Can anyone I.D. this?

[cdsx]

Can anybody tell me what brand of conversion is on this 1977 Dodge van? I've done photosearches and googled and just plain surfed photos of 1970's Dodge van-based RV's/camper conversions/campervans/you name it, but I can't find anything matching. Anyone recognise it offhand?

[ClassicVans]

Is there absolutely nothing in the door jambs? Kind of looks like an old Turtle Top?

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by ClassicVans

Is there absolutely nothing in the door jambs? Kind of looks like an old Turtle Top?

Sorry, but I don't have possession, I have only the photograph. I'm hoping to gain possession, but it's a long way from here, too far to just pop over and look, so I'm trying to do some homework in the meantime.

[booster]

Originally Posted by cdsx

Sorry, but I don't have possession, I have only the photograph. I'm hoping to gain possession, but it's a long way from here, too far to just pop over and look, so I'm trying to do some homework in the meantime.

Have you seen the title for it. Some places register under the van brand, some by RV brand. Carfax may also show who it was first sold to.

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by booster

Have you seen the title for it. Some places register under the van brand, some by RV brand. Carfax may also show who it was first sold to.

It's listed as a Dodge, but I don't have access to the actual registration document at the moment, and as I said, it's too far away for me to just pop over and see it in person.The current owner is also some distance away from it, so he can't check the door jambs for info either. The circumstances of the transaction are so incredibly good, that I'm not in a position to get insistent with the owner. I'm just curious to find out more about it while I'm waiting.

[booster]

I know this is not what you asked about, but that van is nearly 50 years old.


Is it really a good idea to buy it without at least someone looking at it. Even if free, it could easily be more trouble and cost than it could ever be worth.

[jrobe]

It is comforting to know that Class B’s are desirable enough to a segment of the population that you can still sell one 2 generations later just like a vintage corvette or mustang.

[mumkin]

Originally Posted by cdsx

It's listed as a Dodge, but I don't have access to the actual registration document at the moment, and as I said, it's too far away for me to just pop over and see it in person.The current owner is also some distance away from it, so he can't check the door jambs for info either. The circumstances of the transaction are so incredibly good, that I'm not in a position to get insistent with the owner. I'm just curious to find out more about it while I'm waiting.

Maybe just me, but this seems all rather sketchy... perhaps too good to be true?

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by booster

I know this is not what you asked about, but that van is nearly 50 years old.


Is it really a good idea to buy it without at least someone looking at it. Even if free, it could easily be more trouble and cost than it could ever be worth.

No, I would never buy without giving it a good going-over myself. I'm just trying to find out as much as I can while I'm waiting to coordinate something with the owner.

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by mumkin

Maybe just me, but this seems all rather sketchy... perhaps too good to be true?

I know what you're saying, but I'm very familiar with the unique circumstances surrounding this van, so I have no hesitation checking it out.

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by jrobe

It is comforting to know that Class B’s are desirable enough to a segment of the population that you can still sell one 2 generations later just like a vintage corvette or mustang.

At least it's not selling for the price of a vintage Corvette (which I wouldn't buy, even if one was selling for the price of an old van!) The circumstances of this particular van mean it could be resonably unrusted, and since I live in a highly rust-prone area, that makes it special. I specifically want to get back into a 70's Dodge van. I had to give up my 1976 B200 some years ago due to rust issues, and I've grieved it since. This could be a rare opportunity to find a relatively solid replacement that I can afford.

[The Eyesore]

Pretty cool! Looks like it needs leaf springs. When do you pick it up?
I'm real curious what the interior looks like.

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by The Eyesore

Pretty cool! Looks like it needs leaf springs. When do you pick it up?
I'm real curious what the interior looks like.

It could very well need springs after 50 years, though I suspect it's also grossly overloaded in the picture. The owner was on a cross-country move when it was taken, so it was probably stuffed with kids and clothes, kitchen sinks, cats and dogs and elephants, and his rock collection. As for when, I'm not the only prospect in the running, unfortunately, so it's not a done deal. If it were, I'd be hot-footing it over there as we speak, and not sitting in front of this keyboard!

[booster]

Originally Posted by cdsx

It could very well need springs after 50 years, though I suspect it's also grossly overloaded in the picture. The owner was on a cross-country move when it was taken, so it was probably stuffed with kids and clothes, kitchen sinks, cats and dogs and elephants, and his rock collection. As for when, I'm not the only prospect in the running, unfortunately, so it's not a done deal. If it were, I'd be hot-footing it over there as we speak, and not sitting in front of this keyboard!

This sounds like it is very important to you.


An airline ticket might be the best "anti regret" insurance you could buy.

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by booster

This sounds like it is very important to you.


An airline ticket might be the best "anti regret" insurance you could buy.

It is, because a 70's anything that isn't rusted out, or doesn't cost the price of a new vehicle, is very, very rare in this part of the world. Finding a specific type of vehicle like that is Grail-ish.

Luckily, it's not airline-far away. But hours driving, so it requires a well-planned trip. Guess I just have to wait as patiently as I can until i hear back from him.

[booster]

Originally Posted by cdsx

It is, because a 70's anything that isn't rusted out, or doesn't cost the price of a new vehicle, is very, very rare in this part of the world. Finding a specific type of vehicle like that is Grail-ish.

Luckily, it's not airline-far away. But hours driving, so it requires a well-planned trip. Guess I just have to wait as patiently as I can until i hear back from him.

My guess is that you will find out very little ahead of time on that van. Searches don't bring it up, the owner doesn't know much (surprisingly or is just not saying), and the infamous "others are also looking at it claim" from the seller all would make me get in the car and go, unless I was perfectly willing to get it or not. Depending on the hours of driving needed, and overnight is not a big deal or high cost.

[cdsx]

Originally Posted by booster

My guess is that you will find out very little ahead of time on that van. Searches don't bring it up, the owner doesn't know much (surprisingly or is just not saying), and the infamous "others are also looking at it claim" from the seller all would make me get in the car and go, unless I was perfectly willing to get it or not. Depending on the hours of driving needed, and overnight is not a big deal or high cost.

I said the circumstances were unique. The owner doesn't know much about it because he bought it to move across country, but wasn't any sort of enthusiast so didn't really delve into it. Once unloaded, he parked it at a friend's place who had space for it until he decided if he was finished with it. Now he's decided he has no further interest in it, so he's literally giving it away to a deserving home. Under those circumstances, I have no problem believing that there are others interested, and I can't very well get pushy with him, even if I was inclined to do so. All I can do is try to convince him I'm the most deserving home. So, it's a relatively un-rusted 70's Dodge at a price I can certainly afford. Now you know why I'm so interested, and why it's so much more difficult than just a simple sale.

[Blueboy1]

From the overall shape of the roof, the front window and the striping, it looks very much like a Merry Miler conversion, for Dodge Tradesman. Have a nice day