This might be the one for me. Thoughts? 1979 Chevy Box Truck - partially converted

[NickTheoBennett]

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/5426425291.html

Here are my concerns

1.  The ad mentions a "tricky ignition" and a squeaky left wheel.  At this age I'm sure there's more than that wrong with it.  I'll be having it looked over by a mechanic before I buy it for sure.  

I budgeted about $2500 for a vehicle, so buying this leaves me with almost $1000 I can apply to repairs in the short term (in the month or so before I take it on the road).  I also understand old cars like this are easier to work on.  I know next to nothing about cars, but I can follow directions pretty well, so it could be a good learning experience for me.  On the other hand, it could be a money pit.  I supposed that's true of most used cars, but I worry more about one this old. 

2.  The skylight.  I love the idea of it, but I'll have to see how well it was installed.  I've already contacted the owner asking for details about this.  I've lived in a leaky RV before and it's not something I intend to do again.  

3.  Can anyone hazard a guess as to gas mileage? I know it won't be great, but if it's TOO low I might have to look elsewhere. 

Do you all have anything to add? Things I haven't thought of?  I'm hoping to go look at it tomorrow morning, and then if I like it I would pay for a local mechanic to take a look at it.

 

[rvpopeye]

I have a 1981 Chevy 1 ton chassis class C motorhome with the 350 v8.
Fuel cost depends on your load and driving habits but expect under 10mpg.
maybe a lot less 6mpg?

I had a "tricky" ignition issue and the coil was the culprit.( I replaced tune up parts separately w/ trying after each part ,of course the coil was the last one.....)
A quick way to check it is pull a plug wire at the plug , hold the end next (1/4") to a ground(engine) turn the key and look for a nice big spark !

Unless they have records telling what has been done to it recently , I'd do a complete tune up Plugs + wires ,rotor, dist cap and coil...as PM.

Squeaking wheel >>>>>hmmm wheel bearing? caliper? pad? Front or rear?

Is there any signs that the skylight is leaking now?

One more question,,,,,will you change your name to Noreen?

 

[BradKW]

Reading his ad, I get the impression that he feels he has added value to the truck with his partial modifications. I would probably disagree for the most part. For example, that skylight does little but take up the space I would want for solar, and there doesn't even appear to be a vent. His bed build basically kills any utility you can get from the pass-thru to cab. With no side door, the roll-up rear is really the only means of entry/exit. I don't see any evidence of insulation anywhere.

I guess my point being that seeing some progress already done on a conversion can appear appealing, in this case I think it needs to be gutted...and that looks like a skylight salvaged from a construction job, which would present some challenges to make watertight on a mobile platform.

 

[NickTheoBennett]

Thank you. This is why I love this place - it's nice to have the input of some more experienced folks.

I've been gravitating toward these big vehicles for comfort, but with the low MPG and all the potential problems I'm reconsidering. Even with not travelling a lot, 6mpg is brutal. Compared to the minivan I'm in now, an extended cargo van would be downright luxurious.

That skylight sure looks pretty, but I know it'll be a huge headache if/when it starts leaking.

 

[Gary68]

dis is merica,1979 6.6l =400 cid ? if so 400 is chevy's dud motors stay away siamese cylinders crack

 

[GotSmart]

Two words.

MONEY   PIT.   :dodgy:

 

[NickTheoBennett]

Two words.

MONEY   PIT.   :dodgy:

Probably why the current owner is selling it.  I suppose I should know by now - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[Gary68]

Two words.

MONEY   PIT.   :dodgy:

not really,if you have a $5000 budget,get this for under $1500,tires $1000,engine $1500,tranny $500,suspension $500 and you have a darn near new rig,be hard pressed to find a good 10 year old van for that and it would need pretty much everything too

 

[GotSmart]

not really,if you have a $5000 budget,get this for under $1500,tires $1000,engine $1500,tranny $500,suspension $500 and you have a darn near new rig,be hard pressed to find a good 10 year old van for that and it would need pretty much everything too

I find the numbers on the optimistic side. $500 tranny? $500 suspension?  

Besides, you left out a couple problematic items.  Brakes, electrical, Radiator, 

Then there is the cost to convert to dwelling.~~~

I would say at least $8,000 to get it safely ready to drive across country.

Nick has $2,500 budget.  :s

 

[Gary68]

I find the numbers on the optimistic side. $500 tranny? $500 suspension?  

Besides, you left out a couple problematic items.  Brakes, electrical, Radiator, 

Then there is the cost to convert to dwelling.~~~

I would say at least $8,000 to get it safely ready to drive across country.

Nick has $2,500 budget.  :s

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/5415771979.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/5415772429.html

on a $2500 budget i would do the same,buy a 70's van or whatever for under $1000 and do what you can with the rest
if you buy 2004 at $2500 you are going to have to do as much work at a higher price

 

[GotSmart]

Not everyone can work on everything.  

Your prices are without labor.  Roughly $60 to $130 an hour.

 

[NickTheoBennett]

Yeah, I'm good with learning to do some labor by myself, but I wouldn't want to buy something that needed serious repair. I'm not a fan of trial by fire when my home depends on it.

 

[Gary68]

thats all you need,your not going to rebuild the tranny just install it,make sure the torque converter is seated and about 20 bolts,basic american engineering which is one step up from digging a hole with a stick

if you can be patient,add to your funds and when you see what you want jump on it,better hunting in spring/early summer

 

[Gary68]

Not everyone can work on everything.  

Your prices are without labor.  Roughly $60 to $130 an hour.

you are correct,you can go 2x-4x the price if you have a shop do it