Hi All,
I recently was lucky enough to find a great deal on a Dodge 98 SMB with low miles, the links was actually posted
here after I found it on CL.
Its a 1998 Dodge 5.9l v8 2wd EB with RB50 layout (I think?) 48k miles, 2 owners, previous owner had it for 14 years and was super nice in explaining everything and is still happy to answer questions over the phone.
Fast forward one week here is Vantastic our new to us van that hopefully brings us lots of adventures around the PNW.
Original form the CL ad
Now
Interior
Spend this weekend getting all the decals off, was a bit of a torture started with just a Hairdryer and lots of patience, but ended buying a 3M eraser wheel for all these crazy pinstripes, wow that was money well spent, so much quicker and cleaner to strip of that 80s/90s look.
Next up I removed the side steps on the drivers side, I left the one on the passengers side for now, since I didn't want to deal with shorting the grey water outlet.
I also Pllasti dipped the wheels black, and it now looks actually like a cool van, not as rugged as the all 4x4 on this forum but its getting closer.
Might do the chrome bumpers and grill another day, but will see how the wheels hold up.
I've also installed a 3rd rain gutter mount for roof racks (2 were pre installed from the previous owner, but spaced 80" apart, which is too far for any roof top box).
Here is a list of things I want to change and happy to get all your awesome feedback.
1. Roof racks + XXL Box, should be less than ~80lbs an will only store Kitegear and maybe Skis in winter. Should be doable on Manual Top? (might need to have to change the springs)
2. Hitch to carry our Mountain bikes, will probably get Uhaul to install it
3. Led conversion. But Is it worth it for the fluro lights?
4. Ladder, contemplating of either side or rear ladder, will see what fits.
Which makes me wonder, whats the load rating of the roof for a 1998 SMB? I read that some people stand on it to clean it or take pictures.
Apart from that we are super happy and can't wait to maiden it next weekend.
Cheers
Max