SOLD - Get started as a van dweller for $1000 or less

[Agent X]

The 'no go' has sold.

By the way, if you have a rig to sell, bake Bob a cake or do whatever it takes to get him to blog about it. I had the 'soon to be owner' mailing me a check the day the blog was posted and a mob of people wishing they had seen it sooner.

Thanks Bob! I will be sure to get this van is top shape to ensure that I not cast a shadow on your vouching for me.

Best to all,
X

 

[akrvbob]

I'm just a sentimental old fool sometimes! A van comes along and does you so much good it deserves better than be parted out. Now it's going to go and save someone else's neck!
Bob

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

i have osb for my bed platform and its solid 2 yrs later. it was given to me, and im not knocking free wood Whatever works, glad you got it sold.

 

[Gary68]

someone got a nice deal,way to go bob

 

[Agent X]

Today I changed the engine oil and filter as well as the rear differential oil.

The differential is in like new shape and has defiantly been maintained and serviced regularly. This is a perfect wear pattern. This differential with its new oil will outlast us all... They don't build em anymore like they were when Dana build this one. Good steel.

I pulled the rear wheels and drums. There are no leaks and the shoes are good. I replaced the rear cylinders last year when I replaced all the brake lines, hoses, pads, master cylinder, and brake booster. So they are all new.


Today I also replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses and the serpentine belt so the new owner wont have to worry about them. All the other coolant hoses are in good shape. The alternator is also new with less then 100 miles on it.

To finish off the day I replaced the plugs, wires, distributor cap, and distributor (it was original and the casing had cracked).

I took off the roof rack. Checked all the lights (all working).

A few more things to do tomorrow and she will be ready for the open road.

X

 

[rvpopeye]

Most sellers would have taken the money and walked away....................

You're a good man Agent X :angel:

 

[akrvbob]

If I ever need some extra Karma, can I borrow some of yours!?
Bob

 

[Agent X]

I wish I had that rack!!  Nice story with a happy ending!

Guy

Come up and get it. Its just sitting in my junk pile.

 

[Agent X]

Changes the transmission fluid and filter.
Replaced the long leaking heater core with the new one...

 

[Agent X]

Replaced the broken side view mirror...



Then gave it a new coat o paint and new treads.

 

[Agent X]

3 more days until the new owner picks it up and I have a bunch to do to it yet..

 

[TMG51]

Looks like you've put at least 1k worth of work into that thing already. Wow.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

The guy we got our van from did some extra stuff but Agent X is over the top.
WOW...what a guy. That rig looks great and should serve very well with all this TLC.

You rock man.

 

[ggwoman]

Agent X, you are a GOOD man. An old Ford Econoline van saved me from being homeless too once upon a time. This little girl with her makeover, new shoes and dress is going to make someone VERY happy!

 

[SoulRaven]

I am very seldom impressed by what someone does after a sale.....You Sir are the exception. You seem an honorable man and that is a 'high compliment'. Very well done.

 

[BigT]

Just curious..  What happened to the side doors?   :huh:
Did you remove the hinges and door handle and weld the seams before you painted it?  

 

[Agent X]

Thanks to you all for the kind words...

Big T, Yes, I removed the handle and lock, cut and welded the hinges and all. The sheeting is bolted to the doors, so they have not been opened since 2008. I felt that finally closing them off with avoid future issues resulting from water running down around them.

 

[Agent X]

Bill (the new owner) is from a smog testing county so I went over the van to make sure it would pass for him. I realized during the inspection that the smog pump and system had been removed by a previous owner. To make it worse the bracket that it, and the alternator, mounts on had been cut, or the pump had been cut off of it. So I made a trip to the junk yard and found another bracket and well as all the hoses and valves for the smog system. I see now why the pump was cut off, as I couldn't get the junk yard pump off the bracket, as the steel bolt was fused inside the aluminum housing of the pump. While I was at the yard anyhow, I picked up some other parts that were missing; spare tire mount, license plate and door handle assembly, front door handles, door panel, and assorted bits.

http://s870.photobucket.com/user/wshtfagentx/media/20150708_160753.jpg.html
http://s870.photobucket.com/user/wshtfagentx/media/20150708_160753.jpg.html

 

[Agent X]

New smog pump system installed, new windshield wiper motor installed, new universal joint installed, all the bits and pieces installed... whew, finally done.

Bill took a 4 day train and bus ride from NV to PA to pick up his van. I picked him up in Scranton Pa at about 9. We had a nice chat on the ride home. Bill was excited to be able to shower and sleep in a bed again after his 4 day ride. We got him all packed and situated this morning and he headed out on his next adventure.


I'll miss the old girl, but I'm confident that she will take good care of Bill as he explores the county.

Thank you Bob for finding my van a new home.
Thanks to everyone else for their kind encouragement and compliments. I wish you all the best in everything (even you 'Big Money').

I won't be lurking around here much anymore, but if anyone is out in my neck of the woods and need a hand or a friendly place to camp for the night be sure to shoot me an email.

X

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Agent X...Your offer is very kind.
Wish you would stick around.