Choosing a van for best full conversion

Jlouistattoo · Mar 5, 2017

I'm new to the van culture and am looking for some guided help im sorry if there already is a thread about this.

I've been looking for the right van to do a full conversion and restoration so I'm looking for some ideas of vans that have a strong shell where I can start from nothing but need a strong motor for long travels and live in or extended periods of time

My budget is no more than 2000 I hope to spend on a van
I've been recently looking at Dodge Ram vans but have looking at a few late 80 ford econolines aswell hope someone can point me in a good direction and starting point for my new journey

Van-Tramp · Mar 5, 2017

Any of the late 80s Ford, Dodge, or Chevy vans are a great starting point. They are cheap, easy to maintain/repair, and big. A mini-van is a great choice as well, so dont discount them and their far superior MPGs. I would steer clear of any VW-types... unless you like breaking down regularly and waiting for parts to be shipped in at premium costs.

The Dodge and Chevy vans have the engine "inside" the van with you (under a hump) so there is a little less space in the driver area. The Ford vans have a small engine compartment with the engine pushed a little further out. This means you get more space in the driver area, but lose some in the total living space. I imagine they would be much easier to do any engine work on though, with things being more accessible from the outside.

$2000 would be easy to get one for, but you should expect to spend another few hundred (at least) in minor repairs before it is truly road worthy - tires, rubber hoses, tune up, etc.

Depending on the engine size, you can get anywhere from 8 to 18 miles per gallon. Obviously, the smaller engines will get you better MPG but then you lose the ability to load it up as much or tow. The Dodge 318ci is ideal for Dodges. My Dodge has a 360ci and gets about 12-13 MPG. Fords have great straight-6cyl engines (300ci?) and the 302ci V8 is bullet proof. Ford's 460ci engine or Chevy's 454ci are a massive work horses and will pull anything behind it, but will get only single-digit MPG. Overkill in a van if you ask me, so if MPG is a major concern to you the straight-6 in the Ford or the 318 in the Dodge is the way to go

Build out can be easy with just a few crates, a sheet of ply wood, and an air mattress, along with some thrift store bought cabinets bolted to the floor. Or you can buy a few saws and start cutting wood and make a cool little cabin in there. You can check out my van's interior in the links below if you want some inspiration.

Optimistic Paranoid · Mar 5, 2017

You didn't say where you are, but, obviously, if you are buying an older van like you described, you're going to be far better off trying to find one in the areas where they DON'T salt the roads heavily in the winter. Beyond that, I can only echo what Van Tramp said.

Jlouistattoo · Mar 6, 2017

Thanks a bunch guys that was really help full good to know all that information and I'm in virginia

rvwandering · Mar 6, 2017

Welcome to the CRVL forums Jlouistattoo! Good luck with your van search! When you find one that you like post the information on the forum and some of our very knowledgeable members will fill you in on all of the good and bad aspects of the particular make and model.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.