That is the question.
I just inherited a 1988 GMC Vandura 2500 Conversion Van. It underwent a total mechanical overhaul in late 2000 (No moving part is older than 3 years).
Now. Here's the clincher. Everything is HORRIBLE cosmetically. The only decent looking part about it is the paint - new as-of-1995. Metallic navy blue. New as-of-1996, is the AM/FM radio/cassette.
Here's the plan - either I sell it (Kelly Blue Book value of $1300 + some change for unlisted accessories), which I don't really want to do since everything is mechanically well, or turn it into the ultimate pimping machine. This would require:
Interior:
Radio removal, replacement with 160gb MP3/DVD/TV/FM computer w/ on-dash LCD, keypad and voice command.
TV replacement with another LCD mirroring the display on the dash
Complete sound system rework. The original 1988 speakers are still in the dash.
Complete replacement of carpet.
Complete replacement of 4 captains chairs (2 of the seatbelts are knackered, can't find an appropriate replacement, and one of the armrests is literally wrenched off)
Reconfiguration of center row seating (Rear-facing)
Reapholstry of rear bench seat to match new captains chairs
Reworking of rear bench seat so that it's got hydraulics to lower it into a bed instead of having to do it manually
Replacement of ALL woodwork with custom machined replacements.
Replacement of mood lighting (I need it brighter and on a dimmer)
Replacement of reading lamps (These are tiny little things that get very, very hot and produce very little light
Replacement of wall covering fabric to match
Replacement of ceiling fabric to match
Replacement of inside door handles
Replacement of curtains and window shades
Installation of accoustic barrier - especially between cabin and engine.
Exterior/Electrical:
Re-tint windows
Repair single rust spot below right rear window
Replace lugs and lugnuts to reverse threaded
Replace rims
Rework antenna system so CB and AM/FM radios do not share antenna, and TV uses somthing better than the roof rack for antenna
Several 400w inverters
High visibility night lighting and running lights
Re-paint to jet black.
Refinish rear ladder
Replace Vandura badges with somthing custom
Chrome bumpers
Replace grille with custom machined metal beast
I have the means, time and will to do all of this, but am just wondering if the general opinion is that I'm insane or what 😛
I just inherited a 1988 GMC Vandura 2500 Conversion Van. It underwent a total mechanical overhaul in late 2000 (No moving part is older than 3 years).
Now. Here's the clincher. Everything is HORRIBLE cosmetically. The only decent looking part about it is the paint - new as-of-1995. Metallic navy blue. New as-of-1996, is the AM/FM radio/cassette.
Here's the plan - either I sell it (Kelly Blue Book value of $1300 + some change for unlisted accessories), which I don't really want to do since everything is mechanically well, or turn it into the ultimate pimping machine. This would require:
Interior:
Radio removal, replacement with 160gb MP3/DVD/TV/FM computer w/ on-dash LCD, keypad and voice command.
TV replacement with another LCD mirroring the display on the dash
Complete sound system rework. The original 1988 speakers are still in the dash.
Complete replacement of carpet.
Complete replacement of 4 captains chairs (2 of the seatbelts are knackered, can't find an appropriate replacement, and one of the armrests is literally wrenched off)
Reconfiguration of center row seating (Rear-facing)
Reapholstry of rear bench seat to match new captains chairs
Reworking of rear bench seat so that it's got hydraulics to lower it into a bed instead of having to do it manually
Replacement of ALL woodwork with custom machined replacements.
Replacement of mood lighting (I need it brighter and on a dimmer)
Replacement of reading lamps (These are tiny little things that get very, very hot and produce very little light
Replacement of wall covering fabric to match
Replacement of ceiling fabric to match
Replacement of inside door handles
Replacement of curtains and window shades
Installation of accoustic barrier - especially between cabin and engine.
Exterior/Electrical:
Re-tint windows
Repair single rust spot below right rear window
Replace lugs and lugnuts to reverse threaded
Replace rims
Rework antenna system so CB and AM/FM radios do not share antenna, and TV uses somthing better than the roof rack for antenna
Several 400w inverters
High visibility night lighting and running lights
Re-paint to jet black.
Refinish rear ladder
Replace Vandura badges with somthing custom
Chrome bumpers
Replace grille with custom machined metal beast
I have the means, time and will to do all of this, but am just wondering if the general opinion is that I'm insane or what 😛
