Well, my Ram Van was from the north. It has served us very well. Looking around, it would be a hard vehicle to replace. So, it's best to keep it running and in good health.

Recently, I've headed off the roof rain gutter rust issues and for the past week, it's been raining. Great news that the job is holding up well.

Now, I have the lower body to worry about. Recently, the Automart is selling a propane 1985 Ram Van for 2K. The owner has worked on the lower body to the extent of what I'm leaning towards. Even better, his Ram Van is nearly the same color as my 2001. Anyone with thoughts on this approach? The deja vu weird thing is, the rust places on the 85 are the same spots on my 01, the lower driver step-up and to spots along the bottom on the drivers side going back.

 

My opinion on Ram Van rust is simple and comes from lots of experience. Ahem, notice my user ID.



Once the timworm takes hold of these vans it is almost impossible to reverse short of cutting/replacing all bad panels. Usually when outside panels reach the point of rusting to a noticeable degree the rear frame and wheel wells have already progressed beyond the point of repair; at least from the practical standpoint of time & expense.

For about $2K you can buy a Ram from a dry climate that has absolutely NO rust. Maybe you should consider looking for a 2001 that needs some mechanical work and pick it up on the cheap.

 

Maybe less! I won my rust free 2000 for $1,300 off eBay and all it needed was a crank sensor to get it running.

 

I plan on painting the top of my 1999 with Rust Zero due to paint peeling, surface rust on roof and drip rails. I will post before and after pics. The van is dark green and the paint is black.