Vannin' Home
Posted By: NateB 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - October 30th 2008 8:42 pm
That's the first name I came up with when I first saw the color. I may need to think on that.

I will be taking delivery of her in a couple of weeks. These are pics that Wookee took. I'll post my own when I get the van.

http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m199/wookeesvan/big6sdodge/
Posted By: kevin nh Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 8:49 pm
beer, i like the name Nate.......
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 9:04 pm
I love the name but I also love root beer. Seriously that van is clean! Nice find.
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 9:23 pm
What a nice van. I like the interior, very cool.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 10:10 pm
bow yay Thats a Sweet PANEL van Nate yay bow

I just knew sooner or later you would come over to the other side!

So what are ya gonna do with the A now? and when will we see "rootbeer"? Frostbite? SpringThaw?

O and you know how I feel about the "sludge" butt why not name it porter or stout? laugh

I still cant believe that Stacy knows about it rofl
Posted By: hotrod AL Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 10:33 pm
Looks good Nate! Ya don't see the big round windows like that very often. Reminds me of the ones on Strait Arrow
Posted By: Rich Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 10:34 pm
gonna weld the windows up ? lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 11:24 pm
Quote
So what are ya gonna do with the A now?


I'm keeping the A, but I'm probably gonna have to let the '72 go. Don't really want to but....
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2008 11:36 pm
Nice score Nate,that van looks great inside and out.cheers
Posted By: Stuckinthe70s Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2008 2:05 am
Yeah man, i dig that alot! And Root beer IS a cool name for it!
Posted By: Mat Mobile Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2008 2:18 am
Really cool van! Congratulations Nate!
Posted By: 65dreamin Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2008 2:29 am
that is bad ass vn congrats
Posted By: davidm Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2008 2:38 am
nice turn key you got Nate.
Posted By: vervepipes Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2008 2:39 am
Looks great!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2008 3:53 am
Thats an awesome score Nate. I too can't believe your wife knows about it. But she is cool though. I'm hoping to make it to Thaw again, and I want to see it there, also.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 01st 2008 7:34 pm
the van needs a couple linkless pictures.....

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Radarlove Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 01st 2008 8:43 pm
Looks good !!!!
Posted By: BlueMagoo Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 01st 2008 10:25 pm
grin Maybe it will get you to more van run nate??? van van van laugh
Posted By: vanago Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 2:33 am

Now thats a custom van that says "custom van".

This one looks like a keeper.
Posted By: GreyBeardsGhost Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 3:11 am
SWEET!!! Congrats buddy.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 2:18 pm
Thanks for the pics Wookee!

Thanks for all the kind words folks!
Posted By: Stuckinthe70s Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 2:24 pm
Damn man that thing is awesome! When we breakin' it in with a few cold beers? grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 2:25 pm
Originally Posted by Stuckinthe70s
Damn man that thing is awesome! When we breakin' it in with a few cold beers? grin


As soon as I get her. Hopefully this week. curse

I hate waiting! lol
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 5:00 pm
Hey Nate, ya gonna bring it to the pumpkin run next Saturday? You would luv it there!! and wtf you would arrive in class in a PANEL van! rofl
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 7:50 pm
hey snotty is it just one day thing car show and what time would you be leaving to go
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 9:12 pm
Yes its just a one day deal Luke... I plan on being there by 10am...
Posted By: Phoenix Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 10:23 pm
Thats the color mine was before the paint is called "Brown Metallic Walnut" and I have dash parts and an instrument cluster for it if you need any. Here's the Phoenix van a year before paint,right after we fired the engine for the first time out at Fast Lane's truck-in [Linked Image]
Posted By: Deb Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2008 10:54 pm
I lllllllllllike it! Can't wait to see it in person Nate!
Posted By: GupEBoy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2008 12:22 am
Yeah Nate, Pumkin Run next saturday.
Looks nice.
Posted By: hotrod AL Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2008 4:13 am
I love it. Can you get a pic that large of how it sets now? I'd love to see more.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2008 6:49 pm
Nice score Nate!
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2008 7:04 pm
Nice score Nate..luv the name too..
Posted By: dan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 1:48 pm
Nice van Nate, good luck with it.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 5:10 pm
Get it yet?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 5:13 pm
Pat brought it by Sunday and we made the deal. He's gathering up some extra parts to go with it. This week or weekend I should take delivery.

She needs a bit of TLC, but nothing major.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 7:04 pm
Hey Nate, nice van bro.These guys will hate the windows but I luv them.It looks like it's got a few dents n dings but nothing
to major.Any plans for that musterd dash? its eeeeeeuuuuuu nice trim rings on the lights and already a grill,nice rims to.
Well thats just my oponion I could be wrong.
good luck with her!

LIKE A RIVER THAT DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S FLOWING
I TOOK A WRONG TURN AND JUST KEPT GOING!
Posted By: OVANNER Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 7:16 pm
Hey Nate nice purchase! Maybe we will get to see it at SS8 this year.
Posted By: Suzie-BGfNY-IN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 7:51 pm
Pretty Nate--but I think it looks more like a Nut Brown than a root beer, stout or porter!! Goose Island used to make a Hex Nut Brown Ale--(yes, Snotty bribed me for a name change!! hee hee)

Glad you are excited about her--and good luck with it!

Suzie
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 11:41 pm
rofl shhhhhhh!!! haha
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 11th 2008 11:49 pm
I don't know...I was just throwing that name out there. I generally don't name my vans really.

I just say to my wife..hey I'm takin' the '72 to work or I'm takin' the '94 to work.

I realized today that I own a Dodge van from each generation. An early, a mid, a late, and a current. LOL!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 12th 2008 1:55 pm
Yes but your signature looks much better without that GMC listed there. Funny I refer to my vans by there color.
Posted By: nautic1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 12th 2008 5:18 pm
Nice score Nate. Another for the stable.
Posted By: ronnierat Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 12th 2008 6:44 pm
Nate,did that belong to a guy named Don from maryland?looks familar to me
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 12th 2008 7:26 pm
Naw...Don's has yellow flames on the front, but it is the same color brown! LOL!
Posted By: ronnierat Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 12th 2008 7:46 pm
Aaaaaaaaah your rite Nate,,been awhile since i seen Don's van thanks
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 21st 2008 2:03 pm
Just an update! I still haven't taken delivery! mad

HOWEVER I did talk to the owner and I will be picking the van up this weekend.

Sheesh.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 21st 2008 2:29 pm
Dude, Christmas is coming too! rofl Good Luck, I hope ya do get "porter" this weekend! laugh
Posted By: Vanmanic Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 21st 2008 6:47 pm
Sure is a nice looking Mopar there Nate.

I know how the waiting game is, doing some of that myself. lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 9:19 pm
She's finally home.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


I did an oil change and boy was that chore. The oil was as black as Texas Tea, and the oil filter had been on so long I had to take a screwdriver and punch through it to get it off. It was a Western Auto brand filter, so that tells you how long it was on there. I also installed a new trans. mount since the old one was shot. More updates to come...she needs a bit of TLC
Posted By: hotrod AL Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 9:27 pm
I was thinking about that van earlier today while I was working on mine and wondering what was up with it...lol. Looks good sitting there with the sunshine on it. Congrats on the new toy cheers
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 9:28 pm

yay Kudo's to ya bro! yay Is she staying at Brians or gonna be parked outside at your place? cool
Posted By: 84StreetVan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 9:31 pm
WoW looks really good. Good Luck
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 9:33 pm
I had her down at Brian's this morning so I could put her on the lift to get a worms' eye view.

She's gonna need a carburetor, shocks, tune-up, brake drums, and wheel alignment right off the bat. Later on a paint job.

This van was originally a standard shift, but has since been converted to automatic. Wish it was still a stick.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 9:45 pm
Very nice Nate i like the look of it a lot.
Posted By: starwars Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 10:19 pm
very nice nate
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 11:27 pm
If this van was drivin allot over the last couple of years the Western Auto oil filter would be worry some.
This van has set allot more than it has been driven over the last at least 5 years......
Drive it like you stole it for a couple of weeks every day and she might start running better.......
Nice to see you finally got "hooked up"

.......Wookee
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 29th 2008 11:30 pm
good lookin van Nate,
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 12:45 am
yay FINALLY EH yay

I trust that this won't be a winter beater, correct??? lol

Looks great. Looking forward to seeing it in person, maybe at Thaw 09...
Posted By: Radarlove Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 1:22 am
Nice looking ride Nate !!!!
Posted By: GreyBeardsGhost Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 2:44 am
Congrats buddy, now the fun begins.
Posted By: X-MAN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 3:03 am
Congrats, nice van. It reminds me of Lions Den with that oval window.
Posted By: Vanmanic Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 6:47 am
Woot! Got 'er home! Congrats!


Originally Posted by Nate the skate

This van was originally a standard shift, but has since been converted to automatic. Wish it was still a stick.


I know that feeling well. lol
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 10:15 am
Congrats Nate! Awesome find. And welcome to the Odyssey spoiler club! [Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Clear skies!

Posted By: Travisty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 1:53 pm
That Van Is Sick. I Can't Wait To Get Mine, Probably Get It Aftyer X-Mas. I Almost Wanna Tell The Kids Santas Not Comin This Year So I could Get It Now. Lol smile Anyone Know Where I CAn Get A Grill Like That For A 78 Chevy ?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 2:57 pm
Quote
Anyone Know Where I CAn Get A Grill Like That For A 78 Chevy ?


I would imagine Stull still makes a grille like that for GM. Try Summit Racing...they may have it.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 2:58 pm
Thanks for the kind words folks. Anyone know what wheels are on this van? I wanna say American Racing or Cragar. I would like to find a pair of 10" wide ones for the rear.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 3:28 pm
I'm sure those wheels are still available...<close up pic?> I thought that it could use some wider rears too butt didnt wanna bust on ya about that "YET", i'm just so proud that you finally got a "panel" van! grin
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2008 4:28 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Thanks for the kind words folks. Anyone know what wheels are on this van? I wanna say American Racing or Cragar. I would like to find a pair of 10" wide ones for the rear.


Are they chrome, or polished aluminum?? Whats the center cap say??
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 1:52 am
Chrome steel. The center caps are covered over with RAM decals. I'll take an up close pic and post it.
Posted By: dan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 2:03 am
Looks very nice Nate, best of luck. I too am glad to see ya in a custom panel van, theres no turning back now.
Lets see more pics.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 4:18 pm
Good luck with it Nate. Looks like it's not too bad of a van.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 4:51 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Chrome steel. The center caps are covered over with RAM decals. I'll take an up close pic and post it.


Any chance of peeling back one of the RAM decals?? Maybe there is some info on the inside of the wheel. I am just going to have a look on the inside of one of mine, I have in the house.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 4:56 pm
Nope, nothing pertaining to the make of the rim. Just rims size, where made, and load rating.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 5:06 pm
I'm just gonna get new wheels for Christmas and sell these. 8's for the front and 10's for the rear.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 5:11 pm
That might be best. Are the rims that are there now, the same size all the way around?? What size tires are on them??
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 5:13 pm
They are 7" all the way around with Goodyear Regatta tires. P225/70R15

Tires are in very good shape. The rims have some rust beginning to form, but not too bad at all. Driver quality.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 5:23 pm
Thats what I thought. Not a look I like at all on vans. The rears have gotta be wider then the fronts. Its the only way to go.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 5:23 pm
Especially with flares...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 5:25 pm
I do have a set of 255/60R15 on 7" wheels on my '94 and they look good but I do not have wide flares on it either.

Plans for Root Beer are 255/60/15 on an 8" wheel up front and a 275/60/15 on a 10" wheel in the back. I was going to go with 295/50/15 on the back, but they are not tall enough for my taste.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 11:31 pm
Originally Posted by Ram4ever
Congrats Nate! Awesome find. And welcome to the Odyssey spoiler club!


Its an Odyssey WING......
Spoilers are up front under the bumper and Wings are on the back on the roof......LOL

Here is a good picture of the wheels


[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

As far as the tranny swap goes.That van had alwys been an auto as long as I have known it.


.......Wookee
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 11:40 pm
Nate, bag it!!!!!!!!! thos 50s will look good then
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 11:42 pm
Nate, bag it!!!!!!!!! thos 50s will look good then
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 01st 2008 11:43 pm
Nate sorry for the double,so Santa is making A SPECIAL DELIVERY?
Posted By: Vanmanic Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 02nd 2008 6:01 am
Look a little like Enkeis, but probably not.

They'd make a good trailer set! laugh
Posted By: VanVida_Israel Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 02nd 2008 6:26 am
Nice find Nate..I had a set of wheels like those..they are made by American Racing..mine were 15x7 but with a deep reverse..I also had the same type wheels on my Aerostar(14x7). seems that if I like a wheel type I put that on more than one of my vans. My 96 Safari & 2000 Astro have the same type wheels & tires.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 02nd 2008 11:41 am
Quote
As far as the tranny swap goes.That van had alwys been an auto as long as I have known it.


It's the little clues that led me to that conclusion. Small brake pedal pad (automatics had a large pedal pad), no gear shift indicator on the dash...just a blank out, manual trans. type starter relay (no neutral safety feature), headlight dimmer switch is in the center of the floorboard rather than mounted in the upper left corner of the floorboard. Not sure what year auto is in it, but it has a short dipstick & tube where you have to remove the doghouse to check the fluid. By '85 Dodge installed a really long dipstick & tube so you could check the fluid from under the hood.

I thought it was kinda strange that it didn't have a gear indicator when I first drove it. LOL!!!

There's an 85 up at the local pick n pull that I will get the indicator and tranny dipstick & tube from.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 02nd 2008 2:35 pm
You might want to consider 245-60's up front. I'm feeling like my 255-60's are too wide a tire, in comparison to the rear. My rear 275-60 is almost too narrow a tire, for the 10" rim. Thats just my 2 cents.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2008 9:46 pm
Update. Put the new carburetor on and rear shocks (didn't get to the fronts today). Runs a heck of a lot better, but I need to tweak the timing a bit.

New carb!
[Linked Image]
Posted By: X-MAN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2008 12:32 am
Nice!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2008 1:02 am
With old carburetor, it would bog, sputter, and die. At cruising there was absolutely no power. 95% improvement with the new carburetor, but there's still a flat spot at take-off. I think I can remedy by tweaking the timing a bit. I need to see if the vacuum advance is functioning properly. I usually set the timing using a vacuum gauge instead of a light.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2008 1:53 am
I knew u would be tweekin it as soon as u got it! grin u go boy!!! get er runnin like a top then jump back on that A project... dont forget about her!! lol yay van
Posted By: Phoenix Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2008 2:20 am
If you run flairs ... 265-50-15's on 8" wheels on the front and
295-50-15's on 10" reverse wheels on the rear, nothing else will loks as good or performs as well. I have run them for years. They fill out the flairs and are a great running size for mopars
Posted By: Phoenix Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2008 2:22 am
and besides the Phoenix was the same color to start and it had a slant six with a four speed on the floor
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 08th 2008 7:18 pm
Okay..I'm looking into possibly having my rear wheels widened to 10"...they are 7" now. Those of you running 10" wheels on their Dodge, can you give me the backspacing and offsets? I will be widening towards the front to fill out the mud flares.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 11:36 am
I lose sleep at night thinking about the direction I want to take this van. I don't have gobs of cash so she will be built on the cheap. I'm cheap anyway. grin

As of right now my plans are to retain the wheels I have, but swap out the 225/70R15 tires with 255/60R15 tires just like I have on my '94. I like the fat tire look all the way around. I will remove the steel running boards and mud flares and install a set of fiberglass running boards from a conversion van...the one-piece type that you see on most conversions. I like the "sleek" look of those and will look good with the fatter tires.

In the spring the van will be sanded down, dents repaired (luckily no rust work needs to be done), and she will be painted black enamel. I think black with that tan/chocolate brown interior will look sweeeeeet.

So that's how it stands now..I think she'll look good in black.
Posted By: davidm Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 11:53 am
Nate, How about getting a set of billet spacers/adapters for the rear to push the wheels out where you want them? I have run many sets on diffrent trucks. the last set i had pushed the wheels out 2in. they would prob set you back about 100 bucks for the two.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 12:12 pm
Thats not a bad idea. Something to consider Nate. Just the same, PLEASE post pics, with the 255-60's on your 7" rims, so I can see if you retain that fatter rear end look. I was going to go this root with my 86, but never got around to it, and now that winter has set in, I likely won't get to it, till spring.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 12:35 pm
Black should look awesome Nate! That's the route I'm going, though my roof will be flat white, with my Odyssey spoiler being black. It should make the van's stance look even more aggressive than what it actually is. One of these times I'll try to Photoshop it. Might be my next avatar...

Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 1:26 pm
Originally Posted by Dodges 3
Thats not a bad idea. Something to consider Nate. Just the same, PLEASE post pics, with the 255-60's on your 7" rims, so I can see if you retain that fatter rear end look. I was going to go this root with my 86, but never got around to it, and now that winter has set in, I likely won't get to it, till spring.



If it's not raining when I get home I will take pics.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 1:41 pm
If you are going to be removing the flares, and don't have a current buyer, I would like to buy them from you. Figure out a price, and we will figure out how to get them to me. Maybe we can hold out until THAW...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 2:17 pm
BTW Brad these are J&J mud flares..one has some slight damage. I'll snaps some pics of those as well.
Posted By: Stuckinthe70s Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 2:26 pm
Ah Nate, you're gonna change the Root Beer color? Are you going to rename it now?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 2:48 pm
Originally Posted by Stuckinthe70s
Ah Nate, you're gonna change the Root Beer color? Are you going to rename it now?


I was thinking maybe "Black & Tan" like the drink.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 8:42 pm
Nate I can make up a set of "blend kits" so you can keep the runinng boards.
Even the converion van boards look funny/empty with out a deep dish wheel filling them up........
Hold on to those J+J flares they are hard to come by now a days
.........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 9:47 pm
Quote
Nate I can make up a set of "blend kits" so you can keep the runinng boards.


I just may take you up on that Joe!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 9:51 pm
Okay..here's what a 255/60R15 looks like on a 7" wheel. The front looks pretty good, but the rear could use a bit of a spacer to bring the wheels out a bit. Dodges have a narrower rear track than the front. Not sure why they did that but they did.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 10:06 pm
Originally Posted by davidm
Nate, How about getting a set of billet spacers/adapters for the rear to push the wheels out where you want them? I have run many sets on diffrent trucks. the last set i had pushed the wheels out 2in. they would prob set you back about 100 bucks for the two.


You mean something like this Dave?

Spacers
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 15th 2008 10:59 pm
Yup that would do ya perfect Nate, you sure you wanna get er painted right away? In the pics at least it does not look bad at all, have you priced a decent paint job lately? I'm thinkin u may change your mind... lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 12:04 am
Not a nice as she looks in the pics Snotty. LOTS of scratches and some dents but no rust thank God. Brian and I plan on painting ourselves this spring hopefully. He has a paint booth.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 4:04 am
Sorry I would NOT run spacers.The last thing you want is a 275/60/15 tire working loose and tearing up you rust free body.
I was talking to Pat tonight.The running boards and the brackets are welded in place.
I remember asking Walt about running "winter trim" and him telling me "this van will never see the salt"
The brackets holding the boards on are welded in place.

........Wookee
Posted By: davidm Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 12:11 pm
I understand where your comming from wookee, i felt the same way at first but if you check them on a regular basis and make sure you install them correctly they are relatively safe. i have run at least 4 sets and not had a single lugnut work loose.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 1:47 pm
Sorry this is one place I refuse to cut corners.
Buy the correct wheeel with the right back space, lug pattern,lug nuts and you will have less problems in the long run.

..........Wookee
Posted By: davidm Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 2:47 pm
Yes i fully agree with that. but in my case i got good deals on wheels and thats the way i made them work.

But yes to do it right if you can.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 2:50 pm
Maybe go with some Locktite on the lugs and proper torque specs???
Posted By: davidm Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 3:37 pm
yes you are susposed to put Loctite on the factory studs only. then torque thoes to specs then put wheel on and torque thoes to the specs that the spacer co. recommends.

Also if you dont like the billet there is a company that makes custom steel spacers any size you want.(not sure of the name but i could find out if you want).
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 6:11 pm
I agree with Joe, Plus wider tires look cooler!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 16th 2008 6:58 pm
It certainly is a tough decision, when you are on a low budget, EH NATE!!! And I'm believing the main problem stems from his wheels being outa production. I have 000 experience with spacers, but would like to think, if they are warrantied, and installed to specs. they should be OK. But thats not to say they are OK. I agree with Ken, fatter wheels altogether look the best, but when it comes down to the almighty $$$, you gotta do, what ya can afford, and stay safe.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 26th 2008 8:37 pm
Well...I walked outside to hop in RB and take her for a spin and found she had a flat. The tires are dry rotted bad (Goodyear Regattas). Today I took her up to Mr. Tire for tires and a front end alignment.

Don't have the $$$ for fancy, so I'm with the Kelly Springfield Safaris XL rated.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 26th 2008 11:54 pm
as long as there NOT white walls they should be ok for now... lol
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 27th 2008 12:01 am
white walls rule but on my cutlass lol
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 27th 2008 11:05 am
Where are the pics Nate. What size tires did ya go with??
Posted By: Native Son Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 27th 2008 11:56 am
This is awesome...
Where did that big oval window come from???
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 27th 2008 12:02 pm
I really like the look of that window Jess,get your tires yet Nate!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 29th 2008 3:33 am
yeah...went with stockers 235/75R15 XL. It actually looks pretty good.

I had to get tires pronto and I didn't have the shinola to get the wider tires I wanted. Oh well..I'm not riding around on dry rotted tires anymore.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 29th 2008 3:49 pm
Originally Posted by Native Son
This is awesome...
Where did that big oval window come from???


Hey Jesse! Thanks!

Not sure where those winders came from..they were in the van I got it. The original owner..a fellow named Walt...put them in I suppose.

The Lion's Den has these winders as well.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:33 am
Hey gang...

Hate to say, but I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this van. I just dropped over $500 for tires and another $460 for some other things that were wrong. I just don't have the money to tend to some other nagging problems the van has. I don't know..... frown
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:38 am
Slow it down Nate. Do what you can, when you can. This one should be your summer cruiser only, anyways. CORRECT!!!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:39 am
Nate,take your time with it,first events are a way off.Its a nice looking van,get it ready for spring,you have others to go to early events lol Don't get in no hurry!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:43 am
Here's the thing...

