Van Restomod:

I am debating my options for living on the road and a Van is one of them.  I would like some info that I have been unable to find via the search option.  I know what I do not want but unsure if what would work for me is actually feasible.

If I go with a Van I want it to something that can be used even if I decide not to full time in it.  A newer van is just not something I will see myself keeping once I give up life on the road.  I love classic and unique looking vans though so if I go with a Van i want something I can make look nice and dependable.  I have very strong trust issues when buying used and if I go this route I much rather buy something and pay to have it restored to my specs.

I have never had an old vehicle restored (restomod) and have no clue on what it would cost.  Searching online gives me numbers but most are based on expensive sports cars or other specialty vehicles that get very expensive.

I need some numbers to work with even if they are a ballpark.

For a complete repair:
1:  Rust removal and body repair. (average)
2:  New Engine or rebuilt engine.  I plan on traveling far so need something dependable so will spend extra for it.
3:  New Transmission.
4:  New Suspension.
5:  New brakes and power steering.
6:  Everything else I am missing and it is probably a lot of stuff.
7:  Nice wheels that I can go down bad roads/trails.

I would love to find something unique and put money into it, but I am on a budget.  When I stop living in it full time I will like to keep it and use it for when I go to the casinos on Friday nights.  Right now I sleep in my car when I want to drink or have to get a hotel stay.  So a Van will allow me to go on Poker trips even if I decide full timing is not for me.  This means this will have a bigger budget than an RV will as an RV will not be something I would want to keep around just for poker as it would also require something to pull it.

How much would you budget to get a classic van brought up to todays standards when it comes to the mechanical side.  I am willing to travel anywhere in the US or Canada to get the actual work done and if I choose this I will spend a few months or longer scouring the web and auctions for the perfect unique van.  Something that will be noticed.

Good luck to you!

Quick search:

https://www.vinvanco.com/  For stuff to look at.

https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Vans-Graveyard-recovery-1394385037470761/

I saw a forum also, but could not seem to post that link.

This is only a guess but I would expect between 30K and 40k with what you say you want to do. Body work is not cheap. Mind you, it?s hard to come up with a number which is totally dependent on how bad the body of the van is. The frame could be all rusted out. Good luck and keep us informed

Thanks for the response.  I can manage $30k or even $40k as long as I can find an affordable one, but it will have to be something more than just old.  I would have to see if I can find something oddly unique or weird if I plan to spend $40k+ on something.  That gives me a ballpark which is great.  Going to try to find some good dependable Restomod shops and begin shooting emails to see if I can get some more narrow numbers once i narrow down my choices.

Any other feedback on my plans would be great as I am new to this.  I am trying to sell my house currently so have time to look and shop around.