1990 SMB 4x4 - New member

Churley · 12-21-2019, 11:06 PM

I have been following this forum for 5-6yrs now and my wife and I finally pulled the trigger on an older rig with 56K miles. It has spent its life in Southern CA and AZ, so zero rust. I have only seen 2wd versions of this, so no examples of what others have done to their similar generation 4x4 vans. We are located in MI and will be dropping it off to my body shop to make sure any bare metal or areas of potential corrosion are cleaned up. It will not be used in the winter, as it is a time capsule and want to preserve it.

It has the stock front and rear bumpers and want to find something like the Aluminess type bumpers for mounting recovery systems and lighting. Anyone have any ideas of where to look for something like that? Is the frame of a 3rd gen van similar to the 4th gen? Just wondering if more modern bumpers would mount or if an adapter would be required to use them?

Also looking to update captain chairs. They are looking a bit dated. Not needing 6 way power seats but would like something with two arm rests and a lumbar adjustment. Maybe it is worth just finding covers for now...

I am sure as we start the shakedown process with the van, this is just the tip of the iceberg. We are looking forward to the new adventures this offers and figuring out what else would make it more reliable and enjoyable. Definately an upgrade to tent camping!

Looking forward to hearing from the group.

BrianW · 12-22-2019, 05:29 AM

You can’t post a description like that and not include photos!

marret · 12-22-2019, 05:54 AM

Congrats and welcome, but:

Churley · 12-22-2019, 08:12 AM

I appologize! Here you go... I'm new to posting stuff. No mods to it yet, just put some new rubber on to get it home from Phoenix (literally just got it back Thursday AM). I will send more pics as I get into this...it needs a good cleaning/waxing. I plan on getting it registered next week as well.

Other than bumpers, leveling the rear and some interior updates, I plan on installing a Yakima roof rack to accomodate our top case. I also eventually plan on putting original steelies back on to take it back to original look. I am excited to get it dialed for spring. It's not perfect but it's exactly what we wanted.

MSD · 12-22-2019, 08:18 AM

Looking good, congrats on the purchase.

BrianW · 12-22-2019, 11:21 AM

Nice-looking van! I like that body style in 4x4.

marret · 12-22-2019, 02:07 PM

Yeah, looks great.

Churley · 12-22-2019, 03:52 PM

Thanks. I do think it adds a proportion that works well with that generation of van. I can't wait to spend time cleaning it up and comparing the before and after photos. I will share once I have them.

Unrelated, what would be the best way to look at old posts regarding the subject of off road bumper options? I don't want to throw something out that has already been covered in previous threads.

marret · 12-23-2019, 04:09 AM

You may have to wade through a lot of info looking for specifics for third generation vans. You could try using different terms for searching. Looks like Aluminess bumpers fit 92 and up. You also may end up having to modify a bumper to fit or have a custom bumper built.

Here's a thread on rear bumpers I found using "1990 bumper":
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...smb-14522.html

Someone else may come along and provide their thoughts.

Churley · 12-24-2019, 11:37 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated! Happy Holidays to everyone.