The '94 has some issues, the '72 has some issues, and I'd like to get my early on the road. The '94 is my daily driver so I need to get that one squared away.

I guess I could let this one sit until I can the things fixed. I get into a panic sometimes...they're my children! lol
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:55 am
It's all good Nate. Just take your time. I know what you mean. I have my 2000 Caravan that I wanted to sell off, but now have a bad PS line, and a blown break line. It will wait until spring, so I can fix these issues, and decide if I still need to sell it.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:57 am
I'm probably going to have to sell the '72 once I get it straightened out. I really can't afford to keep 4 vans. frown
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 11:59 am
I hear that Nate. Same problem hear. But I like to keep one in reserve, just in case, ya know.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 12:51 pm
I too have a similar problem. I have too many projects, not enough time and money to do them all, but cannot figure out what to part with. The biggest thing it that even selling something off, will not be enough to do what I need to do with the others.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 3:17 pm
Slow Down Nate, Rome was not built in a day! LOL You BETTER not even think of getting rid of "porter" The 72 even thou its your child, you know it has T.M.W. so it will be ok to let someone else adopt it! LOL What are you taking to Freezeout?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 4:00 pm
Quote
What are you taking to Freezeout?


My "generic" van. The '94 conversion...the one Moon Lite likes to crawl in the back of. lol
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 5:37 pm
bummer, was hoping to see "Porter" lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 05th 2009 6:07 pm
"Hey Porter, hey Porter..."---Johnny Cash


Naw...she still needs ball joints and a front end alignment bad.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 06th 2009 2:06 pm
Unfortunatly no older van is PERFECT.
ALL of them will need some kind of work or money thrown at them to make them "right".....
On the bright side you have the mechanical abilities to make the keepers "right".This is a BIG advantage over some one who has to pay to have the work done.

Some times "buying and selling" can get you farther behind than just sticking with a shure thing......

.........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 06th 2009 2:17 pm
The idea of selling the van lasted about 10 seconds. I'll be ordering the new ball joints soon.

It's just been too dang cold to work on the the thing. Right now I have the dash pulled to replace the bulbs and found that some yo-yo screwed the speedo cable up. It wasn't me! LOL!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 06th 2009 2:28 pm
Have to pull the dash to replace bulbs????
Must be a Dodge thing........LOL

.........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 06th 2009 3:58 pm
Just instrument cluster you stinker. grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 7:45 pm
OKAY. I've cooled my jets on this van. I won't be selling it after all.

This weekend I'll be taking her down to my friend's garage and I'll start on the repairs. First on the list is yanking out the emissions crap and installing a non-catalyst Y-pipe. Hey..it's free!! Then a full tune-up.

After that I'll install the new ball joints and get the front end aligned. Hopefully she'll finally run right and I can take her to Fools Follies in April.

Posted By: hotrod AL Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 8:06 pm
Glad you're keeping her Nate. I hope you can bring it too the nats. I would love to see it close up...AL
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 8:21 pm
At least it takes a pretty picture.....

[Linked Image]

.......Wookee
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 8:35 pm
GOOD! your lucky mister I was gonna kick your ass if you sold this PANEL van! Just take it slow, if its not ready for Fools Follies dont sweat it, it will get done and make it to some other run in the future!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 8:59 pm
Good for you Nate yay
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 9:46 pm
Thanks for the support guys.
Posted By: sasktrini Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 11th 2009 11:32 pm
That's good news, Nate!
Posted By: Vanmanic Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2009 12:14 am
Glad it worked out so you hung onto it Nate.

One can't have too many vans IMHO!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2009 4:29 am
Thats the best news I've heard all day. Take your time buddy, and remember to have fun...lol
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2009 7:36 am
That's great news Nate! I figured it'd work it's Dodge mojo magic on you given time...

;0)

Clear skies!
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2009 11:38 am
Glad to hear! I don't have the $ to buy it from you now anyway lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2009 7:53 pm
Found two brand new rotors on a '94 up at the pick-n-pull with new bearings, seals, and grease. Grabbed them...$12.50 each!!!! Did a little research and they will fit on the '85. Weeeeeeeee!
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2009 8:58 pm
Sweet deal you got there Nate! You'll be rolling in style. Great idea too - I hadn't thought about peeking just to see what might be new parts... I'll have to add that to my bag of tricks!

Clear skies!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:05 pm
"This is the style I want to use on my '85. I don't like the mud flares that's on it now."

Too bad your van is a Dodge.I would buy thoses J+J flares/custom steel running boards off of you in a minute if it was a Chevy.......

......Wookee

Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:12 pm
Right now the plan is to retrofit the running boards onto my '72 and sell the flares. I know of one person that was interested in them.

I want to get a set of polished aluminum steps (not running boards). Should look good when the van gets painted black.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:15 pm
Do I know that one person interested in these flares Nate??

Have you checked to see how they are installed?? Mine didn't have enough of a lip on them, so I had to bolt them on through the side of the wheelwell. I also read this in an old vanning magazine.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:18 pm
Darn Brad..you ruined the surprise. LOL!

I don't know how they're mounted yet, but my best guess is that they are screwed on.

Let me get them off, determine their condition and we can work something out if you are interested. I'll snap some pics and send them to ya.

I know they aren't busted up and there is at least one brand new one on the rear.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:24 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Right now the plan is to retrofit the running boards onto my '72 and sell the flares. I know of one person that was interested in them.

I want to get a set of polished aluminum steps (not running boards). Should look good when the van gets painted black.


You can take the man out of the conversion van but you can't take the conversion van out of the man........LOL

Brad,those J+J flares have the right amount of lip on the bottom edge so you can attach them with screws to the wheel well lip.

.............Wookee

Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:26 pm
Quote
You can take the man out of the conversion van but you can't take the conversion van out of the man........LOL



Ug Ug Ug Ug! (popeye laugh)
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 2:36 pm
All things come in time leave that flare combo on there.

I would just keep an eye out for a good "wheel deal"

Filling those flares up with the right tire/wheel combo will look much better than a set of steps.

........Wookee
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 5:53 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Darn Brad..you ruined the surprise. LOL!

I don't know how they're mounted yet, but my best guess is that they are screwed on.

Let me get them off, determine their condition and we can work something out if you are interested. I'll snap some pics and send them to ya.

I know they aren't busted up and there is at least one brand new one on the rear.


Thanks Nate. How's Spring Thaw for a timeline?? And I know they will be better then my existing fronts, which I will mount onto the front of my Maxi when it goes to a dually. The rears will likely go onto my trailer, as I believe the flares I have on my van might be the same. If not, I will swap out all 4 of mine, with yours, and mount my rears on my trailer. Is there an airdam that goes with these?? Just curious, no biggie if no.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 6:03 pm
No airdamn unfortunately. It was gone when I got the van.

Spring Thaw will be fine. These flares will fit all Dodge vans, 79-93.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 6:04 pm
Thanks Nate. And those are the key years, as its better then retrofitting Mid Dodge flares to fit my 91.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 7:08 pm
Chopped vans should not have bolt on flairs grin
Posted By: DocCyber Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 7:15 pm
yea what superbeast said..........ya dont use vinyl either....hehehehe
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 8:34 pm
doing away with the flares? dang. I like em myself, but hey it's your ride.
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 19th 2009 9:25 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Chopped vans should not have bolt on flairs grin

yeah

You got that right...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 20th 2009 12:19 am
Ric Flairs? Wooooooooo!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 20th 2009 4:38 am
They will eventually be molded in. And I'm not using vinyl, I'm using canvas...lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 20th 2009 11:36 am
How about astro turf Brad? lol
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 20th 2009 4:08 pm
Hmmmm....maybe Nate, but then how do I keep the GOLFERS off my roof??? lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2009 4:34 am
Okay..got a lot done today. Removed all the smog equipment, replaced all the vacuum lines, and did a fresh tune-up. I did retain the EGR valve and the evaporative canister.

Got the old cat conveter Y-pipe off so I can install the non-cat converter Y-pipe in it's place. I do have to replace the right exhaust manifold because it does not have the "dished" end for the Y-pipe to seal to...it's flat.

Next up..I have to drop the transmission to replace the from pump seal and it also needs the rear seal.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2009 6:15 am
Now, just get rid of all the TMW siblings, and you are away !!! smile
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2009 3:57 pm
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
Now, just get rid of all the TMW siblings, and you are away !!! smile


Bah..humbug! grin
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 02nd 2009 12:29 am
I second what Doc Eh! said...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 02nd 2009 11:41 am
Bah-humbug to you too! grin
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 2:39 pm
How about those flares Nate?? Did you check out how they are installed?? I can't wait to have the fronts actually fit right, and just in time for NATS this year.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 3:44 pm
I'll double-check again. They are screwed on...
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 4:30 pm
Just checkn to make sure you haven't changed your mind on these. I chnage my mind often, and so do you, so just checkin in.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 5:23 pm
Nate changes his mind? rofl rofl rofl
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 5:25 pm
Yes I do! LOL

Nope..don't want the flares. I'll snap a pic of them for ya Brad.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 5:46 pm
This is the best picture I can come up with of them.
the mounting surface is too dark.......

[Linked Image]

........Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 5:50 pm
I don't care what everyone else say's. I like the windows in that van!
They give it style thats S-T-Y-L-E... style!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 6:20 pm
Thanks Charlie.

Ya see..there are vanners that aren't winder haters. grin
Posted By: vanticipation Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 6:50 pm
I have windows and I HATE them. I do have a parts van that I could cut out a panel for each side and get rid of the windows,but i'm not that good of a fabricater,plus don't have that much cash to pay for it. so I will keep the windows and use them for what they were intended for. giving someone the full moon when they walk by.hehehehe grin
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 03rd 2009 8:00 pm
I like them windows in that van! You are right Charlie, BUT it's not MY van grin
Posted By: dan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 04th 2009 2:09 am
I like the window too, along with the flares and the color brown, I would leave it just as it is, maybe just wider rims and tires.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 04th 2009 1:46 pm
I second that Dan!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 04th 2009 2:30 pm
I totally agree with Dan and Snotty, but Nate doesn't seem to dig the flares, so lets not try and convince him. And I'm looking forward to front flares that fit properly.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 04th 2009 2:41 pm
You can take the man out of the conversion van but you can't take thoe conversion van out og the man.......

.....Wwookee
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 04th 2009 2:42 pm
roflroflrofl
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 04th 2009 2:51 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
You can take the man out of the conversion van but you can't take thoe conversion van out og the man.......

.....Wwookee


yay devil
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2009 11:29 am
Update.

Saturday got the trans. pulled and replaced the front pump seal and rear housing seal and got it back together. Next is double-check everything and get the new exhaust installed.

After that..check the brakes and replace the upper ball joints.
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2009 12:59 pm
I know we're past this point in the thread all ready but did I mention that I'm glad you didn't sell this van I also love the way those windows look. I think dodge vans look just as good with 8 inch wheels and no flares as they do with flares and bigger tires and more backspacing.
Posted By: RhoeJaqueSwiftt Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2009 1:05 pm
I dig this Van a lot too. Very VErY clean.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2009 1:17 pm
Right now the van has 7" American Racing wheels with brand new 235/75R15XL tires. I HAD to get new tires stat as the old ones were dryrotted. Hopefully I will upgrade to some new wheels(7" front/8" rear) with 255/60R15 on the front and 275/60R15 on the rear.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2009 5:13 pm
That will look good Nate. I had that setup first time around on my 91. But because I wanted flares, I upped the sizes.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 10th 2009 12:12 am
As Nate should do because Porter already has flares! wider is better!!!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 14th 2009 9:22 pm
Okay today i finished buttoning up the transmission and got the new "temporary" exhaust system installed. While I was under there I noticed I had a freeze plug leaking so I changed that..boy the old one was paper thin. I also noticed trans fluid leaking from where the shifter shaft goes into the transmission. So I pulled the old seal out and installed a new seal. I was told the transmission had been recently rebuilt but I guess the rebuilder forgot to change all these seals I'm replacing lol

The flares and running boards have been pulled off and the van looks better to me. There are holes from the flares along the leading edge of the fenders mad but my buddy Brian is going to weld them up for me.
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 14th 2009 11:16 pm
Awesome, glad to hear you're gettin her in good shape, any pics without the flares?
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 15th 2009 3:34 am
I hope my flares came off nicely Nate. I just cracked the same one I cracked last summer, again. DOH!!!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 15th 2009 11:16 am
Pretty sure I know who did the tranny in thaty van.....
If you can't say any thing nice don't say any thing at all.....

Some people did screw through the rolled edge of those flares to mount them.......
On my Chevys I always used the lower flange to mount mine......

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 15th 2009 8:17 pm
Okay..

Today I refilled coolant and trans fluid and swapped in the extra long tube and dipstick so I can now check the trans fluid from under the hood rather than pull the doghouse. Got the engine timed spot on and she purrs like a kitten.

I also put a new set of brake shoes on. I discovered the bang up job MR TIRE did to my rear lugs. On the passenger side they left a lug nut off and on the drivers side the crossthreaded a lug so I had to replace one of the studs.

Damn...I hate shoddy workmanship.


Anyway..next week is replace a front brake line, replace the rotors, and upper ball joints.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 17th 2009 10:27 am
Replaced the negative battery cable and I just ordered me up a new positive cable from Chrysler. The positive cable is special because it has these wires and connectors for the fusible links as part of the assembly. 35 beans..not too bad I suppose.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 17th 2009 10:49 am
Sounds like your doing it good Nate,you should be good to go vanning. lol
Posted By: dan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 12:11 am
All sounds great except the part where he said he removed the flairs.

I hope he's not putting hubcaps on it and more windows in it.


U know Im just busting on U nate, its your van, do as u wish.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 1:46 am
Dont encourage him Dan... rofl I gotta say one thing IF I see hubcaps on "porter" I'll be stealing them when he crashes at 9 on Fri night! laugh
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 2:22 am
9??? Don't you mean 8???? lol
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 2:24 am
no it was 7 lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 2:29 am
yeah but that wasn't on pure beer lol
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 5:12 am
7....I crashed when I fell into, and outa my van, in one foul swoosh...lol

Please Nate, no hub caps. Especially those fake spinnners.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 10:40 am
No..no hubcaps. I'm gonna run the American Racing wheels for a while and then hopefully by next spring I will have a set of Cragar Soft 8's on her.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2009 4:42 pm
COOOOOOL...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 10:55 am
Mini-update..

My buddy Brian has welded up all the little holes in the fender edges from the flares. Weeeeeee!
Posted By: mugsy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 11:07 am
nice,nice
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 11:58 am
Cool, sounds like a done deal for your flares. I can't wait to get front flares that fit properly. Thanks again Nate. See ya at Thaw in several weeks.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 12:13 pm
lol I was waiting for you to say Brian welded up the window holes rofl
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 12:16 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
lol I was waiting for you to say Brian welded up the window holes rofl


haha
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 1:34 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
lol I was waiting for you to say Brian welded up the window holes rofl


I'd let you do it, but I might come back and find the roof chopped too! lol
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 1:57 pm
Naw, nothing to worry about there. Not a big fan of chopped maxi's. Plus, I think those winders look good in that van.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 2:40 pm
??? She ain't a maxi silly. The 72 is but not the 85.
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 2:54 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Plus, I think those winders look good in that van.


sick Did Ken say what I thought he said rofl
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 3:25 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
??? She ain't a maxi silly. The 72 is but not the 85.


Really, by the pictures, I always thought it was a maxi. Maybe I need to look closer at them.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 3:25 pm
Originally Posted by vanatic05
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Plus, I think those winders look good in that van.


sick Did Ken say what I thought he said rofl


Sure buddy! It's not MY van!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2009 6:44 pm
It's the regular wheelbase van.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: dan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 20th 2009 3:01 am
Is Brad buying the running boards?
Posted By: mugsy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 20th 2009 3:17 am
that camera angle makes that ride look long
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 20th 2009 9:18 pm
maxi van

[Linked Image]

LWB van

[Linked Image]

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2009 1:58 am
Originally Posted by dan
Is Brad buying the running boards?



Actually Wookee wants them, so I'm going to take them over to him.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2009 10:14 pm
Didn't get anything done on the 85 this weekend. I was helping club member Tony get his 78 Dodge squared away before Fools Follies. I changed out the front calipers, pads, front hoses and master cylinder. I also found that the right outer tie rod was about to expire. Couldn't for the life of me find a parts store that had one. I found a used assembly (inner, outer, adjusting sleeve) off of a 77 that fit. I cleaned it up, flushed out the old grease, installed new dust boots and now he's good to go. Ordinarily I don't like install used parts, but we were desperate.
Posted By: That_Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 25th 2009 5:39 pm
Seriously, I love the back window...It really sets it off. Sweet van man...
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 25th 2009 5:41 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
I was helping club member Tony get his 78 Dodge squared away before Fools Follies. I changed out the front calipers, pads, front hoses and master cylinder. I also found that the right outer tie rod was about to expire. Couldn't for the life of me find a parts store that had one. I found a used assembly (inner, outer, adjusting sleeve) off of a 77 that fit. I cleaned it up, flushed out the old grease, installed new dust boots and now he's good to go. Ordinarily I don't like install used parts, but we were desperate.


Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do but hopefully he can get a new one and upgrade when you have a chance..
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 26th 2009 11:20 am
Got my NOS positive batt cable yesterday. Looks nice..got all the correct connectors and other doo-dads coming off of it. I'll install it this weekend.

Looks like this is the van I'm going to have to take to Fools Follies. My '94 is pissing me off!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 26th 2009 12:18 pm
Sounds like your getting all the kinks worked out Nate,hope to see it this year.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 26th 2009 12:57 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate


Looks like this is the van I'm going to have to take to Fools Follies. My '94 is pissing me off!


Better to be pissed off, then pissed on...lol

Posted By: That_Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 26th 2009 1:00 pm
Originally Posted by Dodges 3
Originally Posted by Nate the skate


Looks like this is the van I'm going to have to take to Fools Follies. My '94 is pissing me off!


Better to be pissed off, then pissed on...lol



You do have a point!
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 26th 2009 4:05 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Looks like this is the van I'm going to have to take to Fools Follies. My '94 is pissing me off!


Ah, '85 was a great vintage... she'll be fine!


Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 29th 2009 1:42 pm
Well..she's finally home! Looks odd without the running boards and flares, but that's okay. No pics yet..it's foggy and raining here.

Tomorrow I take her to have the upper ball joints done and a front end alignment. Looks like this is the van I'll be taking to Fools Follies and probably Thaw too.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 29th 2009 2:06 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Well..she's finally home! Looks odd without the running boards and flares


well Duh!!! lol

Hope its what u had in mind buddy WE all know how you change your mind! smile
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 29th 2009 10:41 pm
Naw..not me! lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 30th 2009 1:24 pm
Just dropped her off to have new ball joints, front rotors, and an alignment. Weeeeeeee!
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 30th 2009 2:31 pm
that oughta tighten up front quite a bit.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 3:44 am
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Naw..not me! lol


No mind changing now. You have sold your flares, remember..lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 9:55 am
Yepper..they're yours.

Ah..how nice it is to drive a van that tracks nice and straight and doesn't want to fly off to the left if you let go of the wheel! lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 8:21 pm
Here's a few up to date pics. Looks okay w/o the flares and running boards. I still may go with the one-piece fiberglass boards in the future.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Took the middle seats out for more room. Pic didn't turn out that well.
[Linked Image]

Oh..and here's the a**hole that's on my sh*t list. lol
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 8:51 pm
Looking good
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 8:55 pm
Looking good Nate..better keep that a-hole in line lol
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 10:36 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Here's a few up to date pics. Looks okay w/o the flares and running boards. I still may go with the one-piece fiberglass boards in the future.



please please DO!!! NEAR future please!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 10:52 pm
looks great without the flares!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 31st 2009 11:50 pm
Originally Posted by Snotty
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Here's a few up to date pics. Looks okay w/o the flares and running boards. I still may go with the one-piece fiberglass boards in the future.



please please DO!!! NEAR future please!


This is what I want to go with...

[Linked Image]

When the van gets painted black, the running boards will blend in better.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 1:00 am
Originally Posted by Snotty
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Here's a few up to date pics. Looks okay w/o the flares and running boards. I still may go with the one-piece fiberglass boards in the future.



please please DO!!! NEAR future please!


I agree. It seems a little plain w/o the flares. But of course, its your van Nate, so you do with it as you please.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 1:01 am
Still looks great though.
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 2:05 am
to bad its a dodge i have a set for a chevy going to toss them
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 10:12 am
Well Luke..wave a magic wand over them and change them into Dodge parts! lol

I can't believe no one wants them..shame you have to throw them away.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 10:13 am
My dilema is that new fiberglass running boards are about $450 and most of the ones in junkyards are all busted up. Grrrrrrr! mad
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 1:20 pm
Pick up the best set of busted up ones from the j/y, and start f/ging them back together. I just completed repair number 2 & 3 on one of my front flares. Not too worried about it though, with your old ones waiting for me.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 10:46 pm
Today went out to have a final check under the hood before the long trip down to Virginny this weekend and I noticed my heater hoses were very soft..almost gummy. I took a closer look and saw that they still had MOPAR printed on them!!!! Original hoses from 1985!!!!

Needless to say I took a trip up to the parts store and replaced them. Man...that woud have been great to bust loose on the highway!
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 11:11 pm
does that mean you changed them? what about the belts and bypass hosefrom pump to manifold.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 01st 2009 11:30 pm
Belts are in good shape, but I might just changed them anyway and the bypass hose has recently been changed.

Rad hoses are new too.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 11:21 am
Well...

On the way to work this morning the engine blew up. Not sure if I should just cut my losses and sell the thing or have an engine installed that I don't have the money for.

Decisions, decisions.

Posted By: 84StreetVan Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:04 pm
Sorry to hear that. What happened?
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:06 pm
frown bummer Nate..well depends on how much you like the van weather a new engine goes in? I know where a 360 from a 97 is...
Posted By: leadfoot Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:12 pm
Capt: are you sure?
Bones: I've given her all i got capt' she just got no more!
good luck man.. that SUCKS
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:17 pm
Originally Posted by 84StreetVan
Sorry to hear that. What happened?


I don't think it threw a rod, but there's definitely something clanging around inside the block. Maybe the crank broke.
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:23 pm
Originally Posted by vanatic05
I know where a 360 from a 97 is...


never mind I should have looked at what year it was..
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:32 pm
O my!!! That blows... looks like your destined to be a winder vanner huh! lol
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:51 pm
Time to switch brands.........

