Estate sale . . . they wanted a few grand and I was interested. But when I went to look at it I decided to pass cause it needed a good bit of work and I really don't need another van.

The van was blocking access to the back of the house where there were some classic cars they were trying to get off the property. So they really needed it gone. They asked me what I thought they could get for salvage and they offered it back to me at that. It was next to nothing, I couldn't pass it up at that point. It had been sitting since 09 with gas so I had a local guy replace the tank before I brought it home.

I cleaned out the back and washed it over the last few weeks.

I'm not sure what the guy was doing in the back of the van. He essentially had two interiors from two different vans stuffed in the back. Cool stuff, panels, switched lights, I likely could have sold some of it but I don't have space. I posted it all on craigslist free and it disappeared in about 3 hour.

The van was covered in algae and moss. Two sessions left then right side just scrubbing and brushing everything off. I prob spent 4-5 hours. I've never seen a car so bad.

I'm sure the neighborhood was thrilled with the mess! <SMILE>

I guess I should have snapped a few pics.

Started in on vinyl strip removal. I actually like the color and would keep them but they're a hot mess. They have these rubber wheels that you can buy that seem to get the vinyl off ok. Quick pass seems to pull the vinyl off easy then you have to go back and really work to remove the residue. Still a good deal of work but better than anything else I've ever used. I just did the back. I probably need a few sessions. 6 feet done, two stripes on the top two on the bottom, 6 feet down 38 to go!

Congrats and keep it going!

Nice find and save! Lets see some pics of the whole thing in and out!

Nice score.

Sweet score, can't wait to see how it comes along.

awesome! Lets see some side pics!

Another 78-82 G-van saved! Looking forward to following along!

I got the vinyl stripes removed - color was great but they were all cracked and chipped. Took about three sessions maybe 3 hours each time.

I should have started with getting the title transferred - it turns out there was an issue with the sale from the estate and they guy wouldn't call me back. I was starting to think I was going to have to just get it towed. Anyway I finally got the title sorted out and it's in my name.

New rims and tires are on today. The old rally wheels were ok but the tires were all cracked and coming apart.

Looking great!

Nice rims.

Man that van looks great!

Congrats on the fresh paper.

Just stay at it, a little at a time.

Great score. A nice set of wheels really do make the van.

The wheels look good. Glad you were able to get the title sorted.