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Magic Bus
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vanny
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Tice84
32 posters
Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Seth G- Vintage-Vans Listings Manager
- Number of posts : 2086
Location : Anacortes, WA
Age : 50
Registration date : 2013-04-24
- Post n°31
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
With the kind of trip you've got planned you're going to have to have a pretty descent one right off the bat. Very mechanically sound and already gone through.
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°32
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
That's right Seth, the more our plans come along, the more I'm seeing the need for that. At least it needs to be running well, and we have to really take care of the car during the trip...
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°33
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Seth G- Vintage-Vans Listings Manager
- Number of posts : 2086
Location : Anacortes, WA
Age : 50
Registration date : 2013-04-24
- Post n°34
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
A good gear ratio and brakes to. Definitely not a 4:1 rear van, even 3.5:1 get's a little tenuous on the highway with a 3 speed.
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°35
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
So like around May 11th you will fly into Los Angeles? then what,,,,you rent a car to travel around or fly to different places? and look for a van,,,,,,,,and stay at a motel every night?,,,,there are people here that could store your van and see that it gets shipped in case you need it,,,,,,and if you dont have or anyone needs the EDIT Button to go back and change something, you can PM me and I could probably change it......
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°36
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Thanks for the suggestion Seth, I've been looking in to it. Econolineid.com is a great help for me with this kind of tech info, by the way.
Now I know you are absolutly right about it, but it might be hard to find a nice van in decent shape, with the right axle ratio. Or are the 3.50 and 3.00 easy to find? Wouldn't it be easier to search for a 240 engine that has enough power, hoping (and checking) it doesn't have 4.57 ratio?
You guys probably know what combinations are most likely to find, do you? And another question, what is your guys "cruising-speed" on the highways? I used to drive my 1972 Volvo at 60/65 mph on highways. Is this doable at US highways, and with the vans, ofcourse?
Now I know you are absolutly right about it, but it might be hard to find a nice van in decent shape, with the right axle ratio. Or are the 3.50 and 3.00 easy to find? Wouldn't it be easier to search for a 240 engine that has enough power, hoping (and checking) it doesn't have 4.57 ratio?
You guys probably know what combinations are most likely to find, do you? And another question, what is your guys "cruising-speed" on the highways? I used to drive my 1972 Volvo at 60/65 mph on highways. Is this doable at US highways, and with the vans, ofcourse?
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°37
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
That's right Don, we arrive on May 10th around 5pm, probably jetlagged
I want to contact people who are selling a van I might want to buy about a month or so before we travel. Hopefully I can find a few options... Depending on where the van is we will fly and rent a car, or only rent a car. And stay a few nights at motels. Exactly as you say, really, haha.
I want to arrange all the shipping beforehand, I've found a company that is both in Seattle and in The Netherlands the might be helpfull. Gonna contact them after Christmas, figured they might be terribly busy at this time of the year.
I want to contact people who are selling a van I might want to buy about a month or so before we travel. Hopefully I can find a few options... Depending on where the van is we will fly and rent a car, or only rent a car. And stay a few nights at motels. Exactly as you say, really, haha.
I want to arrange all the shipping beforehand, I've found a company that is both in Seattle and in The Netherlands the might be helpfull. Gonna contact them after Christmas, figured they might be terribly busy at this time of the year.
Abitibi- Vintage-Vans Listings Manager
- Number of posts : 479
Location : Vancouver BC
Registration date : 2014-06-23
- Post n°38
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Did you check with the two members from your area that just imported vans to see which company they used and how it worked out for them?
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°39
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Thanks for the reminder, contacted them yesterday and got a lot of info of them already!
Dennis, as a fellow Dutchman, can tell me quite something on what lies ahead when importing the van to the Netherlands. Funny to hear they where both in the race for your van!
Dennis, as a fellow Dutchman, can tell me quite something on what lies ahead when importing the van to the Netherlands. Funny to hear they where both in the race for your van!
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°40
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Hey guys, how was Christmas for you all? Here in the Netherlands it was the warmest since they started to meassure it. Not a very white christmas, but still had a good time with family and friends. And when Frank Sinatra sings christmas songs, it's just christmas
I've taken up holidays these weeks, have had no real time of since June, so this is quite welcome. Started to do some work in the house that had to be done for some time, and started to get some more in the preperation for our trip.
