maybe a van?

[GypsyDogs]

Ok-
Now I have a Real Lead
1987 5.2L V8 2BL Dodge (I know HDR.. I know.. lol) B250 conversion van.. with.. just a tad over 100k.. Shines.. inside and out, tires look amazing in the pics.
they want 3k for it
Y/N ?
Still sight un-driven.. but this might be a keeper. CARB engine! woot!

 

[GotSmart]

Just make sure of the body length.  It was a while before I realized my van was the short version.  

Have the front end checked (Steering and suspention)  by a competent mechanic.  The biggest weak spot on Dodge vans.

 

[GypsyDogs]

This is one of the pics the guy sent me.. all the pics he sent are like this.. clean/straight/pretty.
Driven gently, and loved...


It shines inside, like that too

 

[Queen]

Just make sure of the body length.  It was a while before I realized my van was the short version.  

Have the front end checked (Steering and suspention)  by a competent mechanic.  The biggest weak spot on Dodge vans.

Yup, got mine home from buying it in TX only to find the front end was shot.

 

[GypsyDogs]

so... invest in one of these?
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8413252&cc=1073382&jsn=601
and plan on shocks..?

 

[ArtW]

I wouldn't buy parts unless they're needed, see about the van and it's condition first

 

[GypsyDogs]

Well- yeah. All this speculation hinges on going and checking it out...
Then whether I decide to purchase it or not. Lol

 

[rvpopeye]

Looks real nice , but looks ain't everything !
Hope you get lucky
Remember , if the price is right , anything can be fixed though .

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Looks real nice , but looks ain't everything !
Hope you get lucky
Remember , if the price is right , anything can be fixed though .

On the contrary, while my brother likes to say that anything can be fixed if you have access to a machine shop, a welder, and a big enough pile of money, the reality is that some things aren't worth fixing even if you are given it for free.

IIRC, aren't Dodge vans the ones where they were having salt-induced rust problems with the front end, such that the frame was so badly rotted they couldn't be fixed?

Hopefully, she will find this van doesn't have that kind of problem.

 

[PineyCruisin]

IIRC, aren't Dodge vans the ones where they were having salt-induced rust problems with the front end, such that the frame was so badly rotted they couldn't be fixed?

Hopefully, she will find this van doesn't have that kind of problem.

Yes, they are. And I've looked at more than enough older Dodges here in the NE to say that this problem is not overexaggerated. So much so that between the rust problems, the overdrive problems, and inherent plenum gasket problems on later 90's-early 00's, we've completely dismissed Dodges between the years mentioned.

And, I"m with you. Front end and frame corrosion is the ultimate deal breaker for me on a van. If it were a cool Jeep Wrangler...probably not as much. I would even say I don't like dealing with holes in the floor board either because ultimately it could be a losing battle.

 

[rvpopeye]

Living in Maine it's not just Dodge that rust out. Our roads are an equal opportunity destroyer ! The new non salt road treatment here seems to be VERY bad for brake lines too !

I guess I should have added if there's no rust to that ....
and look at the brake lines!
I just replaced mine with copper/nickel tubing , no rust ever (or so I'm told)!

 

[GypsyDogs]

This beast has been an Oregon (salting is UnHeard of- might injure a spotted owl... lol) rig its whole life.
I'll check for rust, but here- a-pillar channel at the bottom is more of a thing. You usually find compost in there from all the leaves and pine needles and stuff decomposing in there for years...

 

[GypsyDogs]

So- looked at the 87 dodge.
Omg. The thing is beautiful. So well loved and cared for.
Except for the cloyingly nauseating smell of cigarettes...

The young man who is my contact for this van, swears that he knows of a gadget that detailers use to de-smoke a vehicle. So I gave him $100 and we agreed that he would find the widget and unsmoke the van or I get my money back.
Maybe I'll have him get 2 so if it kinda works I can vac the snot out of it and deep clean it and hit it again.. lol

 

[GypsyDogs]

OK- yes.. I went for it.

couldn't Not get this van.
The PO did an almost total restore of inside/out in 2012 (receipts for paint, plywood, carpet, adhesive, door/window seals, tires, etc), New Holley carb and distributor 2016... the same owner since 1994...

And omg- I LOVE it.

It even has a floor-locker.. LOL small apx 12x18x10 bin, recessed below the floor level, that I discovered contains extra belts, sparkplugs, a timing light.. etc.

I will start a thread in a couple days.. after I have given it a good cleaning and Fully Explored this new (as of yet - unnamed) van.

 

[mayble]

Congratulations!!

 

[Queen]

Glad you found a good one, can't wait to see your build!

 

[GotSmart]

Now you have somethig to take up your "SPARE TIME"   :huh:

Congradulations  

 

[jimindenver]

Way to go on the van. A ozone generator will remove the smoke smell. It's what the hotel most of my customers had condos in used when people smoked in their rooms.

 

[GypsyDogs]

and because.. Pictures..

I've figured out 3 of them... lol


Basement (and electrical with 15amp breakers! and cable)


The PO's memories..


And found this under the passenger seat...


Just to give y'all a taste of the new van..
Until I start a dedicated thread.. lol

 

[PineyCruisin]

Congrats! You sound so happy... and to read your excitement makes me smile. 

Have fun with your new baby!