Mildly obsessed with a Scorpion

Obsessed is a pretty strong word. I'd say I'm enamored and intrigued by the early 1980s Datsun/Nissan Scorpion RV and it's potential as a toterhome.

Is it practical? -No.
Does it need a lot of work to make it function as a bike hauler? -Yes.
Is it a waste of time and money to buy one, fix it up to usable condition, and then spend way more money to make it capably haul a motorcycle and pit gear? -Also Yes.

I just can't get around the potential here though of having a smaller, somewhat fuel efficient RV that will hold a motorcycle and gear for one person. By chance has anyone ever checked to see if a motorcycle fits through the massive reach hatch opening? They're made on the dually chassis which I "think" is their 1-ton chassis, so it should theoretically carry the weight fine. The floor of the original motorhome probably needs to be reinforced I guess? Especially if you want to install a bