Greetings all, My name is Karl and I am a 2-year old owner of a 1972 Dodge step van with a slant six engine. The chassis and engine are Chrysler but the all aluminum body is Olsen. I am extremely fired up to get the body stripped of the white delivery van paint and shine it up to look like an Airstream camper, to use for my small business. I've done some test patches and the body is perfect and shines up beautifully. The woman I bought it from claims that her husband "had it running a few years ago". It looks as if her husband bypassed the vehicle's fuel tank and retro-fitted a small engine fuel tank to feed to single barrel carb.
........My question to this forum is this: "how do I find out if it runs?" Do I install a new battery, fresh gas and spark plugs and simply crank it?...a very broad question with many answers and opinions, I'm sure. I'm not an in-depth mechanic, but can do superficial engine work. I plan on doing the following prior to "turning the key": brand new single barrel carburetor, new alternator, spark plugs, wires, coil, radiator fluid, oil, belt, battery, and all fluids.
....Is this a valid plan? Anything else to consider? Again, I have no history of this, so what would any of you members do if you came across an engine that you wanted to get running? Thank you, Cheers!
-Karl

I would love to see some pics of the Step slant!


Good luck with the project and welcome to the board!


Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Welcome! Your plan sounds sensible to me. Sounds like a cool van.

I would probably try getting fuel to the carb that is on there first and see if it will start with that carb. Sometimes the "new" or rebuilt carbs are worse than the old ones. Or, you could send the carb to a reputable carb rebuilder. These are hard to find now locally, but there will be some in places like LA that you can find with a search. Or, a Slant 6er in your area might be able to rebuild yours. Of course, you can try the new carb and see if that works too. You should also check/adjust the valve lash.

Best of luck and keep asking questions!

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Here are a couple of pics of it.....

Cool. That would sure make an awesome track day vehicle. With plenty of room for napping and spare tires etc.


Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Hang onto that old carb! Regardless of the drive-ability of the new one, it provides you with a spare that hopefully is the original. In such, it will have the right internals. More often than not, the rebuilt will come with inappropriate jets and so forth.
As long as the core charge isn't stupid high, I wouldn't turn it in, and certainly wouldn't round-file it.

Neat rig!

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

You type really well for a 2-year old! Sorry... I'll show myself out.
I wouldn't bother replacing most of this stuff right now unless it's missing or in visibly bad shape. Changing the oil and coolant is prudent, as well as the fuel filter (if there is one). Maybe pull the spark plugs and see how they look.

Good luck and welcome to the forums!

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Somehow I ended up owning three 1964 slant six A-bodies. I race one of them.
Escape Velocity Racing

I think I side with SpaceFrank. Not even sure I'd change the oil/coolant just yet. If the carb is a Holley 1920, pull the bowl and make sure the float/needle-seat isn't stuck open or closed, give it some fresh gas, and drop in a good battery. See if you can get it running, and how well it runs, then go from there.

Good luck.....Roger

Agreed that simplicity is best until you get it running and see/hear how it runs. I would probably change the oil first and top up the coolant, and pour about 1/8-1/4 cup of gas down the carb, then fire it. Do you know how to check for spark?

Best,
Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Hello everyone, I'm back. Sorry about posting and not responding for 3 weeks. I haven't touched the step van since I last posted. Thank you for chiming in, I plan on proceeding with everyone's advice. I do know how to check for spark. I'll be in touch when I do something..... Bowhunting season is upon us here in beautiful Michigan which is why I may be spotty on this forum.....(BTW, I'm not 2 years old, ha!)
-Karl

I like it! Lots of potential there. A local coffee shop converted an old Citroen step van to a coffee truck. Keep us posted.

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“Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
― Hunter S. Thompson

Neat old truck! I've wanted one of those for a camper conversion for a while, but too many other things are in the way. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

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If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

Yooper or Troll?
I live just south of Iron Mountain.
Could offer help if your near by.

Neat project!
I'm not 2 either, but act like it sometimes.

Suggestion...before cranking or trying to start, shoot some kind of spray oil into the cylinders and turn over by hand a few times.

Is troll youpper speak for a member of the state's population that lives below the straits of mackinac in the mitten?

Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack