u/PickleAlly

CCX: Heard the gears start to crunch on Wednesday. Found metal chunks rather than only plastic. Shitty manufacturing. This is where the screws are that hold the brake rotor on. These little spots seem to be welded on. So they used too thin of a housing from the beginning, or too long screws. I was able to knock out one that was popped up. These are going to let water in. New gear set ordered, but I think after almost 6000 rough miles, I’ll be surprised if it makes it past spring.

Side note: I’ve probably broken 5 spokes on the rear wheel. I’ve never broken spokes before this bike.

Getting rid of old surface rust bubbles. Probably could have left it, but why when I’m this far anyway?

I’m building a weekender. I’ve got a blank canvas to work with and I can’t recall seeing much mention of this area in all the van videos I’ve seen. I wasn’t planning on getting a high top van, and never even knew it was standard to leave the original roof on over the front seats, so I’ve been trying to brainstorm how to get the best use from the space.

Storage is an obvious use, and we’ve all probably seen TVs mounted in that area too. Is anyone permanently housing any electrical equipment or other systems up here? Have you come up with a neat way to mount a TV on or over a door? How many doors did you make? Maybe you didn’t put a door on and created a lip instead. Something else creative that someone else hasn’t thought of? Any tips or things you wish you knew ahead of time when trying to finish off the area way toward the front of the van which will be difficult to work with and get tools in?

1999 G3500 5.7 extended with 116k miles in SW PA. “No rust” - apparently there is a little starting on the bottom of the driver and one of the side doors on the inner side. He said, “scabbing.” I’ll accept a certain amount of rust at this price point and location though. First thing I plan to do is slide under and look at the rockers behind the running boards. If it’s too bad, I’m out. If it’s not terrible, but worse than portrayed, I’m definitely negotiating. Said they went through all the suspension with new shocks, new tie rods, brakes, and things of that nature. I’ve got a 99 Dakota, so I feel like I somewhat know what I’m getting into with a 90s vehicle and wear on parts even at lower miles.

From the *looks* of things, 6500 seems pretty fair, but I feel like I should try to go lower if at all possible. 5500 sounds like a slap in the face, but if we could land on 6000, I’d feel like a proper shrewd negotiator.

Where are you at on it? $6500 a deal nonetheless?