Van Upgrades And Recovering A Brand New Bronco

We decided to upgrade the Race Van with a cage, a cold air intake, cut off extra weight, and add some exhaust. With how horrible the race video did for views we may not record anymore of our races, but we are absolutely gonna race more with our friends. So some upgrades and changes were definitely needed. Then we had to go out to Tower Arch Trail to recover a brand new Bronco. We pulled it out, then loaded it on the trailer and hauled it back to town. Thank you everyone for watching and supporting us.
Merchandise available at trailmater.com
Trailmater Trail Rope by Yankum Ropes: trailmatertrai...
#trailmater #moab #offroadrecovery #wheeling #offroadwrecker #bronco

[@rs2143]

If somebody would have told me you could drill a hole in a windshield i would I call him a liar . Great job😮😊

[@dennispalmer6007]

Only if you don’t care about a bunch of cracks.

[@3.0colorado21]

@@dennispalmer6007 the cracks weren't from the drill, they were from him smacking the drill into it lol

[@Kickinpony66]

If you get a Glass/Tile Bit, it goes way better!

[@Thecherokee4x4]

Windshields are a laminate, so drilling shouldn't be an issue. Now, drilling into the side windows would be a whole different situation.

[@mahbriggs]

There were a few cracks in it to begin with.

[@61rampy65]

I can't believe that the race video did poorly. Anyone who missed that one missed a fantastic video! And today's video shows that the Astro not only lives on, but runs and looks much better than before! The "Cold Air Intake" was an, um, uh, interesting way of doing that. As they say, it ain't stupid if it works.

[@mahbriggs]

I agree! I loved the race video!

[@MichaelMaxim-ft5sv]

It was awesome I want more

[@briangalloway3684]

Lol

[@valearl4693]

I wasn't a fan. It seemed like another wreck stuff to get views kind of thing. I like the beautiful scenery and when they help people. But they can play and have fun. That's ok. I'll just watch something else.

[@almclean4835]

The race video is definitely one to watch

[@jonfranklin4583]

Man, that race video was awesome, loved every minute of it, I can't believe people wouldn't enjoy that, I laughed almost as hard as you guys were laughing and I'd watch another of those in a heartbeat!

[@harpintn]

I agree, the race video was a lot of fun to watch. Seeing the stalls, and stuck cars just added to the fun.

[@jramsdenbb]

The very last line…. “We need baling wire” made me LMAO. Nice one, Shawn.

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

The more I see fancy new rigs getting towed out for fancy new problems, the more I like my TJ. Have a nice day fellers!!

[@joevaagen6170]

It's the exact reason I'll never get rid of my 1995 Ford F250 and a little more fancy a 2012 Dodge grand caravan which was my late wife's car and keeping it for sentimental reasons.

[@phatgringo2.0]

Pure garbage

[@mahbriggs]

Same here! A couple of 4.2 YJs, a 1992 F250 Diesel 4x4 and I am good!

[@Woodcademy]

My 1997 TJ has 254,000 miles on it and is still my daily driver.

[@Bob-Whiting]

Can't argue with logic like that Red, no siree!

[@opie8089]

Mike's family portrait was awesome!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Bob-Whiting]

I Busted up laughin' Oh, I mean LOLin' heeheehee!

[@shanewayts1560]

I came here to comment the same cracked me up😂

[@opie8089]

@@shanewayts1560 it was funny as hell!

[@warrenmichael918]

it was kinda cheesy if you ask me...

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

His family has aged pretty well.

[@DynamicDesign144]

Please please please keep recording race videos - that was a hoot!

[@AnthonyReiter-zh5nr]

...a real tow company...thats a good one, can't get anymore real than you Rory

[@doughaven-rf8id]

Maybe Rory meant a "This is as far as we're going", towing company. lol

[@moretoliving2236]

So in previous videos we sort of assumed it was one and done.... and then bam! a roll cage and exhaust self delete option with baja style spares on the back. Maaaan! What a great time to be alive to enjoy all the hoonery!

[@Stratos53100]

from my comment above : From the thumbnail i saw earlier today while i was at work i said : Oh No They Didnt.... Although the full cage does look impressive & the cold air intake is Over the top...Literally....The Astro lives on.... Next up : Suspension.......

[@Woodcademy]

Looking forward to more race videos!

[@kevbev1524]

I loved the race video, people don't know what they are talking about. ❤🎉

[@hermione6830]

I have to agree. The race video was great. I know you have to figure time spent recording, editing and all that stuff compared to views but I sure hope you continue recording stuff like that. I love to see you guys just enjoying yourselves, you work darn hard and deserve fun. And I will watch just about anything to support you guys. I will say though I'm a little bummed that the trailmater travel mug is not on the store right now. I've been wanting to get it and just couldn't until recently ... and it's gone.

