Safari Van named "So$ari"

A couple of years ago I decided to buy another AWD Astro van ... The last year they were made was 2005 so finding a decent one is difficult. I located a 2005 AWD Safari in Indiana that was advertised as "like new", so we went on a road trip to buy it. I wasn't 100% happy with it and the dealer was a lying bastard but it was the best I'd seen in over a year so It is what it is. This video is a image slide show of the rebuilding and restoring of the van. This project is a long way from complete and future developments will be in another video at a later date. There is NO sound.
I was asked why I didn't tear out the interior plastic like most of you -- while it would be nice to have that extra room I need to keep it as an 8 passenger van with seat belts etc. This entire project has been to keep the interior mods relatively stealth.
*** Parking heater -- a few have asked about this ... it is the 2k heater ... a 5k will not fit in this spot and the 2k heater is super tight ... so don't run out and buy one and drill holes until you triple check measurements. **

[@pablolape2231]

Very good job my friend, I just bought the corvette servo, thanks for the tip

[@toddbridges7430]

Corvette servo? Can you share any specifics on that? Thanks.

[@WhatTimeIsIt369]

I love seeing how other people build out these vans. My favorite part was the diesel heater tank location. Clever! I am sure you get odd looks at the pump!

[@rogeriorodriguez1212]

Excellent video my friend please post more about your Astro van excellent video

[@MKEL_1327]

Thank you for the nice comment .. I will do more when I have time.

[@jeffl8788]

Thank you for sharing. I have 3 Astros, a '98 LT, 2000 LS & '03 LS, all AWD passenger vans. Since we don't do any real off road besides country road/camp grounds/State parks, probably will keep the stock AWD. Planning to build my '03 daily driver into a mild rugged cross country van with 3" lift, that acts as people hauler/work truck that also can be slept in for a short weekend van camping. Will fix the bodywork on the '98, add 3" lift, and keep it as family hauler/tourer for road trips, since it has the top of the line leather interior with reclining bench seats, that's not very utilitarian, even had a trouble getting a 60" TV transported home from the store!!! Will attempt to build the 2000 LS AWD into semi-camper, that still have the 2nd row seat which still can fit 5 person in it anytime. It's a very clean van from AZ, 2-owners (same family), 150+K miles. Am thinking of selling it once I'm done converting. I'm gonna reuse and modify the factory interior panels for all my builds. Would like to claim some extra volume of space while retaining the finishing all around the van, Trying to use the mild/semi conversion as a prototype as we'd like to get a Sprinter/Transit size in the future. Got some great ideas from you. Wish I have the knowledge and experience with the engine modifications. Can't wait to see your next project on your van. BRAVO! Keep up the good work.

[@MKEL_1327]

thanks ... looks like you will be busy -- share you build

[@jeffl8788]

@@MKEL_1327 Will post and share my builds when it come. From what make and model are those electric seat bases? Thanks in advance.

[@MKEL_1327]

astro LT don't know year

[@latinoheat210]

Wish I had your knowledge on fixing stuff up...good build up I have a 1994 chevy astro 2wd because awd are to hard and expensive to find

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Nice work. Lots of good ideas to copy.

[@tradmanmike3360]

NICE VAN! I'M NOT BIG ON SILENT MOVIES, THEY WENT AWAY IN THE 1920S BUT ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN SCREAMING GUITARS WHICH I LIKED WHEN YOUNG! ENJOY YOUR RIDE!

[@canuckdog]

Nice job, thanks for sharing

[@brunerr]

Some genius level stuff. Pretty bad ass, man.

[@thisoledad1946]

Pretty awesome the electric fans help for space I’m sure.

[@mountainman9555]

Would love to see a tour video of the van just bought an 03 Astro

[@toddbridges7430]

Let me add my voice to the crowd here…. Very insightful mods and thankyou for sharing. Am wondering about the shock absorber mod … what it is and what gains to be had. Have viewed some of your other vids and it seems your rear end spring attachment has changed also from the original clamshells to something else… perhaps owing to the lift? And again, thankyou for sharing.

[@GrievenceCapitolist]

Sharp van !

[@pinoytemplepilots9974]

I got 2004 Astro with 171,000 for $3,500 in a very good shape, everything works. I think it's a good score

[@AstroVanTribe]

love it

[@MKEL_1327]

Thanks Michael ..

