[Tokay]

So, through luck of circumstance, I was blessed with a '77 Tradesman 300 that has been converted into a school bus. It has the driver door lever, the lights, everything. At some point in its history, it was bought by a church and painted white, a luggage rack put on, and a spare-tire mount on the front put in. It seriously looks like a safari tour van now. The old owner is moving to Hawaii, so he was GIVING the van away, and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.
Runs, rolls, and stops, but it's got a few issues, like the fact that I have to wiggle the stick once its in park to get it to register that it IS in park; otherwise, I can't start it....

Now, once I tune this bad boy up, I'd like to turn it into a camper conversion. I've seen books and such, but I'm a poor student.... $35 for a book is a little steep when all I'm looking for is info so I can start to plan. I'll probably get one anyway....

Does anyone know where I can get information about doing my own custom conversion? Particularly the electrical system....

Thanks for any info you can provide,
Chris

 

[Dodgevanman]

First thing you want to do is go in Ebay and get yourself a factory service manual (don't get a Haynes or Chiltons manual...they suck). You can find good cheap used ones.

As far as it not starting in Park unless you wiggle the shifter handle, it could need an adjustment in the shift linkage or the neutral safety switch is going bad.

 

[Tokay]

Well, the van came with a Haynes manual, so I can do simple stuff for now, but I agree-- Non-factory manuals aren't that good. Haynes in aprticular ruffles my feathers......

I feel it's probably the switch, and now that I have a name for it, it'll be easier to look for and check. It could be the linkage, but I hope not! I hate tranny work....