I've owned vans since the early '70's. Always enjoyed the van gatherings and events in the Northeast. The camaraderie was the best part of vanning. Guys were always willing to help each other out, share ideas and parts. (started to get long-winded here, edited). Since I moved to Florida in 2019 I decided to look for another third gen Ford. After many months of being "too late", I spotted a For Sale listing on this forum. It was the 1984 Ford listed by dreamweaver77. I contacted him and we talked several times, about the van, about vans we both had in the past, about the price. I told him where my max $ was. He told me his mechanic had replaced both fuel tanks, sending units, selector switch, fuel lines, intake gasket, brake lines, front wheel bearings, master cylinder, AC lines, condenser, rebuilt compressor, and he had receipts for all of it. He guaranteed me , except one tiny ding on driver side, there was no rust whatsoever on this van. He guaranteed that every door weatherstrip was like brand new. I called my BIL (not a car guy) who lives 25 minutes from the seller, and asked him if he had a buddy with car knowledge who could go look at the van. Nobody. Since we were in the middle of COVID-19 I had to trust a fellow vanner and agree to purchase the van. Sent money to BIL, had him pick it up and store it at his house until I could pick it up. When BIL picked van up there was a hissing noise, so seller popped hood and refrigerant was shooting out side of compressor. Right there seller called me and, in front of BIL, told me of the problem and told me to have it fixed and he'll pay for it. After it sitting in his driveway (with occasional start-ups) for four months, I finally decided to fly to Ohio and drive the van home. Very first contact with the van, started it and BIL pointed out both tanks were on "E". Headed right to nearest gas station, first stop sign brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Bad sign. Filled both tanks, only took 22.6 gallons (!! ?). Pulled into service center next to gas station, asked them to check brakes. Guy shows me master cylinder full of black lumpy goo. Needed new master and brake lines ($900). Back at BIL's next day, looking van over, trans fluid leaking, oil pan gasket leaking. Noticed bubbling paint on roof above drip rail, reach up and entire drip rail is rusted almost through (in body shop now). Open rear doors and there's water on floor and crushed velvet on doors is soaked and moldy. Every weatherstrip was shot, cracked, crumbling at the top. I decided to get on the road. First gas stop I lost power steering. No PS, no AC, no radio the whole 17 hour trip. If my speed got over 55 mph I could hardly keep the van in my lane. Looong drive home. I decided the first thing was to get the AC fixed and re-imbursed before I start my tirade. Emailed seller the bill for AC repair, he responds " No problem, I did tell you I'd SPLIT that with you." Called him and told him to just listen until I'm finished. Ran through the entire list. He denied knowing of any problem, he said none of those issues existed when he had the van, it drove perfectly, everything functioned perfectly, his mechanic went over everything , " I don't know what happened during the time your BIL had it." I did my best to keep cool and asked him to help me out with some of these expenses. He said NO. I told him he's a liar and a cheat. Now everyone knows. ( I know, still got long-winded ). So much for camaraderie and brotherhood. | 
