When I bought the van the drivers side window was questionable.  It was up but didn’t seem to want to go down so I didn’t mess with it until I got it home.  Sure enough the window went down about 3 inches and then wouldn’t move in either direction.  A garbage bag was utilized to keep out the rain.  

Since we are on a tight budget I thought about leaving it like it was but I am not sure it would pass a PA inspection, and I know I didn’t want to listen to a plastic bag flap in my ear for a week.  The good news is a new replacement motor was only $25 delivered.

Parts are so much easier (and cheaper) than last years orphan Rambler.

It took me some time to figure out how to get it replaced,  but I was able to swap it out without removing the window regulator mechanism.

Success!  The drivers window now goes up and down.

Next step is bodywork, and then a trip to the inspection station.

When I bought the van, I knew it was going to need some exhaust work.  It had a new catalytic converter, but from the cat back was shot.

The chain was a nice touch holding up the tail pipe.

Here is it is in the driveway after getting it removed.

I am trying to keep the costs down on this build so I went with a redneck cat back.  Some Exhaust tube, a 45 degree elbow, and a cheap glass pack from Summit Racing.

A couple of hangers and clamps and it was installed and dumped in front of the rear tire.

For less than $70 we have a new cat back exhaust.  One step closer to getting it inspected.

And it sounds good too.

 

It was a beautiful weekend and an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time with the BABE vehicle.  What exactly did we get ourselves into?

The inside needed some TLC.    It was last inspected in 2011 and prior to that an artist owned it and used it to travel the east coast going to festivals.  It hasn’t seen a vacuum cleaner in a while.  

While emptying out the glove box I found a receipt for fuel filter, plugs, cap, rotor, and fuel filter that had been done 12k miles ago for $315!  At least it wasn’t totally neglected by the previous owner.

There is some rust that I knew about that will need to be fixed for inspection.  

This is what happens when you start poking at the rust.

The brake cylinders and calipers look good and are not leaking however one rear shoe assemblies was not put together correctly and had worn one of the shoes out.  The good news is brake pads were only $20 at Autozone.  The front pads look good.

 All things considered,  It isn’t too bad for a $500 vehicle.  Actually $498.  I found almost $2 in change scattered through out the van.

Preparations are underway for this years Big Apple to Big Easy Rally (BABE8)

The team is assembled.  JD and Diane will be representing the Fool Injected flag in 2013

Kevin, our teammate from last year will be fielding his own team on the epic journey to New Orleans.

Registration has been paid, time off approved, and last night a $500 van was brought home!  A 1994 GMC “Vandura”  conversion van.

It hasn’t been on the road since 2011 and needs a little bit of everything.

The good news is I was able to drive it home.  It didn’t come home on the back of a u-haul trailer like the Rambler from last years extravaganza.