Here's 5 reasons you should NOT buy a Chevrolet Astro Van

[@larryc506]

Regardless, these vans were the absolute best cargo vans for maneuverability, mileage, and low maintenance. I wish GM never discontinued them!

[@RyanHolton96]

Hahahaha those things are terrible on fuel! Not to mention they're built like crap. Literally any other van is better than these.

[@carakintz3536]

The only thing that comes close is the little Ford Transit Connects.

[@idk8964]

@@RyanHolton96 completely incorrect in so many ways I can't even list them all

[@RyanHolton96]

@@idk8964 hate to break it to ya... but you're clueless. Those Van's are junk. Period.

[@jessemclaughlin9680]

​@@RyanHolton96 you clearly know nothing of the subject. You see these vans on the market all the time with 200-300k and still performing, and many are AWD. AWD alone makes them badass. I will agree with you that their mpg is nothing impressive though.

[@johnriley215]

I have had my 2000 Astro AWD for 21 years. 340,000 miles. I will be sad whenever it needs to go. Awesome vehicle in every way. Biggest problem is many parts are discontinued and hard to find used (in good condition). If you maintain it - It will last. A lot of the problem mentioned are regional. Living in the Northwest away from the coast mine has zero rust.

[@sugarhillromelo1569]

Wait so u can't find parts for this van at AutoZone.. It's an American car

[@nenezaze3252]

I hate the north, for that & so many other reasons.

[@nenezaze3252]

@@sugarhillromelo1569 Yupe, I got a 1995 I found everything on, Orallys AutoZone, auto parts, Amazon or eBay

[@cunninggnomefoo]

I just got a 2000 astro awd for free all it needed was a distributor. It only had 124k on it! I'm so excited but I really want to talk to someone that knows the vehicle if anything happens. Can you add me or however KZbin works now lol

[@tanyaLooking_InTheRear-View]

@@sugarhillromelo1569right? That’s what I’m wondering now ? I’m looking to buy a really clean 2001 with super low miles. It definitely wasn’t neglected & always garaged. But reading his comment now worries me for when and or if something goes wrong. 😬

[@thomasryan5681]

I've had my '98 Astro for 25 years now and still love it. It's not too big or too small and the 4.3 L puts out enough HP for me. Sure things break and have to be replaced or repaired (A/C unit, fuel injection spider, idler arms, some rust here and there) but they don't make these anymore so I take good care of it. My mechanic calls it the 'Cream Puff'.

[@mikegibb646]

JUST BOUGHT A 1999 CHEVY ASTRO CARGO VAN....HAS 225099 MILES BUT RUNS SMOOTH AND POWERFULL...HAD TO REPLACE COOLANT AND THERMOSTAT....AIR FILTER.... USE ACDELCO PARTS....AND DEXCOOL COOLANT....OIL 10 /40. NEW FUEL FILTER.. PCV VALVE.....CLEAN IT.. MAINTAIN IT..AND FUN TO DRIVE.. SITS HIGH UP WITH GOOD VISIBILITY..POWERFULL BEEFY 4.3 LITER V6

[@rainedyani8505]

I bought my 99 astro 2 years ago and have been living in it for 1.5 of that. I too had an upper leak above the rear doors, but just replaced the upper seal and that fixed it completely.

[@hb5914]

What business/company/manufacturer did you purchase your upper seal from?

[@celiaargana2488]

The van life 😍

[@geraldwatkins3543]

My wife hates mine because of its quirkiness. But it breaks down a whole lot less than her newer Lincoln.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

100% 😂

[@celiaargana2488]

That's the problem my Ford was in the shop. The Chevy ASTRO is 21 years old and just maintain 89,000. Love it

[@sinkorswimcreativemedia8889]

Just picked up a beautiful 2000 Astro with 145k for only $2100, it runs and drives amazing & isn’t a rust bucket yet. I just started my camper build today & im already making great progress, these vans are cake! Thanks for the videos bro, you seem like a cool guy! Love from Florida !!

