2011 Project Wrap up
A lot of progress has been made on the van this year but not quite as much as I’d hoped. Goldieboxx, as I sometimes call her, is looking pretty close to done on the outside but the inside still needs a lot of work. The old school Cragar S/S wheels and Firestone Firehawk tires really tie the look together. The rear end is dropped two inches thanks to the new leaf springs I bought and had dearched. I also started installing some gold shag carpet but just ran out of time for the interior this year.
Here is how it sits at the end of 2011. The outside is really looking great. Cragar S/S wheels 15x7 and 15x8. The rear tires are 255/70/15. I think the fronts are 215/65/15.
Here's another view of the van. It's hard to capture the line graphics in a photo because they are pretty subtle. The paintjob ended up looking great. I do plan to talk to some pinstrippers next year about outlining the metalflake panels and maybe a few other subtle things.
Swapping out the leaf springs was pretty easy compared to replacing the front suspension. I was sort of hoping it would go down 3" but only got 2". Maybe it will settle down further once the interior is in. I still think this was the right option. The flip kit and C-notch route would have been too low. I like the raked look.
After I lowered the rear of the van I started hearing a new banging noise. It turned out to be the old tailpipes that ran between the axle and the frame. A quick trip to the muffler shop and the exhaust now turns down in front of the rear tires. The only downside is it's noticeably louder from inside the van now though.
This carpet was donated by my friend Christina. It came from her grandma's house and matches the van perfectly. The only downside is there is not more of it. I'd like it on the walls and ceiling too!
Looking Forward
Project GoldieBoxx is really coming together. The next step is to tackle the interior. I want it to be even more awesome than the outside. Over the winter I will plan things out. I’m still debating color and materials for the walls, seats etc. For instance, I was thinking white vinyl seats but am now not sure.