Now I've come to a quite difficult part: getting an insurance for the van. As we are no US residents, this is different from how it normally works. When I google about it, no real good info comes up. There are companies that offer an non resident insurance, but not for vehicles older then 20 years. On some travel forums I found that Progressive might sell it, but there is nothing on their website. Also found that the AAA says Travel Guard might be able to sell it. So I'm going to get in contact with these companies first, see what they can do.
I've also been looking for Roadside Assistence. I've found multiple that seem ok, but I think I also have to check if they taken non resident. Another option is the company I have Roadside Assistence at in The Netherlands, Allianze, who are worldwide. Maybe they have an option to get me Roadside Assistence in the US.
Do you guys have any recommendations on car insurances? Any good companies that are specialised in classic cars? And how about Roadside Assistence? What are your experiences?
I've taken up holidays these weeks, have had no real time of since June, so this is quite welcome. Started to do some work in the house that had to be done for some time, and started to get some more in the preperation for our trip.
Now I've come to a quite difficult part: getting an insurance for the van. As we are no US residents, this is different from how it normally works. When I google about it, no real good info comes up. There are companies that offer an non resident insurance, but not for vehicles older then 20 years. On some travel forums I found that Progressive might sell it, but there is nothing on their website. Also found that the AAA says Travel Guard might be able to sell it. So I'm going to get in contact with these companies first, see what they can do.
I've also been looking for Roadside Assistence. I've found multiple that seem ok, but I think I also have to check if they taken non resident. Another option is the company I have Roadside Assistence at in The Netherlands, Allianze, who are worldwide. Maybe they have an option to get me Roadside Assistence in the US.
Do you guys have any recommendations on car insurances? Any good companies that are specialised in classic cars? And how about Roadside Assistence? What are your experiences?
uante- Number of posts : 1466
Location : Tempe, Arizona
Age : 61
Registration date : 2014-01-26
- Post n°41
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
I use Hagerty collector car insurance, not sure if they can help in your case but it's worth a call to find out.
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°42
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
I think it is time for an update, since I've made some progress in the preparation for our trip.
First thing is the auto insurance. I found out it is not possible for me, without a zipcode in the USA, to get an insurance directly from the insurance company. I've tried many by email, and most of them replied it was not possible for them. I guess emailing is not the way to get something done. But putting bits and pieces of answers together, I found out it is better to get an independent agent, who can help me better and knows the way.
So for now, my plan is to search for a car first, and look for an insurance agent in the area where the car is. Althought there is one company, AIG Travel Guard, who might be able to do something. The AAA told me to get to them. I just send them a mail to see what they can do for me.
Another thing is that I found a Supervan I was interested in to buy. It was located in Arizona, very dry so no rust. But it was in need of a repairs that all together was quite much. RodStRace here on VV was a great help to me, he was able to look at the van for me. Also thanks to Uant and Donivan for advise! In the end, the van was sold before I made my decision. So the search continues!
First thing is the auto insurance. I found out it is not possible for me, without a zipcode in the USA, to get an insurance directly from the insurance company. I've tried many by email, and most of them replied it was not possible for them. I guess emailing is not the way to get something done. But putting bits and pieces of answers together, I found out it is better to get an independent agent, who can help me better and knows the way.
So for now, my plan is to search for a car first, and look for an insurance agent in the area where the car is. Althought there is one company, AIG Travel Guard, who might be able to do something. The AAA told me to get to them. I just send them a mail to see what they can do for me.
Another thing is that I found a Supervan I was interested in to buy. It was located in Arizona, very dry so no rust. But it was in need of a repairs that all together was quite much. RodStRace here on VV was a great help to me, he was able to look at the van for me. Also thanks to Uant and Donivan for advise! In the end, the van was sold before I made my decision. So the search continues!
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°43
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Well you got a plan,,,,,,,,keep looking in our For Sale sections and if you see something you like, let us know and we will see if we can get someone to check it out for you,,,,,,,,
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°44
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
For sure will, Don!
edfields- Number of posts : 71
Location : San Francisco
Registration date : 2015-04-19
- Post n°45
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Thijs, I like the sound of your plan. Truly the American dream, right?
As an Southern Arizona native, a couple thoughts for the first leg of your trip through the Southwest:
- If you're arriving in May/summer, temperatures will be in excess of 40C in the desert. Engine temp and cabin temp would be a big concern, and realistically a safety hazard, especially if you are unfamiliar with desert conditions... Heat exhaustion, dehydration, potential for break-down in remote areas. Worth some research and consideration for that time of the year.