[@airiderusa8539]

I’ve owned a very basic ‘86 Astro for 5 years now and it’s great. Very basic. No cruise control, no power windows, not even a radio. Paid 3k. I use a tailgater boombox and Bluetooth, and that works perfectly for my stereo system . Only complaint? Be careful that you don’t turn off the headlights accidentally on using the turning signal. The headlight levers are very sensitive. The van only had 42,000 miles on it when purchased five years ago and now has 84,000 miles on it. No rust, very clean underneath but roof needs painted. Basic maintenance is the key to longevity. 👍

[@AstroVanTribe]

I fixed the glove box rattle by adding stick on felt furniture pads to either side of the latch mechanism - Been meaning to mention and show that in a video - Was in AZ in 116° heat and I can see a slight gap between the bezel and dash just above the steering wheel - I keep meaning to pick up one of them dash carpets.... Neither of my Astros (I had an '05 cargo before this one) leaked but one of the fist things I did was inspect and clean all the rubber - That rubber "gutter" piece over the back opening can get filled with debris which leads to it breaking down - I pointed this out in one of my videos - It's a good idea to clean that out from time-to-time

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Ahh yes. I actually remember you mentioning the foam at one point, totally slipped my mind. I’ll add it to my to get list now. The heat is the main killer. Even with sunshades, the head kills the dashes man. My gutters are relatively clean and acceptable, I’m convinced the rear doors mangled gasket it’s the cause. Maybe I’ll replace it in a few years 😂 kidding, sooner than later

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@ImChrisDeDecker Check my cedar ceiling video - Posted it last night - I think you'll dig on it

[@Trueshotfirearms]

Good video and you did explain the cons very well. I personally love my Astro but I have had it since it was brand new with only a half of a mile on it and now it has 236+ on it. But I have change the oil at 2500 miles and i use lucas oil additive (on quart) I also have changed the plugs and plug wires every 50k. she runs great and is now in the midst of being converted into a small camper so we can use it to travel.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Know the history of the van is important. You were a good owner and took care of your van, so it will last a long time. A lot of people neglect their cars and destroy them. Bought mine around 200k highly neglected so I am a bit caution traveling far distances

[@Trueshotfirearms]

@@ImChrisDeDecker yeah you need to be cautious about distance. But it's cheap to rebuild or just replace the motor. It's one of the most common engines built. I'm looking into putting a manual transmission and a straight axle with a transfer case in it to make it a true 4x4.

[@edwardzx7]

@@Trueshotfirearms why not just put a ls in it and be done!

[@johnfeola8606]

@@ImChrisDeDeckerI’m looking at buying one to live in and travel the us I would love to hear ur thoughts

[@snotbubbles3276]

My 2005 AWD Astro with 90k miles was $11.2k , its pristine. No dash cracks, cold AC and the interior only has a couple of dark spots on the carpet. I see plenty of these vans with under 100k miles going for $15k. Only work I have had to do to mine is fix a rotted vacuum line that was making the AC blow out of the defrost. That was $9 part. Have took the van on several camping trips with no issues. Wish it got a little better gas mileage though but other than that we love it. We plan to travel the US once we get an enclosed cargo trailer conversion to pull.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That's what you pay for a well maintained one. Converting a trailer has crossed my mind a few times myself 🤔

[@HardbodyChicago]

Every grab handle ive seen in real life was solid and intact

[@differenthandyman938]

Thank you for making this video. Hopefully, more people will see it and decide against buying an Astro van, so I have a better chance of finding one.

[@jonathankirchberger5526]

I got a 2002 Astro conversion van for $750 in 2022 that only had 63k on it, already put 30k on it. Very little rust in it for New York but I have yet to fix it, nothing leaks yet but I have it on a list of things of to fix

[@michaelrivard4879]

I've had a Chevy Astro sense 1997 or the best purchase since I've ever made. 350000 miles and still going strong

[@spiffcats]

Interesting, I work on these vans a lot, and have 6 of them at the moment. So far I have never had any problems with the dash de laminating, the plastic chipping or the grab handle breaking. I live in canada, in the rockies, so rust is an issue. So far my vans are rust free but it is a lot of work cleaning and re undercoating them from time to time. As for the roof rack, I use that for everything, even carried a couple foot tall stack of 2x4's up there, these roof racks are very strong.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That’s crazy, i have only seen one van out of probably 10 with a grab handle that isn’t damaged. I’ve seen maybe two with the dash not de-laminated. Living in the southern part of America, the heat hits the plastics and dash pretty hard. That might be the biggest difference. Living up there, you definitely need to take care of that rust. How does the vans perform in the snow for you?

