The Tank, The Tiger, The Tigress, and, now, Tankenstein - These are the various names we have given to our 1987 Chevy Astrovan Tiger RV conversion. Until Takenstein, The Tiger was the only name that stuck. But "The Tiger" is not exactly original as it is the name given by Provan for the conversion.

When we discovered that the 4x4 conversion has a circa 1986 Ford Bronco chassis, we realized what this vehicle is - Tankenstein. It fits, because, to put it mildly, this vehicle a work in progress. I'd like to think of it as a Phoenix, rising from the old-vehicle ashes, but some days I know Rick just wants to convert it to a pile of ashes. (Hover over or click on images to see captions.)

I have hope for Tankenstein, though. In fact, I've become kind of attached to it (to her?) I have begun to identify with it (with her?) She? He? It? (S/he/it - does that spell shit? - oh, that doesn't work...), I have had trouble getting proper diagnoses, then needed and had many surgeries. She has had trouble getting proper diagnoses, and has ultimately had many "surgeries" (I'd say a new engine and transmission are surgeries...). She was weak from ailments and is now getting stronger (she couldn't go uphill on the highway faster than 45 mph, now she can go 70!). I was weak from my ailments and am now getting stronger (my climbing grade levels deteriorated significantly, now I am getting back to climbing 5.11s!). She is made to be off-road in the back country. I am too.

And, although I love backpacking and sleeping on the ground, admittedly I am digging the convenience of an RV. I also like having a small RV that can park in a regular parking spot!

Having a live-in vehicle like this is necessary for the job at Climb-On Maps. We are on the road, mapping, for weeks to months at a time. The multiple times we have had to have The Tiger in the shop while on the road and lived out of a rental car has been doable, of course, but a pain in the ass.

The original interior of the vehicle was functional, but needed some TLC too. It was filled with rotting, heavy particle board. Cabinets would fly open and shit became air-born with a bump or sharp turn. It was good enough, but now that we have lived in it a while, we have visions for making her better, lighter, more livable. We will share the transformation on this blog.

Work that has been done on The Tiger since we purchased her.

We have wondered whether we keep throwing good money after bad, but part of the bad has been questionable mechanics (and/or mechanics who just don't know what to do with an older vehicle?). Often people become their own mechanic with an older vehicle like this. Perhaps that is where we are headed?

• A re-manufactured transmission;
• Valve covers on the old engine in an attempt to extend its life;
• 200 miles after replacing the valve covers, a re-manufactured engine; 1 year after replacing the engine, had to replace with another new engine (turns out there was a crack in the first new engine that wasn't welded properly...)
• 5 power steering pumps (3 of those were part of the Vegas epic) and a new cooler for the power steering pump (after the power steering pump started leaking AGAIN after the lines were replaced, our mechanic thought it was overheating, so he added a new power steering pump cooler);
• the power steering lines (which was what needed to be replaced in the beginning. We learned that the bad lines kept screwing up the pumps. But, because of the age of the vehicle and the specific shape of the lines, we discovered that the power steering lines are not easily found. She needs new fuel lines too, but the mechanic we used in Palm Springs was not able to locate those at all.);
• 4 alternators (3 of those in the Vegas epic);
• the serpentine belt (that broke while on the road in St. George...) - then more belts with the engine swaps...(can anyone please get the correct belt for this thing? It's a 1987 Chevy Astrovan WITH an air conditioner - turns our belt sizes differ if you have an AC versus no AC... and when you put too small of a belt on, it breaks things, like the tensioner pully...
• the tensioner pully (x2)
• the radiator;
• the fuel pump;
• the transfer case;
• passenger door handle;
• hood latch; 
  
• front brakes and rotars (now that's a Tankenstein story!) 
• Whew!

THE TIGER (AKA TANKENSTEIN) BLOG ENTRIES

• The Tiger Gets Gutted
• Rebuilding the Tiger (aka Tankenstein)
  • Glowing Disco Counter Top
    
  • Cold Food Storage - We Tried it All! 
  • Insulation and a Fantastic Fan
  • The Bouldering Pad Bench
  • The Bed
  • Quick Fixes:
    • The Tail Pipe
    • The Ceiling
    • Running Lights
    • Snowmaster Lid
      

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