Thread: 1985 Astro V8 "Ole Yellar" Project Van

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Although this post isn't really about Ole Yellar,it is related to starting it.I also own a 1994 LT Astro and it's intent is/was for it to be the daily driver.I owned this van long before I bought Ole Yellar and due to my own neglect I left it to become un- roadworthy.Still runs well and is on I think the 3th yr on a rebuilt tranny/tranny cooler.I have always considered it to be my comfort ride.It needs brakes,tires,rear shocks,and it think u-joints.For me to park Ole Yellar and get started on that and the vendor trailer,I need to make the LT my D.D. again.Once Ole yellar is done,I will be selling off the LT.So here is a pic of the LT:



So the front brakes are the worse and I started to get the parts to repair that.It is a RWD version van.I have since I bought this van complained the hydro-boost brakes where not as good as the vacuum brakes on Ole Yellar.

Here is the part you guys might find interesting.We found that the calipers from 1979 to 86 2500 series trucks have the same bolt pattern as the Astro's and have a much larger piston.So I got these Cardone's part numbers 184122 & 184123.







This allows for the use of the larger pads that a 2500 series truck use.I got Wagners part number SX153.They are aleast 20% larger and are atleast 1/3 longer than the stock Astro's as well.





I am still looking for a local aftermarket parts source for the rusted off dust shields.It is a open question as to which rotors I am going to use because of the increased heat possibilities and the fact I am going to sell off the LT once Ole Yellar is done.

This upgrade has been done on a Astro web site for over 8yrs and everyone has been very happy with the results.If I find I want more,there is also a upgrade for the rear brakes where Chevy Cop car/taxi Caprice-Buick roadmaster station rear brakes backing plate bolts onto the Astro rear end and they are 11x2 size.