Should I trade my astro van

[windymichelle]

For a 1978 Toyota chinook camper truck?
The van is a1997
I just bought it and was about to start converting it
Opinions?

 

[c_hasbeen]

the chinook would be already set up to live in as the van would need conversion.<br>if it was my daughter I would tell her to take a reall good look at each vehicles and see what the plus and minuses of both are, then make a decision.&nbsp;

 

[windymichelle]

That was my thought too. I wouldn't have to do much to be ready to travel. And believe it or not the 78 has 25,000 less miles on it than the 97. I'm leaning toward the trade but I'm gonna go check out the chinook on Monday before I decide.

 

[c_hasbeen]

I would not worry about the age of this Toyota, I had a 76 Toyota and I wish I had not let it go away.<br>In my very humble opinion this Toyota would be built to more of an industrial standard, which means it would be designed to last for a long time then be economily repaired.<br>this will have a carburator instead of fuel injection, you will have a harder time starting in very cold weather, but not really that bad if you have a good battery.<br>with my past experience with a Chevy and Toyota and knowing nothing more I have a leaning towards the toyots.<br><br>one thing with the older Toyota a lot of shade tree mechanics can fix them.<br>I would take the Toyota unless it is not going to be mechanically in good condition.<br><br><br>

 

[windymichelle]

Thank you. I appreciate your opinion. Being that I know nothing about cars I've really just been going with my gut as far as this is concerned. It's nice to have input. Unless there is a problem ill do the trade. I'll post when I get a chance to look it over and drive it, what I decided.

 

[Cubey]

Having had a full size ford conversion van before which I camped in and once overnight parked in at a wal-mart... I found it so cramped.. i don't know how people do it. It didn't have a high top which was a big part of it. <br><br>While my van/mh now will get terrible mpg, it's built to live in.

 

[c_hasbeen]

in most states a vehicle that old will also qualify for antique tag, it is more expensive the first year....70~80 bucks, than every year after that 17 bucks~<br>wish someone who knew vehicles could take a look with you<br><br>

 

[windymichelle]

Yeah I've been going back and forth on that. What is my priority? Gas mileage or livable space? I've been struggling with that a bit. I will have my 3 year old with me so this chinook seems like it will solve a lot of my problems, or obstacles no problems.

 

[windymichelle]

I'm not sure about Wyoming, that's where I am now. I'll have to check that out. That would be nice. I know I feel pretty confident in most things but when it comes to cars I am clueless. That bothers me too lol. I like to know what's going on so I can make informed decisions!

 

[Saguache]

<p>Man, that's a tough one.&nbsp; Toyota's are as I'm sure you're aware very reliable, but that rig is nearly 36 years old and regardless of who lightly or heavily it was used time will break systems down.</p><p>Plus it sounds like you already have the AV.&nbsp; Conversion is your challenge there and that takes time and usually more money than you planned on originally.</p><p>I'd suggest taking a close look at the Toyota and finding out what if anything you're going to need to do to keep it in serviceable condition.&nbsp; Also check with other owners for common problems and make sure there are going to be parts.&nbsp; Reliability and parts availability are two issues which could strand you and which will cost a boat load of money in the long run.</p>

 

[windymichelle]

Yeah that's the kind of input I was hoping to get here. I thought someone might be in the know about these rigs. Astro vans have a whole boatload of issues to deal with too, at least what I've read about the 97. So I was hoping someone might be able to share some personal experience with these chinooks. There's not too much info on the net that I can find.

 

[windymichelle]

But the parts for the van are inexpensive and easy to find, I have no idea about the parts for the chinook

 

[Cubey]

in most states a vehicle that old will also qualify for antique tag, it is more expensive the first year....70~80 bucks, than every year after that 17 bucks~<br>wish someone who knew vehicles could take a look with you<br><br>

<br><br>Some states like Arkansas, you have to own a non-antique car to get it. On the affidavit they make you sign, it states:<br><br>"I understand that I must own and have registered one (1) or more motor vehicles that I use for regular transportation."<br><br>But in AR, you register once...and NO renewals needed at all.<br><br>I'm not sure my scooter would count. *lol*

 

[Cubey]

(dangit, i keep confusing quote with edit..)

 

[windymichelle]

I just moved from Arkansas. I never heard that before. I always thought you could just register it one time. Hmmmmm

 

[Cubey]

I just moved from Arkansas. I never heard that before. I always thought you could just register it one time. Hmmmmm

<br><br>http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/motorVehicle/Documents/AffidavitforAntiqueMV.pdf<br><br>If I had kept my nearly totally broke down junk car I could have gotten an antique plate but what's the point? In AR, a 1 ton van doesn't cost that much more than a lil 4cyl car. So I'd still be paying for renewals.. plus insurance on the car too. It would have cost me a lot more.. heh.

 

[Cubey]

On the subject of Toyotas.. I think they are somehow built in such a way that it takes them longer to have major failure from lack of proper maintenance. <br><br>In my opinion, import parts can be a lot more expensive. Parts prices depends on how many vehicles the part fits. My mom's 2003 Ford Taurus is in a generation that a ton of that model car sold but aparently, not many other vehicles can use the same starter. Her starter cost about $150. I seem to recall parts for the 91 Corolla I had (that was hers) being a bit pricey. The parts for the 93 Ford Escort I had were pretty cheap, but the same car was also sold as a Mazda. Most of the parts must have been used on other Fords and Mazdas so they were common.<br><br>The starter for my van cost about $60 because it's used on soooo many trucks and vans for so many years.<br><br>Both starters came from Oreilly and both have the lifetime warranty.

 

[Lostinspace]

I have not had a Toyota Chinook. But one of the problems with the build is the over cab overhang. It's catalevered out over the cab and over time can sag. Have someone check that as well as for water damage from leaks. The roof needs to be maintained periodically, ie sealed. If that's been done then should have no problems. Be sure to ask when the roof was sealed last.

Is the Chinook the all fiberglass coach one? If so I would say probably a safe buy. The fiberglass is stronger and pretty much inert other than gel coat weathering. Equals less maintenance.

I'm looking at a ford E-350 class c and the cab overhang rests on the cab. It was designed that way. It's an '89 model.

For the Chinook be sure and have a knowledgeable friend take a look at it. Or pay someone.

 

[windymichelle]

Yes it's the all fiberglass one

 

[windymichelle]

@ cubey &nbsp; so how do i found out that information? about the parts and such? just call a random mechanic and get his opinion?<br><br>i was just reading an article on the history of chinooks. apparently they are supposed to get 25+ miles on the highway! can that even be true? &nbsp;<br><br>here's some pics :&nbsp;http://www.flickr.com/photos/93284120@N05/