I need the real word on older cargo vans

[wearcove]

I got two e-250 fords, one a 95 model, the other a 96 for pennies on the dollar. They are one owner "barnfinds" purchased new right here in town. They where used as HVAC vans until 2001 when the owner passed away. Since I just barely got out from having my own authority and one Tractor Trailer with the skin of my teeth, I now have more time than money. I went thru them top to bottom, even replaced the entire a/c systems. everything is now 100% fuel lines, brake systems/lines, radiators, Michelins, etc.
I got a $1500 deposit on one this past weekend from a plumber, that alone covers most of my investment less $2-300.
Anyway my question is.....Is there a company out there that will put one of the "old" vans on?
I have been told living here I Knoxville TN area is a great place for cargo vans. I have been also told that a 1996 van with 97000 miles on it is unacceptable but a 2004 with 300000 would be fine.
Any companies out there that practice the ancient art of common sense???????

 

[greg334]

Well honestly, sell the other one and get a newer E350 or GM 3500 van. There are a lot of companies who will take an older cleaner van but because it is an e250, that is where the problem may be with all of them.

 

[wearcove]

Thanks For the input, Greg
I wasn't aware that there was that signifigant of a difference in gvwr between the 3/4 and one tons. After googling the gvwr between the two I got several different weights. I guess its true; 85% of what you read on the internet is 32% accurate. I guess when you are dealing with this smaller stuff every pound matters. I wonder how much E350 emblems cost ????
I have another question, I also have a 2007 f-350 4 door dually,Full size bed, that before these vans came along, I used my 2 years of high school drafting knowledge and designed a large "topper" square tube frame and 3/16 surfaces remove the tailgate and have two very secure swing doors for an opening a little wider that a van and anywhere from as tall to unreasonably taller than a van. I ran this Idea past some recruiters and got nowhere, also. Any Idea why they would shy away from that as well?

 

[greg334]

Think about it this way.

The vehicle needs to haul as much as possible but be as light as possible.

For example Sprinter 2500 do well because they are light, even though their GVW is about 200 lbs more than a E250.

So if your F350 is a 9400 GVW and it weighs 7300 lbs empty (I mean without you and your stuff, no cover - just the truck), by the time you equip it, you may get 2000 lbs out of it but you may not.

In all my travels I have only seen one pickup used for this outside of that Michigan company.