......Wookee
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 12:56 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Time to switch brands.........

......Wookee

haha


I would go for another engine nate but I don't have any extra money to send your way, but maybe someone has something laying around they want to get rid of?
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 1:31 pm
Having more tha one project laying around at one time, some times you have to bite the bullet an lump then into onme big project.......BTDT it's called the "Beast".....

let's see you have a Maxi winder van ther that you will have a hard timme getting back out of it what you have in.You have the brown van that needs a engine,has a nice body with less windows .A buddy with a garage to do the work in.....

Now if we where talking Chevys it would be a weekend swap,unfortunately we are are talking Dodges here.... Wookee don't speak Dodge very well.......

Or you could just un load ALL of the old stuff make enough for a down payment for a newer one and buy something with a payment but less, miles, less hassels,and a GOOD waranty and a payement.......

Dealing with older vans can be a major pain in the butt.....

........Wookee

Posted By: Kevs_Kustoms Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 1:52 pm
Hey Nate!! frown :(Sorry to hear about that!! I know having 2 of your Vans, giving you problems(needing $$$ put into them) must Really Suck. mad But, it is a "Very Nice looking Van", and if thats Original paint, I'd get a Nice Cover for it, park it, until $$$ gets better. That is a SWEET VAN!! "I" wouldn't sell it!! Keep your Spirits Up, Man!!! Nate, I know you've done alot to it already.
I got my '77 after a carb. fire, so I don't know really what Ive got going on inside yet. The guy told me that it ran "fine" before the fire.
I,ve got a Holley 600/Edelbrock Combo on it now. A few more things(battery, alt., belts and fluids) and I'll be ready to see what I'm dealing with. If all is good, I'll install my Headers. Wish me Luck!! It's a pretty decent Van.(Georgia Body/Original faded paint and some Primer), but alot of the Kustom interior is '70's Original, and in decent shape. Don't give up on..."ROOT-BEER"!!! cheers Later,Kev-
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 3:38 pm
UPDATE:

Through the generosity of my buddy Brian Bowie, Root Beer will have a new engine installed. He has agreed to loan me the money. Weeeeeeeeee!


As far as the maxi winder van goes, that old girl has bailed me our more times than I can count. Brings a tear to my eye....
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 3:40 pm
cheers Great news Nate..when is she going under the knife lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 3:41 pm
Today!!
Posted By: sasktrini Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 3:42 pm
Wow, Nate!

It's good Karma... you have been more than generous in the past... I'm sure Luke will agree that you earned and deserve this kind of "reward" for the help you've given vanners!
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 3:46 pm
Originally Posted by Kevs_Kustoms
The guy told me that it ran "fine" before the fire.

ya know, I told my dad my engine was running great once and he said " dave what do all the nascar guys or the drag strip guys say after their engine blows up "well it was running better than it ever had." haha.

Thats great news Nate! You've got some good friends for sure.
Posted By: Kevs_Kustoms Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 4:08 pm
Whats up Matchstick!!?? Hey Man, you've got some Really Kool stuff 4 sale!! drool Need to pick up a few things from ya. Gotta support your fellow vanners!!
That's Great News Nate!! So it's a 440 six-pac, out of a what?????
That would be SWEET! Good luck with it. Later on, guys!!!!!!Kev- shift
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 6:04 pm
Thats great to hear Nate!
Posted By: That_Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 6:33 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
UPDATE:

Through the generosity of my buddy Brian Bowie, Root Beer will have a new engine installed. He has agreed to loan me the money. Weeeeeeeeee!


As far as the maxi winder van goes, that old girl has bailed me our more times than I can count. Brings a tear to my eye....



Right on!!!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 6:46 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
UPDATE:

Through the generosity of my buddy Brian Bowie, Root Beer will have a new engine installed. He has agreed to loan me the money. Weeeeeeeeee!


VANNERS helping VANNERS......

........Wookee
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 6:49 pm
Coolbeans! I sure hope you let Brian claim u on his taxes! You are like a son to him!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 7:13 pm
I don't think Brian ever delivered milk or mail to where nate lived as a kid.......LOL

.........Wookee
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 7:21 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I don't think Brian ever delivered milk or mail to where nate lived as a kid.......LOL

.........Wookee


haha
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 7:38 pm
For the rest of the story of my day got to Off Topic "What a day!"
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 9:24 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
I don't think Brian ever delivered milk or mail to where nate lived as a kid.......LOL

.........Wookee

rofl
Posted By: on the road Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2009 9:58 pm
Glad to hear things are going your way...can't beat vanner friends!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 03rd 2009 1:13 am
Thats great news Nate. It helps having friends like Brian. So we should hopefully still see Root Beer at Thaw??
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 03rd 2009 1:45 am
I hope so...crossing my fingers!
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 03rd 2009 1:58 am
sorry to here nate i know how you feel if you need any help let me know
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 03rd 2009 2:16 pm
Thanks Luke!
Posted By: 89lxstanger Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 05th 2009 5:00 am
ya that sucks man sorry to hear

looks to be in really nice shape though so certainly justifies the new motor
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 05th 2009 8:57 pm
Howard, do you know Nates friend??
Posted By: BvrWally Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 05th 2009 11:51 pm
I do Gary!
B.W. smile
Posted By: on the road Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 06th 2009 1:17 am
Yes, I know Brian...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 06th 2009 10:26 am
I anyone remembers, Brian had/has a yellow 8-door early Dodge called "The Notel Motel"

Now he has that tandem Xplorer A-100 RV.
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 06th 2009 11:58 pm
Howard, what did you decide to do with your work van??
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 8:55 pm
SHE'S HOME FROM THE ENGINE SHOP!!!!!


Runs great! Friday I'm gonna take her up to my exhaust man and see about getting some nice dual exhaust!

"If you're happy and you know it drink a beer, if you're happy and you know it drink a beer...."
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 8:58 pm
Excellent new Nate..wow that was pretty fast as well.. cheers
Posted By: Gloworm_Dee_Jaye Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 8:59 pm
sounds good Nate
Posted By: Beast_Lee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 8:59 pm
Congrats Nate...

shift
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 9:04 pm
Good deal Nate. Go out and enjoy it now.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 10:30 pm
Kudo's buddy! now there is NO excuse not to make the Van Blessing this year, yeah yeah the wife has a bbq I know, the blessing is EARLY, you can do both! I gotta tell ya seems your vans lately could use all the blessing they could get! You surely dont wanna jinx em by not getting it/them <pics> blessed!
Posted By: on the road Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 15th 2009 10:39 pm
At this point I have to drive it. I check the water and oil every day. It uses a couple quarts of water every hundred miles or so, but no water in the oil, no overheat, nothing but an occasional miss and a puff of steam out the pipe...I've been staying home and saving money, and right now I am 3000 bucks short of being able to get it fixed!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 8:02 am
That shop works pretty fast great news.....

Howard, are you talking about your van in your post????

........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 11:25 am
Great news Nate! Bummer Howard. Too bad you weren't closer. We could fix that up in a weekend.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 3:50 pm
Tomorrow I take her up for a new dual exhaust system. Stay tuned for pics!
Posted By: davidm Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 4:20 pm
Glad you got it going nate!!!!!!! Are you going "true" dualls or are you just gona go single to a "Y-pipe" then 2 out the back?
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 4:22 pm
Congrats Nate...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 6:23 pm
True duals in front of the rear wheels. Can't run them out the back due to the large 35 gallon gas tank...no room.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 8:10 pm
There's no room with the 22 gal tank either, at least no room on the pass. side.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 16th 2009 9:10 pm
Here's a couple of engine pics. Ain't much too look at really, but I've never been one for flash anyway.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 3:19 am
what size you going with? i got headers and exhaust off a parts van and i'm having put on my '75 Dodge. they're 3 inch off the collector then shrink down to just under 2 1/2 inch the rest of the way out. is there a "right size" or does it depend on the power of the engine?
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 3:26 pm
actually that picture says ALLOT about the shop that did the work.New parts and clean in all the right places and NO freaking grease in all the wrong places........

..........Wookee
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 3:34 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
actually that picture says ALLOT about the shop that did the work.New parts and clean in all the right places and NO freaking grease in all the wrong places........

..........Wookee


I agree Joe..looks like the shop did a nice neat job.. Looks good Nate..get out and enjoy the ride..
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 4:04 pm
Just got back from the exhaust shop. I'm running manifolds so they had to do 2-1/4 into 2-1/2. Ravin mufflers which are a Flowmaster knock-off, but I think they sound better.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Pipe on passenger side looks like it's sticking out further, but it doesn't actually
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 4:10 pm
Looks great Nate..looks like a good sunny day as well..go for a drive..
Posted By: OVANNER Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 4:31 pm
Nice, now take it for a nice long blast before the BBQ on Sat! Nice to have good friends with knowledge!
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 4:32 pm
All right! shes bacccccccccck!
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 8:30 pm
nice it it going to thaw
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 17th 2009 8:50 pm
Sweet Nate
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 18th 2009 2:44 am
Well...I found one "flaw". I took the van out for about a 20-mile drive and the transmission started slipping. I got it home and checked the fluid. Wasn't even touching the stick. I had to add 2-1/2 quarts just to get it to the "OK" mark.

Funny thing the shop charged me for 1 quart of fluid. They had to replace the TQ converter because it had broken teeth (a Mopar flaw is not having a flywheel with teeth on it). I guess 1 qt wasn't enough. frown

Torqueflite transmission have to be checked in NEUTRAL. I wonder if the mechanic knew that.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 18th 2009 11:17 pm
The plot thickens. Went to down Brian's to do the front brakes and noticed a puddle of transmission fluid under the van. FRONT SEAL!!! mad

When the engine shop put the engine in, I told them I had just put a new seal in about two weeks prior and that it wasn't leaking and not to put a new one in. Well that bit me in the ass. It's not like I can take it back and bitch at them because of the decision I made. Looks like I'll be pulling the transmission after Thaw...again.

Oh and now the heater core is leaking too! Oh joy!
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 19th 2009 12:12 am
dang man. thats no good. You can't get any respect from this van. what all is involved in replacing the front seal?
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 19th 2009 12:34 am
Shoulda got THAT van blessed today Nate, sure sounds like its need it! LOL
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 19th 2009 3:21 pm
Originally Posted by matchstickBGV
dang man. thats no good. You can't get any respect from this van. what all is involved in replacing the front seal?


Pulling the transmission and torque converter. Not a hard job, but tedious.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 1:53 pm
Ordering a new seal and a repair sleeve for the torque converter. Should be okay after that.
Posted By: fdion Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 1:57 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Originally Posted by matchstickBGV
dang man. thats no good. You can't get any respect from this van. what all is involved in replacing the front seal?


Pulling the transmission and torque converter. Not a hard job, but tedious.


Do you have a lift, or how do you do that?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 2:03 pm
My buddy has a lift..thank God.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 2:57 pm
Air tools, 36" extension, laying on the floor!

I have a trans jack, but usually take to long to get it out of the shed and strap it to the trans. Just use the old muscles.

Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 3:12 pm
Bummer Nate..sound like you have same luck as Courtney and I with the mid..good luck buddy. get in there and get r done grin
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 7:33 pm
Crap Nate. At least by the time you finish, it will be like new.
Posted By: That_Guy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 7:47 pm
Man getting something fixed, then you working on it just dosnt seem right.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 9:31 pm
Originally Posted by Dodges 3
Crap Nate. At least by the time you finish, it will be like new.
then its up for sale! rofl
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 22nd 2009 11:35 pm
Originally Posted by Snotty
Originally Posted by Dodges 3
Crap Nate. At least by the time you finish, it will be like new.
then its up for sale! rofl



NOOOOOOOOO! lol
Posted By: phrog Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 1:29 am
Nate, I hear there's a recall on dodge lifters in 94 that might be your high tops problems
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 2:02 am
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Air tools, 36" extension, laying on the floor!

I have a trans jack, but usually take to long to get it out of the shed and strap it to the trans. Just use the old muscles.



that sounds right ken i have done 8 trans on my back
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 2:02 am
o only dropped one on me lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 10:04 am
Originally Posted by phrog
Nate, I hear there's a recall on dodge lifters in 94 that might be your high tops problems


Ended up being a bad fuel pump. Was intermittently putting out only 15psi.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 10:25 am
Well that wasn't that bad of a fix lol
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 11:53 am
Originally Posted by hippieluke
o only dropped one on me lol


lol BTDT! lol
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 23rd 2009 12:37 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Originally Posted by Snotty
Originally Posted by Dodges 3
Crap Nate. At least by the time you finish, it will be like new.
then its up for sale! rofl



NOOOOOOOOO! lol


No kidding. I had a bad year with my 91 Dodge shorty, bt just kept replacing stuff, and it is still purring like a kitten. Keep at it Nate, it wil work out in the end.

PS. Please don't forget to give Ken my flares....Thanks to both of you.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 06th 2009 8:33 pm
Once I get the transmission fluid leak fixed and put a few miles on the new engine, I want to go to a 4bbl. setup. I was thinking about this Summit Racing combo kit.

Summit Goodies!

I need to make sure the Summit intake will work with the A/C compressor AND I need to make sure this won't void the warranty.
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 06th 2009 8:45 pm
Sweet...
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 07th 2009 8:06 am
Thats real purty Nate. Is yours currently a 2bbl??? I'll assume yes. Which carb do you have right now??
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 07th 2009 9:59 am
Very nice Nate smile
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 07th 2009 10:18 am
Originally Posted by Dodges 3
Thats real purty Nate. Is yours currently a 2bbl??? I'll assume yes. Which carb do you have right now??


Yepper..it's a 2bbl. It's a Holley 2280

Summit now has their own line of carburetors. They look similar to a Holley, but if you compare the two side-by-side, the Summit carb is way different in design.

Summit Carb
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 26th 2009 4:24 pm
Just an eensey weensey update. This Friday I finally get a chance to take the van down to my buddy's to fix the horrid transmission leak. THEN I CAN ACTUALLY DRIVE THE VAN!!!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 27th 2009 3:21 pm
And now I have a little part of Rootbeer in my 91. Its raining, and I'm working tonite and tomorrow nite, and then off to Montreal for the weekend, but hope to have at least the front flares on early next week. Thanks again Nate, Ken, and Doug, for getting me these flares.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 27th 2009 3:37 pm
No problem buddy!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 30th 2009 4:18 am
Weeeeee. Good news!

I didn't have to pull the transmission after all. The leak was caused by me overfilling the transmission. I guess I just misread the stick. So I spent the day getting the speedo hooked back up, installing a rear-view mirror, adjusting the kickdown linkage, and just driving her around a bit.

She's gonna need u-joints soon and I need to get the idle speeds dialed in.

OH..and driving home from Brian's today in a tyrantial downpour, my wipers quit working. It's the motor..luckily I have brand new one sitting here that I had bought for another 85 Dodge I had. That's Saturday's project.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 30th 2009 11:35 pm
AH HA! The plot thickens. Turns out my wiper linkage bushings are SHOT! I guess that's okay after 24 years. Went to the the local Salvo Auto Parts and they had 4 bushings in stock!

Just had a bit of an ordeal getting the linkages to snap into the bushings...even after lubing them. Geezy peezy.
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 31st 2009 3:39 am
cool whats its first run
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 31st 2009 4:32 am
i also struggled when putting new ones on my '75 Dodge
Posted By: Blue77 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 31st 2009 6:06 am
Just read this. Good job with it nate!
Cant wait to see what it looks like when you have the flares/running boards you want on.
To me it changed dramictly with them off... but it still looks Damn good!


Smitty
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 01st 2009 10:13 am
Once I get the wider wheels and tires on, I still want to go with a set of the fiberglass one-piece running boards. Eventually the van will be black.
Posted By: Blue77 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 01st 2009 10:24 am
Cant wait to see it in it's new look later down the road Nate.
I wanted my van black... but since i dont have A/C aint gonna happen!!

Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 01st 2009 10:32 am
This one has A/C, but it needs recharged. I thought it worked until I tried this past weekend and it still has R-12. frown
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 02nd 2009 3:23 am
Hey, another van's going to the dark side!!

;0)

(Mine's going to be black too...)

If you want to spend an afternoon cramming from free study materials and taking a test from your computer, for $25 you can get your EPA certification as a small appliance refrigeration tech and buy all the R-12 you want.

http://www.epatest.com/software/

R-12 is still readily available, even if at somewhat of a premium price, but it needs to be recovered, and from what I read so far, it can't be mixed with other refrigerants in the recovery storage vessels.

Since your refrigerant is already gone, that simplifies the situation considerably...

I've been meaning to get certified, but too many diversions keep butting in!

Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 02nd 2009 10:14 am
I do have a card that I was given when I was still turning wrenches. It's a MACS cert.

I don't think that allows me to buy R-12 though. I'll probably have it converted to R-134A eventually.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 08th 2009 1:31 pm
Seems like I keep taking steps backwards on this van. This weekend I installed new front shocks and installed new wiper linkage bushings and dialed in the trans. kickdown linkage. Good there.

Now..the A/C has stopped working (leaked out) and the brake pedal goes almost to the floor, the trans. still has a leak, AND now the damn engine won't idle right! I think that new carb. I put on is starting to take a crap. Oh yeah...I have a hellacious vibration at highway speeds too.

It's cursed I tells ya!

*sigh*

At least my conversion van is running great.
Posted By: Suzie-BGfNY-IN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 08th 2009 1:35 pm
hee--that's cause of the identity crisis Snotty and I are having--'PORTER' would be much more well behaved!!! hee hee

Just picking on ya Nate--
hope you are able to get it all worked out before the Nats!

Suzie
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 08th 2009 2:05 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Seems like I keep taking steps backwards on this van. This weekend I installed new front shocks and installed new wiper linkage bushings and dialed in the trans. kickdown linkage. Good there.

Now..the A/C has stopped working (leaked out) and the brake pedal goes almost to the floor, the trans. still has a leak, AND now the damn engine won't idle right! I think that new carb. I put on is starting to take a crap. Oh yeah...I have a hellacious vibration at highway speeds too.

It's cursed I tells ya!

*sigh*

At least my conversion van is running great.


I'm in the same boat with ya nate. My brake light has been on since I bought the van (pretty sure back brakes aren't doing anything), my tail lights get brighter when I hit the gas, and I'm hearing weird noises that I don't hear often enough to even guess where they're coming from. maybe it's just my antenna whipping around, and I broke my new spoiler already, either way I feel the same as you. Every time I put something new on something else breaks. I want to yell at the van "he hates these parts!" kind of like in the jerk, "he hates these cans!"
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 08th 2009 5:53 pm
sorry to hear nate
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 15th 2009 11:14 am
Hey Nate, Roots Beer's twin was at Van Fest this weekend. Check it out. Its known as Hot Chocolate.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 15th 2009 5:27 pm
Wow, those are a lot alike. Did you think to ask who did the oval conversion windows? He's also got nearly the same idea for a tube grille that I have, only his tubes were longer, so he removed the entire center trim. I like the sea chest and the overhead console switch center. He's rearranged the electronics modules on the firewall and added a small battery isolator too from the looks of it. Also looks like there's no air con... that's no fun!!

Clear skies!
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 15th 2009 6:11 pm
Would be nice to see those two side by side at the nats!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 15th 2009 6:58 pm
Well I do know that this one is for sale. I believe he is asking $7900. I offered $5500 and got a funny smile/smurk...lol But man is this one ever clean, I mean super clean. He pulls the headers off every 2 years and paints them. And same with the brakes, and alot of other stuff. It is very well cared for, and it shows. A beauty of a 79 she is.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 15th 2009 8:20 pm
Oh wow..she's sweet. I'd be embarrassed to park next to that van.
Posted By: smitty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 16th 2009 12:30 am
Good Lookin Van!!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - July 27th 2009 3:52 pm
Small update.

Van has been sitting for over a month since I'm discusted with it. However I did fire it up and drive down to my buddy's garage on Friday. While rolling down the highway at about 70mph...a bad vibration started developing and got worse and worse the more I drove it. Felt like the van was going to rattle apart. Vibration got REALLY bad when I touched the brakes.

Got to his house and let the van sit for about 45 minutes. I went over and touched the front wheels and they were cool to mildly warm..touched the back wheels and burnt the hell out of my fingers. So hot you could fry an egg.

I think now what is happening is that I have the rear brakes adjusted up way too far, the drums are getting extremely hot while I drive and warping thus causing my vibration. I'm sure the shoes are either heat cracked or glazed up. I'll get the drums checked to make sure they are salvageable, have them cut and then install new shoes (again!).

Once I remedy that, I'll see what the future holds. I just don't have the funds to put into the van anymore.
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - July 27th 2009 3:55 pm
Take your time with it Nate and you will get her rolling again..
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - July 27th 2009 6:00 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate


I think now what is happening is that I have the rear brakes adjusted up way too far, the drums are getting extremely hot while I drive and warping thus causing my vibration. I'm sure the shoes are either heat cracked or glazed up. I'll get the drums checked to make sure they are salvageable, have them cut and then install new shoes


Sorry to hear that your having so many problems Nate.
Hang tuff and she will come around.
Just a thought...
Did you check to see if the parking brake was stuck on?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - July 27th 2009 6:42 pm
Quote
Did you check to see if the parking brake was stuck on?


Yepper...works great. Cables are good and free.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 05th 2009 4:19 pm
Okay..this Friday I'm going down to the garage and totally redo the rear brakes. New shoes, hardware, adjusters, and wheels cylinders. No more screwing around.

I should have done that to begin with.
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 05th 2009 4:23 pm
I didn't have a choice when I did my rears, everything about them was shot! I'm kind of surprised you didn't go all the way nate but I know this van has been burning a hole in your pocket as of late.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 05th 2009 4:26 pm
I want to drive it to an evant so bad I can taste it, but with the nagging issues that seem to creep up, I'm leary. Once the brake job is finished, I'll start driving it regularly.

Perhaps I'll drive it to Keystone this year.
Posted By: MyDodgeDip Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 2:26 am
Sorry to hear its giving you trouble Nate, you'll get through it and get to enjoying it soon enough.

As for the R-12 problem, (Here in NJ at least) you can buy stuff called Freeze-12 that is R-12 replacement at any parts store. Had good luck with it in my 88 fifth ave, 84 diplomat and a couple other cars.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 2:57 am
Well, at least part of Root Beer lives on Nate. But I have still only replaced my front flares, as they were shot.