[@spiffcats]

@@ImChrisDeDecker These vans seem to be excellent in the snow, I think it has something to do with the weight distribution. With a pickup truck its very light in the back, with these its pretty well distributed front and back. The rwd one is pretty good so long as you keep some speed going, starting from a stop uphill is tricky. Gotten it stuck before, just have to rock it back and forth till it pops out of the hole the wheels are in. The awd's are amazing in the snow, have one with a different tcase, 5 inch lift and 30 inch tires among a bunch of other things, it goes anywhere, even in the snow. Even beat a new tacoma offroad in it, when the snow gets really deep and its pushing it with the bumper I put these very aggressive vbar chains on it and it goes anywhere. That being said I have bottomed this thing out so bad in mud and snow that all 4 wheels are in the air, if you do that its a very long and hard job to get it un stuck. The only thing you need is some good experience with snow, and some good snow tires. I don't know what its like where you are but around here summer isnt that long. We get a rainy spring where it stays mostly around 70F, a short summer that sometimes reaches 110F usually accompanied by smoke so thick you can see it swirling all around you from all the forest fires, then we get a rainy, then snowy, then rainy again fall, followed by a snowy winter. Last winter we got almost 6 feet of snow in only a few days, temps vary wildly by year, but its usually pretty darn cold, sometimes dropping to -20F or colder with the wind.

[@Ghost_Os]

@@spiffcats I live in the north as well, tons of snow, temperatures of minus 60 F sometimes (windchill not included), and loads of salt on the roads from the beginning of November through the end of May. I'm thinking of getting a 2005 Astro, curious what you use to undercoat, and how often you reapply?

[@WorldPowerLabs]

Mine has the delaminating dash and the broken grab handle... and sagging doors, and leaks, and failed power door locks... but it's still a great van.

[@robertsmith8632]

I have owned an Astro for business for 20 years. Most reliable vehicle I could ever want. Never selling it. Easy to maintain and repair. These are good vehicles if you know how to keep up on them. Every vehicle on the road has its known issues and in many cases, there are upgrades to improve upon original design. My Astro will never be for sale, it's just too reliable and gets me where I need to go every single day.

[@TropTrevTv]

Love seeing this. About to be my first work van and I wanna truck it out😭 lol

[@robertsmith8632]

@@TropTrevTv take care of it and it will last you a very long time. And the engine is rock solid. It's a 6 cylinder version of a 350 small blocl - same listons, push rods, etc. It's basic but reliable. I've read numerous stories of these vans with 300, 400 and even over 500k miles. Change the oil and do the maintenance and you'll be rewarded.

[@WindsongSoundBath]

How do I learn to maintain it properly ?

[@46lespaul]

My 1st car was a 2000 astro and it lasted until the year 2019 My grandfather had it and he took good care of it and then when I got it it was already starting to show its age but I never had none of the issues you've stated with the car ever which I guess just goes to show how well it was well kept

[@brockmitchell3989]

When you mentioned the passanger side "handle," I had to laugh because I literally had mine break off when I made the mistake of grabbing it the other day. It came right off in my hand. Why a manufacturer would put a handle there and design it as being only ornamental is absolutely stupid. And you are right, they love putting cheap plastic on these vans, even on the engine components at times.

[@brockmitchell3989]

I have a 2001 GMC Safari which is basically an Astro van. I was blessed and a lady I'm good friends with gave me this old van for free. I wanted to pay her for it, but she wouldn't let me. It took about a month before I decided to accept it from her for free. It's got some issues, but so far, I've been able to fix it up relatively cheaply. The vehicle has a little over 130,000 miles on it. I just recently replaced the alternator, belt, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley system. I also had to replace the HVAC heater bypass valve. My next project is I'm going to need to replace the oil pressure sensor and while I'm in there, I am going to replace the original plastic housing distributor with a new all metal housing distributor. It should be a pretty easy repair. For now it runs great. I was even surprised with it being over 20 years old when I serviced the A/C system I was able to charge it and the A/C system had no leaks so far and has a really cold air system after charging it up with about a little over 2 pounds of freon. So far I really enjoy driving this van as well as working on it.

[@leecallaghan4625]

I have a 2002 astrovan and it's perfect . The motor is bullet proof . Not fix something that does not need fixing . Once you start messing with stuff things go wrong .my van is spot on. You got a shit on . Go to Texas and buy one . Mine is from Texas and the frame does not have a spot of rust on it

[@mcconaughey8408]

I bought an 01 with 100k for two grand. Only issues I've had are the rattle and mechanical issues. Steering box and pump alternator master cylinder. She's at 150k now and I'm finally gunna invest some time and money into it

[@eddiel0c61]

always had a soft spot for the Astros. May get one, parts are nearly impossible to find for my 87 Toyota Van

[@michaelmyers3892]

