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Turbocharged diesel van with custom live-in conversion - $5,000 (Longmont, CO)
1997
gmc savanna 3500
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**This is an easy project for someone with knowledge of the 6.5L diesel engine, welding skills, and the ability to maintain solar. The van is valued well above asking price and necessary body repairs, as it is a rare find!
Nicknamed "The Beast" for its power & prowess, this low mileage cargo van has been custom converted to live in with upgraded features to double as an adventure vehicle. With high clearance & beefy tires, I have taken it all over the Rocky Mountains. The Webasto diesel heater provides safe & efficient heat, drawing directly from the diesel tank, and it is equipped with 200 watts of solar panels with 2 new batteries from LiTime and an inverter to power the car fridge, TV, and laptop simultaneously. The Maxx air fan & 6, dimmable overhead light switches are connected directly to batteries w/o inverter.
DETAILS:
1997 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van with classic the 6.5L 8-cylinder Detroit diesel turbocharged engine with 87K miles. I purchased it late summer of '22 after it had been professionally converted in FoCo. I spent the last year upgrading/replacing many items, as listed below. I saved every invoice, not thinking I would ever sell it, but unfortunate health circumstances require me to retire the lifestyle. All the work has been done, it is primed for adventures with someone new!
UPGRADES PRIOR TO PURCHASE:
Renogy bluetooth solar with 100w panel
Webasto diesel heater with temp gauge & control knob
Maxx air fan & dimmable track lights
New insulation and beetle kill interior
Waterproof marine flooring with tracking
Double platform bed w/ removable panels & storage
Heavy duty mountain tires & full spare
Bluetooth stereo and rear speaker
Plug-in ports for engine block
Extra battery near fuel tank
Daytime running lights
Roof-top cargo cage
Back-up camera
REPAIRS POST-PURCHASE:
Engine cooler hose replaced
AC compressor replaced & flushed
New fuel & vacuum pumps
Power steering pump replaced & flushed
Front & rear brakes - drums & shoes replaced
Brake master cylinder & power brake booster replaced
New struts & shocks in front and rear
Control, pitman & idler arms replaced
Reworking of supercharger valves
All glow plugs replaced
Windshield replaced
Fluids flush - radiator, power steering, transmission, brake
Regular oil changes
Recent alignment
UPGRADES POST-PURCHASE:
Second 100W solar panel (200W total)
2 Li PO4 12V batteries with 700W inverter & never-used monitor & new battery charger
Alpicool 42qt fridge/freezer
Portable toilet & sink
8" double memory foam mattress (shortened)
Storage cubbies, desk topper & ottoman
Floor to ceiling rack for curtains & clothes
Curtain rods & hooks for gauzy curtains
EXTRAS:
Rear bike rack for fat-tire ebike with removable ramp for easy loading & locking hitch pin
Second portable toilet
Wheel ramps & chocks
Front window screens
Bedding
Please message to view in person. I recently lost all of my photos during a phone transfer, and the only ones I could find do not do it justice.