Replies

1. 
   4Lorn1 | Feb 01, 2003 08:12am | #1

   Wow. That's stuffed. If you ever have an accident don't call a tow truck. Just put out a shingle and open up a hardware store.

2. 
   xMikeSmith | Feb 01, 2003 08:13am | #2

   you need help......

   i like the " one way " sign in the background

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   skipj | Feb 01, 2003 08:14am | #3

   If, and only if, that is a 15 passenger van, then OK, you win.

4. 
   Woodbutcher | Feb 01, 2003 08:26am | #4

   Uh, guys... I think we may have found out where Jimmy Hoffa is....

5. 
   Mickus | Feb 01, 2003 08:48am | #5

   WOW!!!  You win - that thing is stuffed to the gills. I'd lose my mind if I had to work out of that.

6. 
   RalphWicklund | Feb 01, 2003 09:14am | #6

   C'mon. Trying to disguise a dumpster as a work van doesn't cut it.<G>

1. 
   JeffBuck | Feb 01, 2003 10:27am | #7

   Honorable mention?

   I've posted this before......as in ...How not too....

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   Dant45 | Feb 01, 2003 02:45pm | #9

   Man you guys are good at that!  DanT

7. 
   rjw | Feb 01, 2003 10:50am | #8

   Ah, look at the side view - there's at least 15 gallons of space in the buckets going unused, the guy's an amateur!

   _______________________

   "I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different."  Oscar Wilde

1. 
   jet | Feb 03, 2003 06:11pm | #14

   I'm with you Bob. My first impression of the side view was...

   " If he just stacked the buckets together and filled it with a bag of thinset he would be able to stuff a helper in the back."I'm all here....... 'cause I'm not all there!

8. 
   Flathead | Feb 01, 2003 03:47pm | #10

   I like the crafty use of the passanger side step well with the bunji.

   Somehow this reminds me of Sanford and Son.

   WAHD

9. 
   r_ignacki | Feb 01, 2003 07:19pm | #11

   looks like my truck on fri afternoon. The tailgate was replaced with a cap and a tall lift-up door . You have to bend  baaacckkkk just a little when you open the door. This puts the latch mechanism down low close to the bed floor. One time the load shifted and an extension cord got tangled up jamming the latch. Couldn't open the dang thing. Almost took a sawzall to it. Finally freed it by putting it in gear, went foward a little and slammed on the brakes.
1. 
   don26299 | Feb 03, 2003 09:22am | #12

   I suppose you guys will get a bigger laugh out of this:  things are actually well organized in this van.  I absolutely HATE looking for something, so everything has A place (not the best place). 

   You're looking at a lot of ten minute fixes. 

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 03, 2003 09:28am | #13

   Fonzie,

     I believe the mess is organized,  Every time I help someone load up at the end of the day, or vise versa I have noticed, everyone has a place for everything, saws get put it in a special place a special way etc...  I might not be pretty, but you know where it its

1. 
   don26299 | Feb 06, 2003 07:51am | #34

    >>I believe the mess is organized,  Every time I help someone load up at the end of the day, or vise versa I have noticed, everyone has a place for everything, saws get put it in a special place a special way etc...  I might not be pretty, but you know where it its

   CAG, 

   Here is the second layer of the onion:

   
10. 
    ProDek | Feb 03, 2003 08:30pm | #15

    Hey Fonzie- you are obviously a hard working guy. Treat yourself to one of these.

    http://www.extendobed.com/

    Bob

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 03, 2003 10:14pm | #17

   with all the stuff back there the van might end up doing a wheely

1. 
   ProDek | Feb 03, 2003 10:31pm | #18

   True CAG- The Fonz may have to leave some of his tools at home or he may end up like this.Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   
2. 
   ProDek | Feb 03, 2003 10:32pm | #19

   When is enough ........Enough???????Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   
1. 
   don26299 | Feb 04, 2003 09:02am | #20

   Have you guys thought about doing stand up on Letterman?

2. 
   Taylorsdad | Feb 06, 2003 07:57am | #37

   I knew Bin Laden had enough cash for 2 Mercedes trucks.

1. 
   ProDek | Feb 06, 2003 07:07pm | #40

   taylorsdad-I knew Bin Laden had enough cash for 2 Mercedes trucks

   Not for long.........................

