Considering A Big (for us) Change

[WheelEstate USA]

This week the search has uncovered some interesting results, unfortunately, most sellers want cash. Not easily discouraged, I've called on several good options for us, and finally found a 15 passenger 92 Dodge (106K miles) that sounds quite promising. It has paint issues, which aren't uncommon under our blazing desert sun...the least of my worries and I have a plan for that.

This van is 75 miles away and the guy is willing to drive up to show it.
It needs tires and he feels our rig is worth more than the van. I suggested that a set of tires would bring us close enough to our estimated price point, as long as the van met my expectations mechanically.
He has agreed to tires, my mechanic buddy checking it, and a trip to the oil change shop (after mechanic check).
He also has a few items he offered to throw in to sweeten the deal, including 2 new sheets of plywood left from a job he did, a propane campstove, a 1y/o TomTom GPS, and a few other things we can use.
He seems to be a straight up guy and he's not pushing the deal, but seems to want to be as fair as possible.
At this point, we can only wait to see the van, as he can't drive up till this weekend or Monday, as he schedule allows.
We're keeping our fingers crossed in hopes that this is the van for us and we can move on to a new phase in our travel adventures.


`

 

[Simran]

This is good news guys; good luck on this one.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks...always hopeful, but not holding my breath

 

[caseyc]

Good luck Jay! Can't wait to see your new wheels next time!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks Casey. It'll be good to see you again

 

[caseyc]

Yeah bud! My treat for buffalo wings or BBQ ribs, both favorites of mine. Be sure to trick out your new ride!

 

[compassrose]

... It has paint issues, which aren't uncommon under our blazing desert sun...

$50 Paint Job... my inspiration.

We painted our bus with foam rollers, paint brushes, ACE RustStop semi-gloss paint and Rustoleum. Eventually it will get primed then repainted with Behr Marquee Exterior Latex paint (semi gloss). This stuff is supposed to shed dirt with wind or rain. Also doesn't fade like our current paint. First I will repaint the rub rails as a "test". The NM dust storms are making the bus stay filthy. Once we buy a place, the whole bus gets repainted with regular "house" paint. I can't paint the whole bus in the campground.

BTW, I did not sand between coats. I'm lazy and the thought of sanding a 40 ft bus did not appeal to me. I simply rolled on, let dry and rolled on another coat. IT has a fine orange peel texture. It was far too windy and hot (over 100F) so the Rustoleum hammered paints (paint brush) failed on only one side of the bus. This is why only the rub rails, flasher shields and aluminum trim will get repainted... stealthily. :angel:

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Rose....that's what I'm talkin' about. I'm darn good with foam rollers/brushes and have done this before. I used a little Penetrol in the enamel and came out with a pretty smooth finish on the last pickup I did.
I figure to do a little bit of RV type graphics in hood and sides, roof white on top.

This will be an "on the fly" build....adding to it as we go. Totes in, plywood on top of them with mattress and haul buggy to Flagstaff where its cooler. Plan to use re-purposed cabinets, etc.

I'll begin shooting video starting with the empty van and thru the process.
I'd like to show folks that they don't need to wait till their build is completed.
Many are paying rent that they can use to NOW to make their van homy and quite comfortable with less effort than they realize.
I intend to prove just how it can work effectively.

 

[PastTense]

What's the gas mileage on the van compared to your RV?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We will almost double our MPGs. The RV gets 7ish...8 with the wind up our butt. Plus, this thing likes premium gas, so we save there too.
Also, the RV is in pretty good condition all 'round and I'd like to pass it on while it is. Its all original with very few exceptions...I want the next owner to get it just that way.
If something serious happened mechanically, it wouldn't be worth trading for a ragged out van. I can change a motor or tranny (with some effort) in a van, but not in this rig.

BTW....I can think of 7 members from here who have visited our wheel estate. From a few, as well as from other sites, I get the "OMG, Its so nice" comments. Makes me proud, but I wanna do the rig proud....make sense???

