Need an opinion on a chevy 3500...

[CarCampire]

2005 Chevy 3500 Extended Van from craigslist<br /><br /><a href="http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/3426541545.html" rel="nofollow">http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/3426541545.html</a><br /><br />There's a barrier between the drivers area and the back - which I like but I need to be able to get through it if I'll be using it...<br /><br />Sawsa with a carbide saw blade? How do I sand down the razor sharp edges after or do you think I can un-bolt the bddle pannel?<br /><br />Im also curious if you think this a good deal and will be greatful for any added suggestions of 'things I should do before buying something like this'.<br /><br />Other than having a mechanic check it out - of course... <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" /> <br /><br /><span style="color: #ff0000;">PS Whats the difference between an Chevy extended van 1500, 2500 and 3500 and what does that mean in terms of MPG/Full timing it?</span><br /><br />

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;It looks like that middle panel swings open and, quite possibly, has a lock. ..Willy.

 

[bk2valve]

Kinda high price, in my eyes, but in real life it may be a creampuff....being a work van you know it was driven in all kinds of weather, depending on the business, maybe especially so, so be very, very cautious about rust....it is basically irreversible and as the Neil Young album says, "Rust never sleeps!"<br /><br />You can fix panels, etc. but it is rather like shoveling the sand back into the sea....<br />Bri

 

[Ballenxj]

Hi Sudormi, The van looks pretty good. If you really want to take the partition down I think you can just unscrew the brackets. <br />Me, I think I would like the partition. It looks like the middle panel is a door anyway. <br />With the partition in place, you will be able to seal and insulate the back really well, which will make it much easier to heat in the winter. Put a vent on the roof though. A big plus is that it would be impossible to look through the front window &amp; see you back there. I say keep the partition. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" />&nbsp; <br />Edit, I just noticed the price. I agree with Bri that it is high.<br />-Bruce

 

[CarCampire]

Thank you all for your imput! <br /><br />I totally didn't know Extended van's couldn't park in regular sized parking spaces - good to know!<br /><br />I also thank you for the caution on the price - and the fact it was a worker van I would try and talk it down. <br /><br />Thanks! <br /><br />Any other tips and comments are welcome!

 

[karl]

It looks good, price is real high unless it is exceptionally clean/rust free and lots of maintenance has been done. I'd want to know brakes including rotors/bearings, tires,front suspension and steering, transmission, engine were A-1 too for that money.<br />2005 has a better reputation than the previous 2 or 3 years in the areas of electrical and fuel failures.<br />That is a long wheelbase van- great on the highway, might take some getting used to in town or in rough country as you need to swing wider on corners and it will be slower to respond in cornering.<br />I think the security partition is three panels rather than a door in the center, the center could be unbolted, but you may need to support the tops of the side panels in some manner...maybe as simple as a board screwed or bolted across them.<br />I like rear windows as well as side door windows for light and so I can see out, granted I cover them at times, but sure is nice to be able to peek out or park in such a manner as to see a view in weather that you'd rather not be out in.

 

[CarCampire]

I'd want to know brakes including rotors/bearings, tires,front suspension and steering, transmission, engine were A-1 too for that money.

<br /><br />Thats just what I needed to know. Thank you.<br /><br />I personally want as few windows as possible.<br />I have an idea to install a fantastic fan and bug-proof-entrance vents at the bottoms of the doors so air can circulate and have them be able to close when I want to heat the thing (all but the one of course for ventilation). I believe the less windows I have - the better for stealth and temperature control.<br /><br />I believe you are correct about the middle panel as one of the pictures shows a metal 'custom looking' box infront of what would 'otherwise' look like a door. I figure I could hang a heavy sheet over where the middle panel now is or add some hinges and a lock - walla! A door. <br />Easier said than done?<br /><br />Anyway - please tell me more about the 2005's. I know the later the year- the better MPG and overall condition of the van may be but is there any trouble to look out for with chevy in any particular year?<br /><br /><br /><span id="post_message_1276025699"><span style="color: #ff0000;">PS Whats the difference between an Chevy extended van 1500, 2500 and 3500 and what does that mean in terms of MPG/Full timing it?<br /><br />+ What would you pay for this van and why?<br /></span></span>

 

[Lifemagician]

I totally didn't know Extended van's couldn't park in regular sized parking spaces - good to know!

