LAZ
Still have a bit of work to finish but this is a good start
Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
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LAZ 1
Topic author - I get chills without my van.
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 8:52 am
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Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
I have wanted SMALL AWD motorhome for years. The Tiger is a step in the right direction, but I don't need all the fancy accessories. So I decided to build my own ... simpler, cheaper, lighter ... with HEAVY DUTY glued and screwed construction, Bilstein shocks, 2" lift, 235/75/R15 mud tires, and HD springs..
LAZ
Still have a bit of work to finish but this is a good start
LAZ
Still have a bit of work to finish but this is a good start
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Smiliesafari
- ASV Supporter
- Posts: 2667
- Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:34 pm
- Location: Orlando, FL
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
Very well done. Looking forward to your progress. 
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
That is pretty cool. I am wondering how it looks on the inside?
What do you think of my quest to swap transfer cases to the venerable BW4472?
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=9962
Photos including tear down for intake gaskets (PITA)
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-xSjRG/i-bHzD6cz
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=9962
Photos including tear down for intake gaskets (PITA)
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-xSjRG/i-bHzD6cz
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mdmead
- ASV Supporter
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- Location: Selah, WA
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Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
Very cool! More build pics, please!
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!
No new projects until the current ones are done!
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!
No new projects until the current ones are done!
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ihatemybike
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
Well, you got my attention.
I've contemplated such a build, but I've always envisioned building a chromoly tube frame first to retain the vehicle rigidity and safety in case of a roll over accident.
I've contemplated such a build, but I've always envisioned building a chromoly tube frame first to retain the vehicle rigidity and safety in case of a roll over accident.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
LAZ, I live about 40 miles from the Provan factory (THE Tiger Motorhome Builders). I had the opportunity to drive one( CX the Truck Version) across the states back in 2004. I took the factory demo and made "Housecalls" to a lot of people who wanted to see one and seemed to be interested in purchasing.
After the trip I owned a CX Truck and the XL Astro version both at the same time.
I was allowed to take photos of the last Astro Van Tiger Motor Home that the factory built when GM shut down the production.
How did you build the walls and have you finished the interior. (wall paneling)
What did you use for the outer skin?
I'd love to see more pic's, will you Please post more?
Thanks
After the trip I owned a CX Truck and the XL Astro version both at the same time.
I was allowed to take photos of the last Astro Van Tiger Motor Home that the factory built when GM shut down the production.
How did you build the walls and have you finished the interior. (wall paneling)
What did you use for the outer skin?
I'd love to see more pic's, will you Please post more?
Thanks
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
George, Would love to see those pictures of the last one madeVanGeorge wrote: I was allowed to take photos of the last Astro Van Tiger Motor Home that the factory built when GM shut down the production.
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
Hi Will...I still have the conversion top!
I am operation on my Acer 8 inch backup computer right now. I am working of getting my main computer back up and normal....if there's a normal.
As soon as that's done, I will post some of the pictures that I have of it during construction.
I am operation on my Acer 8 inch backup computer right now. I am working of getting my main computer back up and normal....if there's a normal.
As soon as that's done, I will post some of the pictures that I have of it during construction.
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
Glad to hear that you still have it ;)
If you need any help getting that computer up and running, let me know.
If you need any help getting that computer up and running, let me know.
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LAZ 1
Topic author - I get chills without my van.
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 8:52 am
- Has thanked: 1 time
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
WELLllll ...
getting close to putting the 99 AWD Safari Micro Motorhome back on the road.
Replaced a rusted out right front brake line from the wheel to the brake fluid distribution box under the front seat. Unfortunately, I could not get the brakes bled properly [ apparently this is a "built in design feature" ] so I have a brake shop appointment tomorrow to sort this out.
Also need a special ICBC road worthy inspection. After converting a van to a motorhome this is required for re-licensing.
OH BOY!!
