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I had been looking for a truck. But I ran across this ford van that was the same as my last one. I had all these extra parts from the last one, so I bought the new van. It was a 1984 ford ecnoline 6 cylinder.

This van did not have the power of the last van. I was not sure if it would make the whole trip or not? We are going to cross every mountain range in the United States of America. That should have killed it! This van has over one hundred thousand miles on it. What ever, I'm not afraid to at least try it.

The worst case would be that it breaks down beyond repair. But it would still be cheaper then renting a van. And better then having to tour with a band that you do not like. I explained this to YaSuKo and she understood. It was not the strongest vehicle, but at least I could manage to fix most minor repairs.

I spent about $300.00 dollars getting this van tuned up, parts and new wires. My brother in law Dave helped me work on it a lot. We tore out the old bunk from the last van. We cut it a bit lower and reinstalled it. Then I put some fresh paint over it. I made sure that the radiator and heater core were in great shape. I wanted to keep MELT BANANA warm through these winter months. At one point they actually told me the van was to hot. 

Right down to the final days we were working on the van. Oil, plugs, points, as much as we could. New U Joints. checking all the fluids and making sure the transmission was running good. The only thing I did not like, was that there is a manifold leak. But I had to just give it a shot and see if we could make this trip happen.

I was not to worried. I have traveled the United States of America in less of a vehicle. I've done this trip in a 1966 Chevy Biscane, 1974 Pinto Wagon, 1963 Ford Van, 1961 Ford Van, 1981 Chevy Van "which did it best", 1979 Dodge Van, and a 1967 Plymouth Valiant. Fuck it. I was not afraid to do it. But really did not have much faith in this van.

Well with the help of Dave and the spirit of MELT BANANA I would just drive this sucker into the ground, through it away and get another one. All was good, we loaded the van with maximum weight load. Had to draw maps of how to pack the Equipment in the rear. All the tools, Cd's, t-shirts and survival goods were loaded. MELT BANANAS suit cases, my duffel bags and a prayer. We were set to tour.

I had spare electrical parts, oil, all the filters and belts. Here we go let it roll.

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