A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

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mdmead
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A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

Sometimes things just don't work out as planned...

I hated to do it, but I thought it was just time to move on.

I tried selling locally, but no one was interested. The local auto dismantler offered me $500 for the van, plus anoter $500 for the 5.3L V-8.... so...

I dragged it out of my Dad's shop, loaded it up and....

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Moved it over to my shop! Come on, what do you think I was going to do with it?!

Here's the real story...

I was evicted from my Dad's shop.

Had to have all my stuff out by September 1st as my step-mom is hosting a quilter's group garage sale.

Much of the stuff was easy to move. A bit of a challenge was this:

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It's my 85(ish) Manta snowmobile. It doesn't run and weighs 600-700 lbs.

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And this:

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My Grandfather originally built this in the 50s. He rebuilt it in the 70s. It hasn't run since the mid 80s when he passed away. I pulled the old broke motor out of it a few years ago and have a new one to put in it... one of these days.

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I moved both of these using our pair of ATVs with winches. Basically I used my wife's ATV winch (with a snatch block) to load it, and then my ATV winch to unload it. The snowmobile was easy. The little cat, waaay harder.

So what was left? My freakin' van! I moved the 5.3L V-8 that is going to go in the van to my shop easily enough. Then I bolted the subframe back under the van (after removing the trans and transfer case since the engine was already out).

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I loaded the van on the trailer last Thursday. First I had to unload this. (My brother had this load of cedar on Dad's trailer. Not only did I get to unload it, I got to reload it the next day. Fun!)

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Then using the Warn 8274 on the Bronco (and a snatch block) I dragged the van onto the trailer.

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On Friday morning, I unloaded the van into my shop.

I backed it down towards the door...

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But found the trailer was playing bulldozer!

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It just so happens I had recently found a dropped stinger with a 2" ball on the side of the road, so I quickly swapped it with the one I was using, which gave me just enough clearance to get the trailer over the slab floor.

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Using the Bronco again, I unloaded the van.

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Friday evening I finished clearing everything else out of my dad's shop. I even removed the stuff that was stored up high, over the office. Figured I might just as well be completely out.

Saturday evening I did some rearranging of the extra stuff I brought over to give me a little more room to work in my shop. I need to build some more storage shelves, but overall I'm satisfied for now.

I am super-excited to have the van in my shop. One of the major stumbling blocks to working on it was having to load up tools, and then drive over to Dad's shop. If I only have an hour or two to play, it isn't worth the effort. Now, I can tinker whenever I get the bug!

Yes, I know, I still owe an update on the shop project. I haven't forgotten...
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!
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T.Low
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by T.Low »

You know how to have a good time. :partyman:
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by safari kev »

what kind of conversion van is that? seems odd to have a conversion with no stripes and steel rims.
00 safari high top explorer conversion. "shagfari" 235xxx miles on body. 242k on junkyard Jimmy motor.
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by doyoulikeithere »

Love that Bronco !!

and the parking job of the camper in the corner =D>
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1Gary
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by 1Gary »

With the van now in the shop,is that going to put Rebel and me behind with you in the race to get the vans done??. :poke: #-o :rolleyes: :muhaha:
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

safari kev wrote:what kind of conversion van is that? seems odd to have a conversion with no stripes and steel rims.
At one time it had stripes, as well as full length fender flares/running boards. I don't recall the brand... some unheard of conversion company. Wheels are the originals. I bought this van brand new in late '96 and it is a 96 model. (Interestingly, it has the old style torsion bars too.)

I broke one of the flares/boards when I hit a big ice chunk with it one winter. Didn't remove them though for a few years. (Actually had to take them off to put the van on a Ryder car hauling trailer back in '01.)

I'm not a big fan of stripe decals, so after a couple of years, I removed them.

The steel wheels won't stay. I actually have a set of factory style aluminum wheels that will be mated with a set of Pro-Comp 31" MTs (I also have waiting).
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!
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mdmead
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

1Gary wrote:With the van now in the shop,is that going to put Rebel and me behind with you in the race to get the vans done??. :poke: #-o :rolleyes: :muhaha:
That's what I'm hoping! :bounce:
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!
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mdmead
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

doyoulikeithere wrote:
and the parking job of the camper in the corner =D>
Yeah, and there is a story to go with it. Will be in the upcoming shop update.
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!
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by dunedog »

Not even April fools and you had me goin' [-( that was cruel!
Glad to see you've been working on that spare tire Matt! :poke: Gettin' back in shape I imagine with all this.
Nice to see you still care about the floor enough to at least put down a piece of cardboard.
Got heat planned ? You're on a roll here!
1999 LS AWD 3" Lift,4.10's,Snowplow,9500lb Ramsey winch
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1Gary
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by 1Gary »

Sure looks like a prime time to weld up that pipe lift..............
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY
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mdmead
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

1Gary wrote:Sure looks like a prime time to weld up that pipe lift..............
The prime time was when the subframe was out! Now I've got to yank it again! (Easy now though as I only need to pull the 6 bolts since there is absolutely nothing else hoked up.)
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!

Capn Ken
I am merely driving my van
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by Capn Ken »

Hi . I see you have a Manta there that looks not bad. I became a paraplegic a couple years ago and am looking for a machine like that . I am good at mechanical work so rebuilding some of it would not be a big concern. It does look like something that I would be able to ride with out much discomfort so I ask. Is it for sale. Thanks
Ken Bowers 780 963 1112
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

Capn Ken wrote:Hi . I see you have a Manta there that looks not bad. I became a paraplegic a couple years ago and am looking for a machine like that . I am good at mechanical work so rebuilding some of it would not be a big concern. It does look like something that I would be able to ride with out much discomfort so I ask. Is it for sale. Thanks
Ken Bowers 780 963 1112
Sorry Ken, it isn't for sale. I had wanted one for years and when I found this one I had to buy it. I found it on Ebay, so I'd suggest you watch there. Obviously Craigslist as well.

About two years ago a great deal on a Manta came up locally, but I don't know where it ended up. Wish I did.

What about a tracked side by side?
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!

Baldy
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by Baldy »

I didn't believe for a second you sold it. Who would pass on a project like that!?
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Re: A Sad Day... (but a new beginning...)

Post by mdmead »

Damn how time flies! Here it is 2017 and the van is still sitting in the new shop right where I parked it when I moved it. Still wouldn't consider getting rid of it as it will be running again one day. (Just a few projects ahead of it. I'm working on a second floor in part of the shop and I've still got a lot of electrical to do.)
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!
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