The most aggravating issue so far has been the left front door exterior handle. the van came with the handle broken right off, and I ignored it up till yesterday. Got a new handle from my local auto parts store, installed it, and the dam door handle did not pull down on the rod enough to open the door from the outside. Then the rod fell out of tyhe plastic grommet. So I removed the door handle once again, bent the rod to shorten it, and wrapped the groove at the end of the rod with tie wire. BUT NOW THE DAM DOOR IS STUCK, STUCK, STUCK in the closed position. Can"t get the door to unlatch no matter which handle or rod I work on.
DAM.
Possibly easier to replace the whole dam door.
The GM engineers who designed that door handle should be shot into space.
getting close to putting the 99 AWD Safari Micro Motorhome back on the road.
Replaced a rusted out right front brake line from the wheel to the brake fluid distribution box under the front seat. Unfortunately, I could not get the brakes bled properly [ apparently this is a "built in design feature" ] so I have a brake shop appointment tomorrow to sort this out.
Also need a special ICBC road worthy inspection. After converting a van to a motorhome this is required for re-licensing.
OH BOY!!
The most aggravating issue so far has been the left front door exterior handle. the van came with the handle broken right off, and I ignored it up till yesterday. Got a new handle from my local auto parts store, installed it, and the dam door handle did not pull down on the rod enough to open the door from the outside. Then the rod fell out of tyhe plastic grommet. So I removed the door handle once again, bent the rod to shorten it, and wrapped the groove at the end of the rod with tie wire. BUT NOW THE DAM DOOR IS STUCK, STUCK, STUCK in the closed position. Can"t get the door to unlatch no matter which handle or rod I work on.
DAM.
Possibly easier to replace the whole dam door.
The GM engineers who designed that door handle should be shot into space.
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LAZ 1
Topic author - I get chills without my van.
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 8:52 am
- Has thanked: 1 time
Finally got the left front door handle replaced and working
The NEW replacement door handle from LORDCO was CRAP!!!.
Fought with the usual hard to remove top 10 mm nut, and after I finally got the old handle out, and the new handle in ...
First,
the little round three pronged plastic rod holder on the new handle arm was too loose and after a few tries the rod fell out.
OH SH!T!!
Second try ... wrapped the end of the rod with tie wire and reinstalled again.
But something did NOT feel right ....
Third try ... I removed the handle again and ...
The bottom hinge pin had fallen out and was lost in the gravel driveway.
OH SH!T, OH SH!T!!
Replaced the hinge pin with a near correct sized finish nail and reinstalled again.
DAM HANDLE DID NOT OPEN THE FFFfffn DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE!!
Not quite enough travel??
Back to my local Auto parts store, and they had a DORMAN/HELP handle in stock for $ 29.95. It had the fold over plastic rod retainer ... much better design.
Also picked up new hinge pins and bushings. OH BOY!!
After all that FFNNnnn around, I decided to do the hole modification, and this made assembly infinitely easier. Should have done this right at the start. A few minutes to cut a hole would have saved HOURS fighting to get the wrench at just the right angle, and dropping the nut inside the door COUNTLESS TIMES!
FINALLY ... I have a left front door that opens from BOTH sides now.
But I still need to replace those very well worn hinge pins.
Oh well, sooner or later everything will come together.
Fought with the usual hard to remove top 10 mm nut, and after I finally got the old handle out, and the new handle in ...
First,
the little round three pronged plastic rod holder on the new handle arm was too loose and after a few tries the rod fell out.
OH SH!T!!
Second try ... wrapped the end of the rod with tie wire and reinstalled again.
But something did NOT feel right ....
Third try ... I removed the handle again and ...
The bottom hinge pin had fallen out and was lost in the gravel driveway.
OH SH!T, OH SH!T!!
Replaced the hinge pin with a near correct sized finish nail and reinstalled again.
DAM HANDLE DID NOT OPEN THE FFFfffn DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE!!
Not quite enough travel??
