Sept 20, 2008: The Fargo at home
Didn't have my camera ready when the Fargo came home on the flat-bed truck, but it was pretty cool! Actually, the owner of the business where the van was "stored" pumped out the water that was surrounding the van previously... said he did that periodically. Maybe the underside of the van isn't in too bad of shape???
Well, I noticed watermarks on most of the tires alone, but the front passenger wheel was in the water and seized when the tow truck driver was winching the van on to the bed. Actually, the only real cruddy stuff is on the wheels and tranny and oil pan... the floors, frame and spring mounts look really good!
Found the rear axle is an 8 3/4" with the removable carrier... heavy duty! As well, it has a front sway bar, which is supposed to be a heavy-duty option!
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Cleaning out the van, there was an interesting rear heater installed... I think I'll be changing that out! Not bad bucket seats there... Inside, there were the two slotted mags. a pair of new all-season tires, a pair of new winter tires, some oversize truck tires, though one is bad, the jackstands, and 4 bus seats!
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The rear cargo floor is the worst of the rust, and may require replacement. The rear drivers door lower hinge pillar is toast! We'll see how it goes when the time comes.
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A quick stop inside, the cardboard glove box is missing, and the instrument panel glass is broken over the oil indicator. Odometer shows 58K miles. Studying the Slant 6, the starter is missing, and the van needs a battery...
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I picked up a starter at the salvage yard, and put a battery in to see if the van would start... well, when the battery cable sparked and the positive lead got hot AND the van filled up with smoke and fumes, I figured I'd better hold off until I can figure out what's up with the wiring harnesses! Maybe soon, we'll have the "first fire" ceremony!!!
