full size van brainstorming time

Might have a line on one of my dream vehicles, a 4x4 full size van. (Yes, I'm odd.) Naturally, my head is swimming with mods I want to do. But, of course, I need a direction.

In my mind, there are two ways to go with a full size van: expedition/overland rig, or shaggin' wagon. Now, I could certainly use the utility of the overland rig - not that I do a lot of adventuring, but it winds up being more utilitarian than a shaggin' wagon - wouldn't want to mar the carpeting with dirty motorcycle tires.

Then again, who couldn't "use" a shaggin' wagon, am I right ladies?

Votes? Ideas?

I am assuming you want a 4wd van because it's 4wd. So slamming it out is out of the question. That being said... what about along the lines of overland.... but prerunner style? I think a big ol' overshock suspension, some flares, piles of droop, and some wicked skid plates would be amazing.

anyway you could do both with creative use of indoor/outdoor carpeting?

It's a big 4x4 truck. Man up, this is not some wussy shaggin wagon. Set it up for an expedition to the Kalihari, or Death Valley, or a moon of Saturn. Flat black, numerous gerry cans attached to the sides, 11 spare tires and big ass jacks. Yeah, that's the style!!! Big chrome stacks might be a bit much, though. State Patrol will love you, zombies will fear you.

My vote would be for an overland style rig (something I would like to do at some point myself). Though I also would reinforce the roof and setup a shooting platform on the roof for my photography, though I would like to do this with an old Land Rover more. I would also Rhino coat the bottom 1/3 or so of the van as well.

mad_machine wrote: anyway you could do both with creative use of indoor/outdoor carpeting?

Ooh... Shag rugs in lieu of shag carpet. Removable. Fold down bed. Versatile.

Business on the outside, party on the inside.

yes.. you just created the Mullet of vans

I love the overland idea. When I become independantly wealth one of the things the wife and I want to do is get something similar and drive around the world.

mndsm wrote: I am assuming you want a 4wd van because it's 4wd. So slamming it out is out of the question.

That's right. I'm saving my slammed van virginity for my dajiban.

Go the expedition route....roof rack with folding tent, lights etc.

Chicks will be very "in the mood" when you are in the middle of nowhere...or else they can walk back.

Pics NOW!!!!!!

I am going to be different and say go the shaggin wagon route. Paint it purple or some other ridiculous color and tint the windows. Put a mattress in the back and cover with shag carpet plus a good sound system maybe not super loud but good quality. Personal my idea of a shaggin wagon involves bagging it and side pipes.

If I were going to bridge the gap and try to make a convertible shaggin/expedition rig, I'd go with a '70s poo brown. Potentially appropriate for either application, and one of my favorite colors.

I will admit to liking the idea of an expedition rig... can you do what with a conversion van?

Or you could get two vans

http://quigley4x4.com/

Pricey, but should give you some ideas.

-Rob

Got $900 and a way to get to Milwaukee area?

A friend had a 4x4 Ford full size van a few years ago. He had it set up as a mudder complete with suspension lift and Super Swampers. I wish I had gotten a pic, it was quite the setup. He wound up trading it for an E30. He has, um, diverse automotive tastes. I should really get him on here, he'd fit in well.

www.sportsmobile.com

another one of the 4x4 van conversion companies

i'm contemplating a 3/4 ton 4x4 conversion to my 96 astro. looks doable and i have all the parts, could be extremely fun. the awesome of astro plus the utility of 4 wheel drive for winter and pulling my boat up slick ramps keeps calling me.

I kind of like the idea of a "creep out the neighbors" theme. Put some faded logos on it that look like it used to belong to some construction business that sold it off years ago before being sold off to someone less reputable...

Turning a 4wd van into a shaggin wagon seems like a huge waste....unless you are into "exploring", while in the really off-road areas.

Please note, when I say "exploring".....

integraguy wrote: Turning a 4wd van into a shaggin wagon seems like a huge waste....unless you are into "exploring", while in the really off-road areas. Please note, when I say "exploring".....

It might be useful for some spelunking.

pilotbraden wrote:

integraguy wrote: Turning a 4wd van into a shaggin wagon seems like a huge waste....unless you are into "exploring", while in the really off-road areas. Please note, when I say "exploring".....

It might be useful for some spelunking.

Deep Sea Fishing?

Wait... that maybe has not gone well.

MadScientistMatt wrote: I kind of like the idea of a "creep out the neighbors" theme. Put some faded logos on it that look like it used to belong to some construction business that sold it off years ago before being sold off to someone less reputable...

Pretty sure it has a faded AT&T (or SW Bell?) logo on it. Been over 10 years since I've even laid eyes on this thing.