Do Good Vans Go To Heaven?

[Ziggy Moon]

Back in 2008 I bought my Van (used), for $1,000 dollars.<br><br>She's been a great van! And while she's not the best looking on the road, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>she's still running strong</strong></span> and proud...... <br><br>However, in the past year I've noticed an alarming increase in her ability to hold herself together. She's beginning to show her age, and also requiring more of my attention and care - changing radiator, water pump, sensors, belts, hoses, needing a complete tune-up..... and just today, she made me aware of her need for new brakes.<br><br>I've also noticed her temperament has changed in the past six months (+ -), sometimes demanding a five to ten minute rest before continuing to move on (stalling). I worry sometimes that she has a heart condition (fuel pump) and/or that her mind (computer) just isn't as clear as it once was.<br><br>I'm trying my best to be sympathetic to her needs - and I try to make sure she gets the best that I can afford. But I fear that our time together may be drawing to an end. I'm worried about her! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>So my question to anyone that can help;<br><br>Realistically, without the consideration of a total engine rebuild.... How much more time and miles should I expect to spend with my dear ole Van, before she moves on to that great highway in the sky? &nbsp; <br><br>(1993 <em>Dodge B250 high-top conversion Van, 5.2L, 318 magnum, with <strong>248,000 miles on odometer</strong></em>)<br><br>

 

[LFM]

My Ford vans go over 400,000 miles before I think about parting with them.&nbsp;

 

[DollarJoe67]

"There is no such thing as a bad van, only bad van owners."&nbsp; If you spent $5, $100, $1000, or $10,000 on a new van, would you be happier with the new van than the current van?&nbsp; If you had to spend $2000 on a new engine (I don't actually know how much it would cost), would you be able to get a more pleasing van than old bettsy?&nbsp; If the answer is no, then I'd say fix the engine.&nbsp; Old things break.&nbsp; If you keep replacing the same items repeatedly then that would make the difference.&nbsp; $50 bucks adds up quick.&nbsp;

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Thanks for the input, LFM and DollarJoe. <br><br><br>I'm not a bad van owner.... really I'm not! LOL!!! <br><br>I actually enjoy tinkering (sorta shade tree mechanic'ing) with cars/trucks/vans, and even sailboats. I've been trying my best to keep my van and other vehicles running good - as much as time and my bank account will allow me to.<br><br> <br><br>What I'm most concerned with is the mileage she's pushing a this point.... that, compounded with the seemingly bombardment of this last year parts replacement/fixes, etc.. <br><br>She still runs strong, fairly good acceleration without any spit and sputter, doesn't burn any oil, and has a rock solid body (needing paint job) - but on the other hand, she seems to be falling apart, even though I know for the most part, all components have failed simply due to normal wear.... But that still doesn't totally remove my concerns that I may be dumping money for replacements/fixes that may just be prolonging the inevitable dieing of a well loved, high mileage van (248,000 miles). <br><br>It's this many miles that seems to be pushing it to me .... but maybe I lack the "higher" mile vehicle experience to be confident in knowing the van and I could have many more wonderful and enjoyable years together!<br><br>There comes a time in life, when you are forced to make heartbreaking decisions.... I just don't know if this is that time or not!<br><br><br><br>@ LFM - 400,000!!!? Really? (maybe my concerns with the high mileage is indeed due to lack of experience)<br><br>@ DollarJoe - I would definitely like to keep her running - however, at this point, would it be more beneficial to look for a similar make/model used van with <span style="text-decoration: underline;">lower mileage</span> and keep my "Old Bettsy" (as you put it) for parts? After all, she does have many new parts that would be perfect for back-up on new (used) van.<br><br>.<br>.

