Think I'm gonna get loud? Well......

[TechSys]

I just purchased a 1989 Chevy Astro. It is in pretty rough shape right now, needing a power steering pump, possible brake job, front door handles, tune-up (not fuel injection unfortunately), and minor body work.

It belonged to a 74yr old subcontractor. Still had some tools and stuff in it, most have been donated to my job.

I think the starter solenoid is on the way out. I have to bump the ignition quite a few times before it'll start, otherwise, it's like I have a dead battery. Air conditioner seems to work, but may be clogged as it doesn't blow out the vents.

Lots of rust on the roof. Couple dents on the passenger side. Sliding door works perfect, just wish it didn't have the window on it. Driver's side headlight assembly is loose like a clip or two is broken. Seats are torn to hell and back. Headliner goes just past the front seats and stops. No interior trim from there back.

Smokes and runs rough when first started but clears up after it warms up. Windshield looks like it may leak since some of the molding is off it on the passenger side. There is a towel wedged in the back part of the sliding door. Looks like it was used to substitute for a weather stripping.

I wanted so bad to take pictures of it, but, my camera died a few days ago. I may try to get some kind of pics up this weekend though.

Guy wanted $600 for it. I got it for $300. :)

[Miguel A]

sounds great tech can't wait to see it in the lanes next yr bro

[J B M]

Congrats Tech...I guess we'll be seeing another astro in the lanes next year. :D

[TechSys]

I'm really hoping it'll be in the lanes next year. It's gonna be painfull if it gets there. :) Well, during the time it takes to build it.

Started pricing stuff for it as far as getting it running right. This was after I drove it home form my job. Damn that was a pain to do without power steering. It's probably going to sit until next payday before I can get started on fixing the known problems.

It, somehow, will be unvieled around January. If I have to eat beenie weenies up till then.

[Excessive Amperage]

Let me know what I can do to help you get it hooked up. I can fix the starter and custom build you an alternator pretty cheap. Post some pics when you get time. Good luck with the build !

[TechSys]

I will be getting with you soon. Will be looking for 1 or 2 alternator setup, dependign on how much power I decide to go with.

Just ripped up the carpet that was on the wood flooring the previous owner installed. The wood is rotten to the core, but, the vans floor looks to be good. I will be ripping out the wood floor tomorrow.

God I wish my camera was working and I can't find my roommate's camera either. Something doesn't want me to take pics of this van.

I'm going to try grabbing a starter and everything tomorrow at a junkyard. Hopefully I can fix the problems with junkyard parts. If not, well, You'll get the starter Nate. :)

Parts on Ebay are pretty dog gone cheap. :)

[meatloaf1986]

go to a O'Rileys auto parts store to get the starter. i bought one for my van there and its a 86 safari.(same thing) and it was 26.00 with a 2 yr waranty.

[TechSys]

I really don't know if it's the starter or not. I can turn the key and hear everything clicking but starter doesn't kick. I bump it a few times and the starter kicks, van fires right up.

Reminds me of a solenoid problem I had in my old cougar. I'd turn the key and not fire. I'd jump the solenoid and it'd fire right up.

Where is the solenoid on these things? :) Probably right on top of the starter like my 3.1 engine.

First things first though. I need to get the power steering pump replaced. It's even a pain trying to pull the van forward a little to clean it out/up. Found a can of black spray paint, bottle of brake fluid, some plastic bins, 2 pennies, old insurance papers, 2 brand new bungie cords, and ants. BIG ole ants. Sprayed the hell out of the van hopefully I wont see anything but dead ants tomorrow.

thanks for the tip on O'Riley's though.

Hey A.J. I know you can't reply, but, you did say newer model cavalier seats, right?

[meatloaf1986]

Well the solenoid is on top of the starter lol. but tomaro click the ingition once and if it dosent fire then get under the van and tap the starter with a hammer. if it fires up. then its the starter.

When i had my starter go bad i replaced the ingition switch. its worth it cause if your van has the orgnail one then it is prolly going bad. at O'Riles or any auto parts store a ingition switch is only about 3 or 4.00 and it helps. also the starter isant hard to change unless you arnt good at getting under cars. if you need any help with where things are located or how to change them then email me or pm me. csfan14@gmail.com .

[TechSys]

Got a power steering pump from U-Pull It junkyard. Somebody else did all the work for me, pretty much. I had to buy the whole support bracket since I didn't have the tools to remove the power steering pump.

I need to find out what pulley puller is needed to remove the pump pulley (that almost sounds like a tongue twister). The Hayne's manual doesn't go into too much of detail about removing the pump. Here is what it says:

On models with serpentine drivebelts, a special power steering pump pulley remover and installation tool (available at auto parts stores) are required to properly perform this procedure)

I was able to get 2 of the 3 bolts out. the last bolt will not come out unless I take the pulley off. What a pain. Sometimes I think Chevy/GM was on drugs when they designed vehicles.

[TechSys]

Update.. hehe

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2538/drivernp0.jpg

I've got a couple more pics, but need to get outta here for a few minutes.

