Sounds like you solved the wire issue. I did mine today as well. I ran a bit late, so pics will come. I start the rest of the build tomorrow, so a thread will follow.

Looking forward to seeing the progress STAN
here are some pics....
before and after. subtle differences
BUT I LIKE...

Lookin' good, Ron. But you still have a Bowtie on the door. ;)

STAN
lol 1 thing at a time... lol
I put in 10 hrs at work yesturday..
I dont have alot a time when I do get home
But I will be working on that 1 step at a time.
Good Eye though

I gotta say it again, I'm diggin' the red. And in these latest pics, I'm having a hard time believing it 11 years old.

Thanks STAN
I appreciate the comments... I have really enjoyed this forum I belong to the RC forums
if any one want to check out my web site... Home
I bought the red only cause my Trailer is RED... thats what caught my eye
when I found it.
lucky for me even though it is 11 yrs old.. its in really good shape.
yes there were and are some minor things that need taking care of
but over all I am Very happy...
I cant wait to start customizing the interior like you....have started
I have some packages that came in today.. but I still have plenty to do
before I start my interior up grade... My plan is to insulate the sides first..
I am going to actually just add to this thread what I am doing.
Once I get some of my other parts in I will finish up Stereo install and
take more pics.

Best upgrades?

That material the steering wheel is made of is so disgusting, gets very porous after years and impossible to clean.

1) Steering wheel stage 1. Leather steering wheel from a Suburban or pick up truck. Source - junk yard. Install time - 10 minutes.
2) Steering wheel stage 2. Leather with buttons plus the clockspring 26092622 from an Impala (fits perfectly) to control aftermarket radio volume/seek/source. The lower buttons that control the DIC on those trucks remain unused when installed on the van, but each of those has a separate wire coming after clockspring, so theoretically you can wire them to act as switches, for the horn for example.
One can find a wood + leather steering wheel with buttons, the donor vehicle would be 2003-06 Cadillac Escalade.

Rear speakers - don't bother. The van is so long and huge that as a driver you will not be hearing any sound coming from the back. Especially, if you will be using the van as a van, and sound will be further obstructed by the cargo. Two decent component front door speakers with an amp make the world of difference.

Rear view camera - best place to install is in the license plate frame.
Towing:
I have over 100k+ miles experience towing a 26' trailer behind my red van:
MUST have a transmission cooler, or better two of them.
I have a Derale deep pan for my 4L80e that provides 2qt more ATF capacity and cooling tubes, for further cooling down. This provides that additional help when you're pulling uphill.
Stock mirrors aren't made for towing. You can't see behind the trailer. There isn't much to recommend besides Velvac brand mirrors that GM installs on cutaway vans (think Penske). There's new style, that looks nice but you cannot fold them in when not towing, and there's old style.

What else... heated/cooled powered front seats from a Saab 9-5. 8.1 engine for better towing torque. Aux fuel tank in place of the rear spare for farther travel without fill-ups.

Hey
im getting a head ache standing on my head looking at your van ...
LOL

That second to last pic seems a bit far to go, just for a tune up.

You are right.. about the steering wheel issues...
Mine Does need replacing thats for sure...
the Junk yards around here will NOT sell you
a steering wheel.. by its self.. you have to buy the
entire steering column ... I dont need that
just the wheel and Air Bag.... YES... STAN
I know.. lmao... ( Bowtie ) ... lol

had to throw that in there.. humor