[@nobuddy1364]

Rory finally has a snorkel. Overlanders and Australians will be so satisfied.

[@kjsgarden]

😂😂😂

[@opie8089]

Matt has the Offroad wrecker games, you have the Race a Wreck! I love it!

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Rory , Mike and Shawn for the adventure , seeing some beautiful scenery and update on the race van !

[@neXtFriarTuck]

Y'all prove on the daily that ya just don't need $100k rigs to have fun offroad! Awesome sauce.

[@ldvan100]

Rory, I'm a retired electrician.. When I used to get young guys on the job running their mouth about how good they were at bending conduit, well I would give them a 10ft stick and a bender and tell them to bend me a square and have no gap where the 2 end meet.. You'd be surprised how many journeyman couldn't do it.. Know your bender deductions, center of bend mark, stub deduction and it's a piece of cake..

[@obroberts6533]

I started A&P school in Denver many years ago, had a tough time figuring out bend allowances, it was awesome when it worked out.

[@ldvan100]

@@obroberts6533 It's really not that hard when you know and trust the "stub deductions", "center of bend marks" and can read a tape measure.. At times reading the tape measure was the biggest challenge.. lol..

[@rlaxton666]

Now that the van is open, you should bring the exhaust up through the floor and install some stacks behind the B pillar.

[@scuss2]

Now that winter is coming, I would agree. Put the glass pack so as to give off some heat to each person in the seats then continue on with the pipes. Could weld to the roll cage cross member.

[@Keinandrew3]

That race was awesome

[@Keinandrew3]

Nice hammer drill Rory 😅

[@Keinandrew3]

Man those rock cliffs are purty

[@ev2512]

Dual glass packs “nice and quiet” and “we need some baling wire” this is why we keep coming back for more!

[@bwstratn5516]

Looking good!!! A weak point on the Astro is the cast aluminum oil pan. They don't handle hits from rocks very well at all. Enjoying the Astro build, and the impromptu off road race was great!

[@S0REN_]

Awesome to see you're keeping the van for the forseeable future and having fun with it, these kinds of builds are just plain ol budget fun

[@WS102]

Props to Lily for wearing her safety glasses!

[@periwinkle-dragonfly]

I'll watch your race vids. Keep 'em comin'!!

[@christopherthompson4359]

Can't wait for the next installment of the offroad race van thingy. 😅😅

[@scuss2]

If the track was wet and a few mud puddles, or wait until winter and see if it becomes snow packed and icy. Rory could design some skis to strap to the front tires.

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

The family portrait got me 😂

[@johnkaiser8410]

Actually, the racer is pretty cool looking! Well done! Thanks for the entertainment! Fun video!

[@sgroennings5953]

A friend of mine built a similar snorkel on his derby car to make it easier to administer ether. The "illumination" of the passenger compartment was SPECTACULAR !

[@isomer13]

Make the 0s into eyeballs. One side looking forward, the other looking back. Good episode. Thanks, guys.

[@richardguse3410]

Gotta say that at 11:36 I was thinking once again an old tech 4x4 (blessed by Rory) rescues the latest technology .... until the next time please keep the videos coming!

[@vicmiller7191]

That van conversion looks great

[@bobklittich5710]

Yup, you guys are officially NUTS! 😂

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Is this your first time here?

[@petergrey7125]

Mike said what I was thinking…”Till we rip it off..” yeah then it’ll be loud again. Cool project !

[@dalegereaux1863]

Nice minivan ! As soon as you get that exhaust fixed, you can drive all the neighborhood kids to school in the mornings. 👍😏

[@jhaedtler]

I love watching you guys work! Thanks for the great videos!

[@freeidaho-videos]

Rory sure is good with that tubing bender. I have seen others need to sleeve a Stinger on the front of a bumper, because they legs were splayed out at different angles, or it was way too wide.

[@nobuddy1364]

I've seen one who needs to cut and sleeve everything after effing up measuring, bending and cutting. And proud of it but I suppose it works for views.

[@maxblankinship5003]

Thank you guys

[@michelbrodeur6055]

Loved the comment about a "real tow company" could come and pick it up. The more they build vehicles with fuel economy and computers managing them the worse they are. Nothing like a plain jane old school tried and true operating system that you can McGyver it and get up and running. The shenanigans never cease and nor should they. Thanks team Trail Mater.

[@mfattomica3196]

seeing this getting build reminded me in 4-5 months the guys might be working on the model t wrecker again.

[@UmmmmmmmWhat]

Since that van sorta lived through the race, it kinda deserves some love. Make it into a roadside support vehicle and call it... The AssTow 😂

[@hermione6830]

🤭🤣

[@guygrotke8059]

I love to see all those lovely triangles in that roll cage. Way better than making things square. Those diagonals are like four foot gussets. That cage will never get bent.

