Looking for a new van.

[MountainManJoe]

Hey guys. It's been a while. Not much has happened on the van front, other than routine maintenance.

But now, I need a new rig. Thanks to our renown Vancouver driving, my beloved mountain mobile has been deemed a "total loss" by the insurance company.


I'm having a real struggle convincing ICBC of the value in my van. They seem intent on leaving me broke and vanless.

Anyhoo, I'm looking for a replacement Astro/Safari AWD passenger van. The last ones were made in 2005, so the best case scenario is already a decade old vehicle! It's got to be low in mileage and in decent shape. I'm not in a hurry, and am willing to travel for the right vehicle.

If I find one, you may be seeing more posts from me in the future.

[doyoulikeithere]

Hey starnger, long time no see.
ICBC sucks eh !
Good luck. You just missed a sweet deal on an awesome mountain van that sold here...

[LiftedAWDAstro]

That'll buff out! Any chance you can buy it back and fix it?

[Cobra]

i was thinking about that too lifted. Hit a wrecking yard and you could grab the hood and fender fairly easily.

[doyoulikeithere]

for that matter, it pretty easy to put your entire subframe under any other van.
You can pick up non rusty vans now around here for cheap.
If your frame is still straight, might be worthwhile to fix it up.

[Slicky]

Bummer , I suggest a visit to the Cowichan valley .Seems like someone there may possess the knowledge to merge the heart of your van with a new one . That is if you can pry his butt off of the KLR

[MountainManJoe]

I will inquire about ICBC's "owner retention". Unfortunately you can see that the rad support joint has shifted so the damage is a little more than just cosmetic.

I park on the street and don't have a good place to do major work like that. What's involved with a body swap? Separating the subframe and rewiring the harness?

[T.Low]

Ouch. #-o

[doyoulikeithere]

It would be plug n play, if you get a van using same computer system (samish Year)

Find one with a great body but dead engine or some other issues etc for cheap. Just, No rust.

Slide your good frame, with engine & trans, and all under, bolt it up and plug everything back in.
(rear springs and axle as a single assembly if necessary as well)

Me I would love a shortbox van with a dutch rear door, and 2003-2005 (6 bolt wheels) running gear underneath.
I would probly 'down convert' to work with an older Short-box van's TBI fuel & computer system, but thats just me.
The harness could be swapped, I just wasnt into it on mine, so used what was already there...

[doyoulikeithere]

ICBC sucks so bad. We pay thru the nose every year cuz we cant drive unless we do.
Then when we need to claim on our 'Insurance' they make it seem like they own your vehicle and you gotta beg and plead etc just to get almost a fair deal (screwed).
I feel for you Joe...

[MountainManJoe]

My thoughts exactly. Total sham.

[Kidhauler]

Sorry to hear about your van that sucks. Sadly they are getting to the age where they just are not worth much on paper. What are you looking for to replace it so people can post up if they see anything you might like?

[MountainManJoe]

[doyoulikeithere]

Thats interesting.. what TF is it ?

[Cobra]

4x4 sprinter according to the image name, i was talking about sprinters today on the way home they have a lot of potential but just too big for me.