Build your own Sportsmobile

[Tapatio]

Interesting video I ran across. All good except for the wiring...

[youtube:e4y44rxo]

[twogone]

Why is dude hatin' on pre '97s?

Thanks for posting this.

[daveb]

Originally Posted by twogone

Why is dude hatin' on pre '97s?

Thanks for posting this.

Maybe something bad happened to him when he was 5 years old after a 96 ice cream van came through the neighborhood

Really though, not elegant or high tech but very functionable. I would think that there would be more of a chance getting a better deal on a panel van over a passenger van plus you have a better chance of getting something with barn doors. Not a bad write up. Hope he lashes down that water jug a bit better.

[carringb]

Pre-'97s just aren't as long lasting. My experience with the older pushrod motors is they needs lots of attention when the pass about 200k. Yes, the motors may still run, but not as well, and they always needs lots of ancillary parts (thermostats, exhaust manifolds, most of the sensors, usually needs complete new heater lines front to rear etc.). Usually a transmission by then too. But the Triton motors came along in '97, and with that their near Toyota Corolla reliability. In almost 360,000 miles I've had to do the radiator, a few starter relays, and the heater hose coming from the intake manifold. I also replaced the oil cooler but it turns out that was puking because my PCV valve was plugged up (had bout 240,000 on the PCV valve).

[NRL]

I love my 96'!

460 engine still going strong!
Granted, I had to add a few things, retromod, upgrade/replace the transmission, etc, etc..

I saved almost $50k or more buying a used Sportsmobile, and rennovating it to way I wanted it..

Granted, I don't drive it everyday but I used the savings to buy other toys and fixed up the houses

If I were do it again, I would find a cargo door E-350 Full Floater with a 5.8 V8 to save some fuel, get the sportsmobile top installed, and fab the interior, send it to U-Joint to get it 4x4ed.

[Abitibi]

Originally Posted by Tapatio

Interesting video I ran across. All good except for the wiring...

And that 5 gallons water jug held by bungee cord, imagine the damage it would cause in an accident!

But nice to see folks making great use of their vans and getting out of the city

Cheers
Mr. D