 

[offroad]

You can send the oil out for a chemical test.&nbsp; checks for coolant, and particals in the oil, as a symptom of at risk engine.&nbsp; Costs $30 last i did a test.<BR>or you can do a compression test.&nbsp; if all the cylinders are close (even if low) you are okay.<BR><BR>

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Old vans and trucks don't go to heaven if you don't want them too! <BR>Ask this guy.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff<BR></SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><IMG class=bbc_img src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/thumb/1555096" rel="lightbox">

 

[highdesertranger]

rok guy is right.&nbsp; but, and this is a big but.&nbsp; did I just say big but.&nbsp; well imho older vehicles are easier to keep going longer than newer.&nbsp; once you get into the electronic engine controls,&nbsp; the manufacturers started light weighting everything.&nbsp; they started cutting weight everywhere.&nbsp; while this is great for gas mileage it is bad for longevity.&nbsp; this really has nothing to do with mileage but more with overall condition.&nbsp; imho if you have a computer controlled vehicle when its worn out it's done throw it away get a new one.&nbsp; that's what the manufacturers, government,&nbsp; enviros want you to do.&nbsp; right?&nbsp; with the proper knowledge and parts older vehicles can go(be recycled) forever.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[James AKA Lynx]

It is a tough call. When you change fluids, flush well. For your mileage, some people say yes and some no. For the year, No. You can buy a used 2500 van with less than 100,000 miles for under $ 10,000. <br><br>Best, James AKA Lynx

 

[greybeard23]

I just finished outfitting my Van.&nbsp; She had 240,000 when I started with her.&nbsp; New Engine, transmission, brakes.&nbsp; Body is perfect except for a few chips.&nbsp; Front end is tight.&nbsp; Should be good for another 240,000 or more.&nbsp; And she is 28 years young, an 85 G-20. <br><br>Will be taking her on a bit of a road trip for the first time in three weeks, heading for Tucson, a 2800 mile trip.

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Yeh you can keep them going for a long long time. This is my 37 year old 1976 Kenworth I'm restomodifying. Over a million miles on the original engine/gearbox which I've just rebuilt. Should be good for another million I reckon though I will never see it do them. <BR>These trucks were made to go on and on. The cabs are aluminium and fibreglass so didn't rust. The chassis, frame hangers and spacers are forged alloy so don't rust.<BR>&nbsp;Everthing is made for easy replacement and what still&nbsp;blows me away is most parts for this 70's built custom truck is still available from Kenworth.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Who knows, she might end her days&nbsp;hauling a 5th wheel&nbsp;RV trailer.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff<BR><BR><IMG class=bbc_img src="http://stonemasoncarver.com/sitebuilder/images/RH_front_pic-461x318.jpg" rel="lightbox"></SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[highdesertranger]

rok guy that is one sweet looking kw.&nbsp; it's kinda sad but nowadays not much is made to last more than ten to twenty years.&nbsp; just throw away and buy new.&nbsp; hell, &nbsp;the big electronics companies want you to replace every couple of years at most.&nbsp; what gets me is that this is such a waste of resources.&nbsp; here in so cal people vote for and support all this environmental stuff and they are buying all this junk that only last a few years they throw it away&nbsp;then they buy more junk.&nbsp; how is that&nbsp;green or&nbsp;good for the environment.&nbsp; o no I am starting to rant.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Thanks, Agreed highdesertranger,</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I heard in so Cal they're paying truckers to junk vehicles like mine. The ol cabover KW's are becoming quite rare in the U.S now.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">All the ol stuff is worth nothing and being shipped to other states according to a couple of historic truck forums.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I just like old stuff.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">When it comes to resources, I here the Toyota Prius is one of the worst offenders but its "GREEN"</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888"><BR>Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Very nice, rokguy.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Hey rokguy! I found this via a link shared in another thread:<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kjVxiLoM...eyond-adventuring-the-flying-tortoise-004.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>Would look pretty sweet with that 76 Kenworth of yours.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br><br>Seen at: http://theflyingtortoise.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/unusual-tiny-homes-on-wheels-for.html<span id="post_message_1278141382"></span>

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Nice cabover Pete there. Ziggy but I was leaning more towards this set up.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Thanks for the use of Chris M Budkes pictures. Could even get my smaller truck inside !</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><BR><IMG class=bbc_img src="http://forums.aths.org/Uploads/Images/085fc1fd-0c12-4513-b020-a241.jpg" rel="lightbox"><BR><BR><IMG class=bbc_img src="http://forums.aths.org/Uploads/Images/b51397d9-1e09-4870-9161-be6f.jpg" rel="lightbox">