21 Years in a 1973 Dodge Van

Thanks for the nice thought Dude. The dogs and I had turkey franks on wheatberry bread topped with pepperjack cheese and Wolf brand chili with no beans. An excellent feast was had by all.

 

I went to the fleamarket today and found a solar panel that puts out about 400 mA @ 22 volts in direct sunlight. That should provide about half an amp for a 12 volt system. $10...what a SMOKIN' deal! They usually run around $60.

 

That is a find. Whats the weather like there now?

 

Good for you TwoDogs!

I think the amount of posts on here is a testement to the great story you have. Very interesting life you seem to have. I sometimes wish I could leave the confines of my job (which by the way I like very much so it isn't an escape I am looking for) and spend some time without the requirements of most of civilization: job, house, partner, bills.

I have only made it about half way through all these post, but I will be back to finish.

Stay Free!

 

Twodogs!!!!!! You inspired me. Ive been thinking about living in a van for a while now. I just bought my first van and am moving into it next week. Its an 89 E-150 300/I6 and a 5 speed manual, Fully insulated, bed, shelf, and fully carpeted (walls and roof and everything). Im excited.

 

It's slowly getting cooler. Two days before Thanksgiving Day I was still walking around without a shirt. I'm afraid Winter'll be here soon. Lucky for me the Winter's are fairly mild...even at 3500 feet.

 

Thanks dude. One of the things I'm thankful for is that I don't have a regular job. Things just sorta fell into my lap, jobwise, and it's perfect for me 'cause it allows me to pay for my insurance, gas, P.O. box, tags, gas, food and such but I only have to work a couple of days a month.

 

Congrats!!! I'd be excited too if I were you. It's adventure time!!! Sounds like you've got a nice rig.

 

So...THIS is how I'm spending Christmas. Pity me.







What a mess...

 

You rebuilding? Upgrading? Replacing? Good luck to you.

 

Awwww, that sucks! Let us know how it turns out.
Merry Christmas anyhow. Try and make the best of it if you can.

 

Freshening things up a bit. New heads, rings, cam, lifters, rod, main and cam bearings. Some things didn't need to be changed but what the hey...it's a big job and I'm hoping to die before I have to do it again. The most time-consuming thing is cleaning all the parts that are being reused...the block, pan and valve covers, timing cover, water pump, carb, bell housing, tranny, and assorted other items. All these years of oil leaks and dirt roads has made for some pretty indestructible adobe coatings. I'll bet I've scraped 50 pounds of petro/earth from the various parts.

I had a 9 day opportunity 'cause the welding shop was empty of people this past week and I figured that I better carpe diem. It's more work than this 57 year old man wanted to tackle, but I knew that I'd regret it down the road if I didn't spur my lazy butt into gear.

FireflyInTheDark...thanks for the nice words and wishes. Merry Christmas to you too.

 

Merry Christmas, amigo.


x

 

Twodogs, What is the hardest part about having dogs and living in a van. I want to get a dog (just one, I swear), but am afraid that it would be too cold in Oklahoma. Im in the van most of the day, except ~5 hours.

 

Merry Christmas right back atcha xenon.

 

For my dogs there's no hard part, really. They're always with me and never have to spend too much time in the van by themselves. When I do have to work they're in the shop with me snoozing.

Having two dogs is really good in cold weather. With three bodies warming up the van it takes the chill off.

 

Merry Christmas TwoDogs,I love reading your thread...

 

Thanks lilbear. Merry Christmas to you also.

 

How much in parts did it run you to do all that?
What about the transmission, you have to do that too, and replace any electrical also?