If you're going for a van, message me. I can hook you up with my conversion designs and schematics. You can buy yourself anything from a GMC, chevy van, ford e series, ram van, all of the schematics work for all makes. But that's not necessarily going to be a priority.
Mechanically,
You want a bitchin running van, you can spend a bit on replacing EVERYTHING that is critical, for maybe 500 bucks. So as long as the engine doesn't tick or knock, youre straight. I would go with an econoline or a chevy van 30. Those things are bitchin. I have owned 3 different vans and worked on plenty of others. Also, take into consideration that junkyards typically will have more and less of certain makes and compatible models. Ford E Series are awesome because you can almost always find damn near everything at any junkyard. Also, if you are quick with a wrench, you can break into asshole towing companies and fuck the piss outta their turf. I ripped off entire fucking tires and the head of an engine before. Try getting that shit over/under a fence hahaha. I would go with something that is more universal, so when problems do arise, you aren't forced to be fucked out on the road wherever you are. Triple A is also going to be your new best friend. totally worth investing in.
back to compatibility, if you are in the south, go with something that can take the heat. yota vans are bitchin for that, as are chevy vans. if you are up north, get something you can insulate easily. Ram van parts are pricy new, but there typically are a shitload of parts all over the nation if you just hitch to wherever your shit is needed to be picked outta the junkyard.
Fresh specs:
Whenever I buy a used van (or any other vehicle for that matter) I go for something with around 100k on it. 200k on fords and diesels. Diesels are spendy to work on, but you can do so much with them. I have ran one on listerine before. REAL SHIT. you can kick the shit outta those things and nothings gonna get too fucked up. Compression as apposed to spark is always a plus, but there are cons you'll have to weigh out. Get something that you can afford to replace most of the electric, most of the fuel delivery system. You don't know what the fuck the previous owner did to it. Regardless of how fucked up shit is or pretty the chrome is, there are things i replace.
FIRST OIL CHANGE WITH VAN IN YOUR POSSESSION:
take that shit to fuckin sears. they have a chemical they clean out all the grit that only they can get. Some places do it, but for only 20-30 bucks your shit will be FAR less gritty. there after, learn how to change your own oil. Never go synthetic. EVER. oil is fucking oil, and you should change it every 2,500 for extended motor life or 3,000+ if you wanna run it hard and have it die on yuh in two years. Oil is easy.
-Oil Filter
-Use a pop bottle to make a funnel by cutting the bottom off
-use a veggie oil container from a restaurant to dump out your old oil into or whatever can hold as much as 6 or 7 quarts of oil.
-make sure you don't fuck the threading up on your oil pan bolt (i have done it. one too many beers and ended up fucking myself, just looking out)
-if your oil filter is super fucking stuck on that shit, puncture it with a flathead and use the screwdriver as leverage to get that fucker off (DONT WORRY IF YOU THINK ITS STUCK) it never is.
oil is easy. once you get it it's one of the simplest things that will extend the life outta your van.
My partner has a van that has 400,000 miles on it. NO ENGINE REBUILD. it's a 1981 ford van. things a beast.
Is there latency with the gas?
Replace your spark plugs, make sure the distance between the metal tip is adjusted accordingly.
If cheap, replace fuel pump, replace fuel delivery things, fuel regulator, etc.
Do you plan on using your battery (under the hood) to power things like lights and shit?
Get a bitchin alternator. Top of the line, the more amps the better. it won't hurt your car, and only offers you more versatility for what you can do down the road. You can usually find 110 or 120 amp alternators for around 70 bucks NEW. Don't ever get used electric shit. Unless you are just doing your own wiring. It ain't as bad as all my ranting seems. It's relatively easy once you stick your head under the hood and ask yourself and others what each component does, and why it does it.
EXHAUST
if you have an exhaust leak, DONT FLIP OUT JUST YET. most vans can get an exhuast leak and as long is the pressure loss isn't too substantial you can run it for the life of the vehicle. sure you might lose half a mile to the gallon, but that is better than spending 600 bucks on a whole new manifold.
You trying to get laid on the road and be discrete?
Shocks, baby. shocks.
RADIATOR (Unless you're one of those air cooled driving idiots)
does your radiator have spots where there is substantial rust or green spots? YOUR SHIT HAS A FUCKIN HOLE MAN. i typically steal radiators, and sell my old ones to scrappers. They are pricey as fuck. But a radiator shouldnt be a reason not to get a van. It's easily replacable. Also, when you get your hands on the oppertunity, do a full coolant swap. it's always good to do. I did mine in an hour. Easy as fuckin pie. Youtube is now another one of your best friends. Also, replace water pump. it always is good to. don't chance a shitty pump. Serpantine belt and timing chain are always good to replace, but only if they really need it. Ford straight sixes dont have timing chains or belts and are gear driven (FUCK YEAH!)
ANOTHER AWESOME IDEA
if you are able, but yourself a DOUBLE of your vehicle. it doesn't necesarily have to run, but if you for someone who has land, or you got your own, buy one to part out for yourself. I did this with my friends chevy van for him, and it has saved his ass countless times. Great for having. Also, when you use up almost all of it, you can part the rest out or scrap it or do whatever the fuck you feel would be satisfactory.
PRECAUTIONS NOT TO BUY A VAN
1. If the engine is knocking hard, STAY THE FUCK AWAY. it's not worth it. Thrown rods will fuck you in the ass. Also, your block is more likely to seize if you hear knocking. No good man.
2. Tranny skips hard when shifting gears (or in the case of an automatic tranny delayed shifting or scraping sounds) BAD TRANNY, but if you can get a tranny from a pull apart that aint to raped, DO IT.
3. If it creeks when you turn your axels are FUCKED. alignment can also be an issue, but typically can be done for under 60 bucks if you find someone with a lift on craigslist and you can coax em into doin it cheap. ALWAYS offer beer to at home mechanics. makes a hell of a difference in my experiences.
anyway, hope this helps. let me know how your van comes along
anyway, i'm ranting,
if you message me, i can raid craigslist, and tell you the best ones, their pros and cons, and then you can have yourself or some mech savvy bloke check it all out.
