90's throw back.....Manche build

[mcutler]

you get the 6l80e swapped in yet? Curious to how it'll work out in this gem, cant beat the 1st gear for an auto

Not yet. Busy in the shop and some light remodeling in the house for a refinance. Back in the shop next week.

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[mcutler]

Getting ready for the final Dixie Run at Golden mountain.

Nut and bolt, service and grease, minor body work, taillight, make a couple new lower front links, scotchbrite and oil down the chassis, then load her up behind her new chauffeur...

Before...

After...

Did a little hammer and dolly work to flare the fender ...

Fix this tomorrow...

2016 3500 12 passenger Chevy Express, 35k miles. 6.0, 6l80, baby 14 bolt, 12 feet of cargo/sleeping area with seats removed. Installed a class 4 hitch, brake controller, tinted the windows, and have some Cutler Fab lettering on it before pulling out.

Cutler

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[WARRIORWELDING]

Getting ready for the final Dixie Run at Golden mountain.

As in it sold? Or they aren't doin the Dixie there anymore?

 

[mcutler]

As in it sold? Or they aren't doin the Dixie there anymore?

both, closing the park afterwards, next year at AOP

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[WARRIORWELDING]

both, closing the park afterwards, next year at AOP

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Like, sad. In that order.

 

[mcutler]

B post sheetmetal repaired and the remainder of fenders flared.


Before

After

Cutler

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[Andy J.]

Would you mind sharing your technique on the fender flaring? I'd love to do that to my front fenders where they've been cut.

 

[mcutler]

Would you mind sharing your technique on the fender flaring? I'd love to do that to my front fenders where they've been cut.

Pretty simple, took about 10 minutes per fender- given its not paint ready, but woods ready...

I drew a line in silver pencil to my liking.

I used these flanging pliers, but I didn't go go past the flange steps. Lightly prying up until light deformation was acquired- then I used a dolly and hammer to stretch the edge back into shape. I used the narrow to get it roughed in then the wide ones to get uniformity - until you get to the corners.

Finish the edge with a file to square up its profile.

Cutler

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[Andy J.]

Thanks!

 

[mcutler]

Thanks!

Take your time doing it, it's easy to go too far, and make more work for yourself to make it right, and harder to go backwards. Take small steps.

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[backhalf-cj]

U about ready ??

 

[mcutler]

Yup

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[mcutler]

Got the Manche's new chauffer ready for travel today.

12'x5'4" of space for activities. Two 32x80 cots with roomy storage underneath.

Frankly, as quick and easy as this was, I don't think I'll do any interior modifications or permanent fixtures for future off road trips. The storage afforded under the cots takes care of my needs, and the bench seats slide out in about 5 minutes. Now if I was going alone, I wouldn't remove the seats at all, or if there are more than 2 people, we would just bunk down in the floor on some padding.

Cutler

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[farmboy]

Do they make an hi-rise top for that? Cutting and grafting one in would be trick to get standing room (or close to standing room)

 

[mcutler]

Do they make an hi-rise top for that? Cutting and grafting one in would be trick to get standing room (or close to standing room)

I'm sure there are conversion outfitters that do so, but then you're bargain $20k (sub 40k miles) van jumps into the 50's. We all know any ton pickup is way overpriced these days, regardless of the engine and/ or mileage.



The cots are low enough I can comfortably sit on the edge to dress.


I think vans are very overlooked, for our needs. You can't buy a crew cab one ton (gas) of any brand for this price with similar mileage. Very low investment for a 3rd vehicle, that we'll still get much usage out of on the regular.


Cutler

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[mcutler]

Do they make an hi-rise top for that? Cutting and grafting one in would be trick to get standing room (or close to standing room)

And 4wd...(Chevy Express uses truck ifs system.

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[josh$$]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/744334324/overview/

Here ya go @mcutler
It is 4x4

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

This one doesnt seem like a bad price: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2013-Chevrolet-EXPRESS-2500-EXPLORER-CONVERSION-5003958481

similar: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2011-Chevrolet-EXPRESS-5003781834

I am sure you have already looked, but Class B RVs might give you some ideas for shades and packaging, as many share the same footprint you are working with.

 

[Chris_Keziah]

This one doesnt seem like a bad price: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2013-Chevrolet-EXPRESS-2500-EXPLORER-CONVERSION-5003958481

similar: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2011-Chevrolet-EXPRESS-5003781834

I am sure you have already looked, but Class B RVs might give you some ideas for shades and packaging, as many share the same footprint you are working with.

That is a straight baller status van

 

[CasterTroy]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/744334324/overview/

Here ya go @mcutler
It is 4x4

And a WONTON at that. Sheesh, I love that FAR more than I thought I would

 

[ghost]

What kind of tow capacity does a 1 ton van have?

 

[LBarr2002]

What kind of tow capacity does a 1 ton van have?

Explorer shows 9,500 lbs on their 2500 conversions... I could live with that.

 

[mcutler]

What kind of tow capacity does a 1 ton van have?

10k towing, 16k gcwr

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[Mac5005]

10k towing, 16k gcwr

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Are you required to have. A weighted tag for a van like a truck or is it like a 2500 suburban where you can tow 10k with a regular tag?

 

[mcutler]

Are you required to have. A weighted tag for a van like a truck or is it like a 2500 suburban where you can tow 10k with a regular tag?

Not sure, frankly didn't ask. I had it tagged for 16k.

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