| Good day by SDMickey - March 27th 2024 10:55 pm
| | Lew Greger by MufflerMan Mike - March 27th 2024 5:15 pm
| | | Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: May 2012 Posts: 26 newbie | OP newbie Joined: May 2012 Posts: 26 | Well fellow vaners, I need some advice on what to do with our van (1999 E-150, Coachmen conversion (plain)).
Without going into details about how much we put into the van the last 2 years (it feels we pretty much replaced everything), 2012 started out bad and I was wondering what you thoughts are.
This year, we drove the van on 3 weekends, for a total of about 1,500 miles. We had to replace the steering gear box (~$600), power steering radiator (~$300), the cooling system flushed refilled again (already did it last year), because of contamination (~$250).
Now the cruise is out and the van (we call him Big Green) supposedly needs a new clock spring.
So we spent almost $1,200 so far, and am looking at another ~$75 plus labor (guess we could replace the clock spring ourselves).
Yes, nothing beats a real van. We could live in it if times get tough, it runs fine (thus for our long trips, I do not want to go without cruise).
Only items of "negative discussion" would be rust on rocker panels and doors, and 2 interior parts which is minor.
So what do you think? It is paid for. Shall we just keep it and drive it as is and enjoy, and just wait till the next thing is happening? Maybe nothing is happening for right now?
I guess I am just so "fed up" with what happened recently that a current offer of $2,500 came just in time.
You can not replace the van for this, no way. And I do not want to give it up.
Sorry for the long post. But it helps to talk about things like that, that's what forums are for, or not?
I would appreciate any thoughts.
Greetings!
Do not touch a running system!
| | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,182 veteran | veteran Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,182 | Did you do that work yourself or have a shop do it. Cause 600 bucks sounds way to much for a steering box. | | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: May 2012 Posts: 26 newbie | OP newbie Joined: May 2012 Posts: 26 | Had the dealer do it. Gear box refurbished was $150, $450 for putting it in, with shims which were needed ($60), power steering system flush and fill and alignment of course.
Had way too many people working on the van already who claimed but actually did not know how to do work right. Had to pay badly for it, so if it is items which are either specific for safety or drive-ability, I rather go with a specialist. As a matter of fact, our local shop would have done it, but they have no clue what shims are. So I would drive it now and wear off the new tires unevenly.
And it never hurts to double check, technician said clock spring would be around $75, but parts says it would actually be $110. Checked with 3rd party suppliers (like Doorman), they don't make such a replacement part.
Last edited by BigGreen; May 10th 2012 9:34 am.
Do not touch a running system!
| | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 9,855 Likes: 234 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 9,855 Likes: 234 | Dorman makes the column clock spring for the F150s, thru 550 Super D and Expedition, 1999 thru 2004. They're about $55 to $65. Maybe the van is different??? | | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: May 2012 Posts: 26 newbie | OP newbie Joined: May 2012 Posts: 26 | It is the E-Series, F-truck parts don't fit. Good thought, but that is the first thing you do, check if the part fits other applications.
Some parts are shared with the F-Series van, some with the Excursion, but many are unique as the E-Series has it's own "Super Duty" line.
As a matter of fact, Doorman just introduced the clock spring for the 93-95 E-Series van, parts are still marked as "new".
At this point I am willing to take everything apart just for the heck of it. Clean it with electric cleaner and put it back together. Have done it before, and most of the time, things work (even though just for a short time).
Greetings!
Do not touch a running system!
| | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 | Just sounds to me like you had a spate of maintenance items fail in a short time.
My 68 was never a 'reliable' van, but I am glad I kept it (43 years now) and may finally get it done so it can be driven often.
Gregg Groff
The right to bear vans 65 ChevyVan Pontiac OHC 6/TH2004R 68 ChevyVan 108 454/4L80E 86 Dodge "Yeah, it's got a 318" 83 ChevyVan Shorty- B2%B Pt II | | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 31 newbie | newbie Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 31 | I would keep it.Sounds like you've already put enough $$$ into it,now just enjoy it! | | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,460 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,460 | Yeah, that. Hell you've already spent the money, at least keep it to enjoy your hard earned money. If you sell it, you will regret it before the tail lights are out of sight.
2003 Grand Caravan Member Vanatics Van Club-Spfld, IL Member Florida Van Council Member Central Florida Vans,-Orlando, FL | | | Re: Advice needed: Keep it or dump it? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 12,847 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 12,847 | Keep it...you know what's new in it now...having a dealer work on it "wow" ..well I couldn't afford that no way...but I do lots of trading with friends and am able to do lots of work myself....the only way I could keep this old iron rolling.... Proud member: Shenandoah Valley Vans ............" REALITY IS JUST AN ELABORATE ILLUSION".................. | | |
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