The Band Van

[nursers]

boink so what did you get Lee? :)

[henrysb3]

Well, in the intirim of this thread, I've acquired a '96 Ford Aerostar. Part of the reason I chose that model was the fact that it had rear wheel drive, which is generally better for hauling trailers. Then, reading some of the other posts here, I am reconsidering the trailer. I've hauled trailers since I began driving and they require more forethought and skill than a single vehicle. Getting a trailer to a loading dock unscathed can be a real challenge. The State of Kansas also charges more for each axle on our turnpike. I usually buy American made Ford products for loyalty reasons to the company and the country. Not all blue ovals are made here, but they're more likely to be than say, a telephone or pair of shoes. I drive a really fine Chevy one ton pickup at work and it could tempt me to buy GM again, but the last Olds I owned sold me a Ford. I've owned a really fine Chrysler product and had a good experience with the dealer. I also had three Datsuns that were excellent rides. I've often thought of making a bumper sticker that says "Be Proud of 'em All" with logos from American made brands. And the little bad guy pissing in his own shoes. Dak is right in that the treatment it has received I also use Consumer Reports reliability ratings to find years and models that hold up the best. In almost every catagory, you will find a Toyota or a Honda at the top. I know they make good vehicles and some are made here. The Toyota Tundra, for example, is made in the USA. So far, they have not made a full sized van that has the capacity of a Ford, Chevy or Dodge 3\4 and up.

[Lee Flier]

Well, as it turned out our drummer got a hernia, and after recovering from the hernia he got tendonitis in his elbow, so touring became out of the question for him for the whole summer. :( He's all better now, but getting a van and going out of town had to be put on the back burner for awhile. To top it all off he used up all his considerable vacation time while recovering from all that crap, so we still can't really play out of town (except weekend trips) until January. And really we figure it'll be more like March or April, cuz the weather sucks in January and February and no one in the South will go out. :D So the likelihood of having a decent turnout isn't good, until spring. BUT... that's OK because we need to finish up our CD, so we have sumthin to sell when we tour, and it's also giving me more time to look at different vans and such. As of right now I'm pretty sold on getting the same kind of Dodge extended van that Erik's band got. But we'll see what happens and what's available when I actually start seriously shopping. It seems a lot depends on how well the vehicle was cared for and other factors of an individual vehicle, that might tip the scales for or against. But I'll let y'all know what we get, when we get it! I'm sure I'll be all excited like Erik was! :)

[D. Gauss]

lee, here's the deal: forget a van. they cost too much and are unreliable. most decent clubs should already have a PA, so thet's less gear to tote and you are only a 3 piece. so.... I read in the paper recently about two guys who drove all over the country in a blue chevy caprice. They only paid $250 dollars for it and from what i understand, they no longer have any use for it. you should be able to get it for a song! if it could outsmart the CIA, FBI, Police and ATF, from Tacdoma to Montgomery to Atlanta to D.C., it oughta be just fine for a weekend tour! :) -d. gauss