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Old 08-13-2019, 12:01 PM   #1
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Greetings !

Hello All !
I’m a HUGE Fan of Forums / online ‘communities’ such as this. I Love the “Think Tank” collaboration, and collective genius. Forums have been invaluable in numerous projects.

My current ‘adventure’ is to find a sound AWD V8 Express / Safari Cargo van. I will be building it as I transition to “VanLife”. I’m scouring various online boards to find the best Bang4theBuck base to start my build.

I look forward to the constant learning curve that these groups provide, and hope that, at some point, I will also be making valued contributions.

Thanks in advance !
Stan
Southern California (until I finish my mobile residence), then .... ?

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Old 08-13-2019, 12:24 PM   #2
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Welcome. You will be in the minority with a GM van.

Are you on expedition portal yet?
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Old 08-13-2019, 05:20 PM   #3
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Thanks. Yes, I’m on ExPo. On the other mention, it does seem like my (enthusiasm) got the best of me .... ? I didn’t check very thoroughly, otherwise I would’ve recognized that this is fundamentally a Ford site ... :~(

Nothing wrong with Fords. I come from a “Ford Family”; however, based upon my data crunching, it seems that the GM platform better suits my Checklist.

I can at least gain added inspiration on Possibility, from looking at Build Threads. If someone is aware of a more ‘GM-biased’ equivalent site, do tell ...

Thanks !
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Old 08-13-2019, 05:26 PM   #4
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Don't leave, there are some GM vans here! Kidding...mostly...but truly there is more info regarding the AWD GM platform over there and how to modify it. A good buddy of mine has one and absolutely loves it. Rockbender here on this forum did a sweet build out of one so you should definitely check it out. They are great riding vans with reliable power trains.
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Old 08-13-2019, 07:06 PM   #5
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Good luck finding an AWD GM van. I agree they are very nice, but most seem to have been sold in salt states and used extensively in winter as tradesman vehicles.
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Old 08-13-2019, 08:13 PM   #6
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Most of the AWD versions are lighter weight too. I'd look for a Quigley GM van instead.

Also, since you are in SOCAL, you can always get Weldtec Designs to do a 4x4 conversion. Ain't cheap though.

As WhitH said, there are a few of us GM guys around. Don't know of a GM focused site.

My signature doesn't always show up when using a mobile platform, but I have a Quigley GMC. Lot's of good info here even for us non-Ford guys.

If you aren't familiar, check out: https://weldtecdesigns.com/

Gratuitous photo:
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Old 08-13-2019, 08:49 PM   #7
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2nd what Marret said. You could find a cheap 2500 or 3500 with a 6.0 and get a Weldtec torsion bar conversion as well. I mean look how awesome that van is! And another gratuitous photo.....
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Old 08-13-2019, 08:59 PM   #8
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Agreed on the observation of Scarcity for AWD 1500s on w. Coast. Everything that I’ve been finding has been in Rust Belt eastward .... Hard Pass on vehicle with near-certain rust (lurking).

I guess since weather is “nicer” on w. coast, fewer were allocated to dealers when new.

Anyway, regarding Quigley & Weldtec .... WAAAY out of my Build Budget. I will likely start skimming Govt &. Commercial Auctions, though I’ve never been to one. I suppose, for comparison sake, I’m looking to do a much more ... “Entry Level” project. Not cutting corners; but not farming out work to expensive (established) shops.

I’m realizing more & more that finding The van will be the toughest Task. Even Astro/Safari AWDs are more “plentiful” on this coast ....
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Old 08-14-2019, 04:16 AM   #9
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Good luck. If I come across one I'll post it up. Quigleys do come up every once in a while for reasonable money.
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Old 08-14-2019, 04:21 AM   #10
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Chevro...on=3000%7C2500

Doesn't look bad, maybe a little high on miles at 165k, in San Diego.
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