I have been looking at a 2000 Chevy Astro van cargo van with the barn doors on the back and all that relatively rust-free, temporarily the AC needs to be bypassed cuz the clutch is bad so that creates issues the band does have over 200,000 MI needs a few basic things and a tune-up but the guy wants $3,000 for it, a dashboard in all gauges are actually in pretty good shape for being a cargo van, but I've been reserved about this van because I have never owned a Chevy Astro van

[@leecallaghan4625]

I seen another KZbinr that has custom made his roof rack and it's spot on . I am doing the same along with door boxes in the back doors . I had the same issue with the back doors leaking and just got a bigger seal and it fixed the issue.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Michael is a brilliant dude. I am planning to do some sort of custom roof rack myself, definitely excited to tackle that job. Ill look into those seals

[@leecallaghan4625]

@@ImChrisDeDecker yes your correct it's Michael zicopoulos . His wood work is spot on . Looking forward to seeing what your roof rack looks like .

[@pinkflamingo5972]

Your videos have inspired me to do more work on my 95 Astro. Still has pretty low miles and I drive it often for work or to haul my kids around. Eventually I’ll make a pull out bed and the wife and I will do some exploring. Keep the videos coming. I’m not looking forward to doing my drum brakes but I’m grateful that you have a video discussing it.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That’s all what I’m about 🙏 I’m glad i can help out a little. That’s exactly why we setup the van. Our first camping trip was on a blowup mattress, the van was leaking water and it was cold. Miserable night but we had so much fun

[@samholdsworth420]

Thought about an Astro, but I was smart and bought a 99 4d 2wd S10 Blazer. I also lucked out because I had it has an g80 rear end and 3.42 gearing and factory hitch for $1200 over a year ago. I needed to rebuild the whole emission system and it was able to pass a California smog ✓ (6 months later still no SES light). My truck spent its entire 23 year life in San Diego California on the highways zero rust even under the trim/cladding. It is on its second 4l60e which hasn't given me any problems yet 🤞🏻✌🏻 Ps it now has 264k on the clock

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That is a solid deal! The 4L60s are fairly robust, so hopefully it will last the rest of the cars life

[@j.maxsering3728]

I regret sellimg mine. I was activated for a year at ft bliss. I drove a 95 from Indiana to El Paso and fot 2 years. It had 200k miles and ac was rebuilt and worked great. I am seeing another one now

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Yes, keep these things on the road. I wish you luck on your search

[@marklennox2151]

Awesome video .👍 You're keeping it real here. I bought a 2000 AWD cargo version w/140k on it for $6500...a Georgia utility fleet vehicle with absolutely no rust but sat in the garage for 10 years ...needed old gas siphoned and ton of fuel injection cleaner to get it going... Cargo doors have no leaks...dashboard cracked and separated just like yours (I have to see how you fixed that video)..cheap plastic rattling is DEFINITELY real..no problems with my drum brakes..they were new ones the fleet put on..as far as rust I am using an oil wax since I had this thing shipped to Connecticut where I live now...they spray pickle brine on the roads here and many of the vans look like Swiss cheese with all the rustholes...as far as prices I've seen Astros going for almost $20,000...mine would be almost double what I paid 2 years ago...

[@mcconaughey8408]

Nice I snagged a 01 fleet driven awd 2 years ago with 100k for 2k. Same deal no rust she's been great. She's already got 150k on her.

[@RetroCaptain]

These were really a good all around vehicle. Only a bit tippy (a girl friends friend tipped hers over going around an intersection a bit quicker than she should have). The transmission is soft in them so do not presume that "its chevy though and sealed forever life". Get it serviced and synthetic fluid. The sub frame in front is a pop can!!! Must have two times a year oil spray up inside up high behind the headlights! They ALL get rusty around the radiator and then the body creaks and game over buddy! The best van just behind Savana and Express but they have proper frames the Astro is folded over sheet "frame" which falls apart if you live in Canada. In Canada the dash pads and grab bar always are in good condition being dragged into the junkyard. All have rotten subframe.... every last one... some even still smell like the showroom in the cab and low mileage but subframe is cracked and you can't drive it.

[@engineeringartist4801]

I never had none of those issues with 1985, but... the weight displacement of forward engine design definitely causes constant idler arm wear leading to extra steering maintenance.

[@isaiahda90sbaby]

I still have my 1990 Astro minimal rust and i put it on the highway it hasn’t let me down and it’s under 120k miles

[@erikmabbun1492]

This dude is complaining about the most significant things. All surface stuff. Astrovans are the best. We love ours.

