Hey everyone!
Been reading thru these forums for the last couple of hours and would just like to clarify things a little!
I drive an express 97 every day for work(plumber) and my boss has a (94 I believe-edit- ooh found out it's a 98 :)) spare express which doesn't get driven anymore and has donated a couple of bits to my work van. He has kindly given it to me so I want to do it up. It just needs a new battery, two tyres and a new headlight lens to be totally drivable.

What I would like to know is....

Can starwagon headlight clusters fit into an express front end?They look to be of similar sizing (and wiring for me is a non issue-I'm electronically educated :)) I like the projector style (91 era) or even just the dual element of the other models(just for something different). Or is sheetmetal different and I am wasting my time? Otherwise I will just order those funky jewelled style replacement lights off ebay:)

Secondly, the 5 stud (5x114.3) stud pattern opens up loads of options for wheel choice(saw some nice falcon xr6 rims going cheap). I found an offset for a 14x7 rim as being 1mm pos and 14x8 being 12 pos at roh for the express. Is this the right offset? The rear wheels have a noticeably narrower track for some good dish! What are my size restrictions/options on the express? I want to stay with a cheap tyre size, ie 235/45/17 or something and will be lowering 50mm(torsions wound down, and reset springs at rear). Anyone fitted staggered offset rims? And those of you who have rims that you purchased new, which offset did you end up using and tyre size?

Sorry to ramble and ask heaps, have been having an excited little kid moment looking at mods he he :hyper:

Thanks everyone who replies!

I too would love to upgrade the front end of the express to the starwagon lights/grille

for the newer more modern looking starwagon lights...
from what I've seen from looking around, you'de basically need a whole starwagon front end, the whole nose from the bottom of the windscreen to the top of the bumper would be needed to swap lights, and a bit of rewiring would be needed for the separate high & low beam lights, and the relocated indicators on the bumper.

as for the rims... I run 16x7 +38 on the front and 16x8 +32 on the rear, sits very nicely, I've also lowered the van 50mm

(IMG:http://www.steve-o.com.au/pic/bangbus_new.jpg)

Just picked the van up from my boss tonight, she's diiiirty and needs advertising removed and a damn good clean but i'll get her looking ok:) She certainly aint as straight as your ride dude! but she'll get there.

Re starwagon lights - I figured i'd need the whole front end... :(

SO basically as a basic rule of thumb, a 17x7 rim with a 38 offset and 5x114.3 stud pattern would fit.

What about BA XR6 rims? they're 17x8 and have 235x45 rubber. I know the steelies fit, but maybe the alloys do too(as far as offset,tyre width go. I've seen sets going cheap with 80% rubber(about$600 for a full set I think is a good deal) combine that with a lowering job(the local shop said they would do the torsion bars and re-set springs all done for $350 or so) and i think i'll be well on my way! Gonna give her a polish and debadge tomorrow :) cheers

pretty sure I've seen an express with xr6 rims around here in Adelaide
I'm running 225 on the rear but 235 should fit fine

Awesome, I guess when my tax cheque comes back, I'll just go fit em and see, if they don't fit I'll just look for something else :D

Thanks for your help, has put me on the right track I think. I have (and will be) taking some pics and over the next few months I will post random images of completed jobs(ie springs, rims, clear tail lights, trimming, 4x12" subs(edit nope 4 10's instead)going in and all that.) Won't post anything till I have a few things done tho. It's not going to be a show car or anything as it's not a prime example of it's breed, but will be semi cool I think, just want a nightclub on wheels really :gunsmilie:

Thanks again!