So, someone gets a good motorhome and we get a van that will serve our needs on my income.
A new opportunity for some extra part time work on the road has come our way. In time we might decide to change to some other mode of travel as our income allows...who knows.
I like doing different things and this will be different since I've never full timed in a van with a partner.
Got the living skills and the build skills. I want to teach those to Margie. She's 11 years younger and will likely be around longer. I want her to know these life skills.

To some it might seem extreme...to me it makes prefect sense.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

A lot of guys on military vehicle restoration sites talk of using HD Behr house paint on their vehicles. For them it boils down to cost, Home Depot is very good about color matching, and they get the flatness they want. They use rollers, electric or air sprayers. You might want to look them up for info. It ends up being much cheaper than auto paint. Down side it is very difficult and messy to remove later. -Spiff

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Spaceman....I got lots of tricks up my sleeve and I'll be sharing some of them during the build, both inside and out. Three months and it won't look like the same van and I'll bet I could flip it for profit....not my intention to get rid of it once its comfy for us tho.

A little update on the van deal while I'm here.....
Just talked to the guy.
He is having brand new 16" E rated tires mounted and balanced Monday, new disk brake pads (rotors fine, pads 1/2 wear). Cooling system fine, but flushed today, new coolant, new windshield wipers, oil change/grease/fluid check, tranny flush/new filter.
We haven't even see the van other than pics.
This guy is going to great effort to see that we have a van that will go down the road safely and as trouble free as possible.
He hasn't seen the RV other than pics, but knows he's getting a good deal.
I really think he's "into what we're doing" and wants to make sure we are happy.
I've dealt with lots of "too good to be true" situations and one might think this is one of those. I do not!!!
My conversations and intuition tells me he is simply a good guy who can relate.

 

[GrinningPanther]

Jay, they stay that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. The preparation part is your many years of experience with vehicles and with making deals...and your efforts in chasing down possible leads in this case, too. Soon enough, the opportunity presents itself, and you pounce...and have "good luck."

Based on your description, this one sounds good for you...the vehicle plus the helpful and eager seller. I do hope it works out well...and if this does turn out to be the one, I look forward to seeing your conversion.

GP

 

[akrvbob]

It's easy for us to focus on the "bad" people out there and sometimes we forget that there are many more really good people out there.

Hopefully you have run into one of them!
Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

It's easy for us to focus on the "bad" people out there and sometimes we forget that there are many more really good people out there.

Hopefully you have run into one of them!
Bob

You so right, Bob. That's one of the best things about travel, we get to meet lots of good folks.

Now, to work out the logistics of a smooth transition to the van and the actual trade.
It might be might be easiest for us to drive the 75 miles and do the switch down there once the deal is sealed.

 

[decodancer]

Fingers crossed for you guys, you deserve it!

 

[Bela's Mom]

Wow, I am so happy for you! Sounds like a really good deal in the making. I am looking forward to pics of your van and your upfitting of it!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks ladies.

Sometimes I think of all the folks, like friends and family who might look at our downsizing (yet again) in a "sour" way. Some of Margie's sisters (there's 5) have asked, "Do you need help ($)??".
"No, unless you wanna help us paint it, haha??"

I always try to remember what to do when I get handed lemons.
So, our front plate will read,
MAKING LEMONADE

 

[Patrick46]

hey guys...good luck with the new van!!

I'm a big believer (or at least I 'try' to be)...in the idea that when the right one shows up, everything will fall into place. If it's not right, then let the doors slam shut!! (I don't wanna waste my time trying to make a round peg fit into a square hole kinda thing.)


btw...could you post a link to your ad?? I'd sure like to see it, and don't remember seeing it on here.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Patrick...I never did post my ad. I called van ads till I hit pay dirt. Looked at a few that we declined, one uber nice, but not extended.

She's missing some paint, no prob, as you know.
'92, 106K, 360, 4 spd overdrive, 1 ton, interior clean.
Everything we know and feel is right on.
I truly believe this rig will serve us quite nicely.