It seems the more I get done, the more I realize how much is left to do. I logged 170 hours last year. I'm at 89 so far this year. Got to keep this thing going! I need to finish this project.

 

Been searching for seats. As tall as this van is inside, both the front and back seats need to be rather short. I don't want the rears to be any taller than the bottom of the rear door windows. I also wanted a bucket look in the back, and not a full rear seat. I ended up getting rear seats from a Mazda RX8. They are still taller than I want, but it is the best I could find. The RX8 has a console that goes front to back, so I am modifying that to work in the van. I also got the rear deck piece that goes behind the seats. I will extend the rear deck so that it goes all the way to my rear doors.




Here is what the back seat and console looks like in the RX8

 

The van is looking great. Will we see more fiberglass being used? I like the idea of the metal frame, covering it with fabric and then glassing over it. I've been using glass for sometime now (20+years) on anything from door panels to radiator fan shrouds. Keep up the good work and creativity.

 

Thanks. And yes- plenty more wire frame/fiberglass panels to make. I will be doing all the interior side panels and the headliner with the same technique.

 

On to the left rear corner. Replacing the rusted panels and widening the wheel opening.


All clamped up and ready to begin welding. I will be patching the original fuel filler location, since I moved it to the other side.



Let the tacking begin.

 

The nicest butt welds I have ever done. Either I'm getting better or I am just having a lucky day.

 

Wow! this thing is bad **** man.

 

Very cool project, great work.

 

I can't wait to see this thing done. Great attention to detail

 

With all the GM parts on it this is looking more like a chevy each day. You came to the right place to share it here .

 

someone already said so but thanks for showing the wire frame panel technique... i had no idea how to accomplish something like that...i still don't but at least have a starting point...haha

keep up the awesome work

 

Still welding up the new rear corner and widened wheel opening. Also welding the factory body seams on the drivers side. While all that is going on, I started laying out the rear seats.
I built a seat belt bar that will hold the shoulder belts. Also made supports for the back part of the seats, lower seat cushion and console.







Here is a mock up of how the seats/console/rear package tray will look. I will make the package tray bigger and rectangular to go all the way to the rear doors for a clean look.

 

I've never seen anything like this. Final product will absolutely awesome!

 

Wow!! Great fab work, very artistic.

 

I extended the top seat support to the original side braces on the van. This should stiffen things up.


I also started on the passenger seat pan.

Here is a shot of how the seat slides in using the factory tabs on the seat, and the seat belt mounting.

 

Here is a pic of the finished passenger rear seat pan.

 

I have to do a patch on the floor, then I can weld the seat pan in

 

keep it up, very impressive fab skills.

 

In absolute awe of your skills, man.

 

Thanks guys!