Quote:
Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC
Nice project!
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Thank You... this was indeed a lucky find, as I don't think I've seen one this old locally for a very long time. It would seem that the majority of these little gems just didn't survive after their fleet service life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by special-K
What you have there is known as a Value Van, the GMC equivalent to a Chevy Step Van. I know Step Van is a generic term since GM has the best ideas and use of names, but you might want to get used to calling what you own what it actually is 
I'm into the total tear down and build back up restoration, but it sounds like you are making expensive plans for much possibly unnecessary work and expense before turning a nut and $15k sounds really shy of what I think all that will cost. Why do you think the wheel bearings are bad from sitting? They are a sealed units living inside a wad of grease. Grease seals out moisture better than about anything and sitting doesn't wear things out. That's just the first thing that caught my eye. You seem to have all the emphasis on cosmetics and skipped right over the mechanics, yet worried about bad wheel bearings from sitting 15 years.
It is best to have a thorough plan. But there is a certain element of see as you go involved with a sensible restoration/build. You just don't know what you're getting into till you get there. Surprises can be good or bad. I'm not discouraging you at all, just advising to be flexible with your plan as needed. |
I have to agree that being flexible with a restoration plan is logical... not my 1st rodeo. While grease seals out moisture, having bare spindles when I 1st viewed it, and also not having ANY bearings on the right front... just a good plan to install NEW bearings to make it properly roll would, in my opinion, be a good place to start so it can at least be moved in and out of the workshop.
Nope, didn't skip over the mechanics... but with only 82,333mi on the odometer, if the engine turns after having my own special blend of penetrating oil with ATF and a few other additives sit in the cylinders for a few weeks... then all it will get after is a fresh set of seals & gaskets after a complete exterior shampoo... same goes for the transmission & differential... if it's not broken, why fix it?
Anyway, back to bending wrenches for a living and order some parts.
Abe