Conversion Vans...

[RiverDave]

Anybody looked at these things lately? They look CRAZY NICE..

http://www.gmcconversionvans.com/new-vehicles/


This is what I believe our next vehicle will be, unless someone can talk me out of it for some reason.

RD

 

[Sleek-Jet]

The ones with the fiberglass cap won't fit in a parking garage. They don't hold their value at all, worse than German Luxury cars.

Great traveling machines, get one with a potty and you don't even have to stop for the kiddos.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Get a used coach.

Vehicles that try to bridge two purposes, rarely do either well.

Brian

 

[ChevelleSB406]

At my days at Allen Cadillac GMC, we sold these things, dying breed as I hear they were huge in the 80's and 90's. They are definitely nice and plush, Explorer is a third party conversion company, they do everything from all these GMC's to airplanes if I remember correctly. Only things I will say, get one if you plan on having it for a long long time, as they do depreciate fast, secondly, fit and finish wise they are still a little bit "chotch", like any conversion anything, limos, etc. You can tell it ain't factory. Its been 5 years since I have been in one, but I would presume them to be the same so just check out whether it passes your sniff test, they are definitely an awesome way to travel, and also pay attention to whether they are maxing out the chassis before you tow anything behind them, the 1500's were a little wallow-y back then. I have a hook up at Allen if you end up looking out this way for one down the road, there is decent mark up in the conversion portion of the window sticker, so nice discounts are available if someone has had it on the lot too long.

 

[DLow]

We roll a 12 person passenger Chevy. I would highly recommend them over a full sized SUV to anyone with more than 2 kids. Any I agree that the conversions lose value much more quickly than the conventional vans. Our next van will most likely be a Benz/Sprinter Diesel.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Lipstick on a pig.

 

[lbhsbz]

Sportsmobile

 

[RiverDave]

When my old man got out of airplanes, we had a conversion van.. (It was custom built by Oak Tree in Escondido back in the day). I ended up driving it for years and years and I loved that thing. Towed car haulers with it, launched boats you name it.

If you click that website, I'm the most interested in is the Chevy Vans with the Southern Comfort conversion. They are about 55K for a 14 that is new.

The used ones on that website don't really reflect the thought process of them losing their resale to quickly.. There's used ones on there for high 40's.

RD

 

[squeezer]

My wife and I have talked about selling our Foretravel and getting one of these.

http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/lounge/

An "Entertainer" style sprinter would also be cool.

http://www.fusz.com/sprintervans/vehicle/custom-3500-sprinter-build/

Or this...

http://www.busforsale.com/buses/bus_detail.php?bus=961&name=Crazy 8


A $65K used sprinter will be worth $50K in 5 years.
A $60K New domestic conversion van will be worth $10K in 5 years...

 

[2FORCEFULL]

When my old man got out of airplanes, we had a conversion van.. (It was custom built by Oak Tree in Escondido back in the day). I ended up driving it for years and years and I loved that thing. Towed car haulers with it, launched boats you name it.

If you click that website, I'm the most interested in is the Chevy Vans with the Southern Comfort conversion. They are about 55K for a 14 that is new.

The used ones on that website don't really reflect the thought process of them losing their resale to quickly.. There's used ones on there for high 40's.

RD

you have to think the whole thought... they got the trade cause someone traded it in..... they give them acv of 20 and roll them in a 60k unit..

 

[Spot]

Those things are awesome and I think they would make a great river runner. They seem very practical.

 

[28Eliminator]

When my old man got out of airplanes, we had a conversion van.. (It was custom built by Oak Tree in Escondido back in the day). I ended up driving it for years and years and I loved that thing. Towed car haulers with it, launched boats you name it.

If you click that website, I'm the most interested in is the Chevy Vans with the Southern Comfort conversion. They are about 55K for a 14 that is new.

The used ones on that website don't really reflect the thought process of them losing their resale to quickly.. There's used ones on there for high 40's.

RD

Those are kinda cool, especially with a big family to haul around. I survived on an assortment of mini vans and suburbans through the kid years [emoji57].

Why don't you buy a base model and have it converted the way you want it?You know enough people that do custom stuff... Schiadavan [emoji106][emoji4]

 

[Blubyu]

Still considered a Soccer mom van.....:thumbsdown

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

If you got a stock van and just had them convert the inside and add that top hat.....and then pimp it out the right way....it won't be so bad and would probably hold its value better. Think Pink Tacos van with the lift and wheels and shit.....but with the inside plushed out. These conversion vans just gotta lose them fugly ass body kits/steps, etc. Just looks like a fancy beaner mobile for a whiteboy.

