"Eduardo" -2003 Chevrolet Quigley IFS 4x4 build

[86Scotty]

http://www.amazon.com/Surco-093C97-Stai ... B000OB142S

This is the good one. They make a cheaper one I wouldn't recommend. Have it powder coated or spray it with rhino liner like you did on your van and it would be awesome.

As far as side ladders, I think you are limited to Aluminess. Derek at CCV might build you one. He built me one for my Ford but I don't know about Chevy.

What kind of gas mileage are you getting with your 6.0 gas in the big van?

[stevengines]

I hadn't really thought about a rear ladder. I like the price though.

Does it put weird tension on the doors or anything? Durable and not cheesy made?

Just cruising around I get around 12ish. Road trip at responsible speeds like no more then 70mph I'll get around 14-15mpg. And if I'm towing my car hauler, loaded or empty I get around 9-10.

I like the gas 6.0 motor and power. And cheap parts and labor if needed. So far its been good though. But I know the economy is better with a diesel, plus a diesel will have a built in fuel source for stoves and heaters.

I've driven a ford. 6.0 diesel Quigley and I think mine is actually faster. Plus I dig the Chevy ride with ifs.

I'd really like a no kidding sportsmobile, so far I'm into this around 12 13k. Doing a lot of work myself and waiting for good deals or scouring yards. Its nice to not have a payment... and seating for 10 on multifamily cruises. Which happened as soon as it was ready.

[86Scotty]

Thanks for the MPG info. I'm strongly considering a 6.0 Chevy as my next rig.

As for the ladder I haven't used one. I considered it, but I added spare and box to my rear door. A few folks here have used these and say they are pretty good. I wouldn't worry about the ladder stressing the door if you only climb it when it's completely latched shut.

[stevengines]

Maiden camping trip. It was a lot of fun. With the rear bed area most of the way finished this van "is fully operational"

The rear gaucho joins with the rear couch to make a sleeping area about 8.5' x54 inches. Width of the couch is wider. The gaucho area is 48 inches wide because of how the bed rests on the shelves. I added a small aluminum angle to support the bed.

I ended up doing a simple flip over bottom seat that meets up with shelves in the passenger side of the rear area. The cushions then become the seat and back when in couch mode. I added 3 more seat belts and can now carry 10 if needed.

[stevengines]

I snagged a long drawer about 50 inches long and a set of shelves from a utility van. They form the foundation for the rear area and the drawer makes for a very useful way to access the under couch area.

I'll also add a simple cover for the drawer so I can use it as a countertop/cooking area. It pulls out about 40 inches. And is roughly 20 wide. I was really happy with the find.

[stevengines]

Some shots from the area. Always fun to get away.

I used some beach blankets as a mat while we were in camping mode.

[stevengines]

The "open" area between the shelves makes a great place for all the long awkward things that end up going. Easy to access in bed or couch mode.

[stevengines]

Other summer fun.

Found an old Schwinn "High Plains" cro-MO framed bike forgotten in a family barn. Hand brazed by US hands and all. I restored it with my bike bin parts and some entry level stuff.

Way cooler for a commuter bike then a current mass produced Chinese thing.

I even found the "salsa" brand "anything" cage conviniently holds a 64 Oz growler perfectly. And the brewery is about a 14 mile round trip. Just about right for an afternoon workut and reward.

[stevengines]

Other summer fun.

And for anyone that likes tinkering and building stuff. This is the kit car that goes in the trailer behind the van.

A Lotus Super Seven replica kit by stalkercars.com

More of my pics here:
http://www471.pair.com/stalkerv/gallery ... emId=19242

It'll get your heart pumping.