- Driving through Mexico. You might get a lot of mixed opinion on this. Safety in the border area has improved in the last couple years, but be aware that you are crossing through remote areas that are common to drug and human trafficking. Chances are you would probably be fine, but your vehicle will stand out, and you will need to purchase separate insurance for your vehicle before you cross the border. But maybe I'm just paranoid from when I got arrested there 15 years ago
- On a positive note, I'm glad you're driving through this area because it's absolutely beautiful, and particularly interesting if you haven't spent time in a desert. My wife is a Swede and all our European friends find the desert facisnating. Didn't realize how true that is until being gone for 10 years.
I'll be interested in your progress - good luck!!
As an Southern Arizona native, a couple thoughts for the first leg of your trip through the Southwest:
- If you're arriving in May/summer, temperatures will be in excess of 40C in the desert. Engine temp and cabin temp would be a big concern, and realistically a safety hazard, especially if you are unfamiliar with desert conditions... Heat exhaustion, dehydration, potential for break-down in remote areas. Worth some research and consideration for that time of the year.
- Driving through Mexico. You might get a lot of mixed opinion on this. Safety in the border area has improved in the last couple years, but be aware that you are crossing through remote areas that are common to drug and human trafficking. Chances are you would probably be fine, but your vehicle will stand out, and you will need to purchase separate insurance for your vehicle before you cross the border. But maybe I'm just paranoid from when I got arrested there 15 years ago
- On a positive note, I'm glad you're driving through this area because it's absolutely beautiful, and particularly interesting if you haven't spent time in a desert. My wife is a Swede and all our European friends find the desert facisnating. Didn't realize how true that is until being gone for 10 years.
I'll be interested in your progress - good luck!!
econopoor- Econoline Guru
- Number of posts : 1747
Location : Jackson TN
Registration date : 2010-04-18
- Post n°46
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Hi Tice, I use Grundy insurance but they are geared more towards the car collector. To do something like you are wanting you probably will only be able to get liability insurance. That will cover you legal responsibility here but it won't protect your investment. You may want to talk to your provider you have now and see if they can offer some coverage for it.
Duane
Duane
samsvan- Number of posts : 672
Location : Sarasota, Fl.
Age : 61
Registration date : 2014-09-04
- Post n°47
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°48
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Thanks for messages guys. That's quite an uplifting story Sam, haha.
Ed, thanks for your advise. It is really the American dream for us Europeans!
We have been talking a lot about the possible risks the desert (and the rest of our trip) brings with it, my girlfriend Robin is very good at thinking up al possible dangers So all you name have come to our mind. We have also spoken to several friends who have been there, to hear about their experiences.
Yesterday we have put our trip plans to maps with average high temperatures (https://weather.com/maps/averages/normal-temperature) to have some sort of idea what kind of temperaturezones there are. Ofcourse these are averages, local situations can ofcourse be very different, but it is something... Also, we have found a van (YES!!), but we will come more from the east then we first expected. So we changed our plans, trying to avoid the most of the heat.
So coming in from the east about half of May, we will first visit Phoenix and surrounding, then go up to Death Valley and Las Vegas. Depending on our experience with the van around Phoenix, we might want to rent a car with airconditioning for a day or so to visit Death Valley, but we'll see about that. Keeping it an option. We try to have that part done before June and the higher temps that brings.
Then, after Las Vegas, we will go to the Grand Canyon and pick up our original planned route, going east from there, up to the Rockys, going west again from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. We plan to drive south over the highway to San Diego and then follow the coast heading north, all the way up to Oregon. And then, pick up the original plans again.
So, no Mexico for us. To hot for us, both temperature and temper, haha. I hear it is beautiful though, but probalby better to go some other time of the year and just fly in somewhere south...
I'm looking forward to see the south of Arizona, never seen desert like that, of what I hear it looks like. It is indeed fascinating.
And about the auto insurance; I have been checking my provider, but they are not able to give an auto insurance in the US. Of all the information I have gathered so far, I have found out best thing is to do is get to a local agent in the US, and ask them to help out. I think the insurance thing is the most complex part of all this. Most of the things we need to arrange are quite easy to get information on, but untill now, the auto insurance is the thing I can't really find good info on. So I hope a local agent can help me with that.
