Since it took longer than 3 days to pass emissions, I needed to get a second 3-day permit.. Arizona lets us get up to 3 of these in a 12-month period
Category Archives: Van Diary
Fixing the headlights
When I picked up the van, it had no battery
when the battery was connected, the headlights were on
I bought one to install, and when the battery was connected, the headlights were on. The dashboard lights were off and did not come on. There was no light switch, so when stopping, I had to disconnet the battery
This turned out to be a very easy fix. I bought the headlamp swtch ($25) and knob ($7) and replaced the switch, and added the missing knob.
New part (in the bag) replaces the old one, plugs into the grey part
After the fix, the lights worked well, as did the dimmer switch on the dashboard lights
After the fix, the lights worked well
The Cargo Area, Before & After
The goal for the back (cargo area) of the van is to keep it functional, and open for hauling large things. This will also allow plenty of space for camping out of the van
Started out with a dirty red carpet, and some wooden cabinets in back. All of this was removed. A metal shelf was welded in place, I left that and added a few more metal shelves screwed into place along the drivers side of the cargo area
Once the carpet and old cabinets were removed the van was claner and ready to go. The divider between cargo area and cab was easy to open up and repair. It ffers a way to section off the front of the van when needed, as well as some additional level of security
Cleaning out the back
The van was a diamond in the rough.
The door of the cargo area divider was closed off with plywood.
There was a wood cabinet bolted down in back a dirty red carpet glued down on the floor in the cargo area.
Some angle iron was welded to the floor, to hold a toolbox (or something heavy) in place against the metal cargo space divider.
A set of metal shelves were welded into place on the floor and frame of the van. I left these in place, the weight to strength ratio is better for metal shelves vs wood
New Battery
Bought a battery at a local shop for the van
It has no battery now, so when I pick it up it will need one to drive
Since it its a 1-ton van, and I plan to take it camping & fishing, I went with an 800 cold cranking amps (the largest available)
No time to shop online and wait for shipping.. and no core charge since there is none to replace..
I prob would have gone with this one if I had time to wait for shipping
The empty van weighs 5240 pounds
I took a load of trash to the dump and weighed the empty van on the way out, it weighs 5240 pounds
3 Day Use Permits
In Arizona, after signing over the title, I still needed to pass Emissions. Once I pass emissions, I can transfer the title and get an Arizona License Plate
To get around to parts stores and gas stations, etc I went online and printed out a 3-Day permit
School Auction
This van was bought by a Tucson School district new in 1986
After buying it, I am its second owner. I asked for and was given a folder of maintenance records which go back to 1999
Here are the photos and description from the auction
Won a $510 Chevy Van at Auction
Found a 1986 Chevy Van at auction
It looked like a great deal in the listing, but when I went to check it out it wasn’t so great. The van next to it (V21) was pretty good though, and I placed a bid
I won the aution for a 1986 1-ton Chevy Van
It had no battery, and the lights were on as soon as the battery was connected. It had been sitting for years. Half a tank of gas, most of the fluids were OK, but the transmission was empty
The winning bid was $510, auction fees were $100
I had to wait a few days to pick it up, and I requested the maintenance records. They had them and they go back to 1999
Next step; AZ Emmissions, and Licence Plates