[@IndridCool54]

The van has been Matered! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@kjsgarden]

CAL! (chuckled a little)😁

[@LyonsLeo]

You guys always put a smile on my face.

[@douglaspierce316]

love it being old school chevy guy. put stacks on it

[@hippieslacker6466]

that van sounds like all 54 horse power is kickin

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

And fightin each other!!

[@leskobrandon538]

Sling Blade Carl says, "Ain't Got no gas in it!

[@pauljohnstone4723]

I worked with glass for years. I know how to drill hole with diamond tipped drill bits and cut holes in the middle of glass sheets, but never considered the use of a hole saw. Amazing and totally weird.

[@jasonbecker4997]

Was a glass guy myself for about 15 years. Seeing him using a regular drill bit while smacking the drill itself was just amazing! The hole saw definitely took the cake though.

[@AaronC22-t5q]

What the fudge, you guys have all the fun🎉😮😅

[@reddog543211]

You guys are the " MacGyver's" of the Recovery Racers !!

[@johnmorello1164]

you are driving this retired glass man krazy !!!!!!!!!

[@bocabill2490]

I NEVER get tired of the views. thanks for keeping the scenery

[@rvdeddrift]

Mike said it! "Cars are pretty tough!" Lol! Especially that Astro/Savana chassis! Get one before they go wonky, or get one with higher miles than you could possibly believe. Yer set! Replace carpet with neoprene, and you can throw a dirtbike in the back and hose it out after! Sweet action dudes! Thanks for takin us along!

[@paulcooper9135]

The old Astro is looking pretty cool!!! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@danielrongo2367]

Awesome job beautiful scenery

[@leroymoore76]

you folks are good people to help some one like that out. have a great day.

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Your videos are awesome. So much Scenic Beauty

[@redbeard26c]

I love how much time has been spent on the free van and what it has become. Yall are ready for baja!!!

[@ericclaire-helenerfletcher9433]

the race was fun to watch , and the Mods to the van right on , although you may have to rethink the exhaust pipes somewhat lol , van looks awesome and the sound was really cool

[@reedelliott3301]

I’m so excited for the van to get a straight axle in the front, big block with a blower, two transfer cases with link suspension.

[@SuburbanK2500]

You know a sbc is a straightforward, fairly easy swap on the astro/safari vans. Go from 6 cyl to 8 cyl, no replacement for displacement!. Remove the front K frame and add 2"long pieces of pipe at each mount location (6?) For a 2" body, just gives a bit more room for "stuff". I installed a 305 in one, used the 305 to mock everything up while .y 350 was on an engine stand being built. Garage burnt, lost the second and the project never got finished. Was going to put in the 350 and maybe swap to a 2 spd transfer case to gain low range. So much interior space for whatever is great. A 4x4 SBC Astro would make an amazing rescue vehicle IMO. 3 or 4 bucket seats and tons of inside storage for parts/tools/recover gear. Great front approach angle, do some trimming behind the rear wheels and improve the rear departure angle. Do a solid front axle swap, increase travel.front and rear, bumpers and winches. I think these vans could make awesome offraod recovery vehicles! 😅

[@Dogman580]

Ol Blue is definitely the cooler vehicle regardless of price.

[@Neverlostoverland.]

That's awesome. Looks like a lot of fun.

[@MarkoMygun]

That thing is badass Rory,have Shawn run the exhaust up through the floor boards in back of the front seats and out the back. Problem solved, thanks for the video guy's 👋

[@scuss2]

Through the floorboards then the muffler then straight pipes through the roof as stacks. The muffler housing should give off some heat when out in cooler weather.

[@Keinandrew3]

The van looks good

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

Baja 1000 here we go baby!!

[@Sakratic]

I love whenever you guys begin modifying/building/creating something without explaining to us your desired goal BECAUSE it forces me to go back to my childhood days when the mind starts imagining those crazy and completely out there creations and you start piecing it all together!!! With all that said, I honestly was thinking that you were making a one-off, creation, almost like a small and nimble recovery van/sideXside carrier (at least for one time use or however long the "testing" stage would last haha!!!) So an AstroVan that you literally drive or pull the side by sides onto, with the front axle on the reinforced roof, before easily securing it down and transporting it t out LOL and you could even call it the ASTRO-SIDER or whatever!

[@javman03]

The picture of Mike's family cracked me up! I'm in MN so I thought that was great!

[@scottcarlson1203]

The Hot Mess Express! Love it guys. Ya'll rock!

[@robertr4193]

Had to nice looking canyon country in this video. Thanks for the ride along.

[@Ross-df1yt]

Watched the start to finish on the Astro This is awesome...the race was great and entertaining..thank you guys for taking us on a awesome ride along Keep up the amazing work guys

[@chrisstearns6439]

Love it! Y'all work hard and play hard!❤

[@terryfoust4802]

rory. the back ground of the mountains/land scape is amazing. great video sir i love these shots!😃😃❤❤❤

[@stephenpoe2037]

I hope the race is going to be a annual event ! Thanks for sharing ! Good camera work and editing !