 

[RiverDave]

My wife and I have talked about selling our Foretravel and getting one of these.

http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/lounge/

An "Entertainer" style sprinter would also be cool.

http://www.fusz.com/sprintervans/vehicle/custom-3500-sprinter-build/

Or this...

http://www.busforsale.com/buses/bus_detail.php?bus=961&name=Crazy 8


A $65K used sprinter will be worth $50K in 5 years.
A $60K New domestic conversion van will be worth $10K in 5 years...

This thing would be used as a daily driver as well.. Not just a travel van. The sprinters are a little big to be going to the grocery store in etc..


I know everybody is talking about the resale of these things.. But I have called a million local car dealerships, none of them have used ones.. They all say as soon as they get one in, they sell instantly. I'm looking at what they want for the used ones on that website, and it seems like it would make more sense to just buy a new one because they are asking so much for the used ones.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Get a used coach.

Vehicles that try to bridge two purposes, rarely do either well.

Brian

As said before this is just a daily driver vehicle.. Not just for running to CA and back etc..

RD

 

[wsuwrhr]

As said before this is just a daily driver vehicle.. Not just for running to CA and back etc..

RD

Don't you have an Explower or Edge?

 

[Waffles]

Sportsmobile

 

[Carlson-jet]

Go for Broke Dave, have it all.

 

[RiverDave]

Don't you have an Explower or Edge?

No we sold the FLEX awhile ago.. A/C in it was terrible.

We currently have my Chevy Silverado (crew cab) and my Polaris Ranger Crew (believe it or not I use it as my actual car).

Sportsmobile

Way outside of my budget range.. LOL

 

[wsuwrhr]

No we sold the FLEX awhile ago.. A/C in it was terrible.

We currently have my Chevy Silverado (crew cab) and my Polaris Ranger Crew (believe it or not I use it as my actual car).



Way outside of my budget range.. LOL

Got it, by all means then, toting kids around in a car that is not dedicated, and suited, to them is a job.

I am glad we got the Yukon. Makes life much simpler.

I would drive a UTV if I could RD, I am jealous.

Brian

 

[dread Pirate]

Vans rule!! So many reasons why they work so well with kids. They can't reach each other like in a suv for example. 4 captains chairs and a bench,bed is what you want. Like stated the high roofs have their disadvantages with parking as well as leaks. I recommend staying away from them. They get decent milage, could swing 20+mpg with our `91 Chevy, and my wife rocks it as a daily driver. It will tow your boat or sxs. Our's has a 10K tow rating.


and yes, they can be cool and will always be cooler than a soccer mom mini van...:thumbup:

 

[XX14]

We've used our 2001 Chevy Express for the last twelve years. It's not a conversion van but it has seating for seven with captains chairs in the middle. Amazing vehicle. It has the 5.7 not a ton of power but it pulled my Rage from San Antonio to Arizona with seven of us and all our stuff. If they made one that was semi-affordable with a diesel I'd buy another one. I now have a Ram 2500 diesel and we recently drove the van to the beach because it held more folks and it was comfortable with all the beach stuff. It was a daily driver for the entire time we owned it. Also never had problems on the launch ramp. Lakes fluctuate a lot here and I actually slid down a few and was still able to get the old girl out of the water. There's something about the way the weight transfers over the axle. Great tow rigs.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

Anybody looked at these things lately? They look CRAZY NICE..

http://www.gmcconversionvans.com/new-vehicles/


This is what I believe our next vehicle will be, unless someone can talk me out of it for some reason.

RD

this is you dave... ice cold air... trunk big enough for a months worth of groceries...

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/foru...EPT-MECH-OWNED&p=2141855&posted=1#post2141855

 

[2FORCEFULL]

you can buy this for less than tax and lic on the crazy van...i'mean conversion van


2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE DTS LOW MILES GARAGE KEPT MECH. OWNED



2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE DTS...
BEAUTIFUL WELL KEPT ALWAYS GARAGED LOW MILE CADILLAC

THE CAR SHOWS VERY VERY WELL AND NEEDS NO KNOW REPAIRS
IT IS MECHANIC OWNED WITH ONLY 92K MILES

THE AC BLOWS EXTREMELY COLD AND I NEVER RUN IT ON MAX TOOO COLD

HERES A LIST OF WHATS BEEN DONE...

$NEW RADIATOR/CAP AND COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHED...$1000

$NEW THERMOSTAT

$NEW OIL , FILTER, AND SERVICE...$50

$NEW BELTS...$250

$NEW ABS MODULE RELAY...1300

$NEW SPARK PLUGS AND TUNE UP....$400.

$NEW VALVE COVER GASKETS...

