ABOUT TO BUY USED

[jage]

It's possible that is what it's from, a little bit of water and these pressboard panels SMB uses just get destroyed. But you're right, that is a lot of water damage.

The good news is that floor underneath the damaged panels is practically impervious to anything I've thrown at it, so you're looking at replacing the panels- not tough if you're good with a jigsaw or have a router. It's basically remove 16-20 philips screws, trace, cut and replace. You're not going to get the fancy edge SMB has on, but it will look better than rotten particle board. SMB could also replace, as they still use the same stuff every day- have no idea the cost, or if you want to bother.

If it's right in all the other ways... uh, where are the kids going to sleep?

[carringb]

Originally Posted by Roadie

What do you think about the 2005 Ford-350 EB SMB that is Ebay right now. (It is also on the SMB Pre-owned list in Indiana.... The one with waves on the side surfboard rugs inside? The photos show some water damage on the bottom of a cabinet and below a vent....owner says the damage is from leaving wet bathing suits on the floor, but looks more extensive to me. Just looking for some feedback...
Thanks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dl ... vent-check

The water damage would be the least of my worries with that van. At least some soft composite board won't leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere with the only option out being a tow truck for a couple grand (unless you spend $3-7,000 "bulletproofing" it first).

[86Scotty]

We could help out a lot more if you give us a more specific budget. The one on Ebay being discussed is a $20+k van and if you were looking at a 93 you might be more in the $5-10k market. That would help us out a lot assisting you in your hunt. There are a few forum members who can just find em, and most here are happy to do so. If you do look at this Ebay one seriously, I would take CarringB's advice. 6.0 diesel Ford vans are not maintenance free by any stretch, and the fact that it was a surf van says RUST UNDERNEATH to me as well.

The mid 90's models seem to be popping up everywhere these days and it is getting towards winter so it's a buyer's market.

[Roadie]

Thanks for the advise. I also had the seller send me 10 more photos over the weekend & there were many places inside and out that were damaged.....not showing the underside or engine...
I really am not looking for a fixer upper, so I passed on it. I also don't want to be stranded somewhere.

[melstrails]

You might be interested in the SMB that we are selling. It's a 2001 Dodge RB50 with 155K miles. We are the original owners and have taken very good care of the van. We're asking $16,000. We live in Flagstaff, AZ. Let me know if you would like additional information.

[Roadie]

I might be.... is it posted anywhere? Do you have photos & a description?
Sue