Chin up buddy. You will get this van purring like a kitten yet.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 3:29 am
Wow Nate, I sure hope your drums aren't too far gone.

Don't forget the flex hose... maybe since you had both rear brakes binding, it's the real culprit.

When I did my brakes, I shot the entire batch out at once like you're talking about. I'm a lot more confident driving it thanks to that. I'm sure you'll be too.

Please take some pictures of what you find - might be a good reference for other Vanners with vintage vans.

Clear skies!


Posted By: GupEBoy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 4:06 am
Like the exhaust Nate. Who did it for you? Stainless and welded?

Jim
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 9:56 am
Quote
Don't forget the flex hose... maybe since you had both rear brakes binding, it's the real culprit


I don't think they're binding up. They do release when I take my foot off the pedal. It's just that when I did the initial install of the shoes, I adjusted them too far and they were constantly rubbing on the drum creating buku amounts of heat. It was getting so hot that I began to loose the brake pedal. Brake fluid was developing air bubbles.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 9:57 am
Originally Posted by GupEBoy
Like the exhaust Nate. Who did it for you? Stainless and welded?

Jim


Hey Jim...I had a local "mom & pop" place do the work. No it's not stainless, but they did weld the system. Sounds good too!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 10:33 am
Very nice Nate.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 06th 2009 11:08 am
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
I want to drive it to an evant so bad I can taste it


Take a test drive to CT. on Saturday!
Good luck on the works over there.

BTW nice mug shot! mad
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 07th 2009 10:22 pm
Okay! Got heavy into it today. Replaced just about everything on the rear brakes. New shoes, hardware, adjusters, wheel cylinders, rear brake cables (they were seized afterall!), and I also ended up replacing the steel lines that run across the rear axle to the cylinders. Somebody at one time did a repair and used a funkin compression fitting for the repair. I HATE THAT!!!!!!

Tomorrow I finish the job up since I had to order the brake cables.
Posted By: MyDodgeDip Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 08th 2009 2:47 pm
UGH! When we got my brothers fifth ave someone had run new brake lines on the rear. Instead of flaring the line at the right length, they took a line too long and bent it up and down in waves to make it fit. That car was full of half ass repairs...

At least it's all straightened out now!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 08th 2009 11:46 pm
I hear ya...I always cut the lines to fit. I hate loops! lol

Here's some pics of the new parts.

New brake line
[Linked Image]
Rebuilt rear brakes with all new components
[Linked Image]


The brakes work like a dream now! Weeeeeeee!
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 09th 2009 12:11 am
Sounds like we just "might" see PORTER at Flamingo Fest!!!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 09th 2009 12:24 am
Not at Flamingo, but probably Keystone.

"Hey Porter, hey porter...."
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - September 15th 2009 10:33 am
Trip to Keystone in Root Beer is in jeopardy. I think the carb took a crap on me yesterday. I going to swap the one from my 72 and see how that plays out.

I tell ya..this funkin' van is CURSED!!!
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - September 15th 2009 11:37 am
He Hates these vans!
Posted By: liljack Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - September 15th 2009 2:08 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Okay! Got heavy into it today. Replaced just about everything on the rear brakes. New shoes, hardware, adjusters, wheel cylinders, rear brake cables (they were seized afterall!), and I also ended up replacing the steel lines that run across the rear axle to the cylinders. Somebody at one time did a repair and used a funkin compression fitting for the repair. I HATE THAT!!!!!!

Tomorrow I finish the job up since I had to order the brake cables.


Nate, approximately what did the full brake reworking run you? This is something MCR needs but I haven't priced parts. Any help?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - September 15th 2009 3:32 pm
Oh gosh...if I had to guess, it was probably around $150 for everything. I did the actual work myself.
Posted By: MyDodgeDip Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - September 16th 2009 11:30 pm
I'll sell ya a good running carb for it, comes with a complete 79 b200 attached grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - September 17th 2009 10:38 am
Wish I could buddy...I like that van or yours.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2009 9:36 pm
Very small update. I still haven't gotten my rebuild kit from Jeg's yet. It's on backorder from Holley.

In the meantime, I bought a used carb. off a running van. Hopefully it's a good one. I'll slap it on tomorrow and see how it goes.

Poor van has been sitting up against the curb next to my house for 2 months. I hope no squirrels or cats have moved in. lol
Posted By: Uncle_Fester Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2009 9:42 pm
a buddy of mine parked his diesel pick up for like a month, started it up and found out a ground squirrel had moved into his muffler... boy was it pissed off! when he started the truck! lol
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2009 10:05 pm
load it up with bounce dryer sheets Nate, thats what I do and have never had an issue "knock on wood"
Posted By: Phoenix Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 30th 2009 10:25 pm
It's not cursed you just need to change the color like I did... That brown metallic Walnut ... well There are better colors...lol [Linked Image] [Linked Image]
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2009 6:43 pm
I'm really bummed. I put the "new" carb and she fired right up. Let the engine warm up and then it wouldn't idle so I made a few adjustments to the carb and the engine just won't idle right and it's running rough.

I pulled the wire to no. 3 and no. 7 cylinders and the engine sounded the same with no drop off or anything. Tells me somethings amiss on those two cyls. Plugs are good, wires are good, cap/rotor are brand new, etc. I guess next step is a compression check to see if those cyls are doing anything at all. This is a brand new engine so I don't know what's really going on and I don't have the equipment at my house to do a whole lot of diagnostics. Guess I'll have to break down and have it towed to the place that put the engine in and let them figure it out.

I'm running out of patience.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2009 7:02 pm
Drive it back there Nate.
Unless it is running that bad.
Considering you really have NOT put ANY miles on a freash engine it should still be under some type of warrenty,
Call them on Monday morning and see what they say.

Did you pull the plugs to see if they where fouled, or are you assuming they are good because they are new.

You can foul a new plug as easy as a worn one.

.......Wookee
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - October 31st 2009 10:10 pm
I just had an issue with WTF...put on new wires and two were faulty...swapped the old ones on and all was good....took them back and the counter guy realized that the box said Champoin.....Turns out they were counterfeit
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 01st 2009 4:27 am
Originally Posted by Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!!
took them back and the counter guy realized that the box said Champoin.....Turns out they were counterfeit


OMG!! [Linked Image]

Thanks for posting that Doc; I never heard of that before. Got to be on our guard for everything anymore...

I wonder if some innovative Chinese businessmen figured out how to incorporate Melanine in the wires... Bad enough that they poisoned our children, now they've graduated to poisoning our vans!

Clear skies!
Posted By: VanVida_Israel Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 01st 2009 5:03 am
You said the van is Cursed a few pages back, Ali's van had alot of issues & the garage guys and the body shop/painter asked why did she get a Personal Plate(VANity Plate) that reads CURSED and they ask me why? I tell them it has something to do with the mural she wants on it but that will have to wait. Before Dec 09 we can get new names or keep the same ones,I am hoping she will change it.
We have VANSRUS on Alice's 2000 Astro & VANSRUS on my 96 Safari,normally you can't duplicate but since one is registered as a car & one as a truck you can. VANVIDA(LIFE) is on the Chop Top Van. I want to change them to something else but don't know what. Sorry didn't mean to high jack your thread. Good luck on your van.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2009 11:04 am
Originally Posted by wookee
Drive it back there Nate.
Unless it is running that bad.
Considering you really have NOT put ANY miles on a freash engine it should still be under some type of warrenty,
Call them on Monday morning and see what they say.

Did you pull the plugs to see if they where fouled, or are you assuming they are good because they are new.

You can foul a new plug as easy as a worn one.

.......Wookee



Yeah...I'm going to give those folks a call. The engine has a 3-year/100,000 mile warranty. So if it turns out to be something mechanical, it should be covered.

I didn't pull the plugs, but I guess I could just to see if they are okay.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2009 7:19 pm
HS Nate, that a Great Lookin van, i just read all 41 pages, hopefully Someday she puts out, like you paid her alot of money, and spent alot of time on her.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2009 7:45 pm
Quote
hopefully Someday she puts out



I could say the same thing about some of the women I knew. LOL!
Posted By: Gloworm_Dee_Jaye Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2009 8:00 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Quote
hopefully Someday she puts out



I could say the same thing about some of the women I knew. LOL!


Nate shocked smile
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 02nd 2009 10:46 pm
Well, how is Porter now? got her up n runnin and ready for the pumpkin run? be great to c u there!!!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 11:09 am
Nope..still sitting. At this point I don't really give a rat's ass.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 11:19 am
Come on Nate we all get that feeling at some point.Take a break and go back at it.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 11:26 am
Too many "breaks" and not enough seat time. It's nice to hop in my 72 or 94, hit the key and go. I hop in the 85 and wonder how far I'll get up the road before I have to call the hook.
Posted By: on the road Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 1:20 pm
Call the shop that did the work and have them pick it up. Sounds like you have spent a lot of time on something that they should have made right...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 1:39 pm
You're right Howard...I'll give them a call. I hope it's nothing terminal.
Posted By: dewar01 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 2:36 pm
Don't give up on her Nate... problems are always big when we cant figure them out, but there's 100,000 smooth miles after it's all figured out and repaired. And those miles will be sweeter... smile
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 2:36 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
the van needs a couple linkless pictures.....

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


I'm still waiting to see this van in person. luvs it!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 3:05 pm
Okay...called the shop and I'm going to have it towed over there this evening. Hopefully it's nothing serious (or too expensive) if not covered by the warranty.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 03rd 2009 8:17 pm
My fingers are crossed for ya buddy. Just be patient, it will work out. Look how long it took for me to figure out my problem awhile back, when it was backfiring. Can't timing chain, waterpump(just because) wires, and all, and turned out to be a bad wire.

It will work out in the end.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 04th 2009 1:27 am
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
It's nice to hop in my 72 or 94, hit the key and go. I hop in the 85 and wonder how far I'll get up the road before I have to call the hook.


It's an "80's" thing... it just misses all the long hair. Put on some spandex and a big hair wig and I bet it'll run like a top!

[Linked Image]

Clear skies!


Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 04th 2009 7:28 pm
Update:

Shop called and it turns out the reman carburetor and used carburetor were literally dumping gas into engine and fouling out the plugs.

New carb and plugs are in order. They're going to do the work because quite frankly I was done screwing with it.
Posted By: sasktrini Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 04th 2009 7:35 pm
That's good news Nate!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 04th 2009 7:40 pm
I guess...the price tag isn't good news, but at least I know the job will be done right. This shop does good work.
Posted By: sasktrini Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 04th 2009 7:50 pm
I am 1-for-2 in carb rebuilding success rate... have no idea what I did wrong on my second QJet... it's not easy!

so this work isn't covered by their warranty?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 04th 2009 7:53 pm
Just the engine itself and the labor to install it. The carburetor is a reman that I put on previously.
Posted By: dewar01 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 1:55 am
yaygreat news Nate..
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 3:20 am
Got my fingers crossed for ya Bud, hopefully soon you'll enjoy DRIVING it. My Black shortbed that looked for, forever was an Electrical Nightmare it sat in the backyard for atleast 4 yrs,i put less than 500 miles on it, but i liked looking at it and the mileage was Good.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 3:59 am
I was thinking about stopping by your place last weekend.If nothing else to piss off your nieghbor again.......LOL
I am sorry now that I got busy and did not make it.....

.......Wookee
Posted By: The_Evil_Hippie Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 4:07 am
running or not I like that van!
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 7:16 am
Nate, just out of curiosity, where did the reman carbs come from that you had problems with?

Hope this shop has a different source. I'm looking forward to seeing your van one of these days - gotta get that puppy running right!

Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 11:55 am
RB is done and I'll pick it up after work. I bought the reman from that place in Florida called Guaranteed Carbs and previously had never a problem with the carbs I bought from them. They have a lifetime warranty on workmanship...not dirt getting into the carb (I put a new filter on too!). Oh well...I still have the rebuild kit coming from Jeg's so I'll have an extry. I'll chuck the old carb unless somebody wants it as a backup. It's a Holley 2280 non-feedback carb.

No problemos Wookee. I'm off next Friday...maybe I can make my way over to your place.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 3:14 pm
I told you you just got lucky with the last rebuild you bought from them......
I have off from Pap Pap duties this Friday.
I will not know what days I have off untill tonight for next week......

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 3:51 pm
The shop said they got the new carb from PAPA Auto Parts. I've had good luck with them in the past. There's a store right in Brooklyn too.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 10:32 pm
Got RB back and she's purring like a kitten. Hopefully it will stay that way!
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 10:36 pm
Glad to hear that.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 05th 2009 11:50 pm
WOOHOO. I bet you are happier now. Hopefully your weather holds out better then ours, so you can enjoy her a bit, before the white season sets in.
Posted By: sasktrini Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 2:41 am
Congrats... a few miles in it will make your wallet pain feel a little better!
Posted By: on the road Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 12:19 pm
Just in time to park her for the winter! Glad it worked out!
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 12:46 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Got RB back and she's purring like a kitten. Hopefully it will stay that way!


Awesome Nate!
Take her for a nice road test to South Jersey for the Pumpkin Run tomorrow.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 2:01 pm
Ya Know it was probably all that talk about BLACK and a NEW Name,that pissed her off, so Stop that, and she'll continue to PURR like a Kitten.
Posted By: vanatic05 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 2:09 pm
Great news Nate cheers
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 2:40 pm
Won't make the pumpkin run. Going to down to Brian's to put RB on the lift to adjust the parking brake, dial in my kickdown linkage, and hopefully put that rear swaybar kit on.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 5:39 pm
You can do all that on Sunday! Go to the Pumpkin Run and see your vanner bros and tons of cool shit on Saturday...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 7:02 pm
Sheeeeit. Sunday is race day! Sheeeit.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 06th 2009 8:09 pm
That's what DVR and TIVO is for buddy. lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 07th 2009 10:32 pm
Okay...went down to Brian's and put RB on the lift. Adjusted the parking brake cable (had to heat the nut!), dialed in in my kickdown linkage, and added the rear sway bar. I realized that the van does NOT have a front sway bar. Must have been an option on the 1/2 ton vans. My other 85 was a 3/4 ton and did have a front sway bar. I will add one to RB. The handling is much better, but I think a front bar is needed to compliment the rear bar.

Here's some pics of the ADDCO rear bar which I had to buy because the Hellwig rear bars don't fit vans with the 35 gallon tank. I bought this from PST (Performance Suspension Technologies). www.p-s-t.com

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Now I paid the extra bucks for poly bushings which had to be greased, but the kit comes with silicone grease. Install was easy except for the fact that I realized after I had it almost complete, I had the bar on the wrong side of the rear brake hose so I had to take everything back apart and slid the bar up and over the hose. No big woop.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 08th 2009 6:00 pm
Thanks for the great pics Nate, that looks really sweet!

They sure came up with a clever, simple way to couple the end links to the axle, using an angle bracket on the shock bolts like that...

I like their attachment to the frame *much* better than the scheme I've seen with some other sway bars which are attached to a floor rib, much closer to the center. Having the wider footprint should provide the most bang for the buck.

You'll like the greased bushings; they'll last just about forever, and they're not going to squeak.

I'm curious about a couple of things; did you have to drill the holes for the frame mounts? My B250 doesn't have any stock holes in those locations, but it's a few years older than Root Beer.

Is the sway bar Cadmium plated? It looks really bright in the pictures, but there's enough glare from the bright light that I'm not certain of the color.

About how much clearance do you think there would be between the arch in a stock exhaust and the sway bar?

Thanks for pointing out the interference between the Hellwig units and the 35 gallon tank; that's what I've got, so I'll steer clear. I just installed the Timbrens, but I'd still install a bar anyway if I could find one dirt cheap.

Root Beer's still in mighty fine shape underneath - glad you found such a nice van!

Clear skies!
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 08th 2009 9:34 pm
Lookin good Nate!

yay
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 08th 2009 10:53 pm
yea looks good Nate, butt Charlie is right, thats what TiVo is for, its worth the investment! I watch ALL the races that way... FF thru all the comercials and boring stuff and stop at the crashes and the last 20 laps or so... you missed a good show at the pumpkin run... check out the pics!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 08th 2009 11:47 pm
Nice job Nate looks great.That should help ya some
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 09th 2009 2:57 am
Craig..

yes..you drill 3/8 holes in the frame and then fish a U-bracket through the holes. All the nuts used are lock nuts.

Not sure of the clearance on the stock exhaust. My duals exit out in front of the rear wheels.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 09th 2009 4:40 am
That's a U-bolt!? Now *that's* a real surprise! Do you happen to have taken any pictures of it or the parts of the kit laid out?

Your B250 has some differences compared to mine, like the heat shield for the stock exhaust; mine wraps around the edge of the gas tank, while yours is on the bottom of the floor!

Any idea what the finish on the bar is? I can see the gold color on the bushing's brackets pretty clearly, but can't make up my mind about the bar...

Thanks for the info Nate!

BTW, why I'm asking about the exhaust interference is that I'm fairly serious about still wanting a rear sway bar. (the more the merrier!) My side pipes will just be showpieces - I intend to keep my stock exhaust. Sshhhhh...

Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 09th 2009 4:30 pm
It's more like a square u-bolt.

No pics of the parts laid out sorry to say. I would imagine the bar and brakets are anodized.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 09th 2009 5:07 pm
So how many miles have you put on her now.They swaybars should really help on the highway.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 09th 2009 5:17 pm
Nice job on the install. Looks sweet!
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 09th 2009 6:52 pm
Looks great Nate. My 91 has a front sway bar and i feel it really helps in crosswinds and cornering.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 10th 2009 9:24 pm
Next up on the agendar for RB is a new set of tires. I do have a brand new set of 235/75R15 on her now, but they are going to end up on my '94.

I'm going with 255/60R15 up front and 275/60R15 in the back. Should give her a nice stance.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2009 11:28 am
Just a bit of an update.

I drove Root Beer all last week and I'm happy to report no problems. I removed the hitch that I will never use and it is going to a friend who wants it locally.

I've been having an issue with the visor flopping around while I drive. Turns out only one screw was holding in the center so we replaced it and added another screw. I think I'll need to add a third because, one of the screws popped out while drving. Grrrrrr.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2009 12:39 pm
Use some good epoxy where the visor meets the metal and put the screw through that......prevents the initial movement that leads to "loose screws "
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2009 6:40 pm
Depending on where the screws go through, you might think about bolting it on. I used SS carriage bolts, and mine go through in the region of the interior visor center clips.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2009 6:42 pm
Well maybe on the rear screws anyways.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2009 4:43 pm
Okay...ordered up my new tires today, so hopefully by this weekend I'll have them installed. New pics will follow.

Added a third screw to the visor and now it's not flopping around. Used clear silcone on the threads. It's raining here today, so that will be the test.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2009 5:24 pm
Cool,Now get the heater core fixed and bring it to Freeze Out
Posted By: Mat Mobile Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 30th 2009 5:52 pm
I used well-nuts to screw my visor in:
[Linked Image]
But it's still flapping once I'm going faster than 65mph. I think I will add another screw too!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2009 2:36 pm
Got the new tires on RB finally. What I did is swap over the wheels and tires that were on it over to my conversion van since it needed new tires anyway. Dismounted the old AVID S/T's off of the factory chromies and mounted the new ones. I think it looks good.

275/60R15 on the rear:
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
255/60R15 on the front:
[Linked Image]

The day was bittersweet because as soon as my wife got down to Brian's garage with the conversion van, the transmission took a shit. Monday or Tuesday it goes in for a rebuild. ACK!
Got 170,000 miles out of it, but that doesn't make me feel any better. Oh well.
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2009 3:51 pm
Firehawks, nice! I likey those. Lookin good Nate.... you're all set for Freezeout? cool
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2009 4:07 pm
Yup!
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2009 4:11 pm
Nice!!!! laugh
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2009 8:35 pm
Looks great Nate. Hey that rhymes...lol

Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2009 9:15 pm
Looks good Nate, i thought about N50-15's on the back of my van, but i think they'll be too wide, i'd like to try my P285/70/15's on there, but they're mounted on the 15x10 Weld wheels i had on my chevy truck, don't have 15x10 Dodge wheels in the 5.5x15 size yet.
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 3:36 am
Looks really good Nate. Bummer about the tranny though.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 6:17 am
What happened with the tranny Nate?

Hope it doesn't cost much; holiday season's not a good time for it if there ever is a good time!

Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 11:06 am
Lost reverse. Everytime I put it in R, I hear a bit of a "crunch" and the engine stalls.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 11:25 am
Thats a bummer Nate, hope its something easy.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 12:16 pm
I am confused...which van lost the tranny, conversion or Root Beer ?
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 12:27 pm
I beleive Root Beer Doc.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 12:44 pm
Either one sucks though frown
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 1:16 pm
Not RB..the conversion. RB just got a new engine back in April. I'm ready for '09 to be over. lol
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2009 2:36 pm
I hear your pain Nate, it almost cost as much to rebuild a tranny as a motor these days with labor.2010 will be a great year for ya.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 08th 2009 3:09 am
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Not RB..the conversion. RB just got a new engine back in April. I'm ready for '09 to be over. lol


Hmmmm so a new engine caused the tranny not to fail in Root Beer / Cool !!! 2 for one special...who is your wrench, I want to add him to my Rolodex smile
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 09th 2009 12:03 am
Okay...blew the heater core out a couple of weeks ago so I had it bypassed and well, it's been chilly driving to work to say the least.

Picked up a new core, hoses, and just for shits and giggles a new heater valve. I'll throw the parts in this weekend.



On a side note, my '94 should be out of the shop by the end of the week.


Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 09th 2009 12:08 am
I Like replacing parts one or two at a time...you end up with a NOS van you built yourself smile
Posted By: Splee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 09th 2009 12:50 am
Great Look van Nate! Dont know why but I love the color and the name fits it! I admire you man Life throws Lemons at you and you make Lemonade! I've had so many problems with my van everytime i drove it too and it threw a rod this past summer (09) But reading your posts about fixing it like every week keeps me working on mine Thanks smile
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 11:28 am
Update.

Got the conversion van back with it's rebuilt transmission. Shifts great again.


Installed the new heater core in Root Beer yesterday and now it's all warm and toasty inside! Hopefully will be bringing it to Freezeout in Jan.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 11:32 am
Thats great to hear Nate,hope there's no more problems for ya.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 11:38 am
Me too! I'm thisclose to have a nervous breakdown. lol
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 11:45 am
I bet,good luck with it.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 3:34 pm
Drive it like you stole it........
At least if something does break you have a really good excuse to fix it......
At least you had some fun before it broke.........LOL

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 4:26 pm
Thanks Joe. I'm glad I finally have this van basically where I want it except for a paint job.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 4:39 pm
You need to post a better picture of it with out the flares and running boards....
Conversion Van style.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 4:42 pm
I've decided against running boards now. With the lower profile tires which are now on it, it sits lower. The rain gutters in the rear corners need some work, but other than a few dents and dings, the body is rust free.

