We Have A new van!

Well here are a few pictures of the Astro Van hereafter referred to as "Dimples" finally in our driveway. Yesterday was quite eventful but went REALLY smoothly, we got everything done but license, but that office was closed yesterday. We also got new tires putt on Sunny yesterday as well, so all is set for a while. We actually got our little Suzuki Phreddie listed for sale on KSL today too, so all that is left is to get the 4 wheeler ready and list it, hopefully they will sell fast so we can pay down the van. I also got a spare set of snow tire along with dimples and may post them for sale too, I don't have much use for snow tires here! as you can see the outside has a few problems but I am not too concerned as this is soon to be a Geo mobile and will possiblly get more scratches too. the inside however is almost perfect, with a few problems such as a hole in the back seat, but all in all by far the nicest van we looked at (okay so we actually only looked at one other) but I am VERY pleased with our purchase!! P.S I LOVE the color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Goal

The goal in this particular fit of madness is illustrated by these photo's. Of course I have chosen a silver one and I don't reckon I'll go with the pop top, the lift and tires seem about right and the concept is there. this guy has done some other mods to his rig too, primarily replacing his AWD transfer case with a two speed case from a late model S10 or Blazer with electronic shift. So it begins.....

The Hunt for the perfect Geo caching Mobile (again)

Well here we go again thought Dendra to herself as I began to explain my latest harebrained idea. After a trip to Alamo a week or so, I was worried about using my Mazda for four wheeling, it's my work car so it needs to be dependable (don't they all) and is getting up there in miles too at 153,00. The Suzuki has been modified to be an excellent off road vehicle but unfortunately leaves some to desired when traveling long distances to get to our off road adventures. Enter my brother Brent with a great idea, he has a 4wheel drive van that travels well and is large enough to carry all your stuff and also can have a bed for outback camping otherwise known as "Expedition camping". I began researching this concept and came upon what seemed to be the perfect solution, for me at least a Chevrolet Astro van with AWD. well after much searching and a trip to Kaysville seems to have netted us the " Perfect van" a 2002 Astro FULLY loaded and in great shape in silver right near in Santa Clara. Upon reading the widow sticker (which they still had) I found that this van really is well optioned with a limited slip rear also equipped with 3.73:1 gear ratio, the factory towing package including a real nice hitch well tucked up under the rear bumper, not hanging down like some we have seen. The people have taken excellent care of this van and seems new in appearance with a few small dents/scrapes on the outside. This van was even in the 2002 Olympics (well used during that event) and has stickers proudly displayed to prove it. I will have to post pictures later as we haven't gotten it home yet, we go this morning to sign papers for the loan and complete the transaction. Soo if you know anyone who would like a good Honda TRX 300 4 wheeler (Silver)or a nice Suzuki 4 door Sidekick (Phreddy)let us know or check them out on KSL, as we will be selling them to pay for part of the new vans cost. P.S Dendra has come up with a name for the new van, she nominated "Dimples" which seems fitting as she has a few "Dimples" due to the last 7 years of use, and I think it will stick so she is named even before we have finished the purchase. I feel she will be a helpful addition to our family.