Ed, thanks for your advise. It is really the American dream for us Europeans!
We have been talking a lot about the possible risks the desert (and the rest of our trip) brings with it, my girlfriend Robin is very good at thinking up al possible dangers So all you name have come to our mind. We have also spoken to several friends who have been there, to hear about their experiences.
Yesterday we have put our trip plans to maps with average high temperatures (https://weather.com/maps/averages/normal-temperature) to have some sort of idea what kind of temperaturezones there are. Ofcourse these are averages, local situations can ofcourse be very different, but it is something... Also, we have found a van (YES!!), but we will come more from the east then we first expected. So we changed our plans, trying to avoid the most of the heat.
So coming in from the east about half of May, we will first visit Phoenix and surrounding, then go up to Death Valley and Las Vegas. Depending on our experience with the van around Phoenix, we might want to rent a car with airconditioning for a day or so to visit Death Valley, but we'll see about that. Keeping it an option. We try to have that part done before June and the higher temps that brings.
Then, after Las Vegas, we will go to the Grand Canyon and pick up our original planned route, going east from there, up to the Rockys, going west again from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. We plan to drive south over the highway to San Diego and then follow the coast heading north, all the way up to Oregon. And then, pick up the original plans again.
So, no Mexico for us. To hot for us, both temperature and temper, haha. I hear it is beautiful though, but probalby better to go some other time of the year and just fly in somewhere south...
I'm looking forward to see the south of Arizona, never seen desert like that, of what I hear it looks like. It is indeed fascinating.
And about the auto insurance; I have been checking my provider, but they are not able to give an auto insurance in the US. Of all the information I have gathered so far, I have found out best thing is to do is get to a local agent in the US, and ask them to help out. I think the insurance thing is the most complex part of all this. Most of the things we need to arrange are quite easy to get information on, but untill now, the auto insurance is the thing I can't really find good info on. So I hope a local agent can help me with that.
vanny- Moderator
- Number of posts : 14775
Location : Ashburnham, MA
Age : 65
Registration date : 2012-09-22
- Post n°49
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
So Tice, did you end up buying Tim's second Gen Ford or something else?
I hope you have a Fun Adventure in the U.S.A. ! Also, we'd love to see some pics of your adventure once it becomes a reality. I'm glad to hear that you've got a van hope you get the insurance figured out.
I've got a long time friend who is in the insurance business and I'll ask her if she has any suggestions for your situation.
Vanny
I hope you have a Fun Adventure in the U.S.A. ! Also, we'd love to see some pics of your adventure once it becomes a reality. I'm glad to hear that you've got a van hope you get the insurance figured out.
I've got a long time friend who is in the insurance business and I'll ask her if she has any suggestions for your situation.
Vanny
_________________
“The future will soon be a thing of the past."
http://public.fotki.com/Vintage-Vans/vintage-vans-es/ruff-diamond-1/?cmd=fs_slideshow
edfields- Number of posts : 71
Location : San Francisco
Registration date : 2015-04-19
- Post n°50
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Link or pics of the van you found? I happen to like vans!
vanny- Moderator
- Number of posts : 14775
Location : Ashburnham, MA
Age : 65
Registration date : 2012-09-22
- Post n°51
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
@ Ed Fields and Tice84: You know the saying here, "If there's no pictures, it never really happened" ... just kidding but yes, we'd all LOVE to see some pics if you get a chance.
@ Tice84: By the way, I spoke with my insurance person and she talked with the owner and said that the main problem with insuring in a foreign country is that you need a residential address to insure. They said that insurance laws can vary quite a bit state by state also.
They said that they actually have a client that is going to be doing some work in Costa Rica and needs to get vehicle insurance there. They are working on it for him. So, they said that either you find an insurance company in the Netherlands that can get it set up for you or look further into the specialty insurances like Grundy and ask them if they have some type of special insurance that would cover your situation.
Evidently, this situation doesn't seem to happen very often at least in their world. Please let us know how it turns out because who knows, maybe someone else might end up in the same situation someday and need some assistance.
@ Tice84: By the way, I spoke with my insurance person and she talked with the owner and said that the main problem with insuring in a foreign country is that you need a residential address to insure. They said that insurance laws can vary quite a bit state by state also.
