glad we bumped into each other on Expo. Hard to believe you have only had the van that long.

Brian