Back to my local Auto parts store, and they had a DORMAN/HELP handle in stock for $ 29.95. It had the fold over plastic rod retainer ... much better design.
Also picked up new hinge pins and bushings. OH BOY!!
After all that FFNNnnn around, I decided to do the hole modification, and this made assembly infinitely easier. Should have done this right at the start. A few minutes to cut a hole would have saved HOURS fighting to get the wrench at just the right angle, and dropping the nut inside the door COUNTLESS TIMES!
FINALLY ... I have a left front door that opens from BOTH sides now.
But I still need to replace those very well worn hinge pins.
Oh well, sooner or later everything will come together.
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doyoulikeithere
- ASV Supporter
- Posts: 2060
- Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
- Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
hey man, Nice rig your building there!! More pictures and details would be awesome!
btw, I work for lordco and we do carry the dorman/help handles, but we dont 'make' any of them.
Did you buy some other brand handles first? What kind? Dorman makes hinge pin/bushing kits too. We stock them.
Anyways, can you post a picture of that magic glory hole that makes this job such a breeze please?
btw, I work for lordco and we do carry the dorman/help handles, but we dont 'make' any of them.
Did you buy some other brand handles first? What kind? Dorman makes hinge pin/bushing kits too. We stock them.
Anyways, can you post a picture of that magic glory hole that makes this job such a breeze please?
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
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LAZ 1
Topic author - I get chills without my van.
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Fri May 30, 2014 8:52 am
- Has thanked: 1 time
DIFFERENT replacement handles from Dorman/Help & Help/Dorman
Took the original DEFECTIVE door handle back to LORDCO for a full no hassle refund.
What I found most interesting was BOTH replacement handles were from Dorman/Help. One handle was bad in a couple of different ways, and cost me about 4 hours trying to get it to work. The other handle slipped right in with no problems. And BOTH of these appeared to be nearly identical, with the exact same product #, 77193.
The packaging was different, with the bad handle being labeled HELP/ Dorman, and the good handle labeled DORMAN/Help. The bad handle was slightly lighter in weight, and had a white plastic round three finger grommet, and a lower hinge pin that fell out and got lost during installation. The good handle had a black plastic finger lock flip over type grommet, and in hands on comparison just felt heavier and smoother.
SAME DAM PRODUCT #, different quality in the parts.
What I found most interesting was BOTH replacement handles were from Dorman/Help. One handle was bad in a couple of different ways, and cost me about 4 hours trying to get it to work. The other handle slipped right in with no problems. And BOTH of these appeared to be nearly identical, with the exact same product #, 77193.
The packaging was different, with the bad handle being labeled HELP/ Dorman, and the good handle labeled DORMAN/Help. The bad handle was slightly lighter in weight, and had a white plastic round three finger grommet, and a lower hinge pin that fell out and got lost during installation. The good handle had a black plastic finger lock flip over type grommet, and in hands on comparison just felt heavier and smoother.
SAME DAM PRODUCT #, different quality in the parts.
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doyoulikeithere
- ASV Supporter
- Posts: 2060
- Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
- Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
ha ha, product labels are off, just slightly,
omg, whats the world coming too,
Offshore Counterfeit Dorman products !
Nice they gave you a defective return on it.
Looking at the dorman website I see the cheapo white gromett style., hmmm.
Maybe you were lucky to get old stock or the american stuff or somethi9ng silly like that. Too bad though cuz it looks like Dorman has the white gromet style availlable now on their site.
omg, whats the world coming too,
Offshore Counterfeit Dorman products !
Nice they gave you a defective return on it.
Looking at the dorman website I see the cheapo white gromett style., hmmm.
Maybe you were lucky to get old stock or the american stuff or somethi9ng silly like that. Too bad though cuz it looks like Dorman has the white gromet style availlable now on their site.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
Re: Motorhome body on 99 SAFAR AWD
Either that or they changed it after they realized that there was a problem and this is how you identify the old/problem stock.