Got the new steering pump in, but found out the return line is broke, going to try picking one up now. Hopefully AutoZone has the right one.

Will post more pics later

[Miguel A]

Update.. hehe

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2538/drivernp0.jpg

I've got a couple more pics, but need to get outta here for a few minutes.

Got the new steering pump in, but found out the return line is broke, going to try picking one up now. Hopefully AutoZone has the right one.

Will post more pics later
I see a potential S/M or SS vehicle thier :shock: :shock:

[TechSys]

Well Miguel, I'm not sure. I'm thinking SS 5+ as well as bass race. I'm sorta having a problem designing a 60cube enclosure to house 6 18" BTLs. I actually think 60cubes is way to much, but those subs call for 6-10 cubes per sub.
Then I gotta figure out the port. It's hell to get a decent port and have 3 18s stretched across the van. I'm only measuring 60" of space. 54" will be taken up by subs. 6" left just don't seem to be good enough.

I know if Step can do 6 18s I can do 6 18s. I just gotta find out his secret. Actually I got a lot to learn (hehe, there I admitted it. That's half the battle. now somebody teach me)

No matter what I definately want to do Bass Race but have high SPL numbers also. Is it doable? Not if I do it. :(

[TechSys]

Just got the 'stro all legal. Also got the starter and solenoid replaced. Got the power steering pump leak somewhat fixed.

Man it runs rough as hell right now. Sounds like a lifter is tapping. It needs a brake job and new tires on it. Still need to replace the door handles, but that's not a problem right now.

It runs, that's the main concern. Starts up on first try, now.

So, $170 to get the title xferred, tagged, and registered. Another $50 to add it on to my insurance. Another $50 for the starter and solenoid. Things are adding up quick.

Took out the 6x9 on the drivers side thinking I could put my old 6x9s in there..hahahaha.. there ain't no way they going to fit. I don't even think my 6.5s will fit there, but am going to make an adapter and see.

This weekend will be the installation of the jvc kd-avx1 headunit. I will probably go ahead and install the subs I have now, with the amps, until I can get the new subs and box built.

More to come soon.

[Miguel A]

now that is work in progress bro keep us posted :wink:

[TechSys]

I will. I guess you can call this my worklog, since my other post (the beretta) is... umm... not going to happen now.

Got the faceplate kit this evening. I hope it works, it says it's for this year of Astro. Doesn't look like it's gonna fit right. Gonna check metraonline to make sure.

The 6x9s are bothering me. The factory ones aren't bad, but, I want the ones I have in those holes. They are cheap, but sound damn good. I also want the 6.5s in the doors.

Started looking at some other things today. Discount auto has headlights form APC that are diamond cut with city lights. They use the H4 bulb. I'm not totally sure on how to convert to H4 yet.

Even though I am going to hate doing this, I am gonna drive it to work tomorrow.. Thinking about pulling the headliner down and redoing it since it's held up with staples now. I did pour some SeaFoam in the gas tank, hopefully that'll take away the lifter or injector tapping noise.

I'm still stuck on the subwoofer enclosure. I think I'm going to end up with 4 18s instead of 6. The enclosure isn't really for SPL, but should sound good. It's 29.2 cubes tuned to 31.2Hz. 58" wide x 48" high x 35" deep, using 1.5" walls. Port is 45" high, 15" wide, 18.5" deep. Does that sound right (bass box pro is goofing up on me).

At least I can leave the windows down at work until I get the door handles fixed. Really don't see why I want them fixed now since I'm looking for the door popper so I can shave them.

[meatloaf1986]

if your lifter is tapping. i have the same problem lol. but run 93 octane gass in it. and put a can of stp oil treatment in it. it should stop. and about the 6x9's : ). belive me its a pain in the *** to change them. but a pretty big one can fit in there. with some bods to the bracket. !

[teamflorida AJ]

Dennis call me i have a box for your van already built. Its 30 cubes or so . side walls 5 layer thick mdf top 2 layers and bottom also. back mdf framed in for concrete. also have the concrete. it slides in the side door and unsrews from the face using 7 inch concrete screws. Never used . also wired for 2) 18 solox 4 ga. for the speaker wires. has close too 900sq. inches of port. My bass needs have taken a different direction with van!!! :twisted: the PROMISE of things to come!!!!

[J B M]

the PROMISE of things to come!!!!

:roll: 8) :shock:

[teamflorida AJ]

It sounded ominious on my end atleast! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: but work begins after finals on next years ride Dontcha know!!!

[TechSys]

Will call you tomorrow AJ. So far sounds like a good deal.

[TechSys]

** Update **

Did a minor tune-up today. changed out the sparkplugs, pcv valve, and air filter. Van seems to run a lot better but still tapping like a mofo. I leanred the hard way about changing the sparkplugs.. Take the darn wheels off, as well as the fender inserts. Made the job go a lot easier, until I got to the one by the drivers foot.. ugh!!

Got ripped off on a Metra kit. It had everything in it, to mount it, but didn't have the faceplates and carriage, or whatever it's called. Gonna try picking up another one withn the next couple days.

