Why is this happening? Zach has acquired a 4×4 astro van that he is currently building out.
Fair warning: the van is not in peak condition, it runs but needs mechanical work. It’s a 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 with 263,543 miles on it. It has a 6.0L V8 gas engine. The van is not perfect, but maybe it could be for the right person. And it’s got some pretty cool features as well as history as it was featured in the New York Times.
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Zach Booth’s Vanual Van Conversion Is Up For Trade
Images via TheVanual.com
The van was custom built by Zach.
Images via TheVanual.com
It looks like a pretty ordinary work van from the outside.
Images via TheVanual.com
Inside, it’s like a little cabin.
Images via TheVanual.com
The perfect stealth traveler.
Images via TheVanual.com
It has a minimalist wood design.
Images via TheVanual.com
Up top there are solar panels.
Images via TheVanual.com
The cockpit is in good shape.
Images via TheVanual.com
Some of the interior cabinets.
Images via TheVanual.com
Goal zero power bank.
Images via TheVanual.com
263,543 miles on it.
Images via TheVanual.com
6.0L V8 gasoline engine.
Images via TheVanual.com
Yes, there is some rust present.
Images via TheVanual.com
Side stairs to get up to the roof rack.
Images via TheVanual.com
When the windows are closed, it still looks like a work van.
Images via TheVanual.com
The van was featured in the New York Times.
Images via TheVanual.com
Highlights
- 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500
- 263,543 miles
- Automatic RWD
- 6.0L V8 gasoline engine
- Located in greater Santa Cruz area
- Up for trade
- Ideal trades: street legal dual sport motorcycle, sailboat, scuba gear, old airstream, flight lessons, according to website/listing
- Photos taken 4/11/21
Learn more
Our big thanks to Zach Booth for sharing!🙏
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Alex
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This van has a lot of potential. Zach got a good start on it.
This is a subject change, but I was wondering where one can get solar panels that are not made or sourced in China? I am willing to pay more for U.S. made ones.
Well, the problem with the US based companies is most actually manufacture overseas or get the parts from overseas and only assemble them in the states. Thing is China has a near monopoly on a number of key rare earth elements used in manufacturing. So hard to source the materials anywhere else…
Though, strangely enough, Jinko, a China-based company that is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world, has a manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida. Besides, there normal production plants in China and Malaysia.
LG Solar, a huge South Korean company that makes a wide variety of consumer electronics and household appliances, similarly has a factory in Huntsville, Alabama to assemble their NeON 2 series solar panels.
But, if you don’t mind US companies that source parts from abroad, as long as they still assemble it into the final product in the states…
There’s Lumos Solar, in Colorado…
Mission Solar, in San Antonio, Texas…
Solaria, in Fremont, California, though they also manufacture in South Korea…
While those who are closer to being all US made are…
SolarTech Universal, in Florida; Seraphim USA, in Houston, Texas; and Tesla with their Solar roof products…
Heliene, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Manufactures in both Canada and the US (Minnesota)…
Silfab Solar, in Toronto, CA. Manufactures in both Canada and the US (Bellingham, Washington)…
There are a number of others but can’t confirm whether or not they actually manufacture in the states. Some may also just be resellers that sell panels from overseas under their company name… So, bottom line, it’s tricky if you’re looking for something truly 100% American made or even close to it…
It was starting to change with more companies starting to bring manufacturing back to the states but recent changes may put that trend in doubt…
Thank you.