[@sunnicivang1093]

Time to add 4x4 from an S10

[@MKEL_1327]

No.. did that in a previous van... My opinion is it is a step backwards just to get the vanity 4x4 decal and low range that you will rarely use. My AWD in this 2005 is so much better.

[@aheadatime]

Nice job. After you removed the body trim, there was an awkward gap at the bottom of the fender and the bottom of the door. In later pics, this gap seems filled. Did you just bondo the area with alot of sanding?

[@racrx7]

Thx for sharing your van! Some very clever mods. The “parked heater” was cool. Any info on the seat swivels and how they are working out? Need one for my 4x4 Astro. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MKEL_1327]

They are nice to have when you are parked but they only work facing forward or straight back unless the door is open. I was a little disappointed by that. took a bit of fabrication but all in all it's better than not having them.

[@racrx7]

@@MKEL_1327but what swivels are you using?

[@MKEL_1327]

northern tool - google it

[@toadjam12000]

I had 2 Astros and miss the 2nd one. If found another one. I would replace the V6 wirh a small block.

[@johnnypeanut3529]

I have an old safari I would love to fix it up. How to do?

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

Were you on the interstate a few days ago and I think Missouri?

[@MKEL_1327]

Probably.. was returning from Salt Lake City... I live in SW Missouri

[@acupunctureclinic4216]

I am so impressed. You have an uncommon knowledge. I need your help in converting my 2002 and safari. I live in Boone,, nc 28607. Hope you live nearby and you can fix it. Will pay generously. Thanks Michael

[@MKEL_1327]

Thanks for the comment .. I am in Missouri. there are a number of Astro groups on Facebook that have a lot of members that know a lot about them. These groups can be unfriendly but they are a good source of info.

[@Test-jk2tf]

What electric fans and shroud did u install. Any links or part numbers? Looking to do the same on my safari

[@MKEL_1327]

My shroud was a mistake by a fabricator and I modified it to work on my van... the fans were generic and I made them fit... I did this a long time ago and really can't help you with links ... with these vans you kind of need to be able to fabricate stuff because nobody really makes things to exact fit. Ebay is your best bet for items to do this.

[@hierotochan]

Hi there, lots done already to her, look forward to watching the progress. Could you please explain the reason for the Dexcool delete, and the Corvette trans servo mods? I like/understand the reason for the electronic fans, clever relay system. 👍 Edit: Just read the comments for the Corvette servo, interesting.

[@MKEL_1327]

dexcool is horrible stuff.. if it leaks into your engine it will ruin it... if someone adds the wrong antifreeze to it you will end up with a jello consistency totally clogged up system. If you remove it you MUST flush everything real well including the heater system... you do not want even a drop of Dexcool left in there when you go to regular green antifreeze. Then you want to label it as never getting Dexcool or some oil change shop might pour some in to top it off... that would be bad. The corvette servo just improves the shifting a bit...

[@hierotochan]

@@MKEL_1327 Appreciate the info. I'm in Ireland and have always used Prestone pre-mixed in my cars (I6/EJ25/EJ20/B16) so will probably continue. Will probably do a ChrisFix super flush on the next one.

[@thesilkymodine]

The corvette trans servo…that’s a new one to me. What does that do for ya?

[@MKEL_1327]

Google it for more info ... faster and firmer 1-2 shifts and even slightly better 2-3. -- 50% more apply pressure.

[@thesilkymodine]

@@MKEL_1327 OK cool. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@XroorX]

Wow! Such great tips I copied the link in my build, 89 Astro. One thing I noticed is that you didn’t install a ceiling fan…because of leaks?

[@MKEL_1327]

no fan was because of a lack of money -- I have thought about it a few times .. maybe in the future but last summer I was in the van for 6 weeks and never felt like I needed it .. I'd just open the rear hatch about 2" and used a usb fan blowing in.

[@XroorX]

@@MKEL_1327 didn’t realize the fan units were $$$$ . I just don’t want to cut open a non leaking roof if I don’t have to, but 99% of the vans get it done. Thanks for your help!

[@cfh4201969]

@@XroorX the Maxx air fans suck. They never work right. A Fantastic fan with the Maxx air vent would be optimal

[@XroorX]

@@cfh4201969 Good advice thank you

[@johnnypeanut3529]

I like that.

[@hckevin-1554]

Que rines son esos que le puso ?

[@MKEL_1327]

very old american racing wheels

[@bullygeneticstv194]

We’ll done

[@rollinsgamer2559]

love it