My BAD AST Project...

[astroracer]

Just gauging if there is any interest here on my latest project.
It is an '88 Astro Van that I am designing and building new front and rear suspensions for with a major lowering, Corvette brakes, a big block and 275/40-17s up front with 345/35-18s out back.
Here is a quick photshop I did of the van. I have done some major "rethinking" this past winter and spring. The stance is accurate and the tires and wheel sizes are to scale.

The cowl hood is a first blush. I still have a lot of work to do to the hood to extend it back to the windshield like I want it. The scoop is two inches high in this pic but I plan to do a three and a four inch to see what they look like. The Silverado bumper is still kinda stock looking. It will get a re-styling also to slim it up and take some "weight" out of the front end look.

Let me know what you think. I am looking for feedback and constructive criticizm.
Mark

[astroracer]

A little background is necessary here. I have a front cradle, "almost" done, that I put together last year. I am not happy with the weld quality though so I am rebuilding it. That is why I am calling this Faze II.
After a long hiatus (too long) I finally got Faze II kicked off Tuesday night. I cut a bunch of 2" tubing to length and got the tubing notcher set back up and ready to go.
These pieces are for the lower rails and crossmembers. The shorter ones (crossmembers) will be notched on both ends.

Setting up the tubing notcher is pretty basic. I clamp it to an angle plate that is, in turn, clamped to the jig table.

Notching the first end of the tube is easy. Orientation is not a concern and length isn't established until the 2nd notch is put in. This piece of tubing, bolted to a 2nd angle plate, sets up the notch orientation so I know they are parallel and it also sets the length. All I do is set the 1st notch into the tubing, clamp it in the notcher and do the notch. Easy and fairly idiot proof...

Here is a tube clamped into the fixture...

I haven't notched the new pieces yet. I hope to get more done this weekend but it is a start...
Mark

[Caboose]

Ohhh this is gonna be sweet. :smt023

[kairles]

gonna be badazz :smt023



anyone see that pinks with the choptop 10 second astro '[]=

[bigslim]

Can't wait to see the final project.

[Bishopjay]

gonna kick buttocks :smt045

[Rare4thgens]

Very cool :smt077 What about chopping the top for better center of gravity and a little slicker shaped brick? I may have asked you this before but is it AWD?