[@cwp1alpha]

That "racing" van is wicked. Although I would say fabricate some steel tubing half-doors on it so you can have safety webs on them like a track car would. Don't want you fellas falling out on the dirt trails with that rig. Maybe even a couple safety metal brackets going down over the center of the safety-glass windshield that appears to be plexiglass(?). Give it some reinforcement strength. Love the work in the shop though. 👍👍

[@bernieshort6311]

What a beautiful sky.

[@cwp1alpha]

Loving that external roll-cage system. Seeing how trail rigs are over-priced these days from the dealers, i could see doing an external cage with cargo area combo like this on a full-size GM Blazer platform from the 70s, or Bronco FS too. Go a step further by extension if the cage to the front bumpers, similar to a brush-fire rig. Of course on a Blazer or Bronco platform, I'd want 1-ton axles or even Rockwells, so one could easily run 37s while still maintaining weight load ratings for cargo onboard or towing in behind. Obviously your system with trimmed or inward flexed fenders like Trailmator are a good idea to deploy, since bigger tires without going higher in suspension doesn't always equal safer on-road for my trail rig ideas. But yes, such good ideas you have on those trail recovery rigs. And no, a $100k rig isn't worth what you can spend on a used older truck or SUV pre-emissions that can be built up non-stop for less AND have lots of spare sheet metal and bolt-on components available outside of a dealership that over charges for such stuff, not to mention the greedy insurance companies. LoL

[@LonC1966]

Love it. Keep up the shenanigans.

[@marvincarter870]

Trail Mater team to the rescue of the new BRONCO that's broke down and they had to tow it out! The old Astro is going through some upgrades and I use that term loosely. We had an '86 Astro 4 spd with a 2.4 Liter 4 cyl that was one tough old hoss. It would tow trailers that the F-150 pickups couldn't pull and it was great in the snow and ice! We loved that van and had it for many years.

[@XTTORQ]

The AstroMater Yeah

[@Kickinpony66]

You took that Bronco back where it belongs, ON PAVEMENT! This is another fine example of why not to buy a new Bronco. Man, Mike totally "Called It", when he said the exhaust would get ripped off! I think it's funnier than (poo) that the passenger sliding door still slides!!! 😂🤣

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thanks for a great video. I am so envious of your shop. You and your crew, Carry On!

[@ephjay6t87]

AstroMater? How about Moab Lander? My 1980 Toyota pickup is still using the original fuel pump. Come on Ford, get it together!

[@Steves-Bikes]

Great vid as always guys, thanks for the entertainment.

[@joebesko5592]

LOL, so much for the exhaust, have Mike bring back some cheese to put it back together... thanks for sharing the adventures

[@justinzufelt5702]

Absolutely love this channel, you guys are freaking awesome 👊🏻

[@joshslackslack8115]

Keep building the Astro van up and solid axle swap it if you keep adding tubes to it before a cheap beat around trail toy

[@bobtucker8875]

Like the race van. What a great rig, everyone needs one,or two.😊

[@marklulow6848]

Love the new look of that Astro. Great job guys!

[@COM70]

Got to say I don’t 100% get building derby cars, but I am totally into this build.❤

[@HardcountsAdventures]

Now I wish I kept our minivan. Thanks for sharing.

[@birddog435]

I bet Mike loved the end of this video! Haha cut to mid video. Mike “ until it gets ripped off” haha😂 love the rallyvan. You just need to make half doors and drink holders!

[@LAP1050]

The NEW Chevy AstroTrail. Coming soon to your local Moab Chevy dealer.

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Chevy dealer or Shady dealer?

[@richard3141592638]

That exhaust didn't want to come along at all... What a ridiculous and fantastic project, all at once. Thanks Rory et al

[@shroom9033]

Just makes his day when his chevy is running and towing a ford. Usually he is just working on his chevy's😂😂

[@grannyt6819]

Lol love the $100,000 rig behind Ol Blue, hilarious. :D

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Going to need to tuck those pipes to the back axle, and run the glasspacks through the bumper to keep clearance. The rack looks good.

[@jeffclark2725]

LOL, Merlin Old School Garage just did a video, getting home in a classic car, battling with vapor lock the whole way, thumbs up, you and your crew always save the day, thumbs up, great video

[@rebootkid]

Looks like Rory is prepping the van for the next offroad games!

[@DennisMcGrew]

great as always great content very entertaining

[@michealfarley9423]

Great times as always!!! Looks like you are turning it into a great gas run out rig!!! Someone runs out n can just zip out in the 'van'😁😁😁 keep up the great fun