   I think Mercedes should post that picture in there truck showroom.........

   "built to last!" Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

2. 
   don26299 | Feb 07, 2003 04:04pm | #41

   Ok, all-   Since there have been no SERIOUS challenges....

   I hereby claim the title (until further notice) of:  WORLD'S FULLEST VAN

3. 
   roucru | Feb 07, 2003 05:46pm | #42

   I don't know if you will have the title for long. Going to take a pic. of Lars van and post hopefully in the next few days. You may just lose your title;-)Tamara

4. 
   xMikeSmith | Feb 11, 2003 03:53am | #55

   tamara.. don't wait until this thread drops off the edge of the earthMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

5. 
   don26299 | Feb 11, 2003 07:28am | #56

   Why....?  Is he needing the time to get it full enough?

6. 
   roucru | Feb 11, 2003 11:10pm | #58

   Okay I will take the picture tonight. Have been meaning to do it, but things are crazy around here (what's new). He did tell me last night that he had it stuffed to the gills. I think he may need to actually need to straighten it a little before I will let you guys see it. Hope to have the pictures developed and on here by Thursday. Tamara

7. 
   don26299 | Feb 22, 2003 09:19pm | #59

   All, Some might find this interesting.  Yesterday, I had an oil leak.  It had started at home (big puddle).  I didn't notice anything.  I was working across town, about 3 miles away.  On the way home I made two stops (left big puddles there too).  When I was about 3 blocks from home something sounded different.  At first I thought it was the blower or something.  It was like you could hear every bolt in the engine. 

   I checked the gauges, it wasn't HOT.  OPPS, NO OIL PRESSURE.  Since it might be a fate worse than death to stop where I was at the time, I pulled on in.  It was running oil all the way and looked like a main artery.  I thought sure it was all over for this van. 

   My friend came over and found the problem- the bracket where the oil filter hooks on had lost the washer seal and loosened up.  He replaced it and we filled it with 6 quarts and it's running fine.  He said an old engine like this is loose enough (157K) it can take that without seizing.  It's not the way I want to change oil, but there's no used oil to dispose of. 

   Fonzie

8. 
   ProDek | Feb 07, 2003 07:26pm | #43

   Well I don't have a van, but this is all I could get in my truck before driving to Portland to build my son a deck.Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

9. 
   CAGIV | Feb 07, 2003 10:30pm | #44

   You ARE way to organized,  That was your garage picture we saw right?

   It looks full but to organized :)

10. 
    ProDek | Feb 07, 2003 11:24pm | #45

    Cag- You have to be a little organized to make it all fit. It is not by choice, believe me. One of the advantages of working established residential instead of new construction is that I can leave all my tools in a big pile in the customers back yard, till I get back to the job the next day. Bob

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

11. 
    don26299 | Feb 08, 2003 03:34am | #46

    Pro-Dek,

    That's a showpiece.  My hat's off to style there.  Do you feel hampered in any way by the neatness?

12. 
    ProDek | Feb 08, 2003 04:11am | #47

    ROFLOL- You guys have to give me a break on this neatness thing. My tools, truck, and me get just a dirty as yours do.

    Well maybe not, remember I work in established neighborhoods. So I don't have to have a 4X4 and sink up to my axels in mud like some of you do at new construction sites.

    I am pretty anal about keeping what tools I have in good shape by giving them a WD40 bath at the end of each day.

    I get razzed at the lumber yard too. "how do you keep your truck so clean?"

    I wash it once a week.Bob

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

13. 
    JeffBuck | Feb 08, 2003 08:21am | #48

    I'd like to hear more about this "truck washing" concept you speak of......

    I'm glad you brought that up.....this spring will be 2 yrs since the last wash and wax......gotta make sure I stick to my rigerous schedule!

    whites the best color...hides dirt for years......trust me....I ain't kidding about the every other spring deal.......

    JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

     Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

14. 
    ProDek | Feb 08, 2003 08:57am | #50

    Well,  let's see, if we get a forcast where the sun may be out for more than a day, I'm happy. Time to wash off the road film. I wax it after every forth wash with Mequires to keep the lustre, and when I drive up to the jobsite some wise guy says "you missed a spot".

