Riff Raff
Well-Known Member
Hey guys. Bought a 78 survivor van out of El Paso Texas. No rust or rot but will have to replace everything rubber as well as brakes etc... Any good sources on parts? Thanks Jeff
Bought a 78 B200. Parts?
- Thread starter Riff Raff
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vntned
Well-Known Member
Wouldn't that be a "B200"?
Precision rubber parts or Restoration Specialty's might have some of the weatherstripping that you need. Also check out Rockauto too, you might be surprised at some of the things they can get you. & vntned is correct, Vans are B-Series.
Riff Raff
Well-Known Member
Excellent! Thank you!
Riff Raff
Well-Known Member
Def wrong letter. Thanks for pointing that out. Jeff
Bill Crowell
Well-Known Member
Hi, Riff Raff. I've got a '77 B200 (3/4 ton; non-self-contained) camper conversion, featuring the optional 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat on top, that I've owned since new. Unfortunately parts availability is lousy, and there's no place to boondock anymore!
Check out this B300 Maxivan one-ton, 15-passenger model with a 440 on coldwarmotors.
Although that B300 Maxi would be very useful if you wanted to start a church, from the looks of it my B200 with a 360 goes just as well or better than his 440 does. (Of course mine is a smaller, lighter vehicle and I've removed my old R-12 A/C system.) My 360 has a stock 8.5:1 CR because it has to pass smog, and I'm using a 260-268 degree (at .050) split-pattern cam. Forged pistons; stock cast crank; "J" heads that have been heavily ported; an Edelbrock Performer spread-bore manifold that is match-ported to the heads; and an OE Thermoquad carb that has been jetted up a bit. The TQ and the Holley 2245 are the only smog-legal carbs in my state. I've got my Torqueflite kickdown linkage set on the long side for somewhat high-RPM upshifts. With those larger main bearings than other LA motors have, a balanced 360 will really wind up, and the cast crank is pretty strong. Until the smog laws kicked in, Ma Mopar intended the 360 to be the Chevy 350-killer. You can apply all the usual hot rod tricks to a 360, and it will still pass smog if your Thermoquad is working properly and adjusted correctly. And the 360 will get somewhat better mileage than the 440 will. While I've got a Mopar with a 440 and I do love the RB motor, it really does suck quite a bit of gas.
Check out this B300 Maxivan one-ton, 15-passenger model with a 440 on coldwarmotors.
Although that B300 Maxi would be very useful if you wanted to start a church, from the looks of it my B200 with a 360 goes just as well or better than his 440 does. (Of course mine is a smaller, lighter vehicle and I've removed my old R-12 A/C system.) My 360 has a stock 8.5:1 CR because it has to pass smog, and I'm using a 260-268 degree (at .050) split-pattern cam. Forged pistons; stock cast crank; "J" heads that have been heavily ported; an Edelbrock Performer spread-bore manifold that is match-ported to the heads; and an OE Thermoquad carb that has been jetted up a bit. The TQ and the Holley 2245 are the only smog-legal carbs in my state. I've got my Torqueflite kickdown linkage set on the long side for somewhat high-RPM upshifts. With those larger main bearings than other LA motors have, a balanced 360 will really wind up, and the cast crank is pretty strong. Until the smog laws kicked in, Ma Mopar intended the 360 to be the Chevy 350-killer. You can apply all the usual hot rod tricks to a 360, and it will still pass smog if your Thermoquad is working properly and adjusted correctly. And the 360 will get somewhat better mileage than the 440 will. While I've got a Mopar with a 440 and I do love the RB motor, it really does suck quite a bit of gas.
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Riff Raff
Well-Known Member
Love your van Bill and appreciate your info and sharing the specs on your van. Our van is totally rust/rot free so hopefully the basic brake and suspension components, tires etc will be as far as we have to dig into it initially. We're located in upstate NY and road tripping to California is high on our priority list. The van has a 318 auto which I'm hoping should be okish on gas. I'll definitely be looking to maximize the reliability and longevity of the drivetrain. What's all involved with upgrading the a/c? Thanks Jeff
Bill Crowell
Well-Known Member
Qualitex "Innovator" captain's chair in leather, with optional heavy-duty frame and overstuffed firm bolsters and leg supports.
Riff Raff
Well-Known Member
Dang Bill! Looks like you could fall asleep on those things!!!
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