Vehicle Description
Where do we even start? Obviously, this incredibly cool 1990
Chevrolet Astro Van 4x4 isn't your average vintage hauler. Built to
the tune of $115,000 for Gibson Performance Exhaust to steal the
show at SEMA in 2005, it's an out-of-this-world monster van that
marches to the beat of its own drum. With less than a 100 miles on
the built 355 V8, a custom suspension with a huge lift, and a
custom paint and interior that give it a look that you'll never be
able to duplicate, this is the coolest 4x4 van we've ever seen.
Starting with a rather non-descript Chevy Astro van doesn't seem
like the route to a wild custom build that's due for SEMA, yet here
it is. Cosmetically, there's pretty much nothing that's factory on
this one-off build, from the loud Prowler Orange paint that's been
augmented with Corvette Purple flames and PPG Hot Lime airbrush
accents (the business lettering you see on the back panel is a
wrapped decal that can be easily removed), to the brightwork on the
grille, bumpers, and undercarriage components that are exposed due
to the gigantic lift. All that and more (quite frankly, we don't
have the space here to list all the trick add-ons) give it a
bespoke look that results in the most attention-grabbing vehicle
we've probably ever featured. Because it's only been exposed to
bright show lights and dropped jaws since it was completed, the
finish is in excellent shape with only minimal imperfections here
and there, likely from cleaning up drool marks. The billet aluminum
grille and bumpers add some contrast to the bright paint, but the
star of the show is the undercarriage, which can be viewed from all
sides without so much as having to bend your neck down for a closer
look. All of the frame, the structural cage for the lift, and major
components have either been powder-coated, painted, or chromed to
match the body, and these details were executed masterfully to
ensure this Super Astro wins a trophy whenever it's shown. Cool
features like the fender flares, the sliding side door, rear barn
doors, and rear step bumper are reminders that this vehicle was
actually a real van at one point in its life, and if you did have
the gumption to use it as such, it would still get the job done.
And if you want attention for your business or you just like to
talk to people everywhere you stop, this is the van for you.
It was painfully plain and utilitarian when it was new, but as
you'd probably imagine, it's anything but now. You almost need a
ladder to get in (caution: don't attempt to pole vault inside,
we've lost three photographers already) but when you do, note the
pair of custom high-back buckets up front and the bench in the rear
that haven been wrapped in a two-tone upholstery with a similar
texture to soft burlap that looks great and feels even better. The
door panels, cargo panels, and headliner were wrapped in matching
upholstery and accented with 3D sculpted flame patterns, while the
plush orange carpet is very clean and provides plenty of insulation
and noise cancellation. The entire dash was completely reworked,
and it is extremely trick with both painted and upholstered parts
that match the prevailing theme, along with custom gauges, an
AM/FM/CD player, and a slick Colorado Custom billet aluminum
steering wheel just ahead of the driver. Billet flame pedals match
the billet flame rear view mirror, and it even has a compact middle
console with built-in cup holders, because it is a van after all.
Take a deep breath, because it doesn't stop there.
Mechanically, this Uber-Astro is powered by a recently installed
355 cubic inch V8 that barely has 100 miles on the clock. That
means it's still ready, willing, and able to work if called-upon,
and with that added horsepower, it can move all that extra weight
confidently just in case you want to drive it to next year's SEMA.
There's also a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that's
heavy-duty enough to handle the horsepower, a 205 Chevrolet
transfer case for the 4x4 system, and power steering and power
front disc brakes made the trip as well. The custom frame and
suspension work are where this van steals the show, and with even a
quick examination anyone can see how this build cost upwards of
$115k. A brief look at the highlights: the 100% custom-built, steel
square channel and round tube frame acts as the foundation,
augmented with 16 chrome shock absorbers, a quad-shock steering
stabilizer set-up, super-duty arched leaf springs, and a massive
Dana 60 rear end. The lift is enormous, and the van sits on 15-inch
chrome wheels wrapped in massive 44-inch Interco tires to complete
the one-of-a-kind look.
Professionally finished with some of the best parts and expertise
money could buy, this wild Astro van is incredibly unique and super
cool. All it takes is the desire to be a little different. Call
today!