    Oh, and the concept works pretty good, because more people see a clean rig than a dirty rig, and if they see my rig they may even call the phone number on the side of it. I'm not kidding about the phone calls. Seems every time I wash the truck and go to the store someone calls and says " I saw your truck at QFC and would like a quote on a deck"

    Whatever works .......................Bob

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

15. 
    JeffBuck | Feb 09, 2003 11:14am | #51

    Just razzing ya!

    I firmly believe in the "good looking truck" theory.

    Spring time maintenence for me this year is first get the chevy running board rust taken care of....then a set of running boards to help....then....some nice chrome mags I've had my eyes on.

    The chrome mags mean I gotta change the painted mirrors to stainless..but I'm willing to change!

    Even white......the work van's gotta be sharp. After it's all pretty..I'll consider lettering it up.

    JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

     Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

16. 
    Luka | Feb 09, 2003 12:10pm | #52

    Don't forget the flames.

    You can hire Kieth C. in his new job.

    : )

    Quittin' Time

17. 
    Luka | Feb 09, 2003 12:22pm | #53

    Ouch !

    I found where you have already asked him.

    Oh well, I can't be blamed for not having read the other thread before responding to this one. LOL

    : )

    Quittin' Time

18. 
    don26299 | Feb 10, 2003 06:06am | #54

    No, don't worry, it's just I've been thinking what would work good in those last two buckets.  I think that's real estate worth developing. 

    I like that brake pedal idea too.  (The pedal would have to clear though you know)

2. 
   don26299 | Feb 06, 2003 07:54am | #35

   >>Hey Fonzie- you are obviously a hard working guy. Treat yourself to one of these:

   Pro-Dek,

   It's called eating.  About the time I got that shelf pulled out I'd be in the same position as taking a HIDE-A-BED through a doorway without tying it.

1. 
   ProDek | Feb 06, 2003 07:02pm | #39

   LOL- I've moved hideabeds before and they have to rate as the heaviest most awkward things in the world to move. They were not meant to be moved after you get them up the stairs, around the corners, and through the doorway.

   "Buy the house and we'll throw in the couch for free"Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

1. 
   Patrickjd9 | Feb 22, 2003 10:22pm | #60

   You're right about the hide-a-beds.  In our last house there was one left by the previous owners that seemed to have been put into the attic, and the attic finished around it.  It wasn't even close to being able to go down the stairs or through any of the window whole. 

   I cut it up and threw the parts out the nearest window.

11. 
    heck22 | Feb 03, 2003 10:07pm | #16

    You need to submit these photos to FH for their back page, you know, where they put pictures of guys backflipping off of roofs...

    jw

    what the heck
    was I thinking?

12. 
    Nails | Feb 04, 2003 05:48pm | #21

    Fonzie ....your holding out on us , you didn't show us the cab of your van , you know the dash board ( filing cabinet) the sunvisors ( second level shelves) the seats, under , beside , on top and how about the floor the doors and the glove compartment ? The engine compartment ( chains jacks etc.) What about the top looks like a lot of wasted space that could be used for non-perishables or at least a whole lot of wood ( maybe a truss or two) and PVC 4in for long stuff? Easy way to get it cleaned out , just tell one of the guys "it's on the left side of the van"  How come it seems we need to turn our van upside down and shake it out on a job that needs a door adjusted? The sun is shining , good hunting , one of them smiley things

1. 
   JohnSprung | Feb 04, 2003 10:20pm | #22

   There's a company in the lighting business called Mole-Richardson that designs their equipment cases just like these vans.  The rule of thumb you learn about their stuff is that if it closes easy, you left something out.   ;-)

   -- J.S.

2. 
   roucru | Feb 05, 2003 12:12am | #23

   Oh brother when I saw the front seat I really thought it was Lars van. Good to know that he keeps good company. Can't wait to show the pictures.Tamara

3. 
   don26299 | Feb 06, 2003 07:40am | #33

   >>

    

   Fonzie ....your holding out on us , you didn't show us the cab of your van , you know the dash board ( filing cabinet) the sunvisors ( second level shelves) the seats, under , beside , on top and how about the floor the doors and the glove compartment ?

   Nails, how did you know about those?

   
1. 
   jet | Feb 06, 2003 08:49am | #38

   stuffed van drivers side.

