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Options and Equipment
THE VAN:
Began as a well-equipped CS model with the famously great 4.3 liter "Vortec" motor (strong and powerful, with decent MPG) and auto with overdrive. Has common power and convenience features such as: power windows and locks; tilt wheel and cruise control. Plus this van has: ABS; power seat; 3-way rear gate; extra interior lighting; Rear ventilation; upgraded stereo; plus more.
GOODIES
As part of our major rejuvenation AND customization of this van, these cosmetic items were added:
* Lower body sections have been custom-coated with textured, protective material, which looks nice and is tough and protective to guard against scrapes and scratches from bushes, rocks, etc.
* Rear bumper has been customized to accommodate the lift passing up and down past it
* Windows have been tinted
MOBILITY
When this was traded to us for a wheelchair van, it was not a wheelchair van. The entire long and valuable list of features below was added either by our shop or other shops we utilize for our projects.
* VMI/Fiorela power lift: this operates with controls on the unit, as well as with a wireless remote control fob. This lift is entirely unique to the wheelchair van world and was introduced less than 10 years ago. Some of its primary features are: quiet when driving down the road; has extra safety features beyond all other lifts; simple, easy operation; its not ugly, as other lifts are; advanced circuitry for greater reliability and ease of maintenance and repair; platform is long and wide enough to accommodate most users
* Custom flip and fold seat: the upholstery shop we utilize was able to take the fabric off of the original bench seats and custom install it on this seat, matching the front seats. When not in use, this seat folds up and allows most of the floor area to be vacant. When needed, this seat accommodates two passengers, with seatbelts.
* Custom floor project: this now has what is one of my favorite improvements on wheelchair vans, which is very helpful to the person in the wheelchair and able-bodied folks as well. I consider this feature to be an improvement that most wheelchair vans ought to have, old or new. You see, if you pay close attention to how floors typically are in wheelchair vans, you will notice that they are usually not actually solid, smooth and level. Rather, they are somewhat lumpy, bumpy and not as easy to maneuver a wheelchair on as they can be. This is because the factory metal floor of a van is not actually smooth, it has ridges and contours for strength...plus has a carpet pad which wheelchair wheels sink into a bit, creating resistance to maneuvering. Based on my specifications and design, this floor was greatly improved above the original floor treatment by removing the existing carpet and pad, from the front seats all the way to the rear, and then installing wood directly over the lumpy, bumpy, contoured metal floor. And so it became a smooth, solid, level floor. Then, quality, commercial rubber-like flooring was used to cover the wood. This material is tough and easy to clean. This van has this new flooring package, which notably improves the interior function and livability of the van for everyone.
* Wheelchair anchor points: includes 4 new anchor pods, ready to be installed in the locations you choose.
* Wheelchair anchor straps: includes 4 anchor straps, for securing the wheelchair to the floor
Dimensions, capacity and specifications:
Please feel free to email or
call me with any such questions. I will gladly assist with anything you wish to know. I have discovered that due to the unique way each person evaluates, measures and expresses their needs, I can be most helpful regarding this subject if we communicate directly.
Ownership
This has had only one owner, other than the most recent approximately 3 years and 20,000 miles of its life. Has always been in Oregon and Washington State (where there is no rust issues. This van has no rust)
Certified
This vehicle is 'Certified': There are a combined 76 mechanical and cosmetic aspects included in the Wheelchair Van Oasis Certification process. A foundational step of the rejuvenation process is when each vehicle receives an extensive inspection by an objective, independent third- party service and repair facility. Suggested service, repairs and improvements are then performed by various professional specialists. The result is your assurance that each of the 76 aspects meets or exceeds the condition level of good, or satisfactory.
For details regarding list of 76 cosmetic and mechanical aspects, please click here.
Each van does of course have various elements which exceed the promised level of good or satisfactory, which the Certified program assures. Some are brand new improvements performed during rejuvenation. And others are obvious service or repairs performed recently, prior to my ownership. As for those, I only list here those positives which are certain, based on my either having a receipt, and/or due to being obvious to the inspecting-mechanic. I refer to these as NEW OR RECENTLY SERVICED ASPECTS
Here are the new and recent items:
New: Rear brakes; serpentine belt; A/C repair and recharge; ABS brakes repair; wipers; front blower motor; oil/lube/filter; both front steering idler arms;
Recent: Full set of aggressive tread winter tires
Approximate retail value/cost of above-listed items: $2,100
(extensive investment in cosmetic rejuvenation is in addition to this $2,100)
Carfax Report Summary
(Carfax is a widely used database which indicates the history of a vehicle including accidents, prior owners, etc.)
Nothing notably negative or unusual. No accidents...No airbags deployed...No damage leading to such report notes as salvage, totaled, etc...no "red marks" on the report...no major accident...no lemon history...no odometer tampering...no derogatory remarks on the state-issued title
You Might Like To Know...
Chevy Astro vans were essentially the same as the GMC Safari model. They were actually built in the same facility, during some years.
Summary of this Gem
I gambled by investing greatly in the materials and labor to transform this van from its original state and function, to now being a very useful and highly functional wheelchair van, with modern components. Plus, what makes it extra special is the super low miles, very rare AWD/4x4, and a price well under $20,000. If the limited entry clearance and headroom of this awesome van suits your needs, this will be a great van for you to own.
It is hard to imagine that this van is not newer than it is. Of course, it has super low miles, but in addition, it is in amazing overall condition. It is notable that in these photos, it has had no professional cleaning, inside or out and yet still looks very good. |
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This lift is only a few years old and is a VMI/Ricon. It is the most modern and new design of any lift on the market at this time |
Platform is wide and long enough to accommodate nearly all power or manual wheelchairs and many 3 or 4 wheel scooters |
This van will accommodate shorter users and their small or medium size wheelchair. It does have a major limitation due to not having a tall roof for extra headroom. However, for the person or family that needs or wants 4x4 or AWD and has a smaller person in a wheelchair, this will be a super van, for a good price. |
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New floor is awesome, with plywood under textured rubber-like flooring material. There is much space behind these front seats. |
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