Build Journal: "Raggy" 2nd GEN 108 Retro Conversion Van

[Wimptech]

Thanks Wookie, I got a look and thankfully they were OK. HOWEVER... the DS rear panel crumbled in my hand... completely wasted. The leak followed those upper channels and took out the trim above the windshield and above the DS rear door... we have daylight. Going to see what the local body shop wants to charge to rebuild that corner... yay.

Mags- Wish I could take credit for it, but it is the reason why I fell instantly in love with this van and went rust blind haha

[Wimptech]

OK guys-n-gals, the verdict is in...

To repair the rusty roof spot, $900. wet sand and clear coat... $1300. I'm already in the van for about $4500. Since it is highly likely I will need to sell it soon, I'm wondering if I should invest the $2200, or sell as is.
Motor and drivetrain all appear good, got wheels (no tires yet), it will have all that beautiful interior work still but with new carpet below, and bead board above with a proper roof vent.

Would it be worth at least $7K with clear coated and relatively finished?

Thanks again!

[Wimptech]

Meh, screw it... I love this van.
OK rust... shots fired... your move.

[Wimptech]

Sooo quick update.... the project had to go on the back burner while our kitty was sick and he finally went to the big kitty tree in the sky.
Right after we found a good sized leak in the bathroom that led to a complete remodel... so the van is on hold for a while.

The good news is I was walking around our favorite thrift shop and found this beautiful matching mini fridge for $15!





Its colld AF and period correct... annnd only pulls 70 watts (6 amps) so my crappy inverter will run it and the AC jussst fiiine.

[Wookee]

Welcome to the club.....
Very few of these vans are built on big expendable budgets.
Most vans are done in back yards and drive ways.By owners who are both patent and good at making a lot out of a little.
Keep up the good work.
Driving one of these vans on the street,is another experience well worth the extra work.....

[VanSandy]

What Wookee said, patience is key!!

[Vanner68]

It's amazing how much you can learn on a budget!

[panelmanrd]

and being on a budget forces you to learn, ironic how that works

[Wimptech]

...Could NOT agree more! It's a fine line between DIY garbage and gold so practice is key. In watching an episode of wheeler dealers, I saw Antony use a flanging tool instead of butt joint weld to do a similar repair. Turns out HF has one for about $40, so since I suck at butt joints I'm gonna go that route. I got plenty of metal to practice with too.

[Wimptech]

Question for my fellow Vanatics....

The rear end in my Gen2 van is definitely NOT right. The shock mounts are outward ~2" and the bolt pattern is 5 on 5. I have been searching the forum for specs on the correct rear end and can't find anything definitive.

Google search suggests that its a 10 bolt 8.5" GM, but I can't find a list of donor vehicles. I did find where a Camaro is not suitable for Gen1...

Would someone be willing to get me pointed in the right direction?

Thanks again everyone!

[Wookee]

You will not find a list on donor vehicles for our vans because there basically where none....
Even 1st and 2nd gen rear ends do not interchange

Sounds like some one swapped in a 3rd gen rear end .
The 5 on 5 bolt pattern started on 3/4 ton 3rd gen vans in the early 70's.If f you pull the rear end cover there is a series of numbers that gives the year the rear was made and the gear ratio.
You do have to divide the 3rd series of numbers into each other to get the ratio...
These vans run the widest rear end.Drum to drum than than any other vehicle GM produced.
Pick ups used a trailing arm set up in the same years of our vans.
Later years converted to leaf springs.how ever the rear ends where a 11/2 narrower......

[Wimptech]

Well... crap. That explains my trouble haha thanks Wookie bud.
Looks like I'm stuck for the foreseeable future. OOOyye this van.

[Vanner68]

Well... crap. That explains my trouble haha thanks Wookie bud.
Looks like I'm stuck for the foreseeable future. OOOyye this van.

If you do find a first gen rear, don't pass it up. Remove the first gen spring pads and weld on a set for 3" wide springs and you're good.

[Wookee]

Yep that's what I had to do.
Because I really did not want to run the factory 4:10's
Behind my 350....

[Wimptech]

Yep that's what I had to do.
Because I really did not want to run the factory 4:10's
Behind my 350....

Outstanding, thank you both!

[Wookee]

Your ship is not quite sunk.
Depending on what gear ratio is in that 3rd gen rear.The van might be a decent driver.
My 89 GMC has a set of 3:45's behind a 700R4 trans.
I have another rear that came out of a 76 Chevy Van that has a set of 2:95's that was behind a TH350 trans.
I could have installed ether one in my 2nd Gen.How ever,I wanted the lug patterns for the wheels to match up.
I really like the look of the rallies I am running.I really wanted to run a set of these on a van
I paid a shop to swap out the 4:10's for a set of 3:08's. I had here out of a 79 pick up.
The Van has decent low end performance.Her sweet spot on the highway is 75-80 MPH...