[@Baileys_daughter]

I just bought my astrovan. its a 1997 and it runs and drives with minimal rust and 300000 km. got it for 600$CA but on coldstart it has a small knock that goes away soon after

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That cold knock could very well be the timing chain has stretched a bit. Luckily these engines are non-interference motors

[@Baileys_daughter]

@@ImChrisDeDecker any suggestions about what I should do about it?

[@JohnNoir-op7ie]

It’s been real reliable but right up to when I rear ended someone going less than 5mph the gears doesn’t show if I’m in neutral or in park or drive nor does it show the gas fuel level.

[@jayblue5310]

My 2002 Astro dash started to lift what i did was use liquid nail adhesive and some spring-loaded clamps that look like the letter A from home depot and secure them around the edge over night and its never going to lift

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

smart, for my dash it was impossible to get it to go back over the edge and it had cracks. I know another KZbinr who did the same as you.

[@Firestone1]

One big problem with Astro vans is the rad supports rotting out. GM no longer makes them & there are no aftermarket rad supports. If you go to buy an Astro, make sure to check out the rad supports thoroughly. The van can look & run great, but if the rad supports are rotted, the van is toast.

[@dougmurray3373]

Y is the van toast if rad support is rusty ??? lots of guys on U Tube have showed how to repair that specifically! especially if u r intending to swap to 5.3 is perfect time to do repair!? I didn’t no that about them ! but it was a AWD and couldn’t turn the price down and has ran 20K km no issues over the summer winter summer just finish lift and t case to 4x4 I’m starting from bottom up so engine rad support next yr I have few donor vans ! so but I hear what your saying hard to c down in there unless u no what your looking for ?? I do now LOL !!

[@Firestone1]

@@dougmurray3373 it is not toast when it's rusty, only when it rots out and sags. Sometimes the first sign it is sagging, you will hear the fan lightly hitting the shroud.

[@briizcustoms9543]

@@Firestone1 How do people fix it then? I’ve seen a lot of these for sale.

[@richardgallagher913]

What are rad supports?

[@davidmcleadon7017]

@@richardgallagher913 must be radiator.

[@Semystic]

I have a 2000 astro that I bought in April of this year. Now it needs a new engine. FML. I thought I could fix it by doing head and intake gaskets, but nope. So I'm debating getting the engine replaced/rebuilt or just getting rid of it and buying a new van from a dealer.

[@dougdroen7519]

Grew up around Astros dad owned a bunch of em he loved em

[@Firestone1]

Idler arms are one of the weak points on these vans. Moog problem solver idler arms are better than OEM, and they will last 150,000 km if they are kept greased. If you own an Astro, invest in a grease gun & lube the 14 nipples regularly. You'll save a ton of money on front end components over the long haul.

[@mcconaughey8408]

Chevy- "idler arms a weak point" "OH well put a couple more on it"

[@jondough4116]

Put on a roof spoiler over the door lines would block most water better yet park in a garage...

[@3dpowerproduction]

Hey man great video! I got lucky to find my van for sale with a good interior intact. My van was from Florida and has little bit of rust due to people coming up north with the salt, and not washing them right away, and the underneath. So I will be doing body work soon.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Take care of the van and it will take care of you man 🙏 most folks aren’t car people so when they move up north they don’t think about the proper way to take care of them

[@r.a.p.k.models4160]

In 20 years as a technician i never saw nobody neither a single astro van properly align that thing is a hell to adjust camber and caster .

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

My main issue is a very lose steering, but I believe that. Same with those drum brakes in the back

[@r.a.p.k.models4160]

@@ImChrisDeDecker brother they are very weak on the pitman and idle arm , that must be

[@johnconklin4452]

So you have no idea on what you're talking about 😅

[@marcosgoldenvoice]

I just bought a 1999 Astro Van that has been sitting without being started or used in four years. Anything that you think I might look out for? Your assistance would be appreciated! Thanks!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I would for sure change the trans oil+filter and the engine oil+filter. 1999 has drum brakes, so after sitting for a while they could fuse together. I would remove the wheels, the drum and spray it all down with brake cleaner. Other than that, see what breaks. I have another channel that I started the Astro project with and I fixed many many issues and replaced potential issues. It’s all within this Astro Van playlist

[@AlanRamos-w3j]

I found a really nice one for 7 awd low low miles

[@gregoryhodge9452]

The outside door handles break, they like to vapor lock, the rear seal on the transmission likes to leak and they have a stupid bolt pattern that makes it hard to get aftermarket wheels.

