1975 VAN

[angeli]

Can anyone comment on a mid-70s Dodge cargo van?<br><br>http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/2939842995.html<br><br>What kind of mechanical issues would you be facing with a van this old?<br><br>I know that gas mileage would be worse on a carb vehicle like this, but could the ease of working on this older engine offset that?<br><br>What about towing a trailer with something this old?<br><br>I heard someone say that these vans were made like tanks, and if well maintained, will run forever.&nbsp; Is that the general view?<br><br>Thanks!!&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>

 

[Seraphim]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Carbs are a pain in the rear, and there are fewer mechanics each year who really know how to work on them if they need repair.&nbsp;&nbsp;They need cleaning, adjusting and&nbsp;eventually rebuilding, and are not as reliable as a fuel injected system. I only have one car that is carbbed, and that's the El Camino. If I ever get the money, the carb will go.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">That era Dodge has a white ceramic fuse (can't remember the correct term) about several inches square that mounts on the firewall under the hood - almost center if I remember correctly. Always carry a spare - they weren't too expensive (about $20 in the day). One day you will walk out, turn the key, and nothing will happen. About 5 minutes to replace the fuse and the van will fire right up.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">The 318s were great engines, if that's what is in the van you are looking at. Towing a trailer shouldn't be a problem if the van is in good enough condition. Personally, I'd like a mid eighties model better, but that's just my preference.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[angeli]

Hi Seraphim,<br><br>Mid-80's because of the carb/injection issue, or are there other reasons?<br><br>PS - Thanks for the reply above!<br><br>

 

[Les H]

I think the part seraphim refered to is a " fuseable link". I had a 73 el camino ss at one time. Huh!
Here in the south, it's fairly common to see 30-40 yo cars and trucks still working daily, and yes, still towing trailers. My concern would be parts availability, but, as someone who appreciates older iron, and owns a 69 Shasta travel trailer, there is a deffinate cool factor that is worth something!

 

[owl]

<P>Checking for parts availability is difficult because some things are readily available and others are almost impossible to get. If you are planning to reside in the van, having it down for an extended time waiting for parts would be a pain! Seraphim is right, carbs can be difficult. Anytime you're looking at an older vehicle, check with the local hotrod shops or clubs. They will be a wealth of info on parts, mechanics and what to avoid. Hope this helps.</P>

 

[Seraphim]

Mostly for the carb/FI and other mechanical issues, but owl makes a good point about parts. I too like older cars and own several 70s models - none are primary transportation though. generally have a 90s model for everyday use

 

[angeli]

OK,<br>Guess I'm showing my age.&nbsp; My last truck was a mid-70's Ford that towed my Scotty and was indestructible.&nbsp; Loved that truck.&nbsp; Sold it in 2003, I think.&nbsp; Never had a problem getting someone to fix it, but like Les said, this is the South, and it was among friends.<br><br>On the other hand, my daily driver is a 2001, so I understand what you are saying Seraphim.&nbsp; Seems like the folks in my area think their vans are made out of gold bars....<br><br>Thanks for your input folks!&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>

 

[Les H]

I found a 87 G20 hightop witg 52k origional niles for $3995/bo in walmart parking lot in tiftonia, tn ( just south of chattanooga) that looked real nice .

 

[howardsells2000]

<p>Hi Angeli, I'm new here but I happen to own a 1977 Dodge van with a 360 V8.&nbsp; It gets about 10 miles to the gallon.&nbsp; I don't use it much.&nbsp; It sits for several weeks at a time.&nbsp; Every time I go out to use it&nbsp;I pump the gas a few times and it fires right up.&nbsp; I've driven it from Baltimore Md to Romney WV about 150 miles each way a few times and never had a problem.&nbsp; I love old stuff but I have to admit that It worries me that it's so old.&nbsp; In my opinion an older vehicle will be cheaper and easier to repair.&nbsp; No computers or fancy electronics to go bad.</p>

 

[PYSCHOWard]

<p>The MOST Important question is how far you plan to travel ?</p>

 

[angeli]

Psycho,<br>That's a really good question.&nbsp; I'll be travelling cross country at first, and then locally once I get to the West Coast.&nbsp; <br>

 

[lonerglide]

<p>

I think the part seraphim refered to is a " fuseable link". I had a 73 el camino ss at one time. Huh! <br>Here in the south, it's fairly common to see 30-40 yo cars and trucks still working daily, and yes, still towing trailers. My concern would be parts availability, but, as someone who appreciates older iron, and owns a 69 Shasta travel trailer, there is a deffinate cool factor that is worth something!

</p><p>The part in question in not a fuseable link,, a fuseable link is a wire with a section made to burn into with overloads,,,i cant think of the name of the part ur talking about but do know they were on only dodge/chryslers,,thinkin the part is a kind of resistor or ignition system!</p>

 

[Simran]

My van is a 1975; I bought it the beginning of march. Since then I've&nbsp; driven it 6,000 miles. It had 116,000 on it when I bought it and was in excellent mechanical condition. <br>Even @ that there are a few things about an old vehicle of any kind that need thought and attention: Rubber; anything rubber probably needs to be replaced. Door seals, window seals, motor mounts maybe and carrier bearings. Some of this will need addressing right away; some can be done over time as moneys allow.<br>I had to door seals immediately as it leaked bad when it rained. 250.00 I put them in; it was easy.<br>Engine gaskets: if the van has been driven some all the time through the years this could be minimal and also done as time &amp; money allows. However, if the vehicle has sat for a long time; you may find a lot of leaks at first. Some will stop leaking as the gaskets reseal themselves; others wil need to be replaced. Be ready to check fluids continually at first.<br>Brakes: lotsa rubber parts in a brake system. More of the same here. Check fluids &amp; check for leaks.<br>I've not had many problems with my van since I bought it but I am pretty mechanically inclined and knew what to look for. That said; the door seal leaking the way they did kinda caught me by surprise. They leaked A LOT<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> but it was an easy fix that, pretty much anyone could accomplish.<br>Yesterday I put a water pump in the old girl. $240.00. I had a shop do it because I'm 400 miles from home without a full set of tools.<br><br>All that said there are advantages to an older van as well. they are relatively inexpensive.<br>They are easier to repair; thus cheaper to repair.<br>Engine parts for the commonly used engines back then are still relatively easy to get.<br><br>I can't say about the Fords;&nbsp; but the Chevy &amp; Dodge running gear in these older vans is bullet proof stuff.<br><br>All in all; I am very happy with my older van purchase. I love the classic lines and grill as well.<br><br>gus<br><br><br>