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Nov. 15, 2008 12:24 p.m. alex Reader

I'll keep this basic.

Intended use: Band gear most of the time, a motorcycle occasionally, general utility. Removable seats a must (or no seats - I can rig something up), sparse/bare interior OK. Criteria: Vintage 'Murican is preferred (classic country band, gotta keep up appearances). Quirky is OK. As cool as a van can be, preferably. Best Possible gas mileage (This is relative, and I'm flexible. Double digits). Cheap. I don't mind tinkering or maintaining an old car, so long as parts are easy - like Autozone easy. Bonus points for AVD or 4x4, by no means necessary.

Any more contradictions I can throw in here...?

Let the games begin!
Nov. 15, 2008 12:53 p.m. Datsun1500 HalfDork

Astro/Safari for a small one, full size Ford with a 6 Cyl. for a big one. Older conversion vans are usually cheaper than the non conversion ones....
Nov. 15, 2008 12:59 p.m. Apexcarver SuperDork

had an aerostar that i actually miss (4.0 v6) electronic 4WD was available (i didnt have it and dont know much more then that you could get it).
Nov. 15, 2008 1:11 p.m. DILYSI Dave SuperDork

I have loved both of my mid-90's Ford E350 Chateau's.
Nov. 15, 2008 1:29 p.m. alex Reader

Apexcarver wrote:

had an aerostar that i actually miss (4.0 v6) electronic 4WD was available (i didnt have it and dont know much more then that you could get it).

Yeah, I'm regretting letting my folks give away their long box AWD A'Star. Aside from chewing through a motor and two trannies (at least - all warrantied by Ford or the dealership), it was damned reliable. Got two mid-sized bikes in the back once, I did. Before they passed it on, I had visions of cutting the fenders, sticking on some flares and obnoxiously oversized tires and jacking it up in the most ghetto manner possible. Pull out the interior, roll it with bedliner, and shoot the exterior in rattlecan flat black with lake stripes.

Hmm... Maybe I just answered my own question.
Nov. 15, 2008 1:42 p.m. Kramer Reader

Chevy G-Series' are cheap to maintain. Fords have expensive front suspension components that seem to always be worn out. Dodge vans are archaic.

I'd get as new of a GM as you could, with the 4-speed trans and a 350. Tint the rear windows very dark, and it will last you forever.

I grew up driving a 1978 G20 with a 350 and 3-on-the-tree. That transmission sucked. We kept a stick inside the truck for when it got stuck in 1st and 2nd gear at the same time. Other vans (my dad's business had a few) were a 1975 G30 (my brother totalled it in a rollover) and a 1976 Dodge 1 ton. It was the worst of the three.

My dad's business now has a few Chevy full-size vans, all with over 200,000 miles and not much maintenance. He also used up a few Astro vans. All were pretty reliable.
Nov. 15, 2008 1:51 p.m. poopshovel Dork

Astro/Safari for a small one

Big +1. I've been really happy w/the 4.3L in the truck. SUPER torquey for hauling purposes, and I personally dig the looks of the Astro/Safaris.
Nov. 15, 2008 1:52 p.m. poopshovel Dork

Fords have expensive front suspension components that seem to always be worn out.

...and another +1 there. Our Exploder is the worst driving low-mileage vehicle I've ever owned, transmission issues (like ours) are apparently common as well.
Nov. 15, 2008 2:30 p.m. geomiata Reader

roadmaster!!
Nov. 15, 2008 2:39 p.m. poopshovel Dork

geomiata wrote:

roadmaster!!

+1 for cool factor. -1 for back injuries as a result of loading/unloading speaker cabinet. Ask me how I know.
Nov. 15, 2008 3:15 p.m. belteshazzar Dork

Big white harry asstro
Nov. 15, 2008 3:43 p.m. neon4891 Dork

as long as it says "free candy" on the side it will be good.

J/K
Nov. 15, 2008 4:26 p.m. alex Reader

Yeah, if I could get a motorcycle (upright) in a wagon, we wouldn't be having this discussion. That and I hate trailers, and I don't have anywhere to put one anyway.
Nov. 15, 2008 5:09 p.m. ManofFewWords Reader

I currently drive my 94 AWD Astro w/175k every day and we use it as a BMX racingmobile. Easily removeable seats. got 15mpg, removed front driveshaft and get 17-19 now. I'm currently looking for late 80's/early 90's chevy conversion van. Much more room, tv/dvd,but I'm expecting 13-15mpg. They are very cheap right now. 1-2k can get a good one.
Nov. 15, 2008 7:52 p.m. doc_speeder New Reader
- whatever on the Safari/Astro. Mine has been stone cold perfect in the year that I've owned it. 270,000km and counting. 27mpg (imperial) on the highway. Quite comfortable, seats are a bit heavy but go out and in easily. $1,500 will buy any one of several decent ones available around my small city right now.
Nov. 15, 2008 9:21 p.m. Pat New Reader

It would be hard to beat a 4.3 Astro/Safari.
Nov. 15, 2008 9:39 p.m. ManofFewWords Reader

thought i might add, the astros came with two different rear leaf spring setups. The fiberglass ones are prone to breaking, so be sure to check.
Nov. 15, 2008 10:09 p.m. jrw1621 Reader

cite>alex wrote: ...classic country band...

How about a Winnebego?
<

Specifically a 1976 Dodge Southwind
Nov. 15, 2008 10:20 p.m. neon4891 Dork

+1 on the winni
Nov. 15, 2008 10:23 p.m. Apexcarver SuperDork

no, you need one with wings!
Nov. 16, 2008 1:35 p.m. alex Reader

jrw1621 wrote:

alex wrote: ...classic country band...

How about a Winnebego?

Well, we do play both kinds of music: country and western.

And, it has always been a personal goal of mine to play behind chicken wire to a rowdy, drunken audience.
Nov. 16, 2008 9:54 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

Divco with a SBC

Divcos

(I've got a friend with 2- he might part with one)

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