   I still see room beside the brake peddle.  LOLI'm all here....... 'cause I'm not all there!

13. 
    Qtrmeg | Feb 05, 2003 01:11am | #24

    You win.

    Try one of these when you get a chance, you are just spinning wheels with that rig.

    View Image

    To be fair, the next time I cram my rig to the gills I will take a picture of it. I usually pull off a job with the open pickup, but I have been known to stuff the Sub right full.

1. 
   JeffBuck | Feb 05, 2003 02:06am | #25

   that's my next van!

   I was thinking first regular 10' low cube.....

   which I'll probably end up with....

   but I'd love to have the utility cube.

   not sure if I could justify the price......but last issue of Truck Trader had one slightly-used for around $20K.

   Bit of a jump from my last $5K buy-in......but I'm to meet with my new accountant soon...I'll let him know what I need!............a guy can dream!

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 05, 2003 02:33am | #26

   My plumber buds have bought two Izusu's and one Ford this year, no outside doors, they thought they were a pain in the butt. The Izusu's are diesel and the milage is ok. The cost out the door is better than you will buy a new Chevy van for...under 30k new. Think depreciation, you can come out on top of this. You are real about contracting, this isn't a hobby for you. You need to carry all your toys, so carry the damn things.

   But did you see Chebs is offering an all wheel drive van this year? Ya, like I could afford that.

   Edited 2/4/2003 6:38:47 PM ET by Qtrmeg

1. 
   JeffBuck | Feb 05, 2003 05:14am | #27

   AWD's only up to 3/4 ton.

   I'm kinda used to loading the old one ton full with tools daily....

   then stuffing materials into it every so often too....

   I'm thinking I'd kill anything less.

   definitely couldn't go back to a 1/2 ton.........might get by with 3/4....

   I'd love the AWD.

   This winter's been one of our snower/icy in recent history.

   Just got a new set..all the way 'round......of Goodyear AT/Off road tires. Just told them....as agressive a tread that'll fit the van.

   So...the weight of tools and extra bags of thinset at the back doors have had me driving thru everything. Our alley's usualy the worst road I encounter.....if I can get a mile from home......the rest is easy sailing.

   Unfinished mud drives have nothing over my new tires! I'm starting to drive the van like I drive my Jeep Commanche.

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 05, 2003 05:18pm | #30

   Go look at an Isuzu, diesel and more payload than the big three, and they cost the same.

   I see them used, but they are USED when you see them go up for sale.

2. 
   BarryE | Feb 05, 2003 06:19am | #29

   Saw that AWD van at the Remodelors Show last october. With the remote release side-access panels. very nice...... Sales guy said the one there was something like 28,500

   tried to take it for a test drive, didn't work.

   View Image

   Barry E

   Edited 2/4/2003 10:21:17 PM ET by Barry E

   
2. 
   heck22 | Feb 05, 2003 06:12am | #28

   Hey! What is that, and where do I get one?

   (er, and how much?)

   jwwhat the heck was I thinking?

1. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 05, 2003 05:23pm | #31

   The dealer closest to me uses these bodies, Im not sure of the price, not much more than a van.

   I will see the pumbers before too long, I'll ask them what they are paying out the door, and what they like and don't like about all of them. They have a Chev w/side doors, a Ford with side doors and everything else you could put on it, and Isuzus w/ straight bodies. I think they are all 6 wheelers.

1. 
   heck22 | Feb 05, 2003 05:34pm | #32

   Thanks, Qtr, I'm needing a new service rig, considering a van of some sort, don't see many in my rural area.

   jw what the heck was I thinking?

3. 
   don26299 | Feb 06, 2003 07:56am | #36

   >>Try one of these when you get a chance, you are just spinning wheels with that rig.

   Qtrmeg,

   One question:  Where am I going to put all my STUFF?

14. 
    noone51 | Feb 08, 2003 08:47am | #49

    Couldn't you find something to put in them empty buckets on the side view? LOL

    P.S. Got into this post way late... Sorry if this has already been asked ... and responded to for that matter...

    
    

    ---

    Edited 2/8/2003 12:50:22 AM ET by no one

15. 
    guyatwork | Feb 11, 2003 09:34pm | #57

    how do you work like that????

    Where is the whatchamacallit thingy???