[@Deenique16]

I need this for traveling. It either this or a white sprinter van and I can't afford that rn 😢

[@kissfreak4501]

Dude your talking out of your rear. Best rated van and motor of all time

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Just because Toyota is the more reloable brand out there, does that mean they dont have issues?

[@UnitedPebbles]

I think you could, could tint the window? FBi fav van means decade of R and D? Plastic cracks are good? Bc you can now gum resin it or organic bondo it? Ja?

[@carltonthepug]

It seems that the issues you are mentioning are just mostly cosmetic not mechanical which is more important than anything.

[@sugarhillromelo1569]

He's right these vans are work horses that's why I'm seeing them for up too 8000 dollars with 180,000 on the dash ...I'm looking at one soon I'll offer the guy 5,000 it has 118,000 clean but I'm going to check a few things I seen in this video and in the comments

[@jcoats5529]

GM would do really well if the brought back a hybrid version. But they'd probably screw it up like alot of there vehicles

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Agreed. Sad they couldn’t do the new Tahoe justice

[@noahbrignolle2041]

onestly of a owner of this i think these are all right but somekind of wrong like all these problems are fixable its just how old the car is like the back door somtimes they have a different one and this is a good for towing family trips it can tow around 6k easily but if you have an older one with the engine losing its power it could go down 500-1000 leaving you to be able to tow with 5k still and its really small to the only thing i would complain about is the brakes the brakes are really bad stock and you have to replace it after that its good

[@mariojimenez2990]

How’s fuel economy ? How much does it cost to fill up per tank?

[@JB-qn2pm]

In washington state 4.50-$5.00 right now about $100 and I am only getting anywhere frokn 280 to 340 miles per tank.

[@player2games123]

my astro is in great condition And I got it for free from my grandparents It is a 1993 1st gen astro

[@harmonysugarmaple]

I don’t care what anyone say, I’m still getting this.

[@screengemm]

lol ...my safari has some of these issues ..and some others not mentioned but I will never sell it ...❤my Safari

[@daproducer25]

Love the Astro hate I got rid of mine. Best vehicle I’ve owned.

[@Tyler_Wenya]

Your van has come a long way brother!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I appreciate it, put a lot of money, time and effort into it. Much to go though

[@Tyler_Wenya]

@@ImChrisDeDecker no problem brother! I hopefully plan to upload some videos soon also and I’ll have to try and hit you up when I’m in your area.

[@Zentinel_85]

No, if your Astro/Safari is having problems, it’s manufacturing issue, not a design issue

[@LofiLove-x4n]

I just got mine today 183k drives really good even at freeway speeds I notice she's a little bouncy on bumps any advice?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Most likely needs new suspension and some helper springs. That is on my todo list

[@solipcado]

About how much can one expect to spend on restoring a neglected van similar to yours?

[@ELsinSUERTE-UT]

After being watching all your videos of the astro van you post this one ...and i felt bad...

[@lori-annefay4138]

You had me at leak...thank you!!!😊

[@BOBBY-w8c]

1993 Cargo Teal...666K miles...Garage Lift's, by the Body, instead of the Frame Bump, and Front Leaf Spring Plate, by ignorant mechanic's, thinking they are Mini Van's, but they are Truck's, caused major Rocker Panel Crushing, Door Jamming and the Cheap Door Handle Snap off's. I am trying to keep it for life, but Replacrment Part's, are rare. Need to find other Owner's, who have Replacement Part's access. The Astro and the Safari, were subject to being called a Mini Van, which led to their being damaged by dumb shop lift's. Haynes Repair Manual's named them Mini Van's, causing the Problem. Specific Lift Point's are detailed in the Manual, but hurry up get it done shop's, paid no attention. I yanked off 3 handles, before I realized the Door was rubbing the Rocker Panel, and the Upper Hinge, was falling down. I took a 3 pound Sledge Hammer, and beat the hell out of the Top of the Rocker Panel. Door Striker Pin is non adjustable too. I got all that Mileage, due to 15W50 Mobil 1 Synthetic, Marvel Mystery Oil, 70/ 30 Mix of Distilled Water and Green Coolant, pulled thermostat, removed AC Condensor, Hayden electric fan, Prolong Additive, and Mobil Synthetic in Transmission and Rear Differential...Water Pumps, Alternators, Starter's, Rear Slave Cylinders, Brake Booster, Shock's, a few rusted brake lines replaced, O2 Sensors, IAC Valve, One time only Model 220 Throttle Body Cleaning, and original 2 Fuel Injector's, Coolant Sensor, Catalytic Convertor, EGR Valves, Fuel Pump's, and the simple Tune Up of Cap, Rotor, PCV, Air Filter, and the rare AC Delco Spark Plug and Wire replacement, and Brake Job's and Tires, Both Leaf Spring Clamp's to Rear Axle Housing rusted snapped off and replaced and, a New Paint Job...whew...still love it. Rust underneath spraying Rustoleum Rust Sealer, rear barn doors seals replaced with home door draft sealing, stick on foam rubber, and she still runs...3.23 Rear Ratio, hard to find, as Pep Boys pulled the 2 Axles, for oil seal teplacement, and did not stick them back in properly, causing sharp jerk, from Park to Drive, and into 2nd and 3rd, back in 1997. Pep Boys also damaged the Rocker Panels. 2 Rear Main Seal replacements, 2 Transmission Rear seal replacrments, Speed Sensor and teplaced the original radiator at 660K miles...yeah...The 1993 4.3 before the Balance Shaft. Just ferls safe and nimble. Many upgrades and improvements to go. Can't tow with a 3.23 Rear ratio and the Fiber Composite Leaf Springs still function, for a Federally Decripted 6000K GVWR Truck. I blame Garage Lift Mechanics, who can be Charged with Property Destruction, for the Door Jam Handle problems, causing their demise. Retired now, and only go to the store with it.

