A Fun SMB Story.
I saw this dodge advertised as a camper van and the ad mentioned it needed work. I spoke to the nice old gal and they bought it new, used it sparingly and it is in poor condition from sitting extended periods of time.......Since I have a SMB problem I bought it.
THE BAD:
The paint is oxidized, there is rust on the rear side door from a previous dent that creased and was never repaired. The rear hitch receiver was never removed and rusted/welded itself in, was able to remove it but it is sloppy. The biggest issue is the frame, right front. there was a mouse nest in the box section.
and when you ad in that the AC drains directly on top of the box section frame, you have a recipe for a large rust hole.......This vintage of Dodge B series seems to have issues with this type of problem.
It has 80k and is completely original- my plan was to use it for my company and I still might.
Will make that decision if I like driving it or not. I already own a 03 Ford SMB EB 40ish that is a full conversion.
The Frame problem:
I have cleaned up the rusted hole on the frame and will be welding new sections, luckily it's isolated to the outer portion of the box section and the inner and lower rails are nearly free of rust.
although its an extensive repair it will easily be as strong or stronger than it was new.
I am not worried about the structural integrity as the sections that need repair are only there for mounting the front clip and bumper.
all the damaged area is 8-10" forward of the Upper A-arm. (right front)
The Mechanical list:
1) Interior detail-
Buff, wax, vac, simple headliner repair, replace orig radio (display is going), remove running boards, remove ugly and faded stripes even though I know they will still be casting a shadow from paint fade.
nice part is non smokers and very clean with no stinks.....
2) Complete mechanical-
Tune-up, upgrades and or replace anything that may need a R&R.
So far I replaced- Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, PCV, filters, serp belt, pulleys & more.
3) Drive line-
Looks great but there are many thing that are still orig and will be replaced. Shocks, rear brake lines replaced as one was weaping, brakes, pads, shoes rotors drums were either turned or replaced.
that pretty much sums it up.....I am either going to sell it or use it for my business.
When I purchased it I thought it would be a little easier of a repair.......but when you buy a vehicle sight unseen ...they never get newer or nicer.
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