My B250 Custom Van Cargo

[GoHot229]

The title says it all, its a Van in the true since of the term, with no windows other than the rear doors, driver, passenger and windshield. I love the body style and while purrists would choose the 70's Vans with the non-wraparound grill and light affair, the later model is my favorite. But being an 86, its 23 years old. And in relative age thats not bad as parts are still readilly available for it, it's time to address some items for rebuild. The motor of course is a given, fortunatly the trans is out of a Motorhome and fresh, mabe 10K. The suspension needs attention mostly, with the new 'Poly' bushings being the product of choice as their still available. Next would be some minor body work to 'cherry' it back to perfectly straight. In my case just minor, small can of bondo if that. The speedometer needs addressing, or more specifically the drive. And the Carpet/rubbermat. And lastly the Seats and steering wheel. The steering wheel really is anoying in that it attracts smudges of 'hand' dirt and always feels sticky and always looks dirty. I love the size and feel, but hate the composition of the materials it is made from for that very reason. Now the seats are at that point where an upholstry guy could fix me right up, the foam is good still, but the driver back has a cut down low, just about at belt heigth, only occasionally anoying. But Corbeau has some really nice seats the Mojave I believe with tracks and designed with the lumbar type backs and very low lumbar on the seats, so sliding in to the seat is'nt over a lump, but instead much more flat than typical race seats with full tilt lumbar shaping. So in terms of buying a new car verses fixing up my Van, I think the Van wins hands down. Of course it'll never be worth what I put into it.......or will it? Nice examples such as mine with NO rust or damage, uncut or altered Vans will, I believe grow in terms of desirability in years to come, such as , say a Belvedere or a Charger, or numerous other 'good looking ' body styles. Pluss I intend to go through the motor with such things as the 'Quest' Heads, Air Gap, Hi-Po rods and cam, and the like. Mustle-car type motor, stout definatly, but not extreme. So the price of a new Car or Truck or Van becomes reason enough for rebuilding the B250 I have. Number one, I like the body style. Number two, it is a Cargo, thus carying capabilities. Number three is the relative low cost of replacement parts for the van in terms of 'Good' upgrade brands of prepium componants. and Lastly the cost of a new outfit and the costs of insureing and financing. For the ability to get a car or truck that is ok enough to own and keep. I nean we all want a 55 Chevy or a 68 Road Runner or 72 Duster or, or, or.........get my drift....And i feel the B250 will somedaybe nearly that desireable, for sure with Van afficianados. wanting the 'Classics'.