Thread: 1985 Astro V8 "Ole Yellar" Project Van

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Probably 3 or 4 good supports, 1" X 1" running crossways just below the roof, and another one front to rear. Then 2 or 3 braces on each side running at an angle to the opposite side on the floor. Big thing is to get the sides, door jambs, front and rear from moving when the old roof is removed.... Shut and latch all the doors, might even want to use some straps to temporarily tack weld them shut. Keeping everything and anything from moving is the key to keep things in position...no such thing as overbracing....

The high top roof is a key part of the van for storage of extra containers of selling product and I am going to delete the slider door and handle for a cleaner look.Then build a sleeper bed across the van right behind the seats with a wall between the sleeper and the rear cargo area.If it wasn't for all that,I wouldn't cut it.

Thank you for the reply.When I spoke to the handicap van place who doesn't want to do the job,he said it was because of all the steel they would have to add.Kind of hinted it was because of some legal requirement.I'm not sure if all these unitli body conversion vans over time shift somewhat.I am going to look hard to weld in a solution for the long term and try to get as much info out of the handicap installer as I can.I do agree to brace it as much as I can temporary while cutting it and permanently.Sure wish I had a tubing bender.Maybe a halo bar that went all around the top and tied into the base and top.

Thanks again Dave.I'll take that advise and put it to good use.

What do you think about big corner gussets top and bottom??.