Drove the van out to Oceanway yesterday. That was pretty fun. AJ gave me a lot of pointers on the van. I don't think I thanked him for that, if not, thank you.

Can't wait for the actual system install to get started. Got a couple little things to do before that happens though (brakes being number 1). then the fun shall begin.

[TechSys]

New update, and sorry for no pics. Camera is dead and can't find roommates.

Ripped out the wood floor the previous owner installed. The van's floor is in GREAT shape, just needed a little cleaning. It looks almost brand new now.
I washed the van yesterday. I think that was the first wash it had in 10 or more years. It was DIRTY.

Got the headliner installed. It's a homemade one I found at the junkyard in a Safari. the main reason I got it was for the switches and pocket for a radar detector or something (not sure what was there). Not sure if this headliner will put me in a differant class or not, if it does, well, I'll rip it back out.

Gary had a couple seats he wanted to get rid of. One was in pretty bad shape, but the other was decent. It's installed in the driver's side now, even though I think it was a pasenger side seat before. I love reclining seats and this one leans all the way flat.

Painted the side of the van to get rid of "TechSys" and the primer. the primer was one there for a couple weeks. I just did a quick spray bomb on it to get the van white again. I tried to pull, or push, a couple dents out with no luck.

Driver's side door handle is fixed. Thanks AJ and Gary. It was a lot easier than I thought. Passenger side handle form the junkyard broke as I was putting it in. No biggie though, I'll just get another one soon.

Worked on the van since 9am this morning. At 3pm I decided to wrap up everything and come inside. During this time I forgot to start the van and let the battery charge.. It was dead. Jumped it with the Beretta.

Took some measurements. There is A LOT of room for an enclosure. Now that I've seen CJ's wall, well, I think I can do my own now.

I will be picking up a camera this week, as well as some peal and seal (protect-o-wrap), so I should have some pics up soon.

Stayed tuned. Hopefully a VERY loud Astro will be in your area soon.

[TechSys]

Got the alarm system installed today. It wasn't the alarm I wanted to install, but, it'll do the job. Same kind as I have in the Beretta.

Also got a set of Fusion 6x9s in the dash. I had to break out with the XPR and cut some plastric to get them even close to fitting. Look pretty good. Still don't have a camera though, sorry.

Headunit is out of the Beretta and in the Astro. I didn't run the RCA wires, which I'm gonna kick myself when the time comes. Right now the only speakers on the headunit are the dash speakers. They sound alright, but I need to get others in there.

Doubt A.J. will see this until after the weekend is over, but, thanks for pointing out the grommet to run wires through. It made things a whole lot easier than I was anticipating.

I've gotta get some power wire up to the headliner so I can hook up the 4 switches I have. Think I'll do that tomorrow as I'm tired as hell. Been working on the van since 11am.

Getting closer to ordering the subs. I think the paycheck after next will be the first order. God I wish I didn't have to order one at a time.

[TechSys]

Got a problem. The 6x9 speakers in the dash, which I changed out to fusion encounter 6x9s, sound like crap no matter what. Just not what I'm used to, sort of muddy.
My question, which will solve this front speaker problem, is... What thickness of MDF should I use to make a 6x9 to 6.5 adapter?I am thinking about installing the 6.5 speakers from the Beretta in the dash of the 'Stro. 3/4" MDF is far too thick it seems.

Now for some updates..

Started sound deadening the sides of the van. So far I've used a half roll of peal and seal (the other half was useless due to sitting outside too long). I am going to try finishing at least one layer throughout the van this weekend.

Not going with the BTLs due to finances, there just isn't enough overtime at work for me to get the amount of BTLs I want, along with the amplifiers. I am going to go the cheapo route with the 18" SSDs. Not sure if I should get the flatwind coil or copper coil. I can't get both on either the dual 2 ohm or dual 1 ohm subs. Which is better (I think the copper coil is, but want y'alls opinion).

Van is running like crap with what sounds like piston slap. It is getting VERY good gas mileage though. Been running it like crazy the past 2 weeks and it the gas needle hasn't gone past 3/4 full. Hope it's not stuck.

Going to try to find a welding supply shop around here so I can get some power wire. I know I was told to get 4/0 wire, but I'm gonna do 2 runs of 2/0 per positive and ground.

I've got the whole system design in my head right now. I know how I want everything. Now I just gotta get busy on it.

That's it for now. Still no pics, well, I do have some but they're on the Dell and I haven't got wired into the network here yet.

[Miguel A]

good luck Dennis patience is the name of the game he who waits will get awsome results :wink:

[J B M]

Dennis what are you going to use for power? If you haven't bought amps yet, I may have a great deal for you :shock:

[TechSys]

Being that the SSDs are only rated at 800rms, I'm thinking of going 1kw per sub. With the copper or flatwind coil, they should be able to handle that. I still have my Hifonics amplifiers, but will be looking at getting some Hercs.

I don't think the van will be ready by SBN. Heck, I haven't even had the time to send in payment for dB drag membership. I also might need a new engine before long.

We'll see. What kind of power you have J.B.M.?