I'll snap some new pics this afternoon after I get home from work.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 6:03 pm
Great news buddy!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 9:15 pm
Here's two pics of what Root Beer looks like with the new tires and the factory Dodge wheels (off of my 94). It sets the van down about an 1-1.5" in the front and rear is set down about 1/2". I like the factory wheel because they will never rust.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 9:21 pm
Looks good Nate. Glad too see it up and running for ya.
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 14th 2009 9:25 pm
That looks really good! I still miss those flares but this is a good look. sorry to nit pick I just am a flare guy. I mean heck I just sold mine but I'm gonna make a set from metal.

Still looks great, love the tube grill. those big windows are cool too.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 2:53 am
Originally Posted by matchstickBGV
That looks really good! I still miss those flares but this is a good look. sorry to nit pick I just am a flare guy. I mean heck I just sold mine but I'm gonna make a set from metal.

Still looks great, love the tube grill. those big windows are cool too.


I don't miss his flares, seeing how they are on my van.

The vans looking great Nate. I hope they both perform well for ya.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 3:53 am
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Update.

Got the conversion van back with it's rebuilt transmission. Shifts great again.


Installed the new heater core in Root Beer yesterday and now it's all warm and toasty inside! Hopefully will be bringing it to Freezeout in Jan.




How much for the Rebuilt Trans ?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 11:12 am
Originally Posted by PYSCHOWard
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Update.

Got the conversion van back with it's rebuilt transmission. Shifts great again.


Installed the new heater core in Root Beer yesterday and now it's all warm and toasty inside! Hopefully will be bringing it to Freezeout in Jan.




How much for the Rebuilt Trans ?



$1600
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 4:33 pm
OUCH, i guess i'll have to take it Easy on my truck, its going Bad.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 4:35 pm
$2500 for a Jasper unit though.

Maybe it's expensive because it's the A-518 OD trans.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 4:39 pm
There goes the sale money from Big Blue .....
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 4:41 pm
Originally Posted by matchstickBGV
That looks really good! I still miss those flares but this is a good look. sorry to nit pick I just am a flare guy. I mean heck I just sold mine but I'm gonna make a set from metal.

Still looks great, love the tube grill. those big windows are cool too.

Never saw it with the flares.... frown
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 4:53 pm
[Linked Image]
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 4:55 pm
by the way nice chevy mirrors
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 5:46 pm
Originally Posted by hippieluke
by the way nice chevy mirrors


Those Brand X mirrors will disappear when the paint is done. I have a set of "correct" mirrors that will go on. smile
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 6:32 pm
Awesome! looking good bro. Still planning on running her down to Freeze Out?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 7:38 pm
That's the plan Charlie!
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 17th 2009 10:55 pm
Originally Posted by matchstickBGV
That looks really good! I still miss those flares but this is a good look. sorry to nit pick I just am a flare guy. I mean heck I just sold mine but I'm gonna make a set from metal.

Still looks great, love the tube grill. those big windows are cool too.


Ohhh NOOooo Dave you did it, ya just jinxed it, Nate will now have a stock grill going in too! frown We all just gotta remember that Nate's our STOCK guy... LOL I think once he turns 40 he will suddenly become a CUSTOM guy like the rest of us.. rofl

Just bustin on ya buddy... lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 18th 2009 11:31 am
Hardy har har Snotty smile. Naw..I like the wing, visor, and tube grille. The grille needs replaced which is no big deal. The parts of the original grille that are left and headlight bezels I will sand down and paint a light argent silver.


However...if I ever get an early Dodge again, I will fix it up totally stock...whitewalls and hubcaps to boot! smile
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 18th 2009 1:24 pm
You can take the man out of the Conversion Van,but you can't take the Conversion Van out of the man......

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 18th 2009 1:26 pm
Hey Wookee..speaking of conversion vans how's Mary's van coming along? lol

Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 18th 2009 1:34 pm
As soon as I find the right A/C parts it will be back on the road.......
I would love nothing more than to be driving her again.
I could really use the garage space that turd has been hogging up......
Unfortunatly my house has had my spare time really tied up last summer....

.......Wookee
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 18th 2009 3:20 pm
what's wrong with your grill nate?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 18th 2009 3:29 pm
Originally Posted by matchstickBGV
what's wrong with your grill nate?


The chrome is getting all rusted up and pitted, plus it wasn't installed very well.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 07th 2010 4:51 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Hey Wookee..speaking of conversion vans how's Mary's van coming along? lol



That's just MEAN! grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2010 11:57 am
Little itty bitty update. Went up to visit with Gary and Larry (the twins) on Sat. morning and to pick up a nice set of captains chairs they had.

Was going to mount them this weekend but alas, Brian and I will have to make an adapter plate of some sort to mount them to the swivel bases. Dadgummit.

Was actually thinking about going back to the factory seat bases, but the swivels are like brand new so I'll leave them in.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2010 1:53 pm
What kind of seats are you putting in Nate ?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2010 2:03 pm
Conversion van seats out of a 96 Dodge. I figured they would have the universal 11 x 8 mounting base, but they don't. Haven't taken any measurments yet.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2010 9:19 pm
Just thought I'd share some pics of ol' RB before I owned it. The van was owned by a feller named Walt who I think also was a member of North Chesapeake Bay Vans at one time. Gary and Larry gave me the pics. She looks good with the flares with the wheel/tire combo that he had on it at one time. The front spoiler was long gone when I got the van. I don't know, maybe I'll get another set of flares and spoiler for her. No mud flares though!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


The Gold/Orange van is a 77 Dodge that belongs to Larry Kerr. He last had the van out at the '05 Nats. He told me Saturday that he wants to get it out and clean it up this summer. I'd be more than happy to give him a hand if he does.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 01st 2010 9:56 pm
Yeah Root Beer needs flares and a spoiler
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 4:56 pm
Got the new seats in with the help of Brian. They need cleaned but other than that they are perfect!

Don't trust us to work on anything! LOL
[Linked Image]
Ewww..look at the head on that.
[Linked Image]
Adapter plates made out of aluminum. Materials "courtesy" of Northrop Grumman. smile
[Linked Image]
Passenger side in!
[Linked Image]
Drivers side in!
[Linked Image]
The seats need cleaned. That isn't a jizz stain thank you!
[Linked Image]
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 6:08 pm
The seats match the vans interior really well. Looks good Nate.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 7:10 pm
yeah

That's a bad hat Harry! lol
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 7:58 pm
Yup, thats one bad hat Harry! rofl haha

Nate, you really expect vanner's to believe thats NOT a Jizz stain? lol aint gonna happen!!! They will clean up nice and from the looks of the pics they match perfectly! grin

And YES you do need to put some Flairs and wider tires back on Porter.Running boards ahhh... I can take em or leave em... c'mon buddy I know your fighting it, butt Porter wants to be a CUSTOM van again!!!!
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 9:26 pm
Nate....the seats look great!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 10:50 pm
Quote
Nate, you really expect vanner's to believe thats NOT a Jizz stain? aint gonna happen!!! They will clean up nice and from the looks of the pics they match perfectly!



Well if I ever see brown Jizz coming out, I think I'd have to go to the doctor!
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2010 10:56 pm
Nate , those seats look great !! nice work .
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 07th 2010 3:45 am
Yup the seats are a Good match.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 08th 2010 9:57 pm
Doggone wipers stopped working. Just for the halibut I checked for power and it was good. Ran a ground jumper to the body of the wiper motor. Zing! Off it went. Ran a permanent ground wire from one of the wiper body bolts to a good ground.

Stinkin' factory grounds! Grrrrrrr!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 08th 2010 9:58 pm
Yeah Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrofl

Put a Bad Hat over the Jizz stain Harry
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2010 11:05 pm
Sorry Nate, you can't have your old flares back. You can have my old flares if ya want them. Oh yeah, the fronts came off in three pieces. The seats look good buddy. Can you tell if the swivells were redrilled to fit, or were they made for the front' When I put universal swivells in, they sat way to far back, and me being 6'2" i had to slide my seat all the way forward to drive. Not good for shorter girlfriends.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 10th 2010 12:15 am
Hey Brad...

These are Dodge specific swivels. No redrilling was done.

As you can see we had to make adapters to get the seats to bolt to the swivels.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 13th 2010 4:37 pm
Lookey here at what I got! Next project for RB

Cruise Control
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 13th 2010 5:05 pm
Wow... looks like a steal Nate! Cooooool!
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 13th 2010 6:41 pm
That's cool Nate... how did ya stumble across that? can ya find one for Fog Cutter? its a 97 with a 318 I looked to no avail... u seem to have the magic touch thou...
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 13th 2010 6:55 pm
Originally Posted by Snotty
That's cool Nate... how did ya stumble across that? can ya find one for Fog Cutter? its a 97 with a 318 I looked to no avail... u seem to have the magic touch thou...

Nate has "Dodge Magnetism". lol
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 13th 2010 7:55 pm
A Nice addition for any ride, makes Long Haulin a little more relaxing. Nuthin Better than cruisin 70mph with cruise on and the classic Rock crankin.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 14th 2010 2:24 am
Found it NOS on Ebay. Seller had two of the kits.

Didn't see anything for the newer vans.
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 15th 2010 6:37 pm
Funny, shortly after I got my van, I ripped out my cruise control. I blamed it for blowing a new coil (ACCEL). Oh well, its not that hard to keep a steady foot while on those long drives. Ironically, I use it all the time in my 2000 Dodge Caravan beater.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 20th 2010 9:12 pm
Started the install of the cruise control today. Very tedious since I had to get my fat arse under the dash to install the new brake light switch. That took some time. Pretty awesome that this kit has everything you need to install.

Anyhoo still have to hook the cable up to the carb and do a test. I'll probably get to that tomorrow or when I feel like it. Next weekend is finish up work on my wife's car.

I'll post some pics of the progress tomorrow.
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2010 3:53 am
i added one to my '86 Dodge and yes, changing that switch was kinda a bitch. but i love having cruise control
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2010 3:59 am
Originally Posted by Nate the skate

Anyhoo still have to hook the cable up to the carb and do a test. I'll probably get to that tomorrow or when I feel like it.


Before or after the Bristol race tomorrow ?

.......Wookee

Posted By: Blue77 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2010 5:00 am
cruise control kit?
details?
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2010 1:50 pm
you DO have your eyes open for a cruise control kit for Fog Cutter right? grin
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2010 5:34 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate
Very tedious since I had to get my fat arse under the dash


Mission impossible huh lol
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 21st 2010 5:35 pm
Originally Posted by Snotty
you DO have your eyes open for a cruise control kit for Fog Cutter right? grin


Can you get one from a dealer?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2010 10:32 am
The "kit" I have was an NOS Mopar unit from Ebay. I would imagine this is what the dealer would install if the van didn't have the option from the factory. The install was pretty straight forward and luckily the main harness under the dash had all the provisions to plug everything in.

Snotty...I'll keep my eyes peeled but I imagine stuff like that doesn't pop up too often. You may want to maybe find a donor van in a a pick n pull and grab the parts.

Wookee...nope, didn't go jack squat before or after the race. It was depressing seeing Jimmie Johnson win again! lol
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2010 2:04 pm
Originally Posted by Nate the skate

Wookee...nope, didn't do jack squat before or after the race. It was depressing seeing Jimmie Johnson win again! lol


If Tony would have taken 4 tires he might have been holding that trophy........

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2010 3:10 pm
True true! After his mediocre start to the season, second place looks good.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 23rd 2010 8:14 pm
Here's a couple of pics. Not much to look at really. First pic shows the servo with the speedo cables coming out of it along with vacuum hose and wiring. Second pic shows that the factory connectors are used.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Blue77 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 23rd 2010 8:24 pm
ROOT BEER has rust?!?! Tisk tisk nate... you needa paint that brake booster dealio smile

so thats the CC? thats pretty cool.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 23rd 2010 9:25 pm
does it work? c'mon we need a better report then that!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 24th 2010 10:22 am
I'll tinker around with it some more after work today.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 24th 2010 10:25 am
I'm sure you will get it Nate lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 17th 2010 8:32 pm
Nothing much to report. Put on a new set of front shocks this past weekend. Ride is MUCH better now. Changed the oil and lubed the chassis..blah blah blah.

Found the trans leak. I thought it was the front pump seal, but it turned out to be a bad o-ring on the dipstick tube. I'll stop by the Dodge dealer and pick up some new o-rings.

Next weekend is trans fluid and filter change as well. I'll be taking the rear couch out so I can start building a bed.

ho hum.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 12:40 pm
DON"T change that fluid Nate........
If it does not smell burt just run it.
If it shifts good leave it alone.......

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 3:46 pm
Well...I have to drain it anyway. The pan is leaking too so I figured while it's apart I'll put in a new filter as well as change that dipstick o-ring.

This fluid is nice and pink though.
Posted By: M_S Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 3:57 pm
I chased a leak like that on my first car. I swapped in a TH350 that I rebuilt and used the old dipstick tube and o-ring. It's akin to changing your VC gaskets a few times before realizing it's the oil sender leaking. A great lesson to teach the importance of not overlooking the simple things.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 6:31 pm
Absolutely...I don't feel like pulling the trans! lol
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 9:23 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
DON"T change that fluid Nate........
If it does not smell burt just run it.
If it shifts good leave it alone.......

........Wookee


how bad is the pan leaking? if its not bad I would heed Wooks advice...
Posted By: X-MAN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 9:36 pm
.
Posted By: F350 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 18th 2010 11:34 pm
I've changed tranny fluids in every vehicle I owned, regardless of how it looked, how it behaved, how it shifted, or how much metal was in the pan. I also switch over to synthetic ATF during the change.

I haven't had a tranny fail on me just because I changed its fluid. This IMO is a stupid myth.

I say go ahead and change. It will drive like new with new fluid.
Posted By: Keep_On_Truckin_WNY Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 12:00 am
i've seen it happen when you change fluid out that you don't know it's history on... my advice is this - drain it all into a big pan and try to re use it... if not, get some Lucas trans stabilizer and put that in when you refill...
Posted By: Dyllan1975 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 2:37 am
That tranny fluid is a weird thing. I had a Firebird and the fluid looked like black water. It ran fine until I changed it and the tranny went out in Delaware the next day.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 3:01 am
Originally Posted by F350
I haven't had a tranny fail on me just because I changed its fluid. This IMO is a stupid myth.


actually it is NOT a myth.......
In my younger years I got the chance to work in a shop that specialized in transmissions.I pulled them the shop owner rebuilt then and I put them back in.

After a hundred or so thousand miles varhish can build up inside a trans.As long as trans is not run low on fluid or badly over heated the fluid is fine.When you install new fluid it will dislodge the varnish and it can go into the small holes in the valve body clog the new filter,and can cause a multitude of problems.

Some times you can get lucky.IF it does fail it will have to be rebuilt.

Places like AAMCO rely on you not being lucky and make a huge profit.

As with any of my advice,it's not hear say.Real world first hand experience talking.....

If the fluid has been change every 35,000 miles or so it's good.

In Nate's case who knows the last time this van has been serviced. Most ALL of the problems he has had from this van was due to it setting and bad maintenance.......

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 10:31 am
A little history...

The van was originally a 4-speed van stick shift van. An automatic from a mid-Dodge was installed (I think Pat McFaul did it Wookee) at some point and I think it was rebuilt before it was installed. The fluid is almost like brand new, very clean and doesn't smell burnt. I added Lucas oh probably about 6 months ago. Shifts fine although I had fine tune the kickdown linkage when I first got the van.

The pan isn't leaking bad but it's still leaking enough to annoy me. Since the fluid isn't bad, I'll reuse it but I will put a new filter in before I bolt the pan back up. Also I need to make up some sort of heat shield since the pass. side exhaust pipe runs close to the pan...don't want it to start leaking again.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 10:56 am
It should be like new Nate,good for cruising this year!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 12:51 pm
Nate, as far as I know the van was an automatic as long as the owner before Pat owned it.(it was an automatic when I mounted the running boards on it over ten years ago).......

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 2:02 pm
Oh wow..I didn't know that. Small things like a blank plate where the shift indicator goes, hole welded up where the shifter came up through the floor, and a small brake pedal. Factory automatic vans had a larger brake pedal.

Next time I talk to Pat, I'll ask him and see if he knows what goes.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 4:44 pm
Ok the van was a manual van when Walt the owner first bought it.There was a member of N.C.B.V that did tranny/mechanical work.He MIGHT have done the conversion.
In any case the van is a low mileage van.(under 100,000) so you are more than likely safe to swap out the fluids

......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 4:54 pm
Cool..thanks Wookee! As Paul Harvey used to say, "And now you know the rest of the story"

Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 9:08 pm
Nate- Change that tranny fluid! Switch it over to the correct ATF+4 required by Mopar transmissions.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 9:19 pm
The transmission is out of a 70's model van...they didn't have ATF+4 back then. They used Dexron.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 10:27 pm
Yeah, but ATF+4 supercedes the Dexron. I researched this a few months back.

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html

http://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31641&highlight=atf+4

http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html (about 1/3 of the way down the page)
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 10:48 pm
Hmmmmmm. You know what? I just had the transmission rebuilt in my 94 and I asked what fluid they used because I wanted to know if I needed to change the fluid/filter after 500 miles. They told me they used Dexron!!! Yikes. I think I better have it changed out soon.
Posted By: Eddie G Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 19th 2010 11:52 pm
Nate,
Don't change the fluid!!!
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 20th 2010 12:54 am
Dump the Dexron. Outdated technology.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 20th 2010 12:57 am
Nate, I used ATF +4 in my 727; put it in at the same time I installed the Derale transmission cooling pan. So far so good. I've only put several hundred miles on it so far, but much of that has been rather harsh test runs with lots of stops and sudden wide open throttle activity. I think it works great.

This might be of some use to you; it's a chart showing how much of the original fluid remains after each drain and refill cycle. With the price of ATF +4 it's actually fairly depressing... may be the best argument for a commercial trans flush that I can think of.

[Linked Image]

I've also begun using Magnefine in-line filters in the return line from the radiator.

[Linked Image]

They're a 30 micron filter followed by a large ring magnet. I've also got one in my power steering return line.

Clear skies!
Posted By: wrcsixeight Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 20th 2010 1:24 am
Craig, that is a neat, and depressing chart. I have added a drain plug to my tranny pan, and have dropped my atf+3 and replaced with atf+4 numerous times.

I like to let it drain overnight. I park on a slight incline, and unhook the uppermost aftermarket cooler line, and have been able to drain slightly over 5 quarts.

In the following link, they say ATF+4 is backward compatable with all chrysler trannies, except some jeeps.
In multiple places they say DO NOT USE DEXRON or MERCON!!
Allpar and ATF+4

I had a newly rebuilt Aamco tranny start shuddering while still under warranty. The issue was only resolves when I had the tranny flushed with atf+3 at a dodge stealership.
Aamco is proud of their universal fluid, and their additive, and are ignorant shysters whom I regret ever doing business with.
Posted By: F350 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 20th 2010 2:30 am
Originally Posted by wookee
actually it is NOT a myth.......
In my younger years I got the chance to work in a shop that specialized in transmissions.I pulled them the shop owner rebuilt then and I put them back in.

So you're basing this on an ancient observation 30-40 years ago? Wake up, Rip Van. Times have changed. Many times. Transmissions and ATF has VASTLY improved since then. Dexron is as obsolete as a mainframe computer. Dexron II/III shouldn't be used anymore in anything other than cleaning.

Most ATFs sold today are Group III oils (full synthetic) which is a million miles better than anything 10, 20, and 30 years ago. The same goes for engine oil. There are no bad oils anymore. Oils today are much superior to oils of only a decade ago.

If you change ATF and the tranny dies after, it's not because you changed the oil...the tranny was already done beforehand. You just got a great deal on it, right? Why was the guy selling it cheap? ;) If I go look at a car, I check the ATF with a crisp white cloth. If it's too thick, gooey, or as black as used engine oil, it's done for.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 20th 2010 11:51 am
Everyone has their opinions about changing or not changing fluid. Agree to disagree...let's move on. Thanks.


In summary..I'll reuse the fluid that in the transmission of Root Beer. It's clean and not that old. As far as my conversion van goes, it just plain has the wrong fluid in it and I'll probably take it to get flushed out to have the +4 added. Hell that's what was in it originally and it lasted 170,000 miles!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 23rd 2010 1:23 pm
Okay...got the transmission leaks squared away with a new pan gasket and a new o-ring for the filler tube. I reused the fluid since it was still nice and pink.

Took the rear couch out and started ripping the carpet and plywood off of the back half of the van so I can start building a proper bed. I plan on leaving the floor bare and coating it with bedliner. I was amazed at how little rust there was on the floor pans in the rear. Dodges rot very easily along with wheelwells and rear corners. Minor surface rust. There are holes from screws and stuff that need to be patched.

When I pulled up the carpet up towards the front, I noticed that there was hardwood flooring in the van! Might restore it or just leave the carpet down.

Wookee came down to Brian's as well for a visit so it was nice to see him again.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 23rd 2010 1:53 pm
Cool, you'll be ready for Cruisin.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 23rd 2010 5:14 pm
Maybe you will bring it to Butler!
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 23rd 2010 6:12 pm
The fun never stops EH Nate. Good to hear your tranny issues resolved. I know JACK about transmissions, and just use ATF +4 in all my Dodge vans.
Posted By: Astro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 26th 2010 2:57 pm
just keep in mind, opinions are like assholes, we all have one, sometimes they stink, lets not get combative over them, and please remember to play nice and be respectful of the other members. you don't have to agree, just get along.
Posted By: Suzie-BGfNY-IN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 26th 2010 3:07 pm
Astro--your 'asshole' line made me giggle--had a boss once that would say something very similar--

'people are like assholes--everyone has one--just
some of them stretch more than others!'

and, personally, over tranny fluid? Really?