They said that they actually have a client that is going to be doing some work in Costa Rica and needs to get vehicle insurance there. They are working on it for him. So, they said that either you find an insurance company in the Netherlands that can get it set up for you or look further into the specialty insurances like Grundy and ask them if they have some type of special insurance that would cover your situation.
Evidently, this situation doesn't seem to happen very often at least in their world. Please let us know how it turns out because who knows, maybe someone else might end up in the same situation someday and need some assistance.
_________________
“The future will soon be a thing of the past."
http://public.fotki.com/Vintage-Vans/vintage-vans-es/ruff-diamond-1/?cmd=fs_slideshow
Tice84- Number of posts : 124
Location : Utrecht, The Netherlands
Registration date : 2015-10-10
- Post n°52
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Well, I didn't really find the van, all credits go to Duane Econopoor. After my post in the wanted section, he contacted me because he knew about a van for sale. He got me in touch with the owner, and has been a great help to me from there on.
It is a 1966 Supervan, original Californian van, great shape, only some surface rust. Duane and his friend put some new parts in it, so it drives well. It already had newer seat upholstery, which also very welcome The guys are currently doing some more work on the car to get it in even better shape, so it will be in top condition for our trip. As you understand, we are very thankfull for all the help we get! I'm at work now, I'll get to posting pics later, hope I can get some time for it tonight.
At work it is all getting to a climax now, I'm managing a project that has to be finished just before we leave. Funny thing is all I can think about is driving the van in the USA, haha.
Thanks for checking the insurance issue with your friend, vanny. I've been digging in some more info on it, and have read more stories of more people from the Netherlands who have been trying to do the same. It all comes to the adress you need, like you said. I've read some people even managed to get in insurance using a hotel adress.... Don't think that would be very handy, but there should be possibilities.
It is a 1966 Supervan, original Californian van, great shape, only some surface rust. Duane and his friend put some new parts in it, so it drives well. It already had newer seat upholstery, which also very welcome The guys are currently doing some more work on the car to get it in even better shape, so it will be in top condition for our trip. As you understand, we are very thankfull for all the help we get! I'm at work now, I'll get to posting pics later, hope I can get some time for it tonight.
At work it is all getting to a climax now, I'm managing a project that has to be finished just before we leave. Funny thing is all I can think about is driving the van in the USA, haha.
Thanks for checking the insurance issue with your friend, vanny. I've been digging in some more info on it, and have read more stories of more people from the Netherlands who have been trying to do the same. It all comes to the adress you need, like you said. I've read some people even managed to get in insurance using a hotel adress.... Don't think that would be very handy, but there should be possibilities.
vanny- Moderator
- Number of posts : 14775
Location : Ashburnham, MA
Age : 65
Registration date : 2012-09-22
- Post n°53
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
Congrats Tice, I'm glad that Duane was able to get you hooked up with a nice van! I hope to one day be able to meet him in person because he's a Great asset to this site as well as many others who go out of their way to assist vanners who share the same passion for these gems!!!
At-A-Boy Duane and Friends! Got any pics you could share? Hint, hint, hint
At-A-Boy Duane and Friends! Got any pics you could share? Hint, hint, hint
_________________
“The future will soon be a thing of the past."
http://public.fotki.com/Vintage-Vans/vintage-vans-es/ruff-diamond-1/?cmd=fs_slideshow
uante- Number of posts : 1466
Location : Tempe, Arizona
Age : 61
Registration date : 2014-01-26
- Post n°54
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
That's great Tice! Especially the way it's gone down with Duane being able to tighten it up a bit before you get here. Looking forward to the Pics!
econopoor- Econoline Guru
- Number of posts : 1747
Location : Jackson TN
Registration date : 2010-04-18
- Post n°55
Re: Thijs and Robin's USA adventure trip
This is the Van. It was a Pac Bell van. It's in very solid condition. No rust. It had a wrap on it and was being used for advertising. 170, three speed with a factory 9 inch. Runs good. New clutch, alt, radiator, and I'm not sure what else. My friend Jim bought it to fix up but changed his mind and bought a 66 pickup instead. I'm going through some things trying to make sure it's roadworthy. Not much can go wrong with these. They are pretty simple. We'll put together a road package for Tice as well. Some SAE wrenches and things he doesn't have. And a list of people across this country incase he has trouble. I'm sure there are enough of us to help him along if need be.
Duane.
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