Ready to Upgrade

[ramblingvanman]

So, I am definitely ready to upgrade from my very reliable but low top Dodge to something with a hightop. These are the ones I am seriously considering. I am in Orlando atm.

Chevy G20

95 Chevy. Really a little newer than I want, but looks big.

I like the idea of moving to diesel

Needs work, but I like the price; A lot.


Thoughts and opinions please. I know very little about chevy when it comes to real world reliability. I also don't really like OBD2 vehicles since many of them are open to hack attacks.

Edit to add: Yes I know a 1995 is not a vulnerable as a 2005, but OBD2 is where they started the fly by wire crud and I prefer to just avoid it wherever possible. That being said, I doubt a 1995 chevy van has much fly by wire so I am considering it.

 

[LeeRevell]

I question that '95 Chevy.......    Chevy never made a "V10" engine, certainly not in that year van.

The last Ford has possibilities, since you'd be doing a lot of conversion work anyway.

 

[Canine]

I liked bachelorettes numbers 1 and 2. Anyone can make an engine size mistake (2), it is certainly worth a visit, while number 3 is too low powered of a diesel (6.9) and number 4, while cheap with supposedly decent running gear, makes me wonder what "needs TLC" means.

What I mean by low powered is no turbo, which in Fl may not be an issue but in the mountains of the west is not so good. They do last though... Like the GM 6.2...

The deal killer or deal clincher is rust or lack thereof there in Florida. That could take #3 up higher or drop numbers 1 and 2 lower.

Number 1 certainly needs a rattle can or Maaco paint job, otherwise it sounded fine and priced ok as well.

I know you are at least competent (or more) with older iron, but unless you have diesel experience those are a big reach for the average shade tree guy. YMMV.

We are trying to give you ideas not able to see them and not knowing you. Certainly number 2 has a full hi top, if you are tall like Lee R you'd like that better than number 1. Me, I'd fit height wise in any of them. Width wise, now that's a different story!

 

[ramblingvanman]

So, I got my new(to me) van.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/5139919157.html

It needs to be finished, but it is pre-wired for everything I want except solar. I will take and post pics as I go including starting pics in case the ad gets taken down. My goal is to have it livable by Sep 1 and to be headed west before winter sets in.

 

[Patrick46]

WOW...that didn't take long!!

(and yup...the ad is a gonner!)

 

[ramblingvanman]

WOW...that didn't take long!!

(and yup...the ad is a gonner!)

It is a 1993 G20 class B with a 350 engine and an over drive transmission. It runs great. The previous owner removed all of the fixtures planning to remodel it; then he got a divorce instead. Cost me $1500. I spent today racing to get everything moved over before the thunderstorms started. Barely made it. I do have to buy a house battery, at least 1. 2 would be better. All of the plumbing, tanks and electrical wiring are present. Just needs the fixtures and some shelving to start with. I plan to do little by little as I travel. I am in no hurry now that I have the van I want.

ETA: He also gave me a 30lb propane bottle to supplement the tank under the vehicle. The tank is empty, but the bottle is nearly full.