Okay--back to your regularly scheduled program....
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 26th 2010 4:01 pm
The only thing that really confuses me is why reuse it? I think the idea of not changing it is to NOT open up the trans and stir things up? Once the pan is dropped you might as well put new stuff in IMO
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 10th 2010 10:22 am
Well...ol' Root Beer is back in the shop at the place that installed the engine. Rear main seal blew out. Supposedly it's under warranty. Dropped it off last week and hadn't heard a peep back. Called the place yesterday and they confirmed a bad rear main. They're just waiting for the engine company to give them authorization. tick tock tick tock

Oh well. I'm glad I don't have to do the repair. Damn engine only has about 2000 miles on it! mad
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 11th 2010 2:49 am
damn dude, your van is cursed. drives me nuts having to have things done over and over. seems to happen to me a lot also, hope everything goes for the good with it
Posted By: FinallyaVanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 11th 2010 6:00 am
Just caught this thread. Really like the van especially the inside back. The coach and bay window. Kinda reminds me of a siting lounge very comfortable.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 11th 2010 9:37 am
Man Nate you do have some patience!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 11th 2010 5:39 pm
I'm trying to be patient. Maybe I should changed the van's name to dickhead or something. LOL!

Naw...it's been a good van really since I basically rebuilt the thing. I'm not in a big hurry..I kinda wanted to get the bed built and all before the Nats but I'm bring my conversion van. It'll be nice to have the A/C on for the trip up. grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 16th 2010 10:11 am
Anybody wanna replace the flexplate and trans front pump seal for me? frown


The shop called me yesterday and said the rear main seal is fine but the flexplate is broken causing the converter to "wobble" and allow the front seal to leak.

I did start hearing a "ting ting ting" sound from underneath the van lately. Must be the busted flexplate.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 16th 2010 12:50 pm
flex plate is a pretty simple bolt in part......
front pump seal is not too bad of a job....

I am a little confused there is a BIG difference between the color of tranny fluid and oil.......

I take it that THAT shop wants too much to do that job.....

.......Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 16th 2010 1:50 pm
Easy peasy job as you would say lol

I'm sure you want this done by the Nat's though, huh?

What kind of price did they give you to do it?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - June 16th 2010 4:06 pm
I'm waiting for the estimate as I type.

I can do the job, but I don't feel like it. I want to get started on the bodywork and this situation has put me back. I'm driving my conversion van to the Nats this year.

Yeah..I said to the guy that I saw oil dripping, but they have it on the lift and said trans fluid is coming right out of the front of the bellhousing. I don't have a reason to think they are lying to me. They've been fair and square with me so far.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 01st 2010 2:20 pm
Update. Finally got the van back fromt he shop about 3 weeks ago. The flexplate was grenaded for sure. Wish I would have taken a pic of it. Anyhoo...no more leaks so I'm happy. Yesterday I sanded down and painted the hood I got from Cloudy at the Nats. I also orded a poly transmission mount from Summit and installed it. Much better design than the OE/Import aftermarket junk.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


Next on the list is to order up a front sway bar kit and install it.
Posted By: X-MAN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 01st 2010 2:34 pm
Looking good. My first van was an '85 Dodge, I miss it.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 01st 2010 4:24 pm
Go get ya another one! ;)

The "square-nose" Dodges are become my favorite body style.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 01st 2010 4:35 pm
Nate- scout junkyard vans for the factory swaybar. I have installed two- one on my 83 Dodge and one on my brother's 83 Dodge. Both bars were off of later vans, but bolted right up to the lower control arms and existing holes in the frame of the vans. I believe I paid about $12.50 per sway bar including all the mounting hardware. Get some new bushings and you are set! Way cheaper than aftermarket stuff.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 01st 2010 5:13 pm
The hood's looking nice Nate.

Do you notice any difference in vibration or noise levels with the poly trans mount? What part number was it?

Ditto what Reed said; I've got two swaybars from yards so far. As long as you get the front frame clips it's a no drill job.

Clear skies!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 02nd 2010 10:53 am
Yepper...I have all the brackets for the install, but rather than a stock sway bar, I'm going with an ADDCO 1-1/4" bar. I have a rear 1" sway bar from ADDCO already installed. I think they'll compliment each other nicely.


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-7751101/
Posted By: starwars Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 03rd 2010 5:37 am
nice nate
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 03rd 2010 4:58 pm
Cool Nate
Posted By: Dodges 3 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 04th 2010 7:39 pm
Your hoods looking great Nate. I'm so jealous. Mine has more hunks of paint flying off everyday. I am however painting up the one from my 86 chop project, as it is the only extra one I have that doesn't have the hand dent in the middle of the hood. I know you know what I'm talking about.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 08th 2010 1:40 pm
Some pics of the bed platform. Still need to finish adding the wanescoiting front and trim.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 08th 2010 9:04 pm
Looking good Nate : )
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 08th 2010 9:47 pm
Looks pretty sturdy, and Lots of storage underneath too.
Posted By: user deleted Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 08th 2010 10:41 pm
looks good man how ya ben bro long time no talk
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 09th 2010 7:22 pm
Wow, that's nearly a bunk bed Nate; you could have a party on both levels!

;0)

Did you dimension the space for a big cooler? A pretty awesome one would fit in there... maybe even a keg! Now if you just install a nice stainless tap on the outside, you could re-christen Root Beer as the Beer Wagon!

BTW, thanks for the link to the poly transmission bushings - those look great! I may join you soon. I haven't been all that happy with the SMP rubber bushings I put in; they're sagging already, and I've hardly put any mileage on them!

Clear skies!
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 09th 2010 8:23 pm
Originally Posted by Ram4ever
Wow, that's nearly a bunk bed Nate; you could have a party on both levels!


I'm not sure I'd want to sleep below ANYBODY consuming mass quantities of beer and truck-in food..... lol

Lookin good Nate! Congrats on the foam slab score! cool
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 09th 2010 8:37 pm
Looks good Nate
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 09th 2010 8:48 pm
Thanks all!

Found that my side cargo door bottoms are rusted out. Dang. I'll probably have to have them repaired as finding non-winder cargo doors is kind hit or miss.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 11th 2010 3:50 pm
Installed a set of the Sylvania Xtra Vision headlamps. WOW..what a difference! Now I can see the road at night...what a concept ay?

I was going to buy the Silverstars, but these XV's are good.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 11th 2010 4:57 pm
Cool,Where you get them?
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 11th 2010 7:15 pm
But, it's blocking the windows grin
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 11th 2010 8:15 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
But, it's blocking the windows grin


HHHUUUMMM.....The though if peeking in those widows and seeing Nate is kinad scary.......LOL

......Wookee
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 11th 2010 8:59 pm
rofl
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 11th 2010 9:16 pm
Looking good Nate
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 12th 2010 2:13 am
Originally Posted by Wizard78
Cool,Where you get them?


Advance Auto Parts
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 12th 2010 2:15 am
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by Superbeast
But, it's blocking the windows grin


HHHUUUMMM.....The though if peeking in those widows and seeing Nate is kinad scary.......LOL

......Wookee


C'mon I saw you peekin' in my windows at the Nats. Nice lady.
Posted By: starwars Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 12th 2010 3:50 am
looks good nate
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 12th 2010 12:51 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by Superbeast
But, it's blocking the windows grin


HHHUUUMMM.....The though if peeking in those widows and seeing Nate is kinad scary.......LOL

......Wookee


Now that you mention it, maybe the bed needs to be higher lol
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 12th 2010 9:55 pm
Originally Posted by Natetheskate

C'mon I saw you peekin' in my windows at the Nats. Nice lady.


One too many blander drinks for you my friend......LOL
hallucinations, a bad side effect of parking right next to Moon Lites bar/camp.......LOL

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 29th 2010 1:43 pm
Well..I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY finished hooking up the cruise control and it works great! I had to adjust the speed because it was about 2-3 mph slow. In other words, at 65mph it wants to drop down to about 62mph. I turned the adjustment screw 1/2 turn counter-clockwise so the next time I'm on the highway, I'll see how it goes.

Had to readjust my shift points on the kickdown lever because the new bracket used for the cruise control cable messed them up. Now the transmission is back to normal.


If anyone has factory CC, I do have a parts list I can scan and I also have the part number for the entire kit if anyone needs it.

I did post pics of the install further back in this thread.
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 29th 2010 3:52 pm
kudos! did u find me one yet for Fog Cutter? lol I want one i want one!!! that AND a tilt column!
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 29th 2010 5:41 pm
I would love top see the diagrams for the parts. I am going to be adding factory cruise to my brother's 83 Dodge van and I want to be sure I get all the parts.
Posted By: heavy389 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 29th 2010 9:13 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Originally Posted by Superbeast
But, it's blocking the windows grin


HHHUUUMMM.....The though if peeking in those widows and seeing Nate is kinad scary.......LOL

......Wookee


Lookin Good Nate!!

Wookie......you aint right!! LMAO ;0)
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - August 30th 2010 12:12 am
Reed..all the diagrams are in the factory manual as well in the electrical section under speed control. I can scan the actual directions and parts list.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 13th 2010 11:11 pm
Nothing real fun and exciting today. I FINALLY found the heat stove that mounts to the pass side exahust manifold so now it runs better cold. I also added the factory cold air intake setup.

I still have some flat spots in that hunk o' junk Holley 2280 but the engines seems to run smoother now with the new parts. I'll snap a few pics tomorrow.

I'm still considering going to a Carter BBD in the near future.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 14th 2010 3:53 am
Nate- did you adjust the power valve on the Holley 2280? There is a mechanical adjustment for the power valve. I haven't read through the 63 pages of this thread, so I apologize if you have already done this.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 14th 2010 5:16 pm
factory cruise... Bitchin! Im going to have to do this to the Astro one of these days.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 15th 2010 11:12 am
Originally Posted by Reed
Nate- did you adjust the power valve on the Holley 2280? There is a mechanical adjustment for the power valve. I haven't read through the 63 pages of this thread, so I apologize if you have already done this.


Didn't know the 2bbl carbs had those. I know nothing about adjusting the power valve. I suppose the factory manual would have that procedure. ???
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 15th 2010 8:43 pm
From my 83 FSM:

[Linked Image]

Most modern carbs have some form of power valve.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 15th 2010 9:30 pm
Yup...there it is! Thanks!

I did look in the book when I got home and it's the same as this.

Hopefully it solves the surging/lack of power problem.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 15th 2010 10:10 pm
For the past few years I have been tuning the 225 in my brother's 83 van for performance and economy. I have been bouncing back and forth between 2280s and BBDs on it. I do know that this power valve adjustment made a BIG difference the last time I was running a 2280 on the van. Adjusting this valve improved idle quality and power and eliminated some big flat spots. Hopefully it will do the same for you.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2010 3:28 am
I found that I had a spare 2280 in my basement and one thing I discovered is there are two holes drilled into the accel pump arm...an inside and outside. The inside allows more movement of the accel pump arm, thus pushing accel pump and the power valve down further. I'm going to see how it is on the carb on the engine.
Posted By: Blue77 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2010 3:40 am
Originally Posted by Natetheskate
I'll snap a few pics tomorrow.



ahem.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2010 3:46 am
Originally Posted by Blue77
Originally Posted by Natetheskate
I'll snap a few pics tomorrow.



ahem.


I didn't say which tomorrow. lol
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2010 6:51 am
"Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always, tomorrow. It's only a day away."

Originally Posted by Natetheskate
I found that I had a spare 2280 in my basement and one thing I discovered is there are two holes drilled into the accel pump arm...an inside and outside. The inside allows more movement of the accel pump arm, thus pushing accel pump and the power valve down further. I'm going to see how it is on the carb on the engine.


Let us know how it works out for you. My 83 FSM has a diagram of the 2280 that shows it with two holes on the pump arm and the linkage on the inside hole. That is the only reference I could find to two holes in the pump arm. There wasn't any written instructions on which hole it should go in.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 16th 2010 11:31 am
Originally Posted by Reed
"Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always, tomorrow. It's only a day away."

Originally Posted by Natetheskate
I found that I had a spare 2280 in my basement and one thing I discovered is there are two holes drilled into the accel pump arm...an inside and outside. The inside allows more movement of the accel pump arm, thus pushing accel pump and the power valve down further. I'm going to see how it is on the carb on the engine.


Let us know how it works out for you. My 83 FSM has a diagram of the 2280 that shows it with two holes on the pump arm and the linkage on the inside hole. That is the only reference I could find to two holes in the pump arm. There wasn't any written instructions on which hole it should go in.


Same way in the 85 FSM. Maybe cars needed a leaner shot of fuel and trucks/vans need a richer shot. Sounds like a good guess.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 22nd 2010 9:41 pm
Okay..here's a pic of the factory cold air intake hose I added and the hot air stove I found in the junkyard.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 23rd 2010 12:07 pm
Originally Posted by Natetheskate
and the hot air stove I found in the junkyard.

[Linked Image]


You know, it's a good thing I never found what you were looking for, because I would have sent you the wrong part. I thought you wanted the flappy thing in the pipe grin That piece I know I don't have.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 23rd 2010 12:10 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Originally Posted by Natetheskate
and the hot air stove I found in the junkyard.

[Linked Image]


You know, it's a good thing I never found what you were looking for, because I would have sent you the wrong part. I thought you wanted the flappy thing in the pipe grin That piece I know I don't have.


Funny you mention that. That was seized open on the original manifold. I just did away with it by using another left side manifold. Seems to run fine without it.

Eventually I will be adding a 4bbl/alum intake. Maybe a cam too, but not sure about that right now.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 23rd 2010 7:35 pm
put an rv cam in it, you will love it.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 23rd 2010 8:35 pm
Nice! THe cold and hot air intakes are great upgrades. Make sure the little thermostatic vacuum switch on the air cleaner still works right. It has to open the flapper on the snorkel below a certain temp to let the hot air in, but then closer it once it gets warm to let the cold air in.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - November 23rd 2010 9:25 pm
Originally Posted by Reed
Nice! THe cold and hot air intakes are great upgrades. Make sure the little thermostatic vacuum switch on the air cleaner still works right. It has to open the flapper on the snorkel below a certain temp to let the hot air in, but then closer it once it gets warm to let the cold air in.


Oh yeah..works great. Much better driveability in the cold.

If I go to a 4bbl, I have a dual snorkel air cleaner and one of the "horns" has the flapper in it.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 05th 2010 7:26 am
Hey Nate- here is a 1978 Chrysler service video telling you everything you ever wanted to know about how to adjust a 2280:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Films/359/
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2010 6:50 am
Wow Reed, thanks tons for that link! There's some pretty cool information in those old training filmstrips and videos. I'd watched some of those videos several years ago but I neglected to bookmark the website and I'd been unable to find them since, despite determined Google searches. It didn't help that I'd renamed the videos so I wasn't sure of the original file names...

[Linked Image]

Nate, I have a bunch of info on the Holley 2280; it's what I've got in my van. I even figured out how to modify some parts of it and tweak some of it's adjustment procedures for improved results. Some of it was simply a matter of finesse, some was more brutal...

[Linked Image]

The video describes mostly the correct procedures, the big difference being in the newer version carbs having the electric bowl vent. Fortunately the video does show the truck/van version of the carb, which has 2 needle-type brass power valves. The quickest way to tell the difference on our vintage of carb is that the automotive version carb has a different bowl vent cover, with a kind of large flat "ski slope" on it, while the truck/van version has a round dome.

I hope Root Beer's working well now that the cold's moved in; that was a great move getting your hot air riser operational. I just fixed that system on my Son's 91 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and it made an immediate positive difference with the 30 degree weather we've been having. By odd coincidence, his Jeep's power valve was a concern too; it was totally inoperational thanks to a previous owner (stoner?) who yanked things he shouldn't have. -Inuendo intended...

;0)
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2010 7:03 am
I dug that link out because today I swapped the Carter BBD on my brother's 83 slant six equipped van to a NOS Holley 2280. THe BBD was worn out, so I swapped the fresh 2280. However, I did discover that the 2280 I installed only has the vacuum operated power valve, NOT the mechanical! Never seen a 2280 like that before. It has the hole in the air horn for the power valve and the hole in the bottom of the float bowl for the mechanical power valve is blocked by a threaded in brass plug. It seems to be working fine, it just surprised me.

That Imperial website actually has TONS of great old Chrysler training videos on everything from one barrel carbs up to four barrels.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2010 9:12 pm
My 2280 only has a mechanical power valve.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 06th 2010 10:12 pm
Really? Have you opened up the float bowl to verify that? The vacuum operated power valve is hidden entirely inside the carb and is on the throttle linkage side of the float bowl and air horn.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2010 1:06 am
All of the 2280's had two small brass power valves; one was mechanically actuated, the other was driven by that brass venturi vacuum actuated plunger that rides inside the little tower that sticks out of the bowl vent cover. The brass power valves are on the left in this picture:

[Linked Image]

The arrangement of the bowl vent solenoid linkage and power valve/accelerator pump linkage is responsible for the shape of the lid of the bowl vent that I mentioned.

Check out the ski-slope shaped part of the bowl vent cover on the automotive version:

[Linked Image]

And spherical dome on the bowl vent cover on the truck/van version:

[Linked Image]

There was also a difference in the accelerator pump plunger; the automotive one used a small cotter key to hold it in place, so there's a hole in the pump shaft for the key. As best as I've been able to tell the accelerator pump diaphragms were both the same diameter, but I've not been able to tell if the main jets were the same size. Chrysler listed 4 different main jets in their parts manual for the 2280, so I'd strongly suspect a difference there.

Some of the automotive carbs had a wire-coupled throttle position sensor which mounted under the choke vacuum kick assembly. If I could have found one of those sensors I wouldn't have had to spend more than a month building that crazy complicated custom TPS for my van!
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2010 1:55 am
All true, except your claim that all 2280s had both vacuum and mechanical power valves. Mine has the vacuum for sure, but the hole in the bottom of the float bowl for the mechanical is plugged by a screwed in brass plug and the linkage and adjusting screw for the mechanical power valve are missing. This is a NOS carb so I know it hasn't been tampered with. This same carb has the ski slope, but no bowl vent valve or linkage for the vent valve under the slope.

I had never seen a 2280 without a mechanical power valve before, but I contacted the seller, a guy who knows a bunch about carbs, and he said that some of the california emissions package 2280s didn't get the mechanical power valve. Odd. I am tempted to try adding one from one of the core 2280s I have.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2010 11:10 am
Boy, you've got a puzzler there Reed!

Does it have a Holley "R" vendor spec number stamped on it? Since Holley could sell their carbs to whoever they wanted, I wonder if they sold these in the modified form you've got to another company? With the unique combination of features it makes me think it must have been for a relatively light vehicle, whether Mopar or not.

I can't think of any great benefit of plugging the mechanical power valve; it has little effect until the throttle is pretty nearly at WOT... plugging it wouldn't have much of an impact on pollution.

If it was a California model I'd speculate that by plugging the mechanical power valve perhaps they were trying to lean the WOT mixture to reduce pollution from leadfoot drivers, but without pretty huge main jets such a lean mixture would likely cause massive pinging with a heavy vehicle, especially on a grade. I had to enrich the output from *both* my power valves to reduce mild ping under heavy acceleration... and that was on my low 8:1 compression 318 engine. I captured quite a lot of exhaust gas and other data during multiple test drives to prove it needed a change, and it took several significant alterations to get to where it needed to be.

If pollution was behind your carb's configuration, not having a bowl vent valve makes no sense to me, especially in California, since it's a significant antipollution feature... even the earliest 2280's had that. I wonder if this carb may have been from a system which used an external bowl vent solenoid? My Son's Jeep Grand Wagoneer is like that.

It makes sense that the vacuum power valve is the one that's still operational. They use it to supply sustained enrichment through a wide range of throttle openings, since the accelerator pump alone won't provide sustained enrichment after it's shot is used up, and the mechanical power valve is only operational near and at WOT.

I *have* heard of shortening the vacuum power valve's piston spring or adding shims behind the spring, either of which will alter it's tip-in point, but even with that change in operating point the enrichment at WOT would be nowhere near the amount available with both power valves.

It's really fascinating that your carb is missing the mechanical power valve linkage, which is what the carb would ordinarily be using to actuate the accelerator pump plunger. How does the accelerator pump work in that carb? Do you have any pictures of it's insides? I'd love to see them!

Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2010 11:36 am
Okay then yes my 2280 has both a vacuum and mechanical power valve.

I'm committed to putting a 4bbl. on next year anyway.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 07th 2010 3:12 pm
The next time my brother brings his van around for some work I will get some pictures of this oddball carb. The carb runs fine, except once fully warmed up it has a bit of a rough idle and is more difficult to start. I need to fine tune it, but I may end up swapping it out for another carb if I can't get it to run right.
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 08th 2010 7:50 am
-And then you can both send me yours so I can perform even more evil experiments!!

;0)

LOL!
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 08th 2010 4:25 pm
Well, I do have two extra 2280s...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 08th 2010 4:52 pm
Alright you two..don't make me grab a broom and chase you out of the kitchen. lol grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 12th 2010 3:21 am
Dropped the gas tank today to see where the leak was coming from. Other than the hoses being old and brittle, I found that the sending unit o-ring was split and the plastic lock ring was cracked in two places. Dammit.

Dealer only parts too but they're closed on the weekends. I won't be able to get back to finishing until after the new year.

Oh well.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 12th 2010 4:47 am
Years ago I swapped the gas tank on my great uncle's mid 80s T-bird. The sending unit o-ring was all dried up and shrunk, but I was able to use some RTV gasket maker to get it to seal up again. Just a thought.

I used to own a 79 Dodge shorty where a previous owner had cut a handy little square in the floor in the back of the van to access the sending unit. Was a good idea, except I would occasionally get gas fumes coming into the van. laugh
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 12th 2010 4:57 am
I Hate when ya can't get the parts ya need.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - December 24th 2010 3:05 am
I was lookin through this thread nate and i hope you know this van and oops van from FVC are the two that made me decide i wanted a late model square dodge. I cant wait to bring home my 87.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 04th 2011 4:51 pm
Well..RB is still sitting with the tank out. New parts have been discontinued from Mopar for the 36 gallon tank. Sumbitch!

I do have a lead on NOS parts, but can't order until Jan. 10th! Dammit. Well worse case scenario is I'll swap to the 22 gallon tank. The aftermarket supports parts for those tanks.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 04th 2011 9:50 pm
i havent filled my tank yet, so im not sure which one i got. Kinda hopin i got the 22 gallon. Mrs will sh%t seeing the bill to fill up a 36 gallon
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 04th 2011 9:54 pm
The big tank hangs down in the back and is plastic. The 22 gallon tank is steel.