$NEW A/C PACKAGE,COMPRESSOR,DRYER, ORFICE TUBE , ICE 32 FREON...$1000

$NEW FRONT AXELS,ROTORS AND PADS.$800

$NEW REAR AIR SHOCKS....$500.

$NEW AIR FILTER/FUEL FILTER...$100.

$NEW 245-30-22 TIRES W/LEXANI LUXURY ALLOY WHEELS....$2500

$NEW GRILLE....CUSTOM PAINTED...$400

$NEW WINDOW TINT/WINDSHIELD TINTED..$500

$NEW TAIL LIGHTS...$200

THIS CAR IS ROAD READY AND SHOW PRIDE OF OWNER SHIP....

NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT... SMOG LEGAL IN 50 STATES..

REPAIRS AND UP GRADES ARE $9000.. AND I'M SURE I FORGOT ALOT OF STUFF....

ONLY ASKING 8,000..BUT MIGHT TRADE FOR A SILVERAIDO

 

[Wheeler]

This is what I believe our next vehicle will be, unless someone can talk me out of it for some reason.

RD

Maybe you could commission this guy to build you a new van.

 

[boatpi]

I have had two and both were great, so much room and good road car. Bad, expect 10-15 MPG.

Think long and hard about a diesel like sprinter even a used one. They make them in a number of wheel bases. Dodge may make the new van in diesel and if so look at that. Diesels get 20 MPG all day long and have high resale. Rear or roof air is a must or you bake in back.

 

[Andy01]

You like the "baller" stuff. Here is what you would be after. http://www.sherrodvans.com/sherrod_details.php?vehicledetail=23

 

[boatpi]

Look at fam vans is fountain valley. Largest van dealer in CA. They have it all. Consider buying a used van and converting it. They are next to Fry's.

 

[TCHB]

I have had at least 7 vans over the years and now again I have E350 Ford Passenger van. You can not beat them for a family car. Lots of room, they tow most things and you have privacy in the back not like a truck.

If you want it plush inside just buy all new seats in any configuration you want to meet the family needs.


Dave it you want to drive it give me call.

 

[RiverDave]

I'd be interested in seeing how well the Ac works in that tony!

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I had one when I was a kid. It had stalactites hanging from the ceiling if you get my drift.

I'd like to find a Ford 7.3 4x4 van myself. My photographer has one and loves it. He's looking for his next one as they are hand to come by.

 

[rivergames]

Uhmmmm....why not just get a suburban so you can still keep the high class white trash look? Maybe I am just thinking of what I will do in 20 years if I have kids [emoji6]

 

[RiverDave]

Uhmmmm....why not just get a suburban so you can still keep the high class white trash look? Maybe I am just thinking of what I will do in 20 years if I have kids [emoji6]

I have had two navigators and Stacy's exped.. I have also owned a conversion van. I think both of them would work for my program, but I think the conversion can would work better overall.. The new ones are straight g rides if you ask me.. Limo interiors etc..

 

[rivergames]

I have had two navigators and Stacy's exped.. I have also owned a conversion van. I think both of them would work for my program, but I think the conversion can would work better overall.. The new ones are straight g rides if you ask me.. Limo interiors etc..

Right on. Looking forward to seeing you douche the future Vahnson up!

 

[RiverDave]

Right on. Looking forward to seeing you douche the future Vahnson up!

I wouldn't build one.. Just buy one that's done.

RD

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I have had at least 7 vans over the years and now again I have E350 Ford Passenger van. You can not beat them for a family car. Lots of room, they tow most things and you have privacy in the back not like a truck.

If you want it plush inside just buy all new seats in any configuration you want to meet the family needs.


Dave it you want to drive it give me call.

My parents had one, 7 pax from the factory. I think ford called it a "Cheatue Wagon" or some such name. not your typical stripped Econoline.

 

[boatpi]

Something like this as a start? :

http://showroom.auction123.com/fam_vans_inc/inventory/3746/2011/Chevrolet/9677754.html

http://www.famvans.com/inv-passenger-vans-all.asp

This might work: http://showroom.auction123.com/fam_vans_inc/inventory/3746/2013/10558416.html

Look at these, good company and will build exactly what you need, low roof MBZ is the shit: http://www.elkapitan.com/sprinter-series.htm
Photos: http://www.elkapitan.com/gallery-sprinter.htm

Hope this helps RD.
BPI

 

[OCMerrill]

This thing would be used as a daily driver as well.. Not just a travel van. The sprinters are a little big to be going to the grocery store in etc..


I know everybody is talking about the resale of these things.. But I have called a million local car dealerships, none of them have used ones.. They all say as soon as they get one in, they sell instantly. I'm looking at what they want for the used ones on that website, and it seems like it would make more sense to just buy a new one because they are asking so much for the used ones.

