2003 Chevrolet AstroLanche Custom Van

astrolanche1Have you ever dreamed of having the comfort of a full-size van with the cargo capacity of a short-bed truck? Have we got the vehicle for you! Meet the Chevrolet AstroLanche.

This amazing vehicle began life as a run-of-the-mill 2003 Chevrolet Astro Van. At some point, it was converted to have a shortened pickup bed, similar to the Hummer H3T.

astrolanche2The bed uses the Astro van’s “Dutch doors” as a tailgate, while the rear hatch has been moved forward to just behind the second row of seats. Below the rear glass, there appears to be nothing separating the bed from the passenger area – which is great for hauling lumber or perhaps a full-size ladder.

For all the custom work that has gone into this truck-van hybrid, I think my favorite thing about it has to be the name “AstroLanche.”

(Self Proclaimed Superlative) First Roofless Caprice On 30’s

1987-chevrolet-caprice-box-30s-toplessCommon logic would tell you to avoid 30 inch wheels unless you are about to set down the Oregon Trail.. or possibly drive a yellow truck equipped with a ladder to the drivers seat and Caterpillar written on its side.  Well, this is not common logic, this is pure form over function.. Possibly at its finest. Continue reading

SEMA 2014: 1968 Chevelle ‘Blue Eyed Devil’

magnaflow-1968-chevelle-frontIt was late afternoon on the last day of the SEMA 2014 show. My feet were tired and I was looking forward to heading back to the hotel. I had spent all day looking at hundreds of custom cars and I was sure that after seeing all of these amazing rides, there was little else that could impress me that day. Well, I was wrong.

Outside of the Central Hall I took a walk past the Magnaflow Exhaust booth and spotted this gorgeous blue 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. The combination of blue with nickel-plated chrome really grabbed my attention and I spent a few moments admiring the car. This Chevelle belongs to Steve Edling and was built by Pin Did It in Corona, CA. Continue reading

SEMA 2014: Dan Duffy’s 1956 Chevrolet 210 Post

1956-chevrolet-210-post-frontThe tri-five Chevrolets of 1955, 1956, and 1957 are some of the most loved cars by collectors and hot rodders. The Belair is the most famous, but it’s closely related to the 210, which is what we see here.

This completely customized Chevrolet 210 belongs to Dan Duffy of Marietta, GA. Dan’s friend Tom Manner did the body work, but completing the car required help from other experts. The paint was done by Thunder Valley Customs in White, Georgia and the interior was restored by M&M Hot Rods in Holly Pond, Alabama.

Like many hot rodders, Dan has opted to do a resto-mod with an old body and brand-new everything else. The tired old frame has been replaced by a cutting-edge Art Morrison chassis with an AME front suspension and a four-link in the rear. With antiroll bars, Strange adjustable coilovers, and Baer disc brakes, this car drives and stops like a much newer vehicle. Continue reading