Why not ask first, what it's overall length is.&nbsp; When I bought mine, 17' was my maximum, and a lovely one I got too.<br /><br />

I also thank you for the caution on the price ...

I agree that it is a bit pricey... lots of room for negotiation.&nbsp;&nbsp; Mine has been described as a 'creampuff' by both mechanics and friends.&nbsp; It is 1998, had 62000 on the clock, I can stand up in it, fully lined inside with the ceiling and wall lights, mock wood finishing, vhs, etc.... and quite a lot cheaper than that one.<br /><br />Lifey

 

[akrvbob]

I have a 2001 that is nearly identical and I consider it nearly a perfect vandwelling van. I put my bed along the drivers side wall behind the forward shelf unit. it's 36 inches wide and still left plenty of room of an aisle.&nbsp; The thing is huge!!! I just took the middle partition out of the divider.<br /><br />It can park anywhere, the earlier comment was about his specific home. The long wheel base does give it a very wide turning radius. One huge advantage this van has is that in the future you can upgrade to a trailer and it will tow it no problem. It is rated to tow 10,000 pounds. I haven't had mine long enough to tell you what my mpg is. Plus I have a 5.7 liter engine and you probably have the 5.3. that is a very good engine known for very good mpg. <br /><br />I paid $4000 for mine with 150,000 miles. $8500 does seem high so find the Blue Book and (after having a mechanic check it out) make them an offer.&nbsp; Bob

 

[Van Tripper]

The Chevy 1500, 2500 and 3500 is the weight carrying and pulling rating of the van, 1/2ton, 3/4ton and 1ton. For a conversion, sleep in, van the 1500 and 2500 will be fine, nicer ride and usually better mpg, lighter construction etc. &nbsp;3500 if you are going to pull a trailer (stealth cargo) or boat. &nbsp;I have a 3500 and my main complaint is the ride, very stiff suspension. &nbsp;Thinking of selling it and getting a 1500. &nbsp;Lighter van with V6 should get good mpg and draw less attention from thieves, have came out of stores and seen people trying to look into van, main reason I painted side and rear windows. &nbsp;Another thing I ran into is rear main seals leaking, let engine run for several minutes, then look under van, where engine and transmission come together, if oil is dripping, very expensive repair since Chevy went to 1piece rear main seal.

 

[Willy]

There isn't too much difference MPG-wise between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4-1 ton, but a huge difference when it comes to durability. Yup, weighs more, but not as much as you'd think, and you get a full floating axle (though not with some 3/4 tons.. so watch out), larger brake pads/shoes, and stronger components. I've had all 3 and haven't noticed any 'hit' when it comes to fuel economy. In fact, I've upgraded my 3/4 ton F250 (semi-floating rear end) to basically a 1 ton w. full floating RR. haven't noticed a difference 'cept the rear is stiff enuf to rattle my fillings out if there isn't a load. Also, tires are more expensive due to 16" rims. ..Willy.&nbsp;

 

[Van Tripper]

&nbsp;<img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" class="bbc_img" />&nbsp;Hey Willy: I'm not into off roading, don't need heavy duty, why I'm thinking about lighter van, my 3500 has full floating rear but the ride is a b.... pain in the rear. &nbsp;Tires? I'm not loading anywhere near max, will go with lower load range when I replace them (less expensive, nothing cheap on this thing), if I don't sell van.

 

[Willy]

Well, to be honest, I do a lot of off-roading, but there's something else to consider.. how much you might end up carrying. All your stuff, including the furnishings, might end up weighing quite a bit and that might eventually have an effect on the suspension. My truck, without a load, gives an incredibly harsh ride but, with my camper on, is smoooooth as silk. On the other hand, if I'd kept the stock suspension it would've been swaying and bottoming out all over the place. That brings up camper vans and how many 1/2 ton ones I've seen (and owned) with a bagged suspension vs. 3/4 ton ones still ridin' high. &nbsp;

 

[Ballenxj]

Hey Van Tripper, Load your van up one time with around six to eight hundred pound and see how you like the ride. If you're still not happy, then look for a lighter duty van. I have two, a GMC Safari AWD half ton, and a G20 three quarter ton conversion van. To be honest, I like the ride of the G20 just a wee bit more. <br />As I pointed out in another thread, just carrying passengers can add a substantial amount of weight. Most of my friends are big, and by the time I have myself and two passengers the weight adds up to around seven hundred pounds. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" class="bbc_img" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[CarCampire]

Another thing I ran into is rear main seals leaking, let engine run for several minutes, then look under van, where engine and transmission come together, if oil is dripping, very expensive repair since Chevy went to 1piece rear main seal.

