1996 Airstream 190 - 4x4 Conversion? Advice?

[saenzm]

Found a 1996 Airstream 190 with fairly low miles. The only think is it has a shot tranny.

I was thinking of buying it and converting it to a 4X4. DOes anyone have experience with this?

Any ideas of what the cost may be? Is it worth the effort/cost?

Just want to put some feelers out.

Thanks,
Mark

[mkguitar]

my neighbor did a self conversion of a PW excel on a 1999 ford to a 4x4 in his driveway.

he had a sprtsmobile which burned down...he saved the chassis...found a '99 excel and started swapping parts.

he had to find a way to relocate the fuel and the waste tanks, spare hangs off the door, I don't think he was able to keep the genny.

just walking the dog by I'd guess it took him 6 weeks of week ends in the driveway.

he did it for trips to Baja, he says it's great down there on teh dirt roads, not so much good for hey speeds

mike

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by saenzm

Found a 1996 Airstream 190 with fairly low miles. The only think is it has a shot tranny.

I was thinking of buying it and converting it to a 4X4. DOes anyone have experience with this?

Any ideas of what the cost may be? Is it worth the effort/cost?

Just want to put some feelers out.

Thanks,
Mark

Contact these folks for cost ideas:
4x4 Van Conversion kits

4x4 Vans : Quigley Motor Company, Inc. > Pricing > 4x4 > Overview

Ford 4x4 Van Conversion - Advanced 4X4 Vans

Don't know what you paid for your B190, but a 1996 Airstream B190 is worth about $8,000 according to NADA Guides. You will probably pay more than that to have it converted to 4X4, unless you do the conversion yourself using used parts like that detailed on this page:
How to make a 4x4 Ford Van Construction Details Page

If you havent done so yet your should also checkout the B190 Enthusiast forum:
B190 Enthusiasts • View forum - For Sale

[saenzm]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Contact these folks for cost ideas:
4x4 Van Conversion kits

4x4 Vans : Quigley Motor Company, Inc. > Pricing > 4x4 > Overview

Ford 4x4 Van Conversion - Advanced 4X4 Vans

Don't know what you paid for your B190, but a 1996 Airstream B190 is worth about $8,000 according to NADA Guides. You will probably pay more than that to have it converted to 4X4, unless you do the conversion yourself using used parts like that detailed on this page:
How to make a 4x4 Ford Van Construction Details Page

If you havent done so yet your should also checkout the B190 Enthusiast forum:
B190 Enthusiasts • View forum - For Sale

Yeah the cost is so high, I am not sure it's worth it. Ok, I will focus on my PW. I like my rig's layout better, but I miss the 4x4.

[wincrasher]

A 190 on a 4x4 platform would be a very tall van with a high center of gravity.

But having a older Class B converted to 4WD is certainly a ton cheaper than buying a 4x4 Sprinter. The upgrade cost on their 4WD system is over $8k - some of the upfitters are charging alot more on top of that.

If I was interested in doing one, I'd look for an Econoline and put a pop-top kit on it - there certainly are plenty around.