Questions to ask when shopping.

Hello, everyone. First off, an introduction. My name is Aaron Sullivan. I was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, and now I live closer to our capital city with my wife. I have always loved old cars. In the past, I have owned both a 77 MG Midget and a 74 Plymouth Duster. My father owns a 70 Lemans. I have a bit of money that I'd like to pick up a project with, and there's a decent looking, mechanically sound A100 van nearby. I plan on looking at it today, but I'm also going to look around for an A100 truck. Basically, I want an old vehicle, and I also need a vehicle that I can either haul things in, or haul people in. Neither of mine or my wife's daily drivers fit that bill.

So, I figured I would come here and ask the experts a few questions before I go out shopping for an A100 of my own. Hope you all don't mind, and maybe soon, I'll be a part of the family.

1) What sorts of options are sought after/worth looking for? Does window configuration have any bearing on price as it does with some trucks?

2) What are some issues I should ask about/be aware of/look for?

3) I have been told a vintage air system will fit the vehicle, but I wanted to double check as the space around the engine seems... cramped. And AC is a must down here.

4) Where is the best place to find parts for these vehicles, and how hard are they to come by? One of the problems I had with the duster was that many parts were not remade by anyone I could find.

5) Any additional recommendations on things to read/research/look at/fun common modifications/ideas/etc? I'm all ears.


I know it's a lot of nit-picky questions, but I jumped headlong into my last project, and that was a mistake. This time, I want to be sure of it before I lay down the money.

Sully1190 wrote:
1) What sorts of options are sought after/worth looking for? Does window configuration have any bearing on price as it does with some trucks?

2) What are some issues I should ask about/be aware of/look for?

3) I have been told a vintage air system will fit the vehicle, but I wanted to double check as the space around the engine seems... cramped. And AC is a must down here.

4) Where is the best place to find parts for these vehicles, and how hard are they to come by? One of the problems I had with the duster was that many parts were not remade by anyone I could find.

1) Usually a window van is worth less than a panel van… but it ALL depends on the van's CONDITION!  Usually short wheelbase vans are considered more desirable than the long wheelbase vans.

2) RUST…  try to find the best body you can, with the least amount of rust and body damage.  If you start with a clean, rust free body, you will be miles ahead of the game!  Its worth it to pay more for a clean rust free body!  If you cannot find anything rust free locally, Consider looking for a van in the desert or out west and have it shipped to you.  

3) The vintage air system will be a universal type install.  There is no 'kit' for these vans, so you likely will need to do some fabrication to put A/C in your van.  You mount the vintage air unit under the dash in place of the factory heater box, which you remove.  The engine will require a compressor mounted on it.  You may have to fabricate brackets, or maybe you can find some aftermarket, depending what engine you are running. You should be able to make the compressor fit in the doghouse. The A100 doghouse has more room than the 1st gen chevy or early econoline, plus the a100's doghouse is removable, which is a huge plus!

4) Salvage yards, Craigslist, ebay, and this forum, and pretty much the best sources for hard to find parts for early vans

Thanks for the info! I'll keep shipping one in in mind, though I /really/ prefer to be able to look at a vehicle in person and test drive it. And it's good to know that the air system will work. That's what I had been told before, about swapping the heater box. I just wasn't sure about the compressor fitting in the doghouse.

I would not worry so much about the wheelbase whether it is a long or short one. The biggest issue is rust. If you can find one without it or only little then the better off you'll be. And like kooky said, less windows or doors is usually more but don't take it as any sorts of a guideline as opinions vary from one pair of nostrils to the next.

I'd get one that appeals to you, regardless of whether it is more or less desirable than another. More than likely you will have to travel lots to find one. These things aren't on every corner, and sightings are rare. And be prepared to pay accordingly. Don't let one get away because the owner stands firm on his price, and hopefully you're looking at one that is priced intelligently, not by someone looking to retire off the sale! Then again it seems you never find what you're looking for, it usually pops up when you don't have the money and aren't looking! (at least in my case) I found mine while working, taking a break at a gas station and day dreaming, looking out across a parking lot and there was an A100 sitting by itself. I had no money, wasn't looking to buy anything but strolled over to it and lo and behold, there was a for sale sign in the window! Needless to say, I found some money pretty quick and went back days later and bought it. It seems some of the rare parts are finally being reproduced: headlight bezels, turn signal lenses, etc... and there are suitable alternatives on many wear items. Check out the yahoo owners group for A100's for more info 

lws67, very good looking van in your avatar. More pics somewhere?

Welcome to VV!!!

Thanks. Hopefully soon I'll have something to show. The van I'm looking at has another buyer interested. Gotta wait and see if he falls through first.

welcome !!

Welcome and enjoy the adventure.

Welcome to the VV Forum! Your in the right place