<br /><br /> Thank you for the tip, Van Tripper!<br /><br /><span id="post_message_1276045328">

<span id="post_message_1276045328">There isn't too much difference MPG-wise between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4-1 ton, but a huge difference when it comes to durability. Yup, weighs more, but not as much as you'd think, and you get a full floating axle (though not with some 3/4 tons.. so watch out), larger brake pads/shoes, and stronger components. </span>

<br /><br />Ok, So the Chevy Extended van 2500 is built with stronger components + can carry more without putting a big dent int MPG + some 3/4 (2500)'s include a hitch?<br /><br />I think I will be looking for a <strong><em>Chevy 2500 (3/4 ton)&nbsp;extended van</em> </strong>now.<br />Any preferances in 'good years' for that model? <br />Aslo; what is this model called in GMC? Savanah 2500 extended van?<br /><br />Thank you all for the comments, tips and tricks. I really appreciate it!</span>

 

[Van Tripper]

Chevy Express and GMC Savanah are basically the same van, most parts will interchange, some trim pieces may not.

 

[StainedGlassGuy]

Just as an aside ...<br /><br />There have been several comments regarding the van being a worker or construction van. The indication being that vans of this nature have been used harder or perhaps not taken care of as well as household vans.<br /><br />With due respect ... That may be the case for some, but I assure you that I have always treated my company van "better" than any family vehicles. With my personal vehicles, I occasionally tolerate a minor problem knowing full well that at some point in the future it will probably break and need a major repair. Anything dealing with the company van, I repair instantly. Everything from a streaky windshield wiper blade to a funny sound when it changes gears. My reason is that if something in my company van breaks and causes it to stop for whatever the reason, my production comes to a hault instantly which upsets all involved. I assure you it is no fun waiting for a van repair to be scheduled and repaired while the crew sits and waits or tries to find something else to do. <br /><br />I would buy a company van before one that was used by a family any day. <br /><br />Respectfully,

 

[Ballenxj]

Hey StainedGlassGuy. While I agree the owner of the company will take care of the maintenance (usually) you have to account for the monkeys that drive it. I bought a Ford E350 that was used by an A/C company. It had a 460 with 4:11 gears. The engine was maintained beautifully, and (surprise) the A/C worked well. What wasn't apparent unfortunately was that those workers drove it like a Hot Rod. The actual transmission casing was cracked from abuse leading to needing a whole new transmission. Needless to say I was not happy. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" class="bbc_img" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[bk2valve]

Well, SGG, I like your attitude. I think there are exceptions and one of them was a company I&nbsp; knew of that let the drivers of company vehicles buy the vehicle they drove and took care of once it hit the mileage when the company replaced them...in this company, a quite large one, they replaced at 100K miles. If you cared for your van, you got the chance to buy a cream puff for a really good price.<br /><br />That makes perfect sense to me and I bought one from one worker's son. It was a 1984 Ford van and that was before I knew never to buy a truck with a C4 transmission...I drove it for another 100k and replaced the trans twice...live and learn.<br /><br />There are many times where it is worth it to buy a vehicle from a company, esp. if they run a fleet and the maintenance records come with it...Usually, a smart company will do excellent preventive maintenance as SGG did and it keeps their rigs rolling.<br /><br />Another place to buy is from Federal surplus fleet sales....at the KNWR in Alasks where I was a fleet mechanic, we had an extremely good and complete PM program that we developed and rarely had anything more serious to fix than a worn out clutch, etc. That is the norm...our motto was "take your time and do a good job" and we did....<img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" /><br /><br />The pilots that flew Office of Aviation Services (OAS) aircraft for the refuge said that they would much rather fly one of their aircraft than any other due to the master level maintenance...<br /><br />If you are buying from some small painting contractor, plumbing company, whatever, I would be far more careful.<br /><br />My only real point in posting earlier was that if it is a work van in an area with really crappy weather, you can be sure it was used in it and not parked in a nice warm garage....look for rust....nuff said.<br />Bri