Just a visual and you can tell which one you have.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 31st 2011 1:40 pm
Okay...FINALLY got the proper part to fix the tank. Amazing how everything goes back together easily with the right parts!

Once Spring arrives, I'm going to gut the interior and do my own thing. Something simple like wood paneling on the ceiling and walls and some nice neutral color carpet tiles for the floor. I may or may not build a permanent bed in the back. I've been mulling the idea of a cot to sleep on at evants so I can keep the floor flat for trips to hardware store just in case I need something for the house.

This van will be a nice driver and not show quality. Hopefully I can strip the body down for paint at some point too.

Time and money folks, time and money.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 31st 2011 3:47 pm
Nate, I have a good idea for a bed that can be easily converted over to a flat floor.Plus give you storage when the the van is in flat floor set up......

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 31st 2011 4:25 pm
Sounds good Joe. I'd like to come up for a visit soon.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - January 31st 2011 4:33 pm
Wait till the snow disappears........LOL

We can knock some thing out like that in a day......

........Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 09th 2011 7:51 pm
This weekend RB has it's guts ripped out! Naw....ripping the old interior out so I can come up with something else that I like. Once that's done, I can start on bodywork

I'll take some pics and post.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 09th 2011 8:39 pm
Originally Posted by Natetheskate
The big tank hangs down in the back and is plastic. The 22 gallon tank is steel.

Just a visual and you can tell which one you have.


crap, that means i have the 36 gallon. Bet that will go a llooonnnggg way in my /6
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 10th 2011 2:52 am
coolcool sounds good
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2011 9:03 pm
Okay..here's the destruction pics. Woo wee what a mess. Except for the floor, all the carpet was put up in one piece exposing dryrotted paneling and evil pink insulation. This was a good thing to do.

[Linked Image]
Brian's ugly mug. grin
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2011 9:05 pm
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2011 9:56 pm
Wow, that's a lot of work Nate!

The shot across the roof of all the fiberglass hanging down makes me think "Vanner's haunted Halloween Castle", LOL!!

Do you already know what interior layout you're putting in it's place? I'll be looking forward to seeing it.

Are you going to use the bagged fiberglass insulation in your new interior?

What on earth happened to the passenger side rear wheel well? It looks totally out of place compared to the rest of the van.
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2011 10:28 pm
A lot of work....what do you have planned for the "re-build"?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2011 10:51 pm
Yep...the plans are in my head! A nice but simple interior will go in after the van is painted.

I'm not putting any insualtion behind the new walls and I can't really afford to spend a bunch on that fancy shmancy foil stuff.

Not sure how the pass side wheelwell got smashed down like that, but we'll pop it back up into place.
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 12th 2011 11:19 pm
nate what did they do glue that pink insulation down in side ? It's aways something right ?
Good luck in the rebuild : ) i'll Be watchin .
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 1:05 am
No insulation at all? I'd think it would be awfully noisy and pretty taxing on your climate control.

Why don't you at least look into this plastic bagged stuff I got at Lowes:

[Linked Image]

It's made by Johns Manville, and the R-13 rating is hard to argue with. The part number is B-011. It was almost the same price as the standard fiberglass. It covers 40 sq feet per roll.

Here's links to the datasheets:

http://imgs.ebuild.com/xCat/ebuildWebB/15?ObjectID=17330&Variant=Original

http://www.specjm.com/files/pdf/bid0007.pdf

According to them: "Twice as resistant to vapor penetration. Compared to
kraft paper, the poly vapor barrier facing keeps the
wall cavity drier and helps eliminate vapor penetration
to maintain thermal effectiveness"

It's a simple solution to many of the sins that good old pink carries with it. No paper/foil backing, no exposed fibers to float around and get in your lungs, and no water trapping. No formaldehyde either, so you may not look as well preserved as me, but you'll be healthier... LOL!!

Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 2:03 am
yeah dude! without anything its gonna be a rattletrap and chilly as hell on them cool truckin nites!
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 2:25 am
nice progress wonder what ur minds cookin up for the redo =)
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 3:58 am
Gettin rid of the rest of that pink shit will be a pain, but it won't cost nearly as much as the Motor or the tranny rebuild. Ya gotta have some insulation or it will be Hot as Hell at vannins in the summer and Freezing in the Spring and Fall.
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 4:46 am
how about some styrofoam insulation panels,there pretty cheap.And better then nothing.
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 6:34 am
i really like watching these interiors go in, so many different choices to do. good luck with it
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 5:53 pm
Originally Posted by lukester
how about some styrofoam insulation panels,there pretty cheap.And better then nothing.

Yeah if you like to squeeeeeeeeeeek on down the road. eek
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 6:47 pm
Hmmmmmm. That's a good idea Craig. I'll look into it. Thanks!


Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 6:48 pm
Originally Posted by c1run1
nate what did they do glue that pink insulation down in side ? It's aways something right ?
Good luck in the rebuild : ) i'll Be watchin .


No glue, just sticking to the metal. It comes right off if you scrape it.
Posted By: SixShot Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 13th 2011 8:58 pm
Or at least a layer or two of Reflextic Nate as it's cheap,easy to work with and works pert dang good plus way way better then nothing.
Posted By: heavy389 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 14th 2011 1:58 pm
Originally Posted by Natetheskate
Originally Posted by c1run1
nate what did they do glue that pink insulation down in side ? It's aways something right ?
Good luck in the rebuild : ) i'll Be watchin .


No glue, just sticking to the metal. It comes right off if you scrape it.


Man that makes me itch just lookin @ it rofl
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 14th 2011 4:05 pm
looks like you got soem work ahead of ya Nate. I do like how all the carpet was one piece all the way around though, nice and clean with no seams. How did they have it held up there?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - February 14th 2011 4:41 pm
Originally Posted by draggnastro
looks like you got soem work ahead of ya Nate. I do like how all the carpet was one piece all the way around though, nice and clean with no seams. How did they have it held up there?


Not me. It may clean with no seams, but if ya ever have to get behind the wall panels to add wiring or repair any wiring, it makes it really hard.

The carpet was held in by at least a million carpet tacks. lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2011 6:46 pm
Okay..got a little more done today.

Little surface rust on the driver side floor, but solid.
[Linked Image]
Particle board on the floor. All the glue that was holding the carpet down is covering up the screws, so rather than rip it up I'll go over top with a piece of masonite or luan to smooth it out for the carpet tiles.
[Linked Image]
Headlight buckets on Dodges bolt in...
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2011 7:29 pm
I thought you were just rebuilding the interior?
Or are you rebuilding the entire van at this point?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2011 7:30 pm
Whole thing Charlie.

New paint and interior.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2011 7:45 pm
Way to go Nate!!!
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2011 8:48 pm
That's great Nate, I'll be watching this tread.
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2011 11:49 pm
lol once u start theres no stopin right nate? =)
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2011 8:48 pm
looks like progress brother! Good luck with it.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2011 10:45 pm
Thats the way to do it Nate.
Posted By: CatFish Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 07th 2011 2:03 am
I got a set of headlight buckets if ya need 'em.
[Linked Image][Linked Image]

Why I have Dodge parts, I can't remember.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 07th 2011 2:46 am
Nate, how did Root Beer handle with both ADDCO swaybars installed ? done any serious cornering ?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 07th 2011 11:46 am
Hiram..right now I only have a rear bar installed. No front bar from the factory, but soon I will add one. I have all the brackets necessary, but haven't purchased a bar yet.


Catfish...I'm swapping over to the round headlamps using parts from the 84 that Superbeast is working on. Member "Lee7673" is looking for a set. I told him to send you a PM.
Posted By: CatFish Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 07th 2011 12:07 pm
PM sent Lee.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 08th 2011 2:58 am
The factory didn't make a swaybar or you just want to buy a new one ? How about the newer style ?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 08th 2011 4:34 pm
At that time front swaybars were optional on 1/2-ton models, but standard on 3/4-ton and 1-ton models. I would imagine later on the front swaybar was standard across the board.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 08th 2011 6:01 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Catfish...I'm swapping over to the round headlamps using parts from the 84 that Superbeast is working on. Member "Lee7673" is looking for a set. I told him to send you a PM.


Guess that means I better get them out soon. lol We swapping harness's also?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2011 12:45 pm
No need to swap harnesses. The plug for the hi-beam should be tied back.

No big rush Ken, I'm not ready to swap in yet. How about we make the trade at the campout in April if you can make it?
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2011 1:00 pm
Sounds good to me. I'm hoping to make the camp out. Please remind me as it gets closer though.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2011 10:03 pm
I really don't understand the reason behind this swap.
The square stacks where the upgraded light system for that model van......
Sorry I really think they even look better.
I don't think the single rounds performed better ether
??????????

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 09th 2011 11:17 pm
Not a performance thing really, I just like the way the round headlamps look. That's the only reason.
Posted By: Reed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 10th 2011 12:36 am
My understanding is that the best beam pattern is produced by the old 7 inch round headlamps. The four small rectangular lamp setup was a appearance package, not a performance option.

Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 10th 2011 1:24 pm
Sounds funny using performance and headlights in the same statement.


Yeah, man! My van is a rocket ship now cause I swapped out the headlights to round! grin

shift
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 10th 2011 1:58 pm
The ultimate goal is to have Kurk from Custom Van make me a custom billet grille, but you have to retain a portion of the stock grille to do it. I think the billet grille along with the round headlamps would look good. Different.


He already said my van would be the guinea pig.
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 10th 2011 2:43 pm
being differnet is always good nate =)
Posted By: starwars Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 11th 2011 5:47 am
kool
Posted By: X-MAN Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 11th 2011 10:13 pm
I used to like the square headlights better when they were the "new thing". But now that they are the "norm" I have started to like the round lights again. I think the same thing has happened to me with big wheels. Now that even new trucks on the showroom floor have them I have seemed to go back to 15's lol. Anyway here is a pic of a Streetvan with round headlights. I think they look nice.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 12th 2011 7:36 pm
i like the newer style with the one rectangle headlight like mine has. Never did like round headlights cept on the old chevys
Posted By: Bigbluetotoro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 14th 2011 8:18 pm
I don't dislike the square lights. but the round ones are pretty nice. I think it just gives an older look.
Posted By: Henk Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 14th 2011 9:18 pm
Very nice clean Van Nate. Good choice and i agree with you the round headlights fits the van better. The round light give the Van a more oldschool look and with a billet grille it will be great. It´s on my wishlist too the billet grille.
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 15th 2011 6:06 pm
for this style year they do look cool i think..
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 15th 2011 8:55 pm
yeah..the ol' "square nose" body style has grown on me.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 18th 2011 10:58 pm
Just a few pics today. Got the new side doors on...that was a chore. Actually had to elongate the holes more than what the factory had to get the left cargo door to latch and shut properly. The right cargo door went on much easier. Gaps aren't perfect but the door shut correctly and the body lines line up nicely.

Visor off and holes getting welded up
[Linked Image]
Wing off and holes getting welded up
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Had to cut a hole in the floor so I could get a socket out I dropped down into the abyss when trying to unbolt the door. Brian welded a new patch in place. I have to say that I have early Dodge sheet metal in this van now. A patch for this hole and a new patch where the original 4-spd. shifter came up through the floor.
[Linked Image]
New doors in place! These are off a 78. Bought them from Steve (Simba) in Canada. He basically had them in a garage almost since new. Weatherstrip is in beautiful shape.
[Linked Image]

Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 2:26 am
Originally Posted by wookee
I really don't understand the reason behind this swap.
The square stacks where the upgraded light system for that model van......
Sorry I really think they even look better.
I don't think the single rounds performed better ether
??????????

.......Wookee

yeah diddo!!!!
Posted By: vanman2 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 3:15 am
Nice job , looking good nate yay
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 3:35 am
Looks good but your new doors dont match the rest of the van.Wrong color. grin
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 4:23 am
comin along nicely, are you leaving the wing and visor off then? on my 75 i had to dremel out the holes also to get the doors to fit decently.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 5:48 am
Originally Posted by 86ed
comin along nicely, are you leaving the wing and visor off then? on my 75 i had to dremel out the holes also to get the doors to fit decently.


Yes leaving them off. There was rust bubbling up underneath the visor, so I decided to just keep it and the wing off. A couple of fellas in my club want them.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 10:32 am
Looking great Nate,nice new doors ya picked up there.
Posted By: starwars Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 11:59 am
looks good
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 12:47 pm
This should be the "how to un-customize a van" thread! lol to each there own and we all know that Nate loves the stockers and the winders! smile
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 1:43 pm
This van is going to be a driver and I plan driving all year round. Personally I don't like all that bolt-on fiberglass stuff on my van. Not that it doesn't look good on other people's vans. smile It will have a custom grille eventually. lol

Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 4:32 pm
i'm not a fan of visors, but i am starting to kinda liking the rear wings however. well, keep on pluckin away on the van, i enjoy watchin them come together.
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 19th 2011 6:26 pm
Those doors will be like a beacon when heading to the van on those nights during runs when it's drunk out.
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 20th 2011 1:32 pm
Originally Posted by relaxedvanner
Those doors will be like a beacon when heading to the van on those nights during runs when it's drunk out.


lol

But they do look like good solid doors.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2011 4:34 pm
Those two colors look awesome together!
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2011 6:01 pm
Looking good buddy!
Any ideas about the color yet?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2011 6:08 pm
High gloss black.

I haven't decided on Basecoat/Clearcoat or Acrylic Enamel. This is going to a home paint job, so I can't get too fancy....or too expensive.
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2011 6:09 pm
those doors are in great shape , can't ask for better ..
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 22nd 2011 7:24 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
High gloss black.

I haven't decided on Basecoat/Clearcoat or Acrylic Enamel. This is going to a home paint job, so I can't get too fancy....or too expensive.

We're gonna have to start calling it "Black Beer" or maybe "Guinness"... grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2011 10:26 pm
Not much was done today because of the rainy weather but did score some goodies at the junkyard.


Sweet wood dash trim and a set of factory tinted pop out winders!!
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Welded up the spare tire carrier mounting holes and knocked out a couple of dents. Cell phone pics
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

I was really glad the door could be salvaged.
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 02nd 2011 10:31 pm
Real nice find at the PNP!
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 03rd 2011 1:00 am
Nice progress Nate...just came upon this thread ...lookin good ! cheers
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 03rd 2011 5:08 am
nice scores..=)
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 04th 2011 11:11 am
Nice yard scores Nate,good job on the back door!
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 04th 2011 12:20 pm
Nate what are you doing with the fiberglass cover and the stainless trim ring that was not that tire?

...........Wookee
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 04th 2011 12:27 pm
Nice finds, That dash trim looks brand new!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 04th 2011 12:29 pm
The cover was cracked and the ring was actually black plastic from a Toyota. I chucked them.

Brian is going to weld in the factory holder. I'm going to keep the spare inside.

I was originally going to get a new "continental" kit for the rear door, but decided not too.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - April 04th 2011 12:30 pm
It amazed me too! I was surprised all the shelac wasn't peeling off!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 01st 2011 12:48 pm
Haven't been able to get much done in the past few weeks, but I did get the "rounds" bolted in. It took me about 10 minutes to figure out that the plates are right and left specific. Bolted the pass side in and then couldn't figure out why the dr side wouldn't bolt in right. Duh! lol

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 01st 2011 8:58 pm
nice! i gotta weld up my extra spare tire holes one of these years too...
Posted By: Radarlove Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 01st 2011 9:25 pm
Love the round look!!
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 02nd 2011 8:23 pm
i like it...but i like the round headlights alot more on the 71-77 models.. =)
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 02nd 2011 10:58 pm
I had a buyer lined up, but that fell through so I'm just going to keep the van for awhile.

I spoke with Kurk from Custom Van and he said he could make me a custom billet grille when it's done. He has those billet grilles for Chevy, but not Dodge. I think that should set the "rounds" off really well.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 02nd 2011 11:46 pm
With the grille Nate that should look sweet.
Posted By: vanman2 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 03rd 2011 1:32 am
Nate glad you are keeping Root Beer for awhile ~~ its a very cool van and i cant wait to see it when you are done ~~ Root Beer is a part of you : do you have a number for Kurt at Custom Vans also where is it at ??
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 03rd 2011 1:45 am
Here's his website.

www.customvan.com
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 03rd 2011 2:27 am
Sounds like a good idea Nate.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 04th 2011 4:56 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
It took me about 10 minutes to figure out that the plates are right and left specific. Bolted the pass side in and then couldn't figure out why the dr side wouldn't bolt in right. Duh! lol



Sorry, I guess I shoulda marked them for you lol Bet they have an 'L' and an 'R' stamped in them grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 05th 2011 3:44 pm
Originally Posted by Superbeast
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
It took me about 10 minutes to figure out that the plates are right and left specific. Bolted the pass side in and then couldn't figure out why the dr side wouldn't bolt in right. Duh! lol



Sorry, I guess I shoulda marked them for you lol Bet they have an 'L' and an 'R' stamped in them grin


Yup...they are stamped L and R. lol
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 05th 2011 8:22 pm
Geez Nate, how did ya miss that one? haha
Posted By: XTReME_LiMiTzZ Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - May 05th 2011 9:27 pm
lolol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2012 5:29 pm
Okay..I went down to Brian's for him to fix the exhaust on my 94 and I got to tinkering around with Root Beer. I fixed the gaps on the 'new' side doors and made the decision NOT to sell the old girl.

This means that my early Dodge project is not on the back burner, it's off the stove completely.

Not having the money for the paint job I wanted originally, I have another idear in the works and I think the van will still look good. This spring Brian I will start sanding her down for paint.

One thing I'd like to do ASAP is pull the hacked up wiring harness behind the dash and replace it with a new harness. I know of two 85's I can grab that from.
Posted By: Hammer Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2012 5:57 pm
Good luck with it! smile
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2012 6:35 pm
Thats good to hear Nate.yay
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2012 7:38 pm
Uhh... should I return the parts that I borrowed from the van?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 05th 2012 7:48 pm
Originally Posted by Mutt
Uhh... should I return the parts that I borrowed from the van?


my van? What parts?
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 06th 2012 12:52 am
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
I had a buyer lined up, but that fell through so I'm just going to keep the van for awhile.

I spoke with Kurk from Custom Van and he said he could make me a custom billet grille when it's done. He has those billet grilles for Chevy, but not Dodge. I think that should set the "rounds" off really well.

Sounds cool brother !
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 16th 2012 6:23 pm
Not much to report. Went down and grabbed a 'virgin' harness out of another 85 in the junkyard. It had the roundy round headlights, but the grill was gone! Crap.

Anyhoo, only took about an hour to pull the new harness.

[Linked Image]


Now I can hopefully eliminate the aftermarket fuse block under the hood. I hate hacked up wiring!! Why do people do that shit?
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge "Root Beer" - March 16th 2012 8:56 pm
yay! glad to hear you're keeping her. I gotta say i liked the square lights better though.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 20th 2012 8:22 pm
Was driving home from work today and it just popped in my head...the new name for this van.

BURNIN' DESIRE


Will go along with the old school rod paint scheme I'm thinking of.
Posted By: Ghetto Rat Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 20th 2012 8:34 pm
Were you burning brain cells coming up with that name ?
But sounds good though.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 20th 2012 8:37 pm
lol no no. That's later on. grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 4:28 pm
Well...going down this Friday to get that new harness put in and fix any other wiring issues.

Brian's paint booth is empty so I hope to move it in there and start scuffing for paint! Keeping my fangers crossed.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 4:34 pm
Yea,Cool Name
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 5:14 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Well...going down this Friday to get that new harness put in and fix any other wiring issues.

Brian's paint booth is empty so I hope to move it in there and start scuffing for paint! Keeping my fangers crossed.


Is there any chance that it may make it to the Spring Thaw?
Posted By: FinallyaVanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 6:59 pm
Just happened upon this thread(this forum has such good readin' material it is hard to keep up!!)
Man you are doing a great job! It's undoubtedly going to look great when done.
I too think the single round light looks good. Gives it that retro look. Funny back then the in thing was to convert to square lights, now we convert to round. Gone full circle!

Cool name too! Now with the black paint job, put some ghost flames to live up to the name!


Richard
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 7:09 pm
Originally Posted by FinallyaVanner
Just happened upon this thread(this forum has such good readin' material it is hard to keep up!!)
Man you are doing a great job! It's undoubtedly going to look great when done.
I too think the single round light looks good. Gives it that retro look. Funny back then the in thing was to convert to square lights, now we convert to round. Gone full circle!

Cool name too! Now with the black paint job, put some ghost flames to live up to the name!


Richard


It will be flat street rod black with flames, but not ghost flames.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 7:10 pm
Originally Posted by Mutt
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Well...going down this Friday to get that new harness put in and fix any other wiring issues.

Brian's paint booth is empty so I hope to move it in there and start scuffing for paint! Keeping my fangers crossed.


Is there any chance that it may make it to the Spring Thaw?


No..it won't be done before then. Maybe Butler or Keystone. I don't know.

My cousin is an awesome carpenter...I'm going to run it by him to see if he'd be interested in putting the interior in.
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 7:11 pm
Wait.... it's not Root Beer anymore? Dang, it's going to be hard to not call it that. eek
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 26th 2012 8:59 pm
I'm thinking also going with a set of Cragar Soft 8 wheels. 7's up front and 8's in the back.

255/60R15 up front and 275/60R15 out back.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 27th 2012 11:30 am
Those will look great Nate. Can't wait to see the transition.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 30th 2012 10:54 pm
Starting working on the wiring in the dash today..didn't finish because I was also helping Brian with one of his trucks. I'm really glad I dug into this. There were melted wires in the harness, but the biggest problem was all the splices that had been made using butt connectors and those blue quick-splice doohickeys.

Dash cleaned out of old wiring:
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Old crusty harness:
[Linked Image]

New wiring going in. I used dielectric grease on all the connectors:
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

One thing I eliminated was the EGR timer circuit and also this harness did not have provisions for the delay wiper circuit. Oh well. I'm going back down Sunday to finish up.
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 30th 2012 11:20 pm
good thing you replaced the wiring .It would have sucked doing so much work to it and it burn up on you . I find alot of over spliced wiring in these old vans .
Just a good idea to check any new van you get for now on .
Oh thats a tip for everyone : )
Nice work Nate
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 30th 2012 11:41 pm
Nice job Nate. You just saved your self a lot of future problems!
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 30th 2012 11:44 pm
Good to see your keeping it Nate...looking forward to progress pics.. smile
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 30th 2012 11:53 pm
Nate, did you trace which circuits were connected to the melted wires?

