When you need something RAD to haul your Radwood collection - NMNA

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Seller's Description

Hi I have for sale a 1988 ford E350 centurion custom van dually truck conversion the asking price is 7000 dollars this is running a low milage 7.3 diesel engine with auto over drive trans in excellent running condition this is a factory built conversion offered by ford dealership in late 80s this would have been the most expensive van truck you coul buy at the time this van/truck has new interior fully insulated new carpet new paintall upgraded lighting and is in excellent condition fully restored trucks like this are selling in high 20s to low 30s this is a Kool rare vehicle u won't see every day makes a Kool street rod race car custom toy hauler

Why can I so easily see a modern day Spicoli roll out of a side door of that thing in the middle of a smoke cloud?

While I find them somewhat attractive for reasons I'd probably need therapy to uncover, I cannot even think of one scenario where I personally would require a neutered van with a gimpy bed and an aesthetic that screams "Race Plumber."

That is rad indeed.  While I don't have an excuse or real for either, I love this one and the ramp trucks.

ebelements said:

While I find them somewhat attractive for reasons I'd probably need therapy to uncover, I cannot even think of one scenario where I personally would require a neutered van with a gimpy bed and an aesthetic that screams "Race Plumber."

I think their main intent was to haul 5th wheel trailers(mainly horse/livestock), while having a cab big enough for several passengers, or room to sleep in back before crew cab trucks were as popular as they are now.

They were made for hauling 5th wheel trailers.   There were even some dedicated combos built.




Later, conversion companies did more with crew cab conversion like my '93 Dodge Crew/Mega Cab conversion from Custom Conversions Inc out of Cleburne, Texas.




I believe this may had something to do with maximum length regulations that allowed conventional cab semis to proliferate around the same time period.


 

It's really just a mega cab pickup. Instead of trying to build a van out of a truck, they built a truck out of a van.

The main thing about both of the conversions  as opposed to a newer mega cab is that they have rear seats that turn into beds.  Now with a fifth wheel camper, that isn't as big of a deal, but used as a hot shot, it becomes useful.  

ebelements said:

While I find them somewhat attractive for reasons I'd probably need therapy to uncover, I cannot even think of one scenario where I personally would require a neutered van with a gimpy bed and an aesthetic that screams "Race Plumber."

Its a hot shot. You tow boats and campers and the like to deliver them. Is there a 5th wheel or gooseneck attachment in the bed? The conversion van part is so you can sleep during the long haul.

I understand these were the solution before they started putting living quarters in the front of horse trailers.

Cool for sure. I didn't know they were doing a 4 speed OD trans in 88. Maybe a later conversion?

I'm certain it hauls a trailer just fine, I would be tempted to remove that tool box, put in ramps and get into F-500 or FV racing. 

In reply to Cooter :

Okay, now I'm on board. I ADORE the way that thing looks with a matching striped 5th wheel.

$7k for a non turbo 7.3?

Enjoy 35mph up hills...

In reply to Fueled by Caffeine :

People forget that was just normal back in the day. Even with a turbo idi you were only looking at 45-50 up hills. When there was the national 55 limit, it wasn't such a big deal. Honestly,  you probably wouldn't want to go much faster than 65 in any truck from that vintage, towing or not.

In reply to Cactus :

you are entirely correct.. My 84 chevy cavalier had 84hp through a 3spd auto stock.. It made 60mph in about half a minute. 

but for $7K now you can go buy an 8-10 year old cargo van that can tow at 75 mph up "most" hills

In reply to Fueled by Caffeine :

But that interior! Velour for days, or at least an overnight.

hobiercr said:

In reply to Fueled by Caffeine :

But that interior! Velour for days, or at least an overnight.

nothing says stranger danger like .......