New/used mobile detailing rig project

[quicknclean]

Cruising around I saw a deal on a van that I couldn't pass up in a tow yard. With almost 300k miles on my old van, it's on it's way out so I figured this could be a fun project. With things being slow during winter I figure it's the best time to do it. I'll be updating this post as I progess on making it my new mobile detailing rig.

Project Van Details: 1993 Chevy Astro Cargo. V6-Auto. 130k Miles. Power locks. Price: $400 Including Tax.

About the van: Looked like to be an old painters rig or something. The van already had a nice cargo seperator, metal shelving, window cages and roof vent installed. After a small tune-up the van is running awesome.

So far I have mostly spent some time cleaning the van up, tons of junk inside. Also getting the outlines of the old stickers that were on the van, I found 2000 grit wet sandpaper to work perfectly. After some extreme amount of buffing and light wet sanding the paint is actually a nice maroon with some metal flake in it. Haven't decided if I am going to keep the side mirrors or not.

Ill shoot some more pics tommarow. Sorry if the pics suck they are from my phone.

Pic of the van in the tow yard:

[jesselyons2002]

I would get rid of the side mirrors. They looks like a stop light

[justin30513]

Thats a deal for 400.00. That 4.3 V6 is a strong, dependable motor and that van is on the S-10 truck chassis making is very rigid.

Nice find and can't wait to see more of your project. Keep us updated!

[quicknclean]

Started working on some custom boxes today to hold my bottles and chemicals. 2 of these boxes will sit at the back doors facing out for easy access.

This pick is the top of the 1st box I am working on. I have cut holes to hold all of the spray bottles. I have a board underneath angled so that the bottles in the back sit higher up.


This pick is the board that will go into the bottom of the box which will hold my small bottles of polish.


I still have a few more shelvs to put into the first box then I am going to sand/fiberglass and paint everything.

[quicknclean]

Originally Posted by jesselyons2002

I would get rid of the side mirrors. They looks like a stop light

I was thinking about removing them, but then I have to fill the holes/sand/paint. Although ugly, they work EXTREMELY well. I might remove them down the road, but at this point it's not on the top of my to-do list.

[quicknclean]

Originally Posted by justin30513

Thats a deal for 400.00. That 4.3 V6 is a strong, dependable motor and that van is on the S-10 truck chassis making is very rigid.

Nice find and can't wait to see more of your project. Keep us updated!

I actually love these vans. My old detailing ride I mentioned in the first post is a 92 Astro with the 4.3. 270k miles on original engine and trans and it is still chuggin along. VERY reliable but it is definitly showing it's age. Actually got someone to take it off my hands today, which more the covered the cost of the new van.

[ReLoaDeD BuLLiTT]

you're my inspiration. I'd like to do something like this with an old van or truck with a tonneau!

[quicknclean]

Originally Posted by ReLoaDeD BuLLiTT

you're my inspiration. I'd like to do something like this with an old van or truck with a tonneau!

It's actually fun, I get to fix things up the way I want up and it keeps me bussy during the slow times.

I could have got a newer/nicer vehicle, but I had to decide between taken a trip to Cozumel Mexico or getting a newer vehicle.....

Wasn't hard to decide between those
I figure this way I got more money for in Cozumel

[ReLoaDeD BuLLiTT]

Funny you mention this. I'm actually in the same boat as we speak. I just found a Bronco for 2k that I really want so that I can put all my detailing stuff in the back of it, along with towing my 04 cobra across state if necessary. I can't wait to see if my bank will give me a loan for it.

[Jimmie]

This is going to be fun to follow your progress. Congrats on your find.