Any old van enthusiasts here? - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

4x4_Welder · #46 11-28-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

Of course, if you want to keep it All-American:

Auto

t walgamuth · #47 11-29-2010, 06:19 AM

Yes, there were a fair number of those built back in the day. I have an old Peterson's engine swap book from the seventies showing a Porsch 912 with an Olds toronado drive train stuffed in the back. They built an elaborate engine cover from a stack of old fashoned leather suitcases to camoflage it.

chasinthesun · #48 11-29-2010, 10:45 AM

A 1977 Dodge van was my ride back in 1986 ,first v8 ride Ive ever owned ,it had plenty of power out of a 318 4 barrel setup.I drove it alittle over 3 years ,plenty of trips to the beach and hill country .I Helped the Houston to San Antonio MS bike ride one year as its Sag wagon ,ended up picking up alot of stragglers at the last few miles ,people were bummed after all their effort that they missed riding into the Alamo grounds but were happy to finally arrive.I believe it was the very first one and its been a yearly event since then.VANS RULE

PaulC · #49 11-29-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Yes, there were a fair number of those built back in the day. I have an old Peterson's engine swap book from the seventies showing a Porsch 912 with an Olds toronado drive train stuffed in the back. They built an elaborate engine cover from a stack of old fashoned leather suitcases to camoflage it.

I would love to know the static weight distribution of a V8 Corvair like the one in the illustration I posted. Essentially, it's a mid engined design. The first car that I ever drove (as a seven-year old) was a 1962 Corvair, so I do have a soft spot for these cars.

The Clk Man · #50 11-29-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

I've got a pic of that van, but I have my squeaky clean image here to uphold.

I found it.

Chad300tdt · #51 11-29-2010, 11:50 AM

Thanks Robert.

I've lost over 50 pounds since that photo.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It's definitely helping me narrow down my decisions.

The Clk Man · #52 11-29-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Thanks Robert.

I've lost over 50 pounds since that photo.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It's definitely helping me narrow down my decisions.

Send me a skinnier pic and I will fix it.

The Clk Man · #53 11-29-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Thanks Robert.

I've lost over 50 pounds since that photo.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It's definitely helping me narrow down my decisions.

That makes 250lbs that you have lost in the last few months. Good for you. I bet you feel better now.

Chad300tdt · #54 11-29-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

That makes 250lbs that you have lost in the last few months. Good for you. I bet you feel better now.

I was 240lbs. in that pic.

I don't think I'll be supplying you with any new photoshopping material.

BobK · #55 11-29-2010, 12:41 PM

Ok, now we are going back. In 1975 I had a '65 Chevy work van. Just two front seats and windows in all six doors (front, right side and back). Got rid of the tiny 13" wheels and put some decent size tires and wheels on it. Made huge difference in handling. Had a 230 c.i. straight six with three-on-the-tree. Pivot pin would drop out of shifter and you'd be left with the shifter in your hand, but not connected to the column. Eventually, I just clamped a big vice grip pliers to the pivot point and used it for shifting. Looked funny, but worked! Had side pipes (only one side connected), curtains on side and back windows plus just behind front seats. Carpet, bean bag chair, stereo, and some color light bulbs back there. Also had a huge battery I bolted behind drivers seat so as to always be able to start. Was not a bad driving or riding truck. Had belonged to a TV repair shop.

The Clk Man · #56 11-29-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

I was 240lbs. in that pic.

I don't think I'll be supplying you with any new photoshopping material.

Why not?

sfloriII · #57 11-29-2010, 12:52 PM

I love the old VW vans! I used to ride in one on the way to high school in the early 80's. 56 miles each way. My fondest memory was huddling together in the back seats in the winter when the condensation from our breath would actually freeze on the inside of the windows!!

But I'll own one of my own.... someday....

The Clk Man · #58 11-29-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfloriII

I love the old VW vans! I used to ride in one on the way to high school in the early 80's. 56 miles each way. My fondest memory was huddling together in the back seats in the winter when the condensation from our breath would actually freeze on the inside of the windows!!

But I'll own one of my own.... someday....

If you do get one, make sure the brakes are in working order, I've had several over the years and they are know for weak brakes.

panZZer · #59 11-29-2010, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

Of course, if you want to keep it All-American:

Maan, please take that pic Down, That could send me off on another tangent. Im pretty far gon on the benz diesel one already!

t walgamuth · #60 11-29-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

I would love to know the static weight distribution of a V8 Corvair like the one in the illustration I posted. Essentially, it's a mid engined design. The first car that I ever drove (as a seven-year old) was a 1962 Corvair, so I do have a soft spot for these cars.

I would guess better than the stock corvair which was nearly 35/65. I estimate 42/58