Hello and thanks in advance for your help!

I just joined this forum, so take it easy on me!

The van that I am looking to purchase has 70,000 miles on is and cosmetically it is in amazing shape. Garage kept. It has the 302 V8. What are some of the things I should look out for when I am inspecting this vehicle?

Thanks!

 

Seals. At this point, it's not the mileage, it's the age. Expect seals to be shot. All seals. Rubber in window tracks, door seals, etc. Corrosion in electrical connections. Basically, if it's electrical, clean it. If it's rubber, replace it. That thing is 34 years old. That's pretty old for rubber parts.

Of course, get under it and look for rust. Two things to know about rust:

1. It's never lonely. (If you see it, there's more.)
2. It never sleeps.

 

Sounds like a nice, well-taken care of van, but as stated, it's OLD and many things deteriorate with age (brake lines, fuel lines, hoses, belts, etc.) … I would be looking to see if that year is still carbureted, and the age of the tires. Hopefully, you can get some good service / maintenance info from the previous owner. Best of luck in your "classic van" purchase !!

 

You’re looking at a project/liability, NOT an asset. I hope you’re a capable mechanic. Because if not; then you’ll need to PAY a capable mechanic. And that’s going to be difficult in itself because most mechanics are repelled by old vehicles. They like making money and they like the generations they’re comfortable with. It’ll be difficult for you to find a mechanic that is comfortable with a 35 year old vehicle. Especially if you are located where snow (read: salt) occurs.
Youll be OK if you’re seeking a fun/unique project as opposed to daily use for running a business or transporting your family.

 

This is excellent advice. Buy this as a toy, and you'll probably be happy with it. Buy it as inexpensive transportation, and you will regret it.

 

Is it duel tanks? Does the switch work? Its a pain to fix. Also expect dry rot on the tires depending on their age. The drivers and passenger floorboards next to the engine cover for rust but if garage kept it hopefully is a non-issue. How long has it sat since last driven and gas put in the tank? Ethanol fuel doesn't like to sit long periods (100 percent gas doesn't do much better). Turn on the key and check that all the dash lights are functioning.

 

I recently purchaced an 89 e 150. 900 dollars. It sat for a while . when i checked it out , The first thing I noticed was the PO had taped the rear fuel door shut. The selector swich mechanisim underneath had been bypassed so that the front tank was the only one operable. Apparently the part is NLA. I'm in the process of installing an inline fuel pump so I can fill the rear tank and transfer to the front while we are crusing along. 15 gallons goes fast driving in the mountians.

There are quite a few things that have gone wrong over the year we have owned it. Brakes siezed up @ 70 mph. Back wheel flew off @60 mph. mysterious alternator failure.Random check engine codes. I am a compentent mechanic and I carry enough tools to rebuild almost anything roadside. That being said, good deal for us. If you aren't prepared for that sort of adventure, I'd avoid such an old vehicle. I spend a few hours a week replacing worn out parts, which is my hobby, so I enjoy it. That would be a drag if it wasnt.

 

[QUOTE=chardog1971;18719929]I recently purchaced an 89 e 150. 900 dollars.
It sat for a while . when i checked it out ,
The first thing I noticed was the PO had taped the rear fuel door shut.
The selector swich mechanisim
underneath had been bypassed
so that the front tank was the only one operable.

Apparently the part is NLA.

[QUOTE]

Rock Auto has Fuel Selector Mechanism/ Valve
Available for $51.79 + s&h.
they call it Fuel Tank Selector Valve
Brand - Standard Motor Products
pn - FV5

it fits '87-'91 any size gas engine.
(according to Rock Auto website
some 460s has Pin connector
( pn FV5) $52
on Fuel Selector Valve,
some have Blade connector
(pn FV11) $250

Skills and some correct connectors
from auto parts Store
can make the $52 part Fit.
3M electrical tape,
or better yet
Heat Shrink, will make a Pro looking repair.

PS
Ignore
the Used car salesman sounding
posters,
( as long as you are Not in the Rust Belt)
keep up on Maintenance
and your truck/van will OutLast
the newer designs,
and you will be better able
to afford to Keep it running
since it has Much less parts
and it's Much Much Much
Easier to work on.



.

.

 

[QUOTE=EarlT500;18741988][QUOTE=chardog1971;18719929]I recently purchaced an 89 e 150. 900 dollars.
The simpler … the better in my book, if you want to maintain a vehicle yourself for a long time with low cost, you definitely want a well-taken-care-of older model with MUCH LESS electronics / computers / gizmos.

 

Skip this one go for an 1988 -1991 w EFI and OD trans you will get much better milage and no dual tanks.