Going to see this step van! Should I make an offer?

[unuGHIDORAH]

Hi everyone!

I am going to see a Chevy Grumman 1991 14' step van in a few days and I wanted to know if it sounds like a good deal to you all??
It has a 5.7L Gas engine with 237,000 miles.It's an automatic. Owner is asking $3000

Owner stated:
Has a new fuel pump. Seems like most of it's life it was under lighter use. Sat in storage for 5 years up until about 6 months ago. Will probably need new tires soon. Van is running

Other than those things the step van has all the other little things I am looking for. It's the 237,000 miles on a, possibly, original gas engine that is giving me the biggest red flags!

Any advice or insights are definitely appreciated! I am new here on the forums and I'm excited to hear some expert and / or informed knowledge!

 

[KarlH]

Judging from the car next to it, I'm guessing that you're in an area where rust isn't a big problem.

The Grumman bodies last forever, so focusing on the engine makes sense.  Also think about the drivetrain and running gear, especially the front end on an older GM chassis.

If the seller knows when the oil was last changed, you can ask if he's willing to get an oil analysis to see how much wear the engine has inside.  I think the NAPA kits cost around $20.

The absolute lowest prices I see for running GM stepvans are around $1,500. And every one I've looked at had some problems - rusted brake lines, bad exhaust, play and rust in the control arms, worn U-joints, drain on the battery, cracked front windows and similar issues.

 

[kygreg]

This group on Facebook can probably really help you out, they sure helped me in buying a step van. I don't know much about engines so I can't help much there but be sure to find out the weight class. Step vans were built in 5 weight classes (2-6) light duty to heavy duty. If you are doing a simple lightweight build, under 4500 lbs, a class 2 or 3 is most appropriate, if you get a 4,5,6 it will be way more truck than you need, drive worse and get lower mpg.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652643568393956/

 

[nature lover]

Seems to be high mileage for a gas engine. I second the motion on the oil test and compression? How does it sound/

 

[flying kurbmaster]

At different times the scrap metal value on these things is pretty high. They make great storage sheds,you can turn it into a large trailer, I even heard of someone turning one upside down and using it as a boat dock. If you are prepared to invest a bit more into it, likely u joints, maybe brakes, radiator, battery, 6 tires?. Take it for a drive if I it shifts good through all the gears, sounds ok, doesn’t smoke and you have the money and somewhere to park it why not make an offer.

 

[user 423]

It's the 237,000 miles on a, possibly, original gas engine that is giving me the biggest red flags!

Replacing a trans isn't cheap either. What are your travel plans?  Can you do some of any needed maintenance or repairs?

Will you have a large emergency $ fund in case of a major breakdown?

 

[LoupGarou]

It all depends how much money you can and are willing to throw into it.

You’re wanting to convert it into a living space. I’d say go for it, if you can source insurance coverage for it before, during and after the build.

 

[Pleasant Travels]

Fortunately, 5.7 chevies are among the least expensive motors to repair or replace. It is also possible that if it were maintained well when it was under use, that many parts have been replaced already. Chevy has a reputation of accessory items not having very long life, like power steering pumps and such.

I personally would not be turned off by the motor, but that's because I grew up learning about engines from the 5.7 I had in my GMC truck in high school and afterwards. When I was a lad, nearly every young man got his hands greasy on Chevy or Ford V8s. These days, I have a turbo-diesel, and THAT I do not have much of a clue about.

 

[tx2sturgis]

 Gas engine with 237,000 miles.It's an automatic. Owner is asking $3000

So the owner is asking if you will take it off his hands for $3000? 

I would say sure thing but he would need to provide that payment in cash, I don't take checks!

 

[unuGHIDORAH]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for your really helpful replies. They came in handy! Helped me to decide that wasn't the one for me and moved on.

I waited a little while longer and glad I did because this one came along and I just put a holding deposit on it today. And hopefully I'm getting a mechanic to take a look at it tomorrow! I'll be telling them to do everything you all suggested.

Grumman Olson 94, 85,000 miles, gas, automatic

I joined that FB group. Great rec!

Buddy of mine lives out on the West side of PA, I'm on the East side. He went a did a virtual walk around and we asked a bunch of questions.

I'm pretty happy with this! Good mileage, well taken care of, swing doors, tons of new parts put in (stuff that KarlH mentioned in his reply) and minimal work that needs to be done, smooth shifting between gears, clean / no smoke out the exhaust.

Only pain in the butt things are a broken windshield on the driver's side, 6' tall box since I'm 6'2" and the fact that it's on the other side of the state haha

Let me know what you all think! Anything else I should talk to the mechanic about for tomorrow afternoon / evening?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/635792943639861/?ref=messenger_banner

 

[unuGHIDORAH]

Here's some more pictures plus a description that he put in his listing.

I purchased the van with intentions of making a tailgate truck but plans have changed. It has all new steering column, retreaded tires on the rear and tires on the front, new brake pads, new rotors, new calipers, new lines, new master cylinder, new hydrobooster, new power steering pump, new timing chain, shocks, and led lights. The drivers windshield needs replaced. I started stripping the paint off the van to polish the body but did not finish. With some interior work it would make a good food truck. The seats in the back are not bolted in but can go with that van if someone wants them. This van is being sold as is. If I doo more work on it then the price goes up. $2500

Learned that shocks are included but he hadn't installed them yet 
He included a picture of when he had it up and was working on it.

 

[nature lover]

This sure sounds like a better deal than the last one. Shame about the six foot head room as you will even reduce it more with insulation. Sometimes older vehicles with low milage are a red flag but driving it an listening to it and maybe having maintenance records helps make the decision. It all comes down to any older vehicle is a gamble. I gambled on my "new" 1998 dodge conversion van with 110 K and so far with $500 for mechanic checking it out and minor improvements and maintenance I have a good feeling about it. I will not hesitate to move in and take off on June 1. But it could turn the other way quickly. I paid 2900 (+ about $350 for tax tags and licence) for it and if I had deep pockets I would have looked for something better. Sometimes you have to add you educated guess to a coin flip and cross your fingers. I feel like the $3750 I put in it to give me better odds than the casino or lottery.

 

[DannyB1954]

In some States it is difficult to get the title changed from commercial vehicle to RV. Insurance can also be a problem.
Before investing a lot of time and money converting it, make sure you will be able to actually use it.