Hey guys!
I am new to the van buying/lurking. Yesterday I went to view and test drive a 1979 Ford E-150 for sale for $14,500 (willing to negotiate) with 142k miles. It has a 351 Windsor V8 engine and is a 1983 Ford Bronco 4x4 conversion, also to note it has an automatic transmission. In test driving and running through 2WD and 4WD there was grinding when going from neutral, drive, 2 and 1 low etc.
After calling around to a few shops in the Denver area it sounds like it could either need a new transfer case and/or transmission. Depending on upgrades and what not is priced at approx $5,000-$10,000.
The van was originally purchased for $8,000 in 2017 from the 2nd owner and the person selling put approx $6,500 in conversion/new parts hence the price of $14,500.
Just wanted to throw out some feelers to hopefully catch more experienced people's opinions on whether this is a fairly priced van/what price should be negotiated given it might need a new transfer case and transmission. Or if I should bypass this van altogether.
Below is the online description of the van:
"1979 Ford Econoline E-150 4 x 4 · Driven 142K miles
The van features a full 4x4 conversion. I completely gutted the interior and built it out to be the camper van that it deserves to be. I also did a whole lot of maintenance, parts upgrades, and preventative maintenance to get it running like a champ. I have Excel spreadsheets detailing every part and upgrade I put on the van including dates and prices. Here are some of the major features and upgrades in this awesome camper conversion:
351 Windsor V8 engine
142K miles
4x4 conversion with an ’83 Ford Bronco
BF Goodrich AT tires, 29”
Dual fuel tanks
New battery and alternator
New water pump, radiator, thermometer, hoses
New belts
New power steering pump
New fuel pump
New carburetor
New plugs and wires
Winch
Almost full size bed
Auxiliary battery installed with an electronic battery isolator, 880 CCA
Three USB/12V outlets in rear, 1200W power inverter; One USB/12V outlet in dash
6 storage drawers in front, 2 in the rear
LED overhead lights
Much more!"
I am new to the van buying/lurking. Yesterday I went to view and test drive a 1979 Ford E-150 for sale for $14,500 (willing to negotiate) with 142k miles. It has a 351 Windsor V8 engine and is a 1983 Ford Bronco 4x4 conversion, also to note it has an automatic transmission. In test driving and running through 2WD and 4WD there was grinding when going from neutral, drive, 2 and 1 low etc.
After calling around to a few shops in the Denver area it sounds like it could either need a new transfer case and/or transmission. Depending on upgrades and what not is priced at approx $5,000-$10,000.
The van was originally purchased for $8,000 in 2017 from the 2nd owner and the person selling put approx $6,500 in conversion/new parts hence the price of $14,500.
Just wanted to throw out some feelers to hopefully catch more experienced people's opinions on whether this is a fairly priced van/what price should be negotiated given it might need a new transfer case and transmission. Or if I should bypass this van altogether.
Below is the online description of the van:
"1979 Ford Econoline E-150 4 x 4 · Driven 142K miles
The van features a full 4x4 conversion. I completely gutted the interior and built it out to be the camper van that it deserves to be. I also did a whole lot of maintenance, parts upgrades, and preventative maintenance to get it running like a champ. I have Excel spreadsheets detailing every part and upgrade I put on the van including dates and prices. Here are some of the major features and upgrades in this awesome camper conversion:
351 Windsor V8 engine
142K miles
4x4 conversion with an ’83 Ford Bronco
BF Goodrich AT tires, 29”
Dual fuel tanks
New battery and alternator
New water pump, radiator, thermometer, hoses
New belts
New power steering pump
New fuel pump
New carburetor
New plugs and wires
Winch
Almost full size bed
Auxiliary battery installed with an electronic battery isolator, 880 CCA
Three USB/12V outlets in rear, 1200W power inverter; One USB/12V outlet in dash
6 storage drawers in front, 2 in the rear
LED overhead lights
Much more!"