What type of Van?

[BKOLFO4]

I think it may be time to remove the wall from the suburban.

I am looking at old vans to build up a system in. I am curious, it seems like the Astro is very popular for SPL vans. Is there a reason? Seems like there are quite a few vans out there that are cheaper. Wouldn't a heavy duty van more than likely need less suspension mods to handle the added weight of the system?

I am thinking electrical system mods may be part of the reason for Chevrolet vans? Are there van to stay away from due to electrical systems upgrades?

What should I look for? Need to keep it cheap!!!

Brian

[MikeS]

Too bad one couldn't score retired vans that were converted into amoured vehicles at a goverment auction or something.......

[95Honda]

I almost did the same thing a few years ago. I was looking at a mid-80s 3/4 ton my buddy had, actually it had 1 ton springs in the back. Anyway, it was a diesel (Ford) and had dual batts and a big ass alternator (stock) It ran good, I think he let it go for under a grand..... That is what I would have used... Iw ould gone for a fullsize van, 1/2 ton at least, 3/4 or 1 being ideal, then you wouldn't have to worry about all that extra weight.... I'm not sure how something like an Astro would hold up without extensive suspention mods.... Kid I work with has one all done up (Astro) but he dumped alot of money in it Air-bagging it..... He isn't running a wall, but a big box and a built in couch theat weights a few hundred pounds easy.....

I vote for mid 80s fulsize... Hell go A-team style...

[black00]

agreed....
the only reason they use the astro's is

1. the parts are cheap
2. effects, rims and such are cheap
3. smaller vehicle = easier to get into a trailer
4. room under hood for alts
5. been there and done that from a dozen people that can walk you through the modifications.

The ability to carry all that crap in the astro's does not come without a price..you have to hack the inside out and drop the drive shaft and chain drive it and you'd basically have batteries almost touching the ground.

I say go with fullsize and then you don't have to worry about weight (much) and you got even that much more room to work with.

[JimJ]

Daily driver here is a '94 E-150 full size...easy to do electrical work on, plenty of room for batteries and a wall.

Another factor is the depth of the dash/rake of the windshield.

[Member02]

what do you think of those dodge sprinters, they seem to have hella space.

[JimJ]

I wouldn't want to drive one with a wall in it, I'll say that :D

Very high CG as it is...adding more weight up top would just make things even better.

[95Honda]

I know it's not because of the van itself, but every time I hear "Dodge Sprinter" I think of one of our contractor's vans back in Spokane that has the most Gay'd up vinyl graphics on it that it's surprising it doesn't catch on fire for being so flaming homo.... I also make sure and let him know that every time he comes into my shop :) So, I guess I'm kinda negatively biased against the Sprinter...

In all seriousness, I do think they are also kinda tall, and I don't think they are built to hold up to the weight that could be added if you took advantage of all that room...

[black00]

My buddies went to a police auction last weekend

they said they had transport E class ford vans and stuff there for 1500 and 2000 bucks...even short buses for haulin the crooks for like 2500.
Try to hit up a police auction.

[speakerboy]

The Sprinters are actually pretty nice to drive. They make them in three different wheelbases/lengths, so I'm sure there are parts to make them tougher. I've even seen them converted into a small RV.