[@brianmontero1593]

looks like you just got a bad van. but yeah, you get what you pay for I guess. Hopefully the build out goes well. what's the most common issue with the engine?

[@charwinchris]

Merci pour ta vidéo, je suis de France , je compte acheter un astro, oui, il y en a quelques un en Europe.

[@74robert741]

I cant complain my have 500,000 miles the best van 2004

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That’s amazing! Original engine and Trans?

[@calebbrady7792]

Liking good dude! I love the ceiling with the LED strip.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Thank you man 🙏 hope you are doing well!

[@Crisdean-zx1vh]

I have a 2000)01 Astro Van, this is the second one I have owned, I live in it, converted it into a camper van, I'm a man so I live simple. Looks like I will be replacing my transmission now, reverse is starting to slip

[@kens.2753]

Distributor cap x 1 a year, depending on your model the distributor gear is softer than the cam gear that can cause a misfire. check that if you have a miss you can't track down. Your dash can and prob will split. Arm rest on the seat breaks, arm rest on the door wears badly. fuel pump, rear main seal. Water leaks, But after 22 years and 260k what can you expect lol. Salute.

[@appliancedude63]

I replaced my distributor and rotor separately and still have a misfire that I can not track down. Not sure where to look at this point. I have replaced everything. Now I have low oil pressure once the engine gets warm.

[@kens.2753]

@@appliancedude63 was the gear worn on the old distributor? If so the cam gear might also be worn just enough to cause a misfire.

[@tomd720]

Hey bro, my dash is starting to de-laminate. What did you use to fix yours ? thanks

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Hey there! This is what I did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4iwe6N7dptjb9k If i were to redo it, I think I would remove the dash and do the same thing ( you do not need to do that, but it would come out nicer) and use a better adhesive. Overall, I am happy with the outcome

[@geometricart7851]

is that 10w-30 holding your hair together?

[@MrTmpinsanity]

A smart guy would replace the gasket, lol.

[@AXMIM]

How did you cover and painted the back Windows ?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I have a video covering that, It is a gull wing window I installed!

[@AXMIM]

@@ImChrisDeDecker thank you very much, I'll look that up. Good job on your content by the way.

[@gj0628]

Is this all or just yours

[@mikevuk8973]

I love my 2005 cargo van wouldn’t sell it for anything.

[@Condemn-Focus]

I bought one for 500 dollars I flip it for 2000 dollars. 1,500 dollar profit.

[@nenezaze3252]

I bought my, almost two years ago, & is one the best car🚐 I ever had. Well I had an older ranger, hands down I stayed with Chevy y Fords.. I miss my old ford ranger. I bought for 1k the guy wanted $1,700 little too much, but I paid that because it had an AC, & new tires..