RD

My parents had a few of these when I was an early teen through my mid 20's. They sold real estate and took many a client out for a comfortable day of looking.
We used them to go to Mammoth every week end for many years. I learned how to drive in one.

Downside - they are generally NOT durable inside and the exterior cladding bullshit, if damaged, is a bitch to get fixed as these companies are in and out of business often.

We shuffled kids in a Dodge Durango and a GMC Yukon.

 

[cole_skier]

I had one when I was a kid. It had stalactites hanging from the ceiling if you get my drift.

I'd like to find a Ford 7.3 4x4 van myself. My photographer has one and loves it. He's looking for his next one as they are hand to come by.

Friend of ours has one for sale. It is very clean. PM if you want contact info

 

[460]

Dave talking conversion vans. #4 must be or is in the works.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Don't mess around Dave, this is the only way to go.

 

[RiverDiva]

Dave talking conversion vans. #4 must be or is in the works.

That won't be happening Tyro. We are done with 3. I always thought I would have 4 or 5 kids but I don't think I was cut out for that. Summer is now mobile and getting easier by the day. I'm ready to have fun with my kids. The pregnant and baby phase are something I just don't see myself wanting to do again.

 

[TCHB]

I'd be interested in seeing how well the Ac works in that tony!

I have dual air conditioning with vents coming down from the ceiling all the way back. It actually gets colder in the back.

Living in Havasu it does great.

 

[dread Pirate]

Here ya go Dave. :thumbup:

http://humboldt.craigslist.org/rvs/5207857836.html

 

[PVHCA]

My parents also had a van conversion back in the late 80's, Chevy with the diesel, thing was comfy and dependable. 6 Captain chairs and a fold out back couch, one small tv, no bubble or other BULLSHIT, those vans were solid. The newer ones with the bubble top and all the BS are CRAP. Rattle cans is what I call them. 2 friends have had them and they spent more time at the conversion shop then in their driveway, always something wrong, loose, broken, etc etc. Now it doesn't help when one buddy's wife drives the van into a low under ground garage and rips the top off, LOL. Like peeps have said, buy used because they ain't worth shit 6 months after new.

 

[Enen]

My buddy, and stereo guy builds Sprinter conversions. He has a company called The Moto Box. Built Destry's van and a bunch of other guys. He can build you something to live in while you are on the Moto circuit, or something to haul your family in complete luxury.

https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/themotobox?source=feed_text&story_id=1633241620289738&pnref=story
http://www.audiosensationsaz.com/

 

[cicchetti_24]

My buddy has a 2003 with the 5.4 and towing his boat he gets like 8MPG it's terrible, but they sure are nice. He has the woodgrain, leather and fiberglass top

 

[2FORCEFULL]

well, heres my 4 buck contribution..

I've had them all..hi tops med. top. low top and stock top...

the very worst of all was the astro conversion hi top...:thumbsdown

so first lets talk hi top....

they suck...you can't go through the drive through... that's enough to ruin the deal.. but youalso can't go through the car wash, or park at the air port...or any parking garage...that and the wind blows them around...

so for me ... I want a conversion van with a stock roof:thumbup:

 

[RodnJen]

Vans are great, not into the modern ones as much. Our first was a 1965, then another Dodge (maxivan) this time in 1975. The river trips and cross country travels were epic. They both started out as bare vans, the only extra was the passenger's seat and A/C on the 1975.

My dad and brother insulated the ceiling and walls with standard home insulation and covered it with paneling. Probably some better materials available today. The floors were carpeted by wrapping plywood with foam and carpet. It was two seperate pieces that met in the middle of the van and could be removed for cleaning or whatever. Stereos with multiple speakers were added. There were no seats but my sister and I rode on a plywood, padded tool box that ran the width of the van and sat behind the two front seats. On longer trips we would sit on mesh lawn chairs, needed them for camping at Foxes and Riverland anyway.

On the 1975 van, side windows were added later for ventilation during traveling poker games with my Dad's coworkers on river trips, lots of smoke. They towed very well, held two full size motorcycles and a YZ 80 and still got us there in comfort and style. They were setup to carry painting materials for side jobs on my Dad's days off. Back then there was no such thing as OT for safety workers.

I like them still, and have tossed around the idea as well. My wife doesn't camp, so not really much need for me to have one. I've opted for a full-size SUV for now. The sportmobiles rock but they are serious coin that would require a ton of use to get out what you put in.

If anyone does go the conversion route, I would recommend a 3/4 ton with the 6.0. I'm glad to see more vans on the road.:thumbup: