GMC Jacke's van

Getting hooked on those little Hondas?

jrdunn96 wrote:Getting hooked on those little Hondas?

Well it started out just fixing an old family Honda we had for 40 years... then I bid on an ebay auction and won the 2nd bike, I really did not think I would get it for $50?
But, I did so there ya go! Now I have to go get it Saturday...Hmmm. I guess you just might win an auction, so think about that 4 hour drive to get the dam thing, just incase you do win!! I do have the old engine to rebuild, so I guess my project has found me, this time.

Scott wrote:Hey Jacke,

Electric PowerSteering in this thread might be something to consider.

https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t56656-theory-power-steering-for-super-cheap-and-no-pump

Thanks buddy!
But I am going to use the Corvette PS set up, but all reworked for the van placement. Although not an easy upgrade, It will be looking original inside the cab and old school underneath. I am being very patient and waiting for my little baby to come home all beautiful.
The electric style PS is not appealing to my eye. It looks to large & modern for an old van IMHO. I know its really a good option though.

So Mark was delivering and picking up VCV parts across the USA this last week. I was in WA and he stopped by my place on his way to Montana, Nebraska, Indiana, MN Chicago, Texas etc.
He was kind enough to pick up a front clip I bought from Jim in MN. (No my van is fine), it's a rare piece so I bought it when given a chance. I hope never to need it... LOL
Mark is the man doing work on my van... he is a great resource for all types of van parts and services.

Mark had it Well wrapped up to protect it Jacke
He was Real tired when he got to Gorges place(3 am part's delivery) , but came back after some water & out of van time
He wouldn't let me take a pic of his van till he washed the 3000 mi worth of bugs off.
I don't know How he does it?? 2 Old vanner (on Right)with the kid(LOL)

Mark is done with the Power Disc brake installation. After he returns from his USA tour    he will be taking the van to Xtreeme Xhaust in northern California for a cool system to be installed. Let's just say you will know when I am coming! Vrrrrooommmmm
Then back to Sac for more fixin', my van had needed some real attention for awhile but I was not able to provide it. I am so please to finally get the work I needed completed.
Mark just has a love for these vans and wants to do what he can to make sure they are out and on our roads for many moons to come. Thanks Mark!

!

Here is the front clip Mark picked up for me in MN. He has cleaned it up now with a wire brush and painted it to protect it from rust, they he put it up in the rafters of my garage for safe keeping. Thanks Mark

Very nice to have a plan just in case...also would look great as a bar

Yep, I think I will keep it up in my WA garage with lights eventually! Very cool to have a spare front clip, I never will use. In 20 years, I will sell it...LOL make a fortune I bet!

Well Mark is back in Sacramento... finished his trip, safely.
Now back to the van work! YES!! On Sunday he will be taking my baby to get a new exhaust system.
I was fortunate to get on Rob Cleland's schedule at Xtreem Exhaust up in Fairfield CA. My van just happens to be up in his neck of the woods. Mark is going to drive down from his location about 45 miles to get the exhaust system installed. Rob will post the finished work on Instagram... can't wait to hear the VVVRRROOOMMMM... soon to be a sweet sounding, driving and looking van!
I am excited to be getting so much work completed. It really does make me feel so good to know my van will be easier to drive and much safer to drive.
As each of us get over that hill... we need to still be driving our vans.

So as planned Mark went over to Xtreem Xhaust and got my new Rad system installed. Also found that the Clutch ball joint was about to go! So Rob welded that up. Nice 25's with Black SS 4" Tips...

Here is a view from the under the van with the new exhaust. Rob also re positioned the rear sway bar brackets.




Here is the clutch Ball about to go! Luckily Rob saw it and welded it up for me. Mark would not have made it very far...

Well the power steering is about to begin. I had the steering gear box remanufactured and Mark is installing it, then proceeding with the Power Steering install. This dream is nearly completed. I have needed to fix many mechanical problems on the van. These things needed a real mechanic not anything but! I was so lucky to have Mark accept my request for help... I could not have done these upgrades otherwise. Mark's philosophy was not like mine... he starts with all the mechanics of the van done right, not the paint and pretty stuff I did first. But I only know how to do certain things, I ain't no mechanic, but my design and creativity skills have been invaluable for the interior and the look of my van. It is now going to look as pretty as it is fit mechanically. Here is the detailed new steering box, yes it is detailed. I still want pretty!! LOL

You rock Jacke! Almost ready to cruise roads in “Style “ !!!

Here is the steering and shifter assembly all ready to go into the van. It's almost a shame to cover it up... I had mark detail it, just because I like pretty! May not see it but I have a picture to prove it is pretty!! LOL
I sent all the Power Steering parts today. So sooner than later I will be driving my van with all the upgrades. Woohoo

So today the work on my Power Steering upgrade begins! I am very excited to think about being able to steer without any wrestling the wheel. Mark will need to have some parts machined in order to work in the van. After that has been done he can get to installation. I am not doing the electric Saturn Vue replacement, as I prefer the original look of the steering wheel column. So this will be old school PS tucked under the van, I think on drivers side? But I am guessing. I will get pictures as Mark starts the process. I cannot wait to have my finished van back to drive. It has been very rough not having my van to drive and enjoy. I know some sell their vans and make good money. I would never sell my van.

As long as no Lead-footed drivers get carried away, the tires should be good!

I will have original design authentic font- 1st Gen & 2nd Gen Jack Instruction stickers. If interested let me know and I will contact you when they are printed.

My van is almost completed. I am getting the cooler and camp gear ready for the mountains! That will be my first trip once my baby comes home. Preparation for fun is going on around here! I bought an entire set of camping equipment for the 48th Nationals I had planned to attend... before everything shut down. Don't want the goods to go to waste so I will be a camping retired fool as soon as possible.

Nice sticker, it looks just like your Van.

Well the last PS parts are being sandblasted and painted for the finish of the install. Soon I will have my van back to drive around town for a few months before I move out of state, up to Washington state PNE. I am going to miss the San Diego vibe I am sure... but it is the new and finale chapter in my life. I embrace the big change coming next year. I am not looking forward to moving all my vehicles 1200 miles however. That is going to be either very costly, very time consuming and a very lengthy process.
I have five vehicles to move! Maybe purchasing a big trailer for hauling may be in order? What would you do? If you did not want to sell off the herd!

I want to like this post, but I also want to dislike this post. We are going to miss you down here, JackeFriend!

So while I was waiting for my van to get the "Spa" treatment... I had some time and bought a van model. I painted it but lacked the skill to assemble a real model? LOL So my good friend Rich added his expertise to finish the model correctly. I did a scene to display at the Vans and coffee today... had fun!
It is an exact replica down to the gold sway bars and curtains!