Wheeler Dealers A100 show

Just watched the Wheeler/Dealers show 11-1-17. They reworked a 65 A100 window van. Installed independent front end, with air bags, installed V8. added automatic (long tailshaft). Turned out nice. But did not show enough details.

Yes it would have been nice to see how they hooked up the steering box

Yeah, your right.  With the rack behind were the column exits the floor panel. Would have been nice to see that.
UPDATE:: just FB wheeler dealers about steering linkage pictures. Said that the van was sold...But they would see in they have any photos...wait to see , if they do.

maybe they used the VW steering
90 degree box

Don't know what that is. But on the show , you could see the rack for a second.

My coworker told me about that episode, so I watched it this morning. They also only showed a glimpse of the rear suspension for a second. I wonder if the spindles they used for the front end also allowed for a disc brake upgrade?

The front end system they used was one of the aftermarket Mustang II type systems. Used by street rodders. Most, if not all use a 11" disc brake rotor .
Also I tried to recontact Wheeler Dealers about steering linkage photos...nothing yet.

Wheeler Dealers said that there were NO photos. But added that there were only 2 u joints in the linkage from the column to the rack.

I wonder what Mustang IFS kit they used. I'd be interested in copying what they did.

Yeah, I didn't care for the surfer interior and the shower but they did some nice work.

I kind of like the (bed liner spray material ?) sand look painted interior treatment.

rustytoolss wrote:Just watched the Wheeler/Dealers show 11-1-17. They reworked a 65 A100 window van. Installed independent front end, with air bags, installed V8. added automatic (long tailshaft). Turned out nice. But did not show enough details.

Did they just cut the driveshaft down to accommodate it?

They had to,with that long tail shaft transmission. These shows never show enough details ! But spend lots of time plugging things like the air bag system and compressors.
Sure would have been nice to to steering setup, front crossmember (manufacture ??), rear suspension (air bags system) , driveshaft, and less time on the shower system.

Hey everybody! I’m the guy that actually bought the van. The whole oversees buyer thing was just for the show cause the van wasn’t actually done when they filmed that part. Anyway... if anybody needs any pics just lemme know I’m glad to help! Text me. 516-848-8421

Also... the van wasn’t as perfect as they made it seem. They definitely did an awesome job on the aesthetics and finishes than on the motor. It has all new windows, rubber mounding, door mouldings and seals. The tan bedliner is awesome and very nicely done. I’m a detail oriented freak so I was very plesently surprised at the quality of work that was put in to the details and interior. The shower is actually really cool too. I’m removing the table though, as it’s kinda corny in my opinion lol but I’m gonna cut it up n make a cup holder out of the front part of the board...
The motor/mechanical work was not as great tho. The motor is running smooth now, after a $900 bill from my mechanic, which wheeler dealers is reimburseing. Basically the van showed up Mom running. The alternator n voltage regulator they installed couldn’t handle all the accessories in the van and would not charge the battery. We had to get an electric voltage regulator installed and the alternator had to be more than doubled in power output. Also the carb needed major adjusting because it was dumping so much gas that u couldn’t go more than a block without flooding. Then the radiator was leaking but that ended up just being a loose hose luckily. All this was fixed by my mechanic and it runs really strong now. Still a real bitch to get started in the cold tho. Anybody know what I can do to fix that?! Only thing left is that the rear main seal is leaking but for now I’m gonna just ignore it lol cause it’s too cold outside for me to fix. But overall, now that the bugs were worked out, I love this thing and can’t wait to drive it more than the one day I have since it arrived...

Lets talk about the choke,,,,,is it closing all the way when the engine is cold and you step down on the gas pedal 1 time,,,,,if its an automatic choke, it should be closed when the engine is cold and open up automatically about 1/4" to let SOME air in to let the engine run,,,,,,so,,,,,,does it close,,,,does it open up a LITTLE when it starts,,,,,,if it opens up more than that the engine wont run,,,if it doesnt open up ever,,,,the engine wont run,,,,,,,so what do you see?

Sure would be nice if you could post some detailed pic's of the steering /rack/ front suspension/air bag setup. And of the rear air bag suspension. I also thought the surf board table was to large to live with. Welcome aboard !

I’m gonna check First thing in the morning and let you know

rustytoolss wrote:Sure would be nice if you could post some detailed pic's of the steering /rack/ front suspension/air bag setup. And of the rear air bag suspension. I also thought the surf board table was to large to live with. Welcome aboard !

Actually this is my second a100. Had one a while back and was on here all the time but I’m back now. I’ll def post some pics ASAP of the underside

Wow....good to know the new owner......thank you

Cool! Looks great and I’m glad to see another 60s shorty van saved.

Awesome man, congrats! I’ll be hitting you up for some details in the near future!

Yes, Please post photos of your steering system. I would love to install independent front suspension but the steering is the tough part. As for your carburetor, why not ditch it and put in a FiTech EFI system? I am completing my install now. Have several friends who love theirs and say it's goodbye to starting issues.

Is it me or is this post even real

What is it you find questionable about my post?

Not yours sir, Pictures that never seam to show up