Zaskoda

The photo shown is from a recent attempt to test the articulation of my suspension. In my first attempt, I tried to pull up on a big pile of snow. Instead of pulling up onto it, I plowed right through it. Then I found this retaining pond built in the middle of a parking lot. I was able to get a pretty good twist going, but I was no where near getting a tire to lift off the ground.

I’ve made a few minor improvements. In a couple of trips to the junk yard, I picked up a spare tire swing ($25), worn out front grill ($15), rubber sliding door mat ($5?), and a 16″ black rim with a 30″ tire that seems to hold air well ($10).  I also picked up a can of spray paint, tire iron, and 6 ton hydraulic jack. For the first time since I bought the van, I’m prepared for a flat tire.

Black Grill

I bought a can of spray paint and a sanding disk for the drill. The plastic was already dull and worn so there was no chrome to remove. I sanded inside the grooves with sand paper. I applied about 3 coats of black paint. It could use a 4th coat to finish it off nicely, but I only bought one can and ran out. The grill came with clear lights instead of the factory yellow. I thought this was a nice bonus.

Spare Tire Swing

The tire swing I found was fairly standard and bolts on to the door. This might not be the best solution if I’m every carrying a really big spare tire. For now, I think it will work well. I’ve started sanding it down for a fresh coat of black paint. I won’t be ready to install it until I get the van painted at Maaco next week.

Spare Tire

I was looking for 4 matching black rims to replace the chrome ones that came with the van. I found a matching set of 3 rims, but could not locate a forth. So, I only bought one to be used as my spare tire. Nino and I spent a fair amount of time checking out the tires attached to each and hopefully picked the best quality rubber. I tired to wheel out today and was able to set the van down on the spare without having to add any air to the tire. I figure if it’s held that much air while sitting in a junk yard, it might just be ok. The tire is a 260x70r16, or about 30″ tall. The existing tires are 33″ and you can definitely tell the difference. I’ll probably eventually replace the rubber with something I know is in better shape and better matches the size of the other tires.

Next Up

It’s about time to paint the Polar Bear. I’m expecting about $1400 for Maaco too grind everything down clean and slap on their cheapest paint. I gave a fair amount of thought to other colors, but Polar Bears are white.

I’ve also scheduled some shop time early next year (two weeks away). It will be the first stage in a batch of work I have planned that includes: rebuilding rear diff, rebuilding transfer case, sealing engine oil leaks, replacing transmission (to remove the shift kit), adjusting engine idle, rebuilding front drive shaft, and a slew of other minor fixes.

I’m also planning new rims and tires. I’m looking for black rims. I’ve found two great sets on Craig’s List and was too late both times. I may end up having to buy brand new rims. I’m also looking for better quality tires. The tires I have now look really fantastic, but they do not perform all that well on snow and ice. They are wide and relatively flat, which is white I recently hit another vehicle in a parking lot… lightly… It was the last vehicle I owned, I actually hit my old Xterra. Gently, of course.

Zaskoda Polar Bear Van, Projects