Very rusty van - advice please

[mgbman]

The van has been neglected for 2 years now and not used very often.

It is a 1980 van bought 5 years ago in quite a poor state all round. The mechanicals were attended to and the rusty body was welded in several places to pass the next MOT. Most of the panels had rust and holes and were repaired with filler due to cost.

To do a full and proper panel restoration would have cost far more than the van is worth.

The whole van was roller painted with Rustoleum Combicolour which made it look pretty good.

Now the van looks tired and scruffy and the rusty panels are coming back also one of the sills has a big hole close to the rear suspension arm. The MOT is due. The engine has a few issues.

The big question is : do we spend a lot of money to patch up the van for the MOT? Sell it as is and buy a good van? Moth ball it as a long term project?

We don't have a bottomless pit of money to throw at it.

[paperhouselad]

The experts on here would have a better idea if you could post some pictures of the offending areas, good luck with it.

[a1winchester]

It seems to me that it depends on what your requirements are from a van.
Do you want a project to work on over time and have the satisfaction of bringing it back to (near) it's former glory? Or do you want a tidy van to use as soon as possible?
If the former is true, then keep the van and work on it as time and finances allow.
If the latter is true, flog it, and put whatever you get for it towards a better condition van from which you can get immediate use and enjoyment.
Overall cost wise won't be a lot different. You are likely to have to pay out similar amounts on doing up the old van to a good standard as you will have to pay up front for a good new van. The difference is the time factor, and whether you want to use the restoration as a hobby.
Whatever you decide, I hope the van doesn't end up on the scrap heap. That would be really sad.

[mgbman]

The van is a pretty rare 1980 Aircooled Devon conversion with very original interior.

I am leaning more towards selling it as is without MOT. The last MOT it passed without any advisories but it has stood outside without much use since then and slowly rusting away.

I do not have any under cover storage to work on the van, only outside on the driveway and that is limiting.

You are right I could get a good van for probably less than the costs to restore the Devon.

The engine needs attention with difficult starting and poor running. It is a catch22 situation, van won't start so not used, not used so won't start.

Help.

[Jawin89]

Seems to me you have already given yourself all the reason you need to sell it.

[Sugsi62]

I've been repairing a rusty van on my drive for the last 2 1/2 years in all weathers. I would advise sell it and buy another to enjoy now unless you're a glutton for punishment.

[mgbman]

Thank you for your common sense advice.