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The hoopty.

FOR SALE:

GOOD HEATER

Originally Posted by motoguy128

I'd like to see it running. Most of those older caravans that are still running (far and few between) often burn more oil that gasoline.... and it oftne only took 50-70k miles to get that way. If I remember right that generation I think was known for defective piston rings or a flawed desing somewhow. I also think 1 in 4 transmission were know to fail before 100k miles.

Only the Mitsubishi SOHC 3.0 V6 was known for burning oil, and it was defective valve guides and valve stem seals. The Chrysler OHV 3.3/3.8 (same basic block, 3.8 is a bored and stroked 3.3) are great. The TBI 4 cylinders (2.2/2.5) are OKish but like to blow head gaskets and leak oil from the valve cover gasket.

The tranny trouble was caused by cheapskate owners and repair shops putting in the wrong fluid, compounded by weak hard parts. The A604/41TE and all later Chrysler electronic transmissions absolutely required ATF+3 type 7176 fluid, and now require ATF+4 type 9602.

Dexron is less slippery than 7176 or 9602, this caused harsh shifting and shuddering that overstressed the hard parts like a sun gear weld and eventually made them break.

http://www.centerforqa.com
http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

When I started I worked out of one of these. Beat-to-hell, million miles on it, cracked windshield, no PS or PB, stick shift, no a/c or radio, door stuck in open position, no seat belts.
You guys have it so easy!

This one is nice compared to the POS I drove.

I can relate. I drive an 87 Dodge Ram 50 when I'm not working. I don't care; I've got no one to impress. It looks like hell, but runs perfectly because it's well maintained. If it breaks on the side of the road, I can fix almost anything on it with a set of metric combination wrenches, a basic socket set, and a roll of electrical tape.

Yeah, I could afford much better, but why do I need anything more? Because society says "This is what successful people drive"? Eff that.

I have a winter beater that I got for free from a family friend who was going to scrap it. It's a 1991 Toyota Previa AWD, and has 346,000 miles on it. Still runs like a top, too!

I'd like to see it running. Most of those older caravans that are still running (far and few between) often burn more oil that gasoline.... and it oftne only took 50-70k miles to get that way. If I remember right that generation I think was known for defective piston rings or a flawed desing somewhow. I also think 1 in 4 transmission were know to fail before 100k miles.

My first van when I started my own biz was a Astro conversion. I ripped all the interior out and made shelves, bought a ladder rack, made my own tube with 6"PVC, and went to work! Had it for two years.

Originally Posted by kneehigh

At least the guy is working and not mooching off of our government.

You got that right.
I remember a time when I had little money and couldn't afford much better, but I worked and advanced- so I can't judge this guy- he may end up rich one day.


I still have an old worn 2000 chevy tracker I drive around sometimes. It runs a little rough and rattles some, but it's paid for and gets me where I'm going. People ask why I don't buy new. I could, but I like my little tracker and I don't need to impress those with 500 a month car payments. Besides, I don't worry about dings and dents and I work this car around the property hauling wood, limbs and other jobs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrbJZ...5&feature=plcp



Now my work truck is a reflection of me and my company- it must look good and professional.

Some people just don't believe in replacing things if they still can be used . If this guy is just doing new construction and not any service calls , why replace the van if it runs ? It's not like he's using it to advertise like some contractors do . If it ain't broke , why fix it ? He probably gets a lot of work because he can keep his prices low because he's not making payments on a 30,000 dollar van

Originally Posted by kneehigh

At least the guy is working and not mooching off of our government.

Roger that.

Where are the flames down the side?

Now that is a custom rig

It's amazing, there are dings and dents all over this van but the hood ornament is untouched and shiny!

Maybe he's restoring the van and thats where he started.

Originally Posted by trouble time

We call them BEATERS......
Good for him...I hope he makes enough money to replace the tape on the back windows.
lol

Nah, man....it ain't got enough RUST to qualify as a "beater"

And, that back window has good R-value....

Haha, I'm not trying to slam the guy or anything it's just a jacked up van. It's kind of hard to tell in the picks but the side door stays shut with a piece of metal screwed to the door and back panel.

At least it doesnt have a foamed-in door. Oh Damn! There it is..

It's a tract construction site, what do you expect?

At least the guy is working and not mooching off of our government.

Looks about right.