1969 Dodge Other

225

Manual

1967102401

Clear

Here is a great opportunity for the right person to take on a project restoring a wonderful van with a lot of potential. I believe these panel 8 door vans are rare and I assume this will be the main attraction. I am by now means a mechanic but I will try to list everything I can to accurately describe what is being auctioned. First of all I will explain I have owned this since December 2011, buying it for my business vehicle. But unfortunately, I sunk too much money into it and I just can't afford to spend anymore - as it does need a lot more. At the time I bought this, the mileage was nearly 150K and the seller told me there was about 3K on a new clutch. He also said there was a 355 differential that he installed. Other things he said were: Gas gauge doesn't work, a glass pack was installed on the exhaust. He told me the story of how he backed up the van into a pole (see photos of damage to rear door). I managed to drive this home from Salem to Portland and wondered if it really just needed a tune-up like I was told as the fumes inside were very strong. The tires (still the ones I have on) were actually re-treaded trailer tires and I now know they were probably not safe to drive on the freeway with. I took it to a mechanic who tested the compression and learned 2 cylinders were not getting much compression. I couldn't afford his estimate so I found someone who worked for cheap and who told me it indeed needed a new head and valves. I had him not only replace the head (replaced with a '76 year head (I think) of which I was told was better for some reason) but he also replace the lifters? as well as all the brake cylinders and I think maybe the brakes. Soon there was more to do such as replacing some hoses, battery (see photo), emergency brake, master brake cylinder, rebuild the carburetor (which still leaks a tiny bit) and some electrical work (note the horn, two interior dome lights, don't work). There were still problems so I took it to a different mechanic who worked on my Volvo but said he had a worker who used to have an A100 van. I soon was told, once again, the engine was not getting compression in a couple cylinders. I tried to drive it home, it went about a block and died. I had it towed to my house where it sat for a month. Then I discovered one of the spark plug wires was not connected and was just sitting on top of half of a spark plug that had its top broken off. I changed the plug and the van started up again. And that's where it's at now - It runs, I drive it around town but it is not running great. The future owner will probably need to replace or rebuild the engine. Although it runs, I wouldn't recommend going very fast until you put on new tires. And going up steep hills, the lack of power will find you going up slowly in the right lane. I also noticed having photographed the two rear wheels that, once again, it appears brake fluid may be leaking. So a look at the fluid levels in the new master cylinder is probably a good idea. Note there is no spare other than two spare snow tires (one of which is photographed inside van) that are included with the deal as well as a van manual. Note all doors and windows need work. A couple doors have pins that need replacing. Several doors have handles not working - double passenger side doors are presently tied shut with a bungee cord. Driver's door won't let you lock it with a key - you have to press down on the knob inside and go out another door. Window on passenger side is stiff and the little triangular window won't open on one of the sides. Heater and defroster work as do the signals, emergency flashers, headlights and tail lights - but not reverse lights. Hubcaps are bent up and one has its center missing. Cosmetically the paint job is crappy. When I bought the van I was told it was professionally done but that the owner's friend thought she could clean it up to sell by making it "look better" with a can of spray paint. Note the photos can't detect her work but believe me it looks bad with plenty of overspray on tires and emblems. She sprayed randomly everywhere it seems. Note rust is worst in a couple areas: The back "roof gutter" is rusted through and someone added grey caulking to seal the holes. The other sides of the van's "roof gutters" are quite good though. The floor at the base of the front seats (see photo) is terrible and will need attention. By the way I have floor covering - rubber and carpet - for this area that is not photographed. There is plywood with carpet covering the cargo flooring - I am not aware of any problem under there, at least I can see nothing like what is seen in front of the driver's seat. I hope this project will find its rightful place in the hands that will lovingly restore it to it's full splendor. If you are able to stop by prior to the auction ending to check it out, you are welcome. Take it for a drive, or bring your tools and check whatever you like - I'll then post the findings. Any additional photos you wish to have of something - let me know. I'm sure I'll think of more to describe so expect to see some amendments below as the auction runs its course. Thanks and good luck bidding!On Apr-30-13 at 05:57:51 PDT, seller added the following information: Just remembered the master cylinder installed was not a new one but a refurbished one.On Apr-30-13 at 09:52:25 PDT, seller added the following information: There is a dipstick for checking oil level but no dipstick stem coming out of the engine, making it a little more difficult to check your oil. I've always just noted what the oil level is on the dipstick right after an oil change and used that point as a future reference.On Apr-30-13 at 18:26:18 PDT, seller added the following information: On the topic of rust, I should have mentioned there is also plenty of it inside of the doors - especially at the bottom.