Okay sorry to be dramatic but I am looking at purchasing a vehicle and need advice ASAP! So here it is, 1968 Dodge A100 1/2 ton Van. The body is in great condition considering the salty roads here in utah. The transmission was rebuilt a year ago and when I drove it it ran smooth! Doors all shot tight, no roof rust, even has most of the wood paneling in the ceiling left.

The bad, I think the brakes are shot... It does that thing where the brake pedal hardly moves, it's difficult to stop, and takes A LOT of pressure. I assume it's the vacuum brake booster or the brakes need bled. Or that whole system needs redone. Didn't really get a good look at it.

Second it needed started fluid the first time. He said it had been a while and once it warmed up ran beautifully. I was thinking the carb just needed cleaned it was pretty gummed up.

Third and final, there was oil ALL OVER THE ENGINE and TRANNY!! there wasn't a huge puddle, just about an orange size puddle and that van has been sitting there for months! It's difficult to tell where the leak is from though there was drop hanging off the oil filter. So is the filter seal bad or is it a bigger problem???

Please help me out ASAP!!!

 

Is this going to be a daily driver or a cruise van? Sounds like the van might need some work (brakes + oil on engine and trans??). IF you really like this van and won't be commuting in it then you should spend $150 or so and have a certified mechanic look at it FIRST, like a 120 point inspection or so. Then, based on his findings you can use that information to get leverage on the price of the van, or based on his findings you could walk away from it. Don't jump into something based on YOUR emotions.

 

look at all possibilities... 1st off how much is he asking?? if not too much could you turn it around and get your money back if it needs work beyond what you can do?

can he prove the tranny was rebuilt? receipt??
that alone is about 900 bucks.

the puddles of oil, i would assume if it was sitting and needed starter fluid to get running, the guy knew you were coming and did a sloppy job topping the fluids, you know no funnel type deal. just a guess... did you find the oil before you drove it or after? if before i would just assume it was sloppy filling. and if you buy the car you will change the oil with a new filter maybe the seal died up on it.....

lastly are you sure the van has power brakes? manual brakes have a real different feel and those drum brakes take a lot of pressure to get them to stop regardless.
most people neglect brake fluid and just add, never flushing it out, and sitting for a while....... nasty stuff but it won't break the bank to have brakes redone. And i would check the brake lines for rot.

lastly have the carb rebuilt new fuel filter and rubber gas lines replace before and after the gas tank and fuel pump. a new fuel pump maybe in order as well
have the gas tank boiled out as well.

if the van is at a good price, I would just go with it and fix it as you go.
if you need it tomorrow for an everyday driver and cant do the work yourself.......
it's going to cost money to get her going.

 

68 Probably has manual drum brakes.. BUT plan on a complete system overhaul. front drums may be hard to find
Unless it is super cheap !!! Look for the newer style 70 up.. that has suspension Not the I beam straight axle Unless that is what you want..

 

Welcome!