Headache
Well-known member
I'm assuming that the parties involved bought Bob's van so I'm making this post and asking that you help me spend my money. I have a maximum of $3200(I put $3400 in other posts but I didn't have enough tea yet.) to spend at this time. Here is what I'm looking for:
Must run well and not leak anywhere whether it be roof, windows, exhaust or engine compartment, no leaks.
The less miles on it the better.
Prefer extended length vans(yes I know about turning radius and they are still short compared to the 65 ft I used to drive).
Prefer a 1 ton(unless a 3/4 isn't much different). Definitely moving away from a 1/2 with my fat rear in the seat and plans for a big solar power system(BIG batteries!).
Prefer a high top(but I can get one installed).
Full size only.
Open to cargo or windows but prefer windows because I'm a sucker for natural light, extra points and love from me if it's a wide body camper van of some kind.
If it's a camper van of some kind it DOES NOT have to have the interior in it(except I do need everything from the drivers/passenger seat forward)! I'm more concerned with how it runs and that the body and frame are sound. I'm less concerned with having to rip out some stained, mauve carpeting and more concerned with being able to drive safely to the southwest and other parts of the US.
Prefer early 90s to 1997ish(especially to avoid 98-14 Ford 5.4s with COPs). Yes I know most of those are not OBDII and that's the point; anything electronic PRIOR to 2000+ and/or OBDII is more affordable to repair especially to people like me on fixed incomes. A good shop will still be able to plug into it. Bad ECM? No problem...$250 installed for a rebuild. Most people only consider purchase price and put very little thought into the cost of maintenance and repair afterwards. And it will need repairs... the 2001 POS I have now costs $350 to change spark plugs...cleaning a TBI is less expensive.
Why I'm asking here(in addition to local searches on CL):
The van I have is going to croak at some point soon. It's running pretty bad and I just can't afford to pour money into it so as soon as I have it's replacement ready it goes up for sale as a mechanics special for my gas money south. The warmer it gets the worse it runs. I really can't travel more than a 30 miles radius which significantly reduces my traveling to look at anything. I'm hoping that one of you has a friend, family member or someone you know that if their vehicle does in fact meet their description of it and they don't want a million dollars for it, that they would be open to me hopping on a bus to come fetch it. Of course I'll want a million pictures of said vehicle prior to me coming to look at it, as well as a few days to get my pets into temp foster care. Right now I am located/limited to Snohomish County, WA state.
People LOVE to spend money and this time you get to spend mine! Only I'm the one taking home the purchase and I'll even take you out to a decent dinner for the effort.
What I'm NOT looking for:
Mini vans, Transits, anything that isn't a full size van of some kind.
NO sliding doors! I have one and I HATE them!
Random ads from all over the US. If you read my plea above I specifically state why. If I have to travel I have to ride the bus and don't want the sale vehicle sold out from under me while en route. Yes it could still happen but I'm hoping it will be less likely happening from people here. I don't want to travel more than 48 hours on the bus.
A class C or any other kind of RV. I need a daily driver. I will at some point be hauling building materials and other nonsense in it, even farm animals. I need something durable and a class C is not going to take the punishment I deliver to it. Anything else will be too big. I want a 3/4 ton or 1 ton van or camper van.
As much as I would love to have something older I am spoiled on easy starts and not having to adjust a carb for altitude. I will only consider this old of a vehicle if it has been meticulously maintained and it can be proven. I'll definitely consider it if the motor and tranny have been rebuilt/replaced and the rear end is in good condition. Still hate adjusting carbs but a good runner is a good runner!
Thanks for reading!
Must run well and not leak anywhere whether it be roof, windows, exhaust or engine compartment, no leaks.
The less miles on it the better.
Prefer extended length vans(yes I know about turning radius and they are still short compared to the 65 ft I used to drive).
Prefer a 1 ton(unless a 3/4 isn't much different). Definitely moving away from a 1/2 with my fat rear in the seat and plans for a big solar power system(BIG batteries!).
Prefer a high top(but I can get one installed).
Full size only.
Open to cargo or windows but prefer windows because I'm a sucker for natural light, extra points and love from me if it's a wide body camper van of some kind.
If it's a camper van of some kind it DOES NOT have to have the interior in it(except I do need everything from the drivers/passenger seat forward)! I'm more concerned with how it runs and that the body and frame are sound. I'm less concerned with having to rip out some stained, mauve carpeting and more concerned with being able to drive safely to the southwest and other parts of the US.
Prefer early 90s to 1997ish(especially to avoid 98-14 Ford 5.4s with COPs). Yes I know most of those are not OBDII and that's the point; anything electronic PRIOR to 2000+ and/or OBDII is more affordable to repair especially to people like me on fixed incomes. A good shop will still be able to plug into it. Bad ECM? No problem...$250 installed for a rebuild. Most people only consider purchase price and put very little thought into the cost of maintenance and repair afterwards. And it will need repairs... the 2001 POS I have now costs $350 to change spark plugs...cleaning a TBI is less expensive.
Why I'm asking here(in addition to local searches on CL):
The van I have is going to croak at some point soon. It's running pretty bad and I just can't afford to pour money into it so as soon as I have it's replacement ready it goes up for sale as a mechanics special for my gas money south. The warmer it gets the worse it runs. I really can't travel more than a 30 miles radius which significantly reduces my traveling to look at anything. I'm hoping that one of you has a friend, family member or someone you know that if their vehicle does in fact meet their description of it and they don't want a million dollars for it, that they would be open to me hopping on a bus to come fetch it. Of course I'll want a million pictures of said vehicle prior to me coming to look at it, as well as a few days to get my pets into temp foster care. Right now I am located/limited to Snohomish County, WA state.
People LOVE to spend money and this time you get to spend mine! Only I'm the one taking home the purchase and I'll even take you out to a decent dinner for the effort.
What I'm NOT looking for:
Mini vans, Transits, anything that isn't a full size van of some kind.
NO sliding doors! I have one and I HATE them!
Random ads from all over the US. If you read my plea above I specifically state why. If I have to travel I have to ride the bus and don't want the sale vehicle sold out from under me while en route. Yes it could still happen but I'm hoping it will be less likely happening from people here. I don't want to travel more than 48 hours on the bus.
A class C or any other kind of RV. I need a daily driver. I will at some point be hauling building materials and other nonsense in it, even farm animals. I need something durable and a class C is not going to take the punishment I deliver to it. Anything else will be too big. I want a 3/4 ton or 1 ton van or camper van.
As much as I would love to have something older I am spoiled on easy starts and not having to adjust a carb for altitude. I will only consider this old of a vehicle if it has been meticulously maintained and it can be proven. I'll definitely consider it if the motor and tranny have been rebuilt/replaced and the rear end is in good condition. Still hate adjusting carbs but a good runner is a good runner!
Thanks for reading!