[Wimptech]

I ended up buying an adapter for the lug pattern and spacers to straighten the shocks up. Its a work around, and I don't like it... but it works.
As soon as my bathroom project is finished, I'll FINALLY be able to get back to work on Raggy... stay tuned next month folks.

[Wimptech]

The Bathroom from HELL ... is FINALLY DONE! WOOT WOOOT!
It's been a long strange trip, but its finally done which means I can get back to work on my vans. I bought another Astro since I last posted, too good to pass up. It's being built into a surf van and getting sold off, here's a link if anyone is interested...
https://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopi...f=127&t=136214

Unfortunately for the Raggy build, the surf van (aka PigPen) takes priority since we need the money. I did manage to take some measurements of the kitchen for Raggy that needs to be rebuilt, here ya go...





BTW- the whole thing was 36" wide.

[Wimptech]

Well, it's been a year and I haven't done a thing, so it's gotta go. I've offered the guys at Wheeler Dealers to take it gratis and get it restored like it deserves. If they pass, I'll have it up for sale soon. If interested, please PM me.

[Vanner68]

LOL, I've had my 68 since 1979 and there's still stuff on it that I haven't fixed properly.... but I'll get around to it eventually when the mood strikes.

[Wimptech]

Turned out... nobody wants it, so it's moving to Texas with us. Guess I'll have to actually fix it.

I'd love to do a Jimenez Bros custom airbag setup since I know them n all, but that's still at least $5K. So my total spend would be about $10K and I'd still have a rusted out $3K van LMAO

[Wimptech]

Greetings from Texas!

Here we are a hectic year later and my van is still sitting in CA waiting to come home. I've decided to keep it mostly as is for a semi rat-rod project, but with the cool retro shagin' wagon interior.
The motor has never been quite right although running. I've decided to bite the bullet and drop in a crate motor. Nothing too fancy, basic carbureted 350 and hope for the best with that 700R4.
I need to do front disc brake conversion, however I hear rumors that there's a conversion for the standard solid front axle, so that will save a bunch of headaches. I'd like to air bag the suspension but have no idea what is involved there. Last is that crappy rear end out of god knows what. Thanks to Wookie I'll be able to ID it, thanks man.

=Wimpy=

[van-itti]

Thanks to Wookie I'll be able to ID it, thanks man.

=Wimpy=

He was THE Van's Man and is certainly missed here. RIP Sir.

[Wimptech]

He was THE Van's Man and is certainly missed here. RIP Sir.

...guess I've been away too long. RIP Wookie man.

[Wimptech]

Trailer booked; its Van or BUST!

Thanks 108 VanGuy for the 411 on the disc brake conversion. After pricing everything I decided to wait to build the shop, so its back burner until then. Critical path is to get it home, clean out the gas tank (again), get it running... then build the list from there. I'll post links and methods as it progresses.

Thanks again everyone.

[Wimptech]

THATS IT, I'M DONE... FREE VAN!

Someone come take this thing away, located in Lake Elizabeth, CA (near Palmdale). I'm keeping my new parts, anyone can HAVE the rest. If you want the carb, wheels, etc make an offer. Welcome to make a donation to my buddy for housing it. Will need to be towed, tires holding air but rotted. Calling scrap yard on April 5th. Available for pick up April 5th-9th after 6 PM, and 10th -11th daytime.

PM if you want it.

[van-itti]

Please check your messages.

[WoodButcher]

Sad to hear Wimp, sorry I'm on the other coast.

[Wimptech]

Please check your messages.

Congrats to Mike, all yours sir.

Sad to hear Wimp, sorry I'm on the other coast.

WB my friend its nice to hear from you again, how's the Astro projects coming along? Yeah when I got out of Astros, I lost interest in vans after a few bad experiences. Coupled with the extensive "To Do" list and the logistical nightmare with this one, I've had it. Mike and Mark will do right by it I'm sure. My wife and I talked it over and since we met I've done 15 cars and 4 RVs/ trailers and this is the only project I didn't finish, 95% success rate aint too horrible.

To everyone that helped me make sense out of this project over the years I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been an experience to remember. As I move into retirement here in central Texas I look forward to shoein' horses and fixin' wagons.... and a distinct lack of project cars.

This is Wimpy signing off... down-n-gone.

[van-itti]

Congrats to Mike, all yours sir.

Not sure what Im planning for her yet. I have not seen her yet. LOL