Whadya think? Funky 72 Grumman Kurb Van King

[Willy]

Thinking of checking this out. Unfortunately, it has dually's and city gears, but with a Ford inline 6, 4 spd standard, and a 12' box.. it looks pretty good. About the perfect size and doesn't have wonky air pumps 'n stuff, just a carb. Figure either a 5 spd swap or replace the ring/pinion with highway gears. Get rid of the roll up rear door and maybe buy a locking spider for the rear. I've just got too much crap for my truck/camper to carry and this should solve the problem.   http://dayerses.com/photos/grumman-olson-kurb-van/03/

 

[Les H]

That should work well. Try the search function for " walking onion", a guy who built a " docking station" for his step van.( Couple years ago?) I know several on here either have or did have step vans, and I see some live aboards ever now and then ( easy when you know what to look for)

"Joe Schmoe's medical waste removal " on the sides should keep out all but the most desperate intruders...

 

[Willy]

 The real selling point for me, aside from the aluminum body, is the 6'6" interior height. It's also, in it's own way, as cool lookin' as the '56 Grumman step van I had. Also 'armstrong steering'.. wonder if the lack of power anything would give a significant increase in fuel economy? My '56 got awesome gas mileage, though maybe the single rear end vs. dually's helped. ..Willy.

 

[Ricekila]

What rear is in it now and what would you put in ??

 

[Willy]

 Talking to the guy (have yet to go see it) the engine would be winding out at near highway spd. Probably a bit over 80 KmH. It's essentially a 3 spd since the 1st gear is a granny low. I think that the rear is a 1 ton Dana and I could pick up a used limited slip rear ring/pinion/spider pretty cheap at the wrecker. Might be a bit of a hassle to pop in a 5 spd since the driveshaft might have to be altered. I believe that, from what I've read on the net, the tranny is a New process 4 spd. ..Willy.

 

[maritimecamper]

Looks good Willy, but not too many windows. You could do your own repairs it seems . Go for it!

 

[Willy]

Now I'm also in a bit of a dilemma. Just in town is a '75 Winnebago Brave for sale.. 21', 440 on propane, and only about $1000 more. Yup, a grand is a lot, but it's all kitted out with (I think) a 3 ton suspension. After putting in the interior and the rear end work, the step van would end up being at least as much. Propane here is about $0.80 L vs gas at $1.24 L. Now, the question is whether the 440 on propane will be cheaper to run than the 300 six? The Winny would DEFINITELY have more room with more installed options. Decisions, decisions. ..Willy.

 

[stude53]

Willy,<br /><br />I understand your dilemma. That Winnie looks pretty good, and no work to be ready to use. If the roof has no leaks now, I think I'd re-seal it anyway with CoolSeal and call it good.<br /><br />I like stepvan conversions and most likely it would be a tossup on the gas/propane mileage, but work avoidance is a strong benefit to my old bones.<br /><br />Bob

 

[karl]

I'm kinda partial to step vans and really enjoy the build part, but there's little doubt you will get more into the conversion than buying the Winnie.<br />Fuel costs probably won't be all that different between them.<br />With either of them, or any vehicle for that matter, there will always be something to modify or repair or replace....<br /><br />Buy 'em both and have a summer and winter home<img src="../images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[Ricekila]

If its a floating rear - but has the "Ham" that would&nbsp;be great <img src="../images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />

'75 Winnebago Brave for sale.. 21',

<br /><br />That's exactly the same as my "72" Dodge Open Road --- at the time -- perfect for me <img src="../images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I really love step vans myself, and would rather prefer them over other vehicles, but gotta be realistic insofar as a badly injured back imposes some limits to what I can achieve in a reasonable time frame. That's why the Winny is so tempting.. just pile all my crap in and take off.. in extreme comfort. Getting lazy in my old age, I suppose. Also, you'd be amazed at just how well those old Braves can handle backwoods roads. ..Willy.

 

[maritimecamper]

My uncle had a 73? winie for 30 years. He took it to Arizona from bc 9 times. It ran good, but being older he couldn't get into some rv resorts.

 

[WanderingRain]

I was gonna ask about which truck's walls are tougher &nbsp;--the Winnie's or the Step van's? But I suppose if you want something instantly built, the Winnie's probably gonna be a good choice (all things being equal engine condition-wise, that is).