If they were for instance the wires which run to the rear where someone would attach a trailer, I'd be sorely tempted to replace the entire run all the way back. If they were connected to any of the fusible links, well; I'm sure you know the drill.

You should keep the old harness at least for the connectors; I've often wished they were still readily available. Those original multi-tap provision bullet connectors are pretty sweet to wire in when you need additional circuits which can be disconnected quickly in the future, like for a stereo. I especially like having lots of the original color code wire available when extending a circuit, so I've collected several harnesses over the years.

If you decide to reinstall the intermittent wiper system, I'm sure I could help you map out the wiring to support it. Your previous harness would have had the connectors necessary to do a good job, and even if the bulkhead connector was missing the necessary home switch sense wire, it's super simple to pop the terminal out and swap it over. I did just that on mine, which allowed me to keep the original color code wire.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 01st 2012 5:36 am
good deal buddy, wiring is a mess im unwilling to screw with, im fortunate to not have to do too much of it. I bet this old girl is gonna be sweet when shes done.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 01st 2012 5:03 pm
Craig..the harness running back to the rear lighting is in good shape. I just think that with so many splices and ugly "fixes" that were done to the original harness contributed to the mess.

I will check everything before hooking the battery back up.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 07th 2012 9:36 pm
Finished up the wiring for the most part, but the fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge peg high now. I think I made a boo-boo somewhere and I didn't have my diagrams with me. No biggie.

Here's some pics.

Pulled the delay wiper switch and replaced with a non-delay switch as the new harness didn't have those provisions. I don't need delay anyway. Blah!
[Linked Image]

Dash buttoned up. You can see the non-delay wiper switch installed.
[Linked Image]

Had to run a starter circuit feed because the original was melted and gone on the engine compartment side of the harness. All safe and sound with a fusible link and correct #10 gauge wire. Much better than the hack-job fix that was on the van before.
[Linked Image]

I was able to utilize an unused battery feed slot on the starter relay for the new wire.
[Linked Image]

Short video of the van running with the new wiring done. Click the pic to play the video.
[Linked Image]

Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 07th 2012 9:37 pm
Oh..also ran new speaker wiring to the rear and pulled the van into the paint booth. Next Friday I go down so I can remove the bumpers and start scuffing paint!
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 08th 2012 12:12 am
sounds like good news. another van gonna get painted, i like seeing the progress.
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 09th 2012 10:25 am
Lots of work done Nate. Can't wait to see it in it's new coat.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 09th 2012 10:31 am
Taking shape Nate,Can't wait to see it done
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 09th 2012 12:01 pm
Fun Stuff! Looks good Nate!
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 09th 2012 5:43 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Oh..also ran new speaker wiring to the rear and pulled the van into the paint booth. Next Friday I go down so I can remove the bumpers and start scuffing paint!


What color you going? PLEASE tell me it won't match those school bus doors. HAHAHA grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 09th 2012 9:37 pm
Hot Rod flat black with flames. Brian is going to have one of his "street rod" guys lay out the flames for me. Future plans is to have Matchstick do some pinstriping at an evant. Maybe next years Nats.
Posted By: matchstickBGV Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 10th 2012 4:42 pm
sweet! i'm looking forward to it.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 10th 2012 8:54 pm
It's alive! And sounds good too! Great to see some more progress with this van.
And I really like the new name. cool
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 10th 2012 10:32 pm
sounds good Nate keep up the good work !
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 11th 2012 3:27 pm
I had been debating on whether or not to add a cam and 4bbl. to this 318. I may not now in this world of high gas prices. She's all bark and no bite, but I don't drive fast anyway. I'm a set the cruise control and ride in the right lane kind of guy.

Thanks for the compliments folks!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 11th 2012 4:23 pm
That's right set the cruise and go shift
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 13th 2012 10:50 pm
Got some more done today. Doesn't seem like a lot but I must have farted around taking the drivers side door apart for 45 minutes. Never had to do that before. All the felt channels kept busting off in little pieces as I was trying to get it out. Only took me 15 minutes to get the passenger door apart. LOL! I'm going back down Sunday to get some more done.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

I'll be getting new bumpers and weatherstrip (except for side doors) anyway. I was able to get the part numbers off of the rubbers, so I'll see if I can find NOS.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 14th 2012 2:27 am
Talk to Gary Kerr he added a cam and a 4 barrel to the 318 in his green Dodge and got improved gas milage along with performance.
The low end torque cam I put in the Beast also added gas mileage to it.2 to 4 MPG around town close to 6 on the hi way.
I have herd good things about the Edelbrock performer "pagkage" and 318's

.......Wookee
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 15th 2012 5:40 am
Good progress Nate! Gets me motivated to go work on mine!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 16th 2012 1:16 am
NO pics but went down and tinkered a bit more. Got the rear window glass out and finished up some wiring repairs. I realized I cut the power wire to the electric choke assist and the "boo-boo" I mentioned in an earlier post is that I forgot to hook the ground back up for the gauge cluster which caused my fuel, temp, and oil pressure gauge to peg high. D'oh!

Most of my day was helping Brian swapping out the center section on one of his A-100's.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 17th 2012 1:39 pm
Just ordered a new doghouse gasket...50 bucks! Good gravy. All that for a piece of rubber.


I have a request in for new gaskets for the rear side markers and tail lamps. Hopefully Mopar still makes them. If not, I'll have to make my own.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 17th 2012 3:31 pm
where are you ordering your gaskets from?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 17th 2012 4:21 pm
I ordered the doghouse gasket from www.moparpartsamerica.com Used my 94 B250 as the vehicle since the online catalog doesn't spec one for 85. They're the same gasket though. They also had the cheapest price.

I have a request in to my local dealer for the lamp gaskets.

Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 17th 2012 7:18 pm
What a fiasco! Got an email from the place I ordered the doghouse gasket from saying the part is discontinued from Chrysler and not available. I called my local dealer in hopes they had one sitting on the shelf...no dice. They even checked dealer inventories across the country....nothing.


I went to Arizona Parts and searched their database and found that they had one in stock. I called and the jackass proceeded to tell me he was going to keep it for himself. He told me he would give me the superceded part number (which I already had), then changed his mind and said no. I told him he ought to take the gasket off his database then. Jerkoff. He thought he was going to pull a fast on me by not giving me the new number, BUT he had the old part number listed on his website. I searched that number, and low and behold, some place down in Florida had it. I called and talked to a really nice feller who is sending me the gasket!!! Geezy peezy.
Posted By: Hammer Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 17th 2012 7:38 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
Hot Rod flat black with flames. Brian is going to have one of his "street rod" guys lay out the flames for me. Future plans is to have Matchstick do some pinstriping at an evant. Maybe next years Nats.


Coool! Bet that it's gonna bee sweet. drool Keep up the good work, Nate. laugh
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 17th 2012 9:12 pm
Thanks Hammer!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 18th 2012 10:11 am
I love finding treasure! Well, not really actual treasure, but parts I didn't know I had.

I found a set of brackets sitting on a shelf in my basement that I had bought to mount a front sway bar. I put a rear bar on a few years ago so I'm looking forward to seeing how well this van will handle after I add the front.

I found that PST has the best price so far for the ADDCO 1-1/4" front sway bar kit.


I found some other goodie sitting on that shelf too, like a set of full-size Street Van stickers that I had gotten from Johnny O. Yes..they will be going on this van. An '85 Street Van? No way! Way! lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 21st 2012 2:47 pm
Got my new doghouse gasket in. This thing has a date on the label of 5/31/78, but the rubber is still soft and pliable.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 22nd 2012 5:33 am
awesome! any sources on front door rubber?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 22nd 2012 1:33 pm
A-1 Auto.

www.1aauto.com
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 22nd 2012 7:25 pm
badass! thanks for the link.
Posted By: tide Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 22nd 2012 9:09 pm
A good sources weatherstripping is http://www.am-autoparts.com
Posted By: al55 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - April 23rd 2012 11:53 pm
WOW! May 31 /78,let me see on that date Red Sox 3 games over Yankees,and we all know what happened that year. yay A's 1/2 over Royals,Cubs 1/2 over Expos, Giants 1 1/2 over Reds.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 8:38 pm
Got my new front wheels in today. Cragar Soft 8's...reasonably priced and they look good. The fronts are 7" wide and I'll be running a 255/60R15 on them. I bought a set of 8" for back from Mutt (Chuck Plummer) at Spring Thaw. Those will get a set of 275/60R15.

This weekend I'm going down to start sanding to prep for the new paint. Slow project, but it's getting there.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 8:41 pm
Must be nice
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 8:49 pm
Originally Posted by Wizard78
Must be nice


Says you mr. new wheels for my Dodge. lol
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 8:52 pm
Not yet buddy smile probably another week or two
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 8:56 pm
What brand tires are you getting? I thinking about giving BFG another shot I'm running 275-60-15 on the Dodge and nobody around here has them
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 8:58 pm
I'm going to run the Firestone (Firehawk) Indy 500 tires. I have them on my 94 now, but I'll just swap them onto the new wheels. I have a set of stock tires that I'll put back on the 94. These have been great tires so far and the price wasn't bad. Got them through Tire Rack.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 9:00 pm
Cool ,I might check into those smile
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 9:18 pm
Wheels look great! I think i'd pick the coopers over BFG's heard too many bad reviews about the BFG
Posted By: Ghetto Rat Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 9:33 pm
I like my Coopers....235/60s and 295/50s.
$447.50 completely installed , balanced with
hidden weights , and an alignment.
Would have been a couple hundred more for the BFG's.
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 10:03 pm
Very nice wheels, will look great on the van.. What color paint are you going with?
Posted By: heavy389 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 10:30 pm
Originally Posted by NatetheskateNCBV
I'm going to run the Firestone (Firehawk) Indy 500 tires. I have them on my 94 now, but I'll just swap them onto the new wheels. I have a set of stock tires that I'll put back on the 94. These have been great tires so far and the price wasn't bad. Got them through Tire Rack.


Wheels look good Nate cheers

I got the Firehawks on back now,not a bad tire for price! got them from tirebuyer.com came outa warehouse in Md,were @ door in less than 24 hrs!
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 13th 2012 11:11 pm
it's going to look good Nate !
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 14th 2012 3:51 am
Nice wheels Nate...
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 14th 2012 3:43 pm
Originally Posted by Lee7673
Very nice wheels, will look great on the van.. What color paint are you going with?


Hot Rod flat black w/flames.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 14th 2012 4:30 pm
Nate's Rat Rod van
Posted By: Snotty Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 14th 2012 7:32 pm
Nates STOCK Rat Rod van haha lol
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 14th 2012 8:25 pm
sweet!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 16th 2012 9:26 pm
Originally Posted by Snotty
Nates STOCK Rat Rod van haha lol


Not sure how you figure this van is 'stock' butt breath. grin

Shouldn't you be working on your house? lol
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 16th 2012 9:33 pm
Started sanding her down for paint. Thank God this van is straight or it would take a fort night to get the sanding done. There is some bondo filling some dings here and there, but NO RUST!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

A little primer where the old mirrors were. Going to need a bit of spot putty and I need to feather the edges better.
[Linked Image]

The kids
[Linked Image]

Brain's plugging away on his shorty early Dodge. He's putting an interior in...one of his famous rag tag interiors.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 16th 2012 11:11 pm
i enjoy watching the progress on all the vans on this site that have been getting new paint and such. this is just another one i'm anxious to see. good luck with it.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 17th 2012 12:44 am
Looking Good Nate
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 18th 2012 6:27 pm
Who's Vette ?????

......Wookee
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 18th 2012 6:30 pm
Originally Posted by wookee
Who's Vette ?????


It's Brian's
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 19th 2012 2:12 pm
lets see he has a couple of street rods with Chevy engines.
Might as well have a nice Chevy to go fact and look cool in right from the factory ......

.......Wookee
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 20th 2012 4:10 pm
Yup..Brian is equal opportunity now, which is a good thing. smile

Now he's thinking about buying a 5.0 Mustang too.
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - June 20th 2012 4:46 pm
Ice Ice Baby
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 15th 2012 3:37 pm
More sanding...sanding....sanding...sanding

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Brian cleaning the old gasket material out of the tail light buckets.

We had the van inside because it had been raining.
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 3:05 am
has to be exciting, getting closer to paint.
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 3:14 am
looks like you will be ready for paint in no time.
Posted By: Ford77 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 3:21 am
Looking good nate
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 4:14 am
Lots of work but looking good!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 11:02 am
Looks Great Nate
Posted By: Steel_City_Stax Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 1:44 pm
"Burning Desire" - Was the name influenced by 80's (Pittsburgh) rock legend Donnie Iris' "Ah Leah" song, at the 0:35 second mark?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH5Arbm47IQ
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 8:30 pm
Got my new rear bumper in today!

It's perfect other than some smudges. It's was coated in a protective oil to keep it from rusting. I'll paint the back so it doesn't rust through.

Now to save up some beans for a new front bumper.


[Linked Image]
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 8:31 pm
who did you get the bumper from?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 16th 2012 8:34 pm
Got it off Ebay.

'car parts wholesale' is the seller.
Posted By: hippieluke Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 17th 2012 2:15 am
shinny
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 17th 2012 5:27 am
Looks good! Need to save up for a new rear bumper myself!
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 18th 2012 9:40 pm
Ordered my new front bumper today. Pics to come.
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 18th 2012 10:40 pm
Cool Nate movin right along !!
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 19th 2012 8:16 am
Looks great Nate. Hot damn...I'm a poet!! yay
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 19th 2012 11:03 am
Originally Posted by relaxedvanner
Looks great Nate. Hot damn...I'm a poet!! yay


rofl
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 22nd 2012 4:48 pm
Ordered my new front bumper on Wednesday and got it on Friday!

[Linked Image]



Got more body prep done Friday, but no pics.
Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 22nd 2012 5:56 pm
sweet.
Posted By: josh_performanceinc Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 24th 2012 9:48 pm
No paint yet. Still root beer! grin
Posted By: FinallyaVanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 24th 2012 11:18 pm
This van is going to look great. Fresh paint and new chrome bumpers. Can't wait to see this one done.




Richard
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 30th 2012 8:26 pm
Not much to report. I didn't work on the van this past weekend...wasn't feeling up to it since I funked my leg up last weekend. Oy vey.


Anyhoo Brian called me Sunday and said he finished prepping the roof and painted it. Says it came out great! Awesome! Things are starting to shape up.
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 31st 2012 12:03 am
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Not much to report. I didn't work on the van this past weekend...wasn't feeling up to it since I funked my leg up last weekend. Oy vey.


Anyhoo Brian called me Sunday and said he finished prepping the roof and painted it. Says it came out great! Awesome! Things are starting to shape up.


I was getting ready to scum you out for high jacking a thread then i noticed you changed your name . LOL
Hey sorry about your Booboo and yay! your Van is taking shape ! Nice bumper ! Hey Nate look over there ----->
Haha

Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 31st 2012 12:33 am
is it done yet?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 31st 2012 11:41 am
Originally Posted by Mutt
is it done yet?


Far from done brother.

Hope to have it at least painted before Keystone, but I don't know. Lots to put back together after paint.
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 31st 2012 11:57 am
Body work is a Slow tedious process, having help makes a huge difference.It'll be worth the wait and you'll be glad you Kept er.
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 31st 2012 12:02 pm
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Originally Posted by Mutt
is it done yet?


Far from done brother.

Hope to have it at least painted before Keystone, but I don't know. Lots to put back together after paint.


I'm not that far away.. let me know if want some help one weekend
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - July 31st 2012 12:05 pm
Thanks Chuck..I appreciate that.


Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 03rd 2012 9:06 pm
Roof is painted but there are some areas that were overlooked prior to paint. No big woop..can be fixed easily.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Door edges sanded,primed, and ready for paint. Can't really see that well, but the door jamb has been painted. I painted the back door edges, but the metal was so hot the paint just dried instantly and it looks dusty. I'll have to it sand down with some 400 grit and redo if necessary. No pics of that 'cause it looks like crap.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: lukester Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 04th 2012 1:48 am
Looking good Nate. cheers

Posted By: draggnastro Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 04th 2012 3:32 pm
looks good. Is the roof truck bed liner or flat black? What color is the van going to be?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 05th 2012 1:35 pm
Originally Posted by draggnastro
looks good. Is the roof truck bed liner or flat black? What color is the van going to be?



1. Flat Black (no bed liner), but I may do the inside floor and part way up the walls in bed liner.

2. Flat Black w/hot rod flames.


I was originally going to paint the van white (a Corvette/GM white) and then add ghost flames, but I'm on a serious budget with this project.
Posted By: c1run1 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 05th 2012 3:13 pm
it's looking good Nate working in this heat you need props just for that .
Posted By: heavy389 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 05th 2012 9:40 pm
Lookin good nate!! grin
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 07th 2012 10:04 am
Actually Nate whits is no more expensive price wise than black is.......

......Wookee
Posted By: The_Evil_Hippie Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 13th 2012 3:40 pm
I like it Nathan, I like it when your first got it. I am sure it will look splendid when done!
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 13th 2012 11:53 pm
Cool Nate, and I agree with Chuck..I remember old "Rootbeer" when I first joined the site a couple years ago.... smile
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - August 14th 2012 3:18 am
Looking good Nate. Takes alot of work to change the colours. Love the idea though, can't wait to see it done.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 25th 2013 10:28 pm
Wow...had to go back a few pages.

Well needless to say that since I'm a flake and keep changing my mind as to sell or not sell this van, I'm in "no sell" mode right now. lol


Just ordered all the weatherstrip goodies I'll need to put the front doors back together. Door weatherstrips, scrapers, and felt channels all from Rock Auto. The wing winder rubbers were shot (whistling Dixie), but I was able to find some off of a 92 that were like brand new.
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 25th 2013 11:06 pm
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Wow...had to go back a few pages.

Well needless to say that since I'm a flake and keep changing my mind as to sell or not sell this van, I'm in "no sell" mode right now. lol


Just ordered all the weatherstrip goodies I'll need to put the front doors back together. Door weatherstrips, scrapers, and felt channels all from Rock Auto. The wing winder rubbers were shot (whistling Dixie), but I was able to find some off of a 92 that were like brand new.


Cool Nate yay ....just be careful one of these days your going to sell it and it's going to suck a couple months later when U change your mind... lol
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 25th 2013 11:07 pm
Yea!!!!! Glad you are keeping it.....it's a great van
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 26th 2013 12:43 am
glad you're puttin it back together. its fun to watch em get all redone, plus gives others ideas also. good luck.
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 26th 2013 12:35 pm
I found out yesterday that the original owner of my van who was a ex-member of North Chesapeake Bay Vans passed away. His name was Walt...I never got a chance to meet the guy. Sad.
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 26th 2013 12:35 pm
Well, maybe there will be a chance of me seeing it while you own it ;-)
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 26th 2013 12:38 pm
One of these days Ken...one of these days. Once the weather gets warmer, I'm going to bust ass to get the body painted so I can start putting shit back together.

My cousin who's a great carpenter said he'd do the interior.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 27th 2013 5:56 am
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
I found out yesterday that the original owner of my van who was a ex-member of North Chesapeake Bay Vans passed away. His name was Walt...I never got a chance to meet the guy. Sad.


[Linked Image]

RIP Walt

......Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - February 27th 2013 12:57 pm
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
One of these days Ken...one of these days. Once the weather gets warmer, I'm going to bust ass to get the body painted so I can start putting shit back together.

My cousin who's a great carpenter said he'd do the interior.


Sounds like a good plan to me grin
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 04th 2013 5:31 pm
Got all the front door rubber goodies today.

The front door rubbers are from Metro and the window scrapers and felt channels are from Fairchild (never heard of them, but the quality looks good).

I'll post some pics later.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 04th 2013 5:47 pm
Cool Nate smile
Posted By: 86ed Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - March 06th 2013 4:14 am
Nice
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 14th 2013 8:34 pm
Still collecting bits here and there for when the time comes to put this thing back together. My parking brake pedal was all floppy and it wouldn't return all the way when released...even with new cables.

Scored an NOS piece on Ebay for cheap!

[Linked Image]


Most vanners are putting new engines in, getting paint done, or getting new wheels. I'm excited to find this! lol
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 14th 2013 9:59 pm
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Still collecting bits here and there for when the time comes to put this thing back together. My parking brake pedal was all floppy and it wouldn't return all the way when released...even with new cables.

Scored an NOS piece on Ebay for cheap!

[Linked Image]


Most vanners are putting new engines in, getting paint done, or getting new wheels. I'm excited to find this! lol


Unless you have a stick in your van why would you bother with the e-brake Nate ?
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 10:29 am
I always set the parking brake when I park my vans..it keeps the stress off the park sprag in the transmission and it keeps the rear brakes adjusted.
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 10:32 am
Me too Nate
Posted By: relaxedvanner Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 1:26 pm
It's also for safety, if for some reason your hydrolic braking system stops working you can use the emergency brake to get stopped. All vehicles are required to have 2 separate braking systems for safety.
Posted By: apo234 Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 1:55 pm
I just fixed my e-brake to!!! I use it every time i park
Posted By: Mutt Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 3:06 pm
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Still collecting bits here and there for when the time comes to put this thing back together. My parking brake pedal was all floppy and it wouldn't return all the way when released...even with new cables.

Scored an NOS piece on Ebay for cheap!

[Linked Image]


Most vanners are putting new engines in, getting paint done, or getting new wheels. I'm excited to find this! lol


It's about time that Nate got a break
Posted By: NateB Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 9:12 pm
Originally Posted by Mutt
Originally Posted by NateNCBV
Still collecting bits here and there for when the time comes to put this thing back together. My parking brake pedal was all floppy and it wouldn't return all the way when released...even with new cables.

Scored an NOS piece on Ebay for cheap!

[Linked Image]


Most vanners are putting new engines in, getting paint done, or getting new wheels. I'm excited to find this! lol


It's about time that Nate got a break


ba-dump-dump. take my wife..please. (henny youngman)
Posted By: HighwayStar Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 15th 2013 9:20 pm
Really...I have never used an E-brake on any automatic vehicle I have ever owned and neither any one I know till now...interesting , thanks for the info guys.
Posted By: wookee Re: 85 Dodge-BURNIN' DESIRE - May 16th 2013 4:40 am
I never use the E brake on any of my automatic vans/trucks ether........
NEVER lost a parking sprag.......

......Wookee
© Vannin' Community and Forums