I need to pick your brains

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High-Test

High-Test

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FlyingAGasoline
I'm working in California at a clock and watch repair shop, and I've started buying and repairing clocks and watches to sell for a bit of a profit. Somehow, I managed to fit a 76" short grandfather clock into my Subaru Legacy, but nothing bigger could possibly fit. If I'm going to really get into buying, restoring, and selling clocks, I'll have to eventually start dealing in "tall cases"; grandfather clocks that are over 7 feet tall. The profit margins are better on them. There's a great old tall case out here for a steal, but Sadly, I have no way to get it from its location to my shop to fix it. Eventually, I'll need something I can fit big clocks into.

Essentially, I need your thoughts and recommendations on Station wagons, old panel vans, sedan deliveries, or even pickup trucks that can be had for a reasonable price. The cargo floor needs to be at minimum longer than 72", so the W124 E class wagon is out, (71") as are the Subaru wagons. Preferably, something with a cargo floor between 7 and 8 feet long. I'm not ruling trucks out, but I'd prefer a wagon of some sort. When the time comes to get a clock pickup and delivery vehicle, I want to have it narrowed down to one or two vehicles.

And - the theoretical budget is $8,000.00

Recap - $8,000.00 budget

- Cargo floor must be at least 7 feet long, the closer to 8 feet, the better. If over 8 feet - we might have a winner.
- Preferably a wagon or sedan delivery. Trucks are acceptable.
- Cheap parts make High-Test happy.
- No Subaru Legacies, E-Class Benzes, BMW wagons, or Honda Accords.

Thanks for the help.

- High-Test
 
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I would look for something like a Suburban or something, that would carry a lot.
 
Why not a minivan? Grand Caravan or something would work, wouldn't it? They've even made cargo versions without rear seats and with a load floor for the past 5 years or so for basically exactly the task you've described.
 
You can get a pickup with an 8 foot bed for pretty cheap if you live in America
 
I think a pickup might be a little rough with an old clock, so something with independent rear suspension and covered space might be ideal. (Interesting job by the way, my parents have several old wall clocks that are each over 80 years old..possibly older. While I know nothing about repairing them, I learned as a kid how fragile they are!)

Caravans, while not exactly sexy, might be a good choice. Parts are cheap, and getting one with that floor-mounted Stow-And-Go system is a bonus (keeps thieves eyes away from valuables). Odysseys and Siennas hold their value a little stronger, and might be much above your $8k cap.

Forget about any of those smaller SUVs, they usually have trouble with a 6 foot long item. And you'll be dumping money hand over fist into an old Audi (more than 5-7 years old), as cool as it sounds.
 
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A box or cube van based on a 3/4 or 1 ton chassis would be perfect.One with a tommy gate would make loading much easier,and allow you to keep the clocks upright.Google truck trader and commercial truck trader.The downside is terrible gas mileage.

Less perfect but more efficient would be a Honda Element.Folding the front passenger seat flat make it 8'.

A 2wd regular cab Tundra with a 8' bed should be close to that price also.
 
I'm not sure what Dodge Magnums go for out there, but around here there's a ton listed for under $8,000. Most of them have the 3.5L V6 in them too so they are a good balance between performance and fuel economy. Plus they are fairly cheap and easy to fix to should something go wrong.
 
Right now, an older Suburban seems like the best bet. I can get one for pretty cheap out here when the time comes. But the fuel economy is a drag.

I'm not so sure about the Volvos - though cheap, It's the cargo floor length I'm worried about. If it can't beat 72", it's out. EDIT: The Volvos are out.

What about a Caprice wagon? How long is the cargo floor?

And, I should clarify - this would be a secondary vehicle purely for picking up and delivering clocks.
 
I'd think a Caprice wagon would work. It's around the same length as a Suburban, but the Caprice is pretty wide at the back, so you could always try putting the clocks in diagonally.
 
daan
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Echo this. Worked for the Ghostbusters. But on a more serious note: Clock friendly ride and interior, with a mechanism already custom-made to allow you to slide long wooden objects in and out. Lower running costs than an SUV... And it'll be a unique conversation starter. You have a work vehicle like that, with a catchy slogan (Father Time Clock Repair?) stickered on the side, it gives you more exposure and opportunities to buy, sell and repair.
 
I do have to say that if you could find one, and could get over the fact that you are driving a hearse, they pretty much would be the perfect vehicle for your needs.
 
Dooglers8
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Agreed.
There is plenty of cargo space in a Suburban. The flooring is usually carpeted, this will help keep any nicks and scratches off of your clock should it decide to shift around on you while it is in transport. Another addition that you can add to this to help secure your load is the use of a cargo bar. Your bigger automotive parts store chains keep these in stock. It's a nice addition. I use one in my 4x4 and it works out great. I recommend getting one from a parts store rather than the internet. At least from a parts store, you are allowed to take it out and test fit it to make sure it will fit properly. If you get one from the internet and it does not fit or secure correctly, then you have the hassle of shipping it back and going the trials of returning it.

Another upside to this, parts are readily available and not that expensive. They are also very easy to work on. Insurance is not that bad on these either.

The down side to this behemoth is fuel economy. It's not exactly fuel friendly, you won't pass to many fuel stations. 12 - 16ish, roughly, on a good day. Depends if your in city transit or going the highway.

Overall, I'd say this would be your better choice. Forgive the fuel economy, and go with the ride and security of your valued cargo.
 
A hearse would be the coolest option of them, if I could find a good one. The only ones I ever see are late 60s or early 70s Cadillacs with the 472 big block. I have a feeling that engine would make a Suburban seem miserly. Plus, parts for those motors aren't as cheap as 'burb parts.

I won't need this vehicle for a while, as I'm sticking to smaller clocks right now. Though not small, a 76" tall grandfather clock can fit in a Subaru Legacy sedan with a couple inches to spare.

Eventually, I'll have to move a behemoth clock or some other large antique. Estate sales are where the deals are.. and the deals are usually big.

The Suburban might just be perfect. I could get a mid 90s Suburban for around three grand. Is there any good reason to go for the GMT800 of the early 2000s instead?
 
Well, the 90s Suburbans had the option of a 7.4 V8, as well as a V8 Diesel. The Diesel is hard to come by, and the 7.4 will obviously get crappy gas mileage. Other than that, they're not that different, although I hear the interior on the 90s models are better than that of the 2000s models.
 
Ford Excursion with a 7.3L Powerstroke.The 6.0L Powerstroke's should be avoided.

A used fleet van.
Dodge Caravan
Chevrolet 2500
Ford E250
 

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