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  • alex

    July 29, 2010 7:15 p.m. alex Dork

    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?

  • July 29, 2010 7:29 p.m. mndsm Dork

    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.

  • mad_machine

    July 29, 2010 7:47 p.m. mad_machine PowerDork

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

  • cwh

    July 29, 2010 7:51 p.m. cwh UltraDork

    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.

  • rebelgtp

    July 29, 2010 7:52 p.m. rebelgtp SuperDork

    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.

  • alex

    July 29, 2010 8:09 p.m. alex Dork

    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.

  • mad_machine

    July 29, 2010 8:13 p.m. mad_machine PowerDork

    yes.. you just created the Mullet of vans

  • Wally

    July 29, 2010 8:22 p.m. Wally PowerDork

    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.

  • alex

    July 29, 2010 8:50 p.m. alex Dork

    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.

  • JFX001

    July 29, 2010 8:58 p.m. JFX001 SuperDork

    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.

  • Fit_Is_Slo

    July 29, 2010 9:29 p.m. Fit_Is_Slo Reader

    Pics NOW!!!!!!

  • 96DXCivic

    July 29, 2010 9:46 p.m. 96DXCivic Dork

    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.

  • alex

    July 29, 2010 9:59 p.m. alex Dork

    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.

  • mad_machine

    July 29, 2010 11:07 p.m. mad_machine PowerDork

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

  • 96DXCivic

    July 29, 2010 11:47 p.m. 96DXCivic Dork

    Or you could get two vans

  • rob_lewis

    July 30, 2010 1:29 a.m. rob_lewis Dork

    http://quigley4x4.com/

    Pricey, but should give you some ideas.

    -Rob

  • RossD

    July 30, 2010 7:05 a.m. RossD Dork

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

  • pigeon

    July 30, 2010 8:54 a.m. pigeon HalfDork

    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.

  • Strizzo

    July 30, 2010 10:04 a.m. Strizzo SuperDork

    www.sportsmobile.com

    another one of the 4x4 van conversion companies

  • patgizz

    July 30, 2010 10:31 a.m. patgizz SuperDork

    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.

  • MadScientistMatt

    July 30, 2010 10:43 a.m. MadScientistMatt Dork

    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...

  • integraguy

    July 30, 2010 10:43 a.m. integraguy Dork

    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".....

  • pilotbraden

    July 30, 2010 10:46 a.m. pilotbraden Reader

    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.

  • 93celicaGT2

    July 30, 2010 10:52 a.m. 93celicaGT2 PowerDork

    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.

  • alex

    July 30, 2010 11:25 a.m. alex Dork

    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.

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