Newbie needing guidance on selecting a van

Hi, all. Newbie here, with nothing but sheer passion for the looks of the old school vans. It started a few years back when I saw a guy at Lowe's with a vintage van in superb shape. I don't even recall the model, but all I knew was that it was bad ass! I recently ran into a guy in town that has an A100 in good shape and decided I needed one. I'd always loved the VW vans as a kid, but the USA produced vans hit me in a way no VW van ever has. I get this churning, excitement inside when thinking of driving one down the road. I always thought it was sports cars that floated my boat, but this is a different thing. I need a van!

My wife and I have an estate sale business and we need a van for utility. (My wife is on board, so I don't have to fight that battle.) Why get a boring, new van when we could really show off in a super cool vintage one? We want to use it for advertising our business and the retro aspect and attention it would garner would be perfect all the way around. We had considered wrapping a vehicle, but that costs thousands and a vintage van would be so much more fun.

Now that you know I am serious and love these things, I would like advice as to which model is the most reliable? I am NOT a tinkerer nor a project guy, so I want to find a turnkey van at whatever point, but I want something that mechanically is reliable and cosmetically sound. If it's reasonable, something I can take to my local shop and have basic work completed. The gentleman here who owns the A100 said it's a Dodge Dart engine and is bullet proof. He also said parts can be found at NAPA, etc. He's had the wiring redone, for whatever that's worth. I know rust seems to be an issue on many old timers, so I understand that component.

My goal is to have something I can actually use to move boxes, a sofa, etc and that is reliable around town as well for a 4-5 hour trip a time or two a year. Any suggestions are great. When I am ready to make a move and find a turnkey, how do I know it really is turnkey? (I.E. what things are musts mechanically that need to be done to a particular model.) I know there is a lot to cover here, so anything is appreciated. Again, I am deaf, dumb and blind other than knowing what models I love (the main ones found on this site) and knowing that I need a super cool van. By the way, when I do buy something, I can see spending $8,000 or so based on what I have seen on Ebay if that gets me a ready to roll vehicle. I would prefer a model with windows, but that isn't a must. Thanks, Lee

Welcome!!!! I don't think you can lose with any of the makes. The key to a early van is always the body. Bodywork alone will cost more than getting the drive train in order. For space for loading boxes you might want a 108 model or a supervan. Finding parts it seems Econolines are the easiest and Chevy & Dodge are about the same a little harder but stuff is still out there.

Sometimes the first van you find is not really the van to buy, not saying this A100 isn't your van. Just don't fall in love with a bigger project than you want.

After you get a van if you have any questions be sure to ask because thats what we are here for.

A couple of points I'd like to add:
1) These vans were all made in the 60's and are +/-40 years old, even long lasting parts may need to be replaced to make them daily drivers (shocks, bushings, wheel cylinders etc). With that in mind you'll either want a van that's been babied all its life or one that someone else has already been doing quality restoration work on. Obviously it would be unrealistic to buy one out of a barn/field and want to drive 300 miles in it without going through the basics. You also don't want a van someone has been doing bad mechanics on. Luckily in the price range you spoke of there are some vans that have already been "gone through" to get the basic maintenance and repairs out of the way. Obviously "buyer beware" when it comes to a sellers description of a vehicle, his "runs great" might not get you home.

2) As G-Man said, watch for rust and poor body work, some people will paint over rust and sell a used car. If the paint is bubbling from the inside run, don't walk, away from that vehicle.

3) Drivability, you want a daily driver that can make the occasional long trip? I'd recommend an automatic, a 3 speed column shifter isn't the trick for comfort and they (the trans itself) may tend to be geared lower than the autos resulting in lower highway speed (due to higher rpm). I have a manual in mine and clutching that thing in traffic is no fun after awhile.

Setup a custom search on "searchtempest" as well as ebay so you can watch whats on the market for awhile and get an idea of whats out there. Wouldn't hurt to browse the boards here for a bit either.

The "dodge dart engine" the A100 guy was talking about is either the slant six or 273/318 cid V-8's. Dodge shared the driveline combos (engine/trans/rear end) between the A100's and several other cars of the time. Darts/Valiant/Swinger, Plymouth Belvadeers etc. The upside is that if you cant find a driveline part for a van you can probably find it for a Dart etc. (my rear chunk came out of a '70's dodge station wagon)

Good luck

Since you were honest enough to say that you are not a tinkerer and want a turn-key van, I'd suggest finding a good mechanic that will be doing the work on the van. Just as you would go to a pro for business tax help, go to a pro for input on your business van purchase. Have the mechanic go over what your needs are and look over the available vans for sale. Develop a soild relationship.
The next thing to discuss with them is budget. 8k is a lot of money, but the nicer stuff can go that high. Figure out a true budget for this; insurance, operating costs, maintenance, and any changes and extras you will need, like signage, straps and tiedowns, blankets and security.
If you have a sucessful business you know this stuff, but I wanted to note it since you are coming at this a bit different than most of us who are doing it as a hobby.

Greetings fellow newbie, you have some great idea's there. All you need is a good start now, something as stock as possible and well maintained. Any of the early unit's that you see on this site would be suitable. Fun and Work good mix. That wrap idea is extreme but then again an old school van will get you lots of looks..... oh ya. Spend around $5,300. then use the balance of the $8,000. to make it the prefect van for you your wife and the busss.

LEMME SUGGEST A DODGE 108 LONGER VAN FOR LOADS AND THEY ARE CONSIDERABLY EASIER TO FIND AN AUTOMATIC AND YOU CAN GET THE 318 V8 POWER AND EASY TO FIND PARTS FOR.