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Got me an 83 Mini van
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Author:  Reed [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Got me an 83 Mini van
Mini Ram Van that is! THe Mini Ram van was an options package sold by Dodge from 81-83. Mine has A/C, factory tinted windows, rear window defrost, P/S, P/B. sound deadening package, cruise, delay wipers, dual horns, and the original funky plaid seats!

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Everything works, even the A/C, but it needs a good cleaning and a good tuneup. It does have two extra cylinders under the hood, but they aren't very big. No rust, no dents, all trim accounted for, worst problem is some dried up weatherstripping, but that can be fixed easily.

I have some new captains chairs that will be going int, and some factory aluminum rims that will get polished up and swapped out for the ugly spray painted stock rims. After that, the mini-steering wheel will be installed, and I will slowly customize the interior. Think wood trim, funky fabrics, and mood lights.

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Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 4:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
You need this book (trust me).
Author:  Reed [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 4:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
I spend some time over on www.vannin.com and get to talk to weirdo van people all the time. I used to have a collection of vintage books about custom vans, but sold them all. Why look at pictures when you could just build your own?

Vanners are pretty cool folks, you just gotta keep your kids away from this guy:

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Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
That pic is from that book.
Author:  Reed [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Oh! I didn't know that. I found it trolling the web. Maybe I will pick up a copy of that book. :wink:
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
And then there's this book, though I've never seen it.
Author:  Reed [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
And then there's this book, though I've never seen it.
That's one of the books I had. Some neat pictures, but not much content. Some vaners consider "The Do-It-Yourself Custom Van Book" by Franklynn Petersen to be the holy grail of custom van books. I had a copy and sold it for $20. A month later I saw a copy go for over $200 on eBay. :shrug: Whatever.

Books like that are cool to look at to get ideas for customizing, but I wouldn't pay $200 for one, especially with www.vannin.com and www.showtrux.com available for free.
Author:  Karasik87 [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
my brother is going to be a van person. he wants a one solely so he can have an automobile with a couch in it.
Author:  Reed [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 9:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
my brother is going to be a van person. he wants a one solely so he can have an automobile with a couch in it.
Just make sure the couch folds into a bed! If this van's a rockin'..... :wink:
Author:  Eric W [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:00 am ]
Post subject: 
Cool! Thats a good looking van. I'll keep an eye open for the Ram emblems for the doors. And uh Reed, please don't wear shorts like that guy in the pic! :shock:
Author:  bludev [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 1:55 am ]
Post subject: 
will prob be a lot of fun :D
Author:  volaredon [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:24 am ]
Post subject: 
looks like the one that my buddy's Dad had from new in 81.
and that's about as "mini" of a van as I'd ever want!

it's still a RWD platform and that is what certainly counts!

just remember; you might be driving but that "mini" is still the "short" bus....... :twisted:
Author:  jason white [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:31 am ]
Post subject: 
nice van reed
Author:  70valiant [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 7:02 am ]
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I would love to get one of those for the family. I have 4 kids, we all barely fit in the Volare. Our Celebrity wagon has 152,000, but seats 8. I wish MOPAR had put a 3rd sear in the Volares.
Author:  Reed [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 7:24 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks guys! Don't worry, I will never wear shorts like that guy.

I really like Dodge shorty vans. The handling is amazing- the turning radius is better than many small cars. The ride is comfortable, the seats are removable, and I can haul just about anything I can think of in the back. Visibility is better because I sit up high, but I can still fit in most parking garages. I think shorty vans are about the best type of vehicle out there.

Here is an ad I found on the internet for the Mini Ram (sorry for the low quality):

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It is interesting how the marketers compared the Mini Ram to station wagons.

I'll keep everyone posted as I progress on cleaning this van up and improving the gas mileage. It is totally stock, has no lean-burn equipment, but it still gets about 10-12 MPG. I am hoping to get that closer to 20, but we'll see.
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