[@tvlergee]

What microphone are you using?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Zoom H1, the older model. It’s relatively affordable and sounds pretty good

[@TheTheratfarmer]

klavio adds. what the hell is klavio? add's mean money revenue. thanks for the videos on the chevy astro vans. #1 the drive train. #2 the drive train. #3 the drive train. i just found out a way to turn off DRL (a button right there), lol. it has problems, the fuel pump module. i know these vans, have driven three different models from company paid vehicles. it is a good mid size van for what i need. why buy? sorry.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

No problem my friend, thank you for watching

[@cymatic83]

I had a 2002 AWD for a little over a year, and it was hands down the worst piece of crap I ever owned. Highway driving was a nightmare, shaking and shimmying down the road no matter what I did to it. Every interior panel would squeak and rattle, cheap plastic. Interior manifold failed, got it replaced, failed again. Ate ball joints for breakfast. I poured thousands of dollar ls into it in a year's time and just about everything I did had to be done again in a matter of months. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Good riddance.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

People either have a great time with their vans or the complete opposite. The truth? They are older so things will break. I bought mine from someone who did not take care of it so I immediately replaced everything I could think of that might fail. So far It has been treating me well. The creeks are real though. Not any worst than my 08 Tahoe.

[@cymatic83]

@@ImChrisDeDecker I bought it for $2500, with $2500 ready to go for immediate repairs. I went to town on it immediately but quickly surpassed that number. It was a shame too because the body was beautiful. Rust free, dent free, almost looked showroom. No cracks in the dash, fixed the grab handle, everything. It turned heads around town. But man it was miserable to drive. I wanted, so badly, to love it. Never again. To be fair, by the time I sold it I had solved or minimized most of the worst problems. Some crazy Italian dude on the west coast bought it for $5700 and shipped it from Boston. I sincerely hope he's having a better time with it than I did.

[@WizzRacing]

About the same issues all vehicles have...When they get 20+ years old...

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Issues vary, but some are common with others, sure.

[@qcmarcqc]

Would a drum to disk breaks swap possible ?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

From my research, there are three options. 1. Swap a diff from a newer Astro 2. Buy a disc swap kit (they are expensive) 3. Piece together your own kit, which should be cheaper especially if you use junk yard party. However, I believe you would have to upgrade the master cylinder to one prepped for rear disc. I will say this, the rear drums are all the van needs unless you are doing heavy towing or a lot of off roading. I mainly wanted to swap because disc are more reliable and easier to deal with.

[@cliftonwayne9874]

Steel Rubber Products makes better than stock gasket replacements! Check em out

[@cdoublejj]

you need NEW weather stripping, that can be hard or impossible for old cars. the rub rots over time.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

You are 100% correct. One of these days ill get new stripping for most the van

[@marklennox2151]

Armorall makes wipes that revitalize weather stripping significantly. Twice a year and you'll be good.

[@thewayjesuschristislord3700]

These are great vans there the best all of round

[@chi69Enano]

The best van !!! U don’t like it is fine… Driver’s’s one and them talk later about it… but drive one for 20 years and talked about… rust because is from east coast… ❤ ❤😮🎉 be happy is CHEVY FOR EVER 🥨

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I do like it, but that does not negate the issues.

[@brensdaman926]

They NEED to make a body on frame, V6/V8 engine, RWD/4WD van again. Too much FWD unibody pos minivans riddled with garbage electronics nowadays. Can't pull anything with them and lack torque. Astro is the van that can

[@americandinosaursclassicvan]

If you still have broken handle Please send me I want know where broken Me all Astro and Safari are not broken So I want know where weak points is?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

The weak point is where the handle meets the bolt that attaches to the car. The plastic molding around the bolt insignificant. I’ll elaborate on it more whenever I dig into that issue

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

You are very lucky. Do y’all the handle regularly?

[@americandinosaursclassicvan]

Thanks I’ll check weak point

[@conradlau7415]

Cool mustache dude

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Appreciate it my friend

[@stonezzhigh95]

Hey boss I live in spring Texas and about to buy one of these id love to link up with u for some advice

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Yeah man! Message me on IG @ Builds United

[@TheTheratfarmer]

the engine. has plenty of power. handles great.

[@theloudprofessional]

My 2003 is a tank

[@lucaslapointe2129]

Restore the headlight bro they are pretty dirty

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

You are right. I kinda want to do try making custom housings since no one sells high quality LED housings. We shall see

[@roxeyblancoventura8552]

Carlitos tu troca 15 anos de Carina platero lleva está troca y Mirian de vacaciones con mini taffy yakima

[@JackRusselMan]

My mom had one that thing was junk.

[@BOBBY-w8c]

Nobody wants a vehicle with door problems.

[@roxeyblancoventura8552]

Carlito Vernon la bola de camarón Rony chaparro durango

[@appliancedude63]

Unfixable Misfire. That's the reason I wouldn't buy another one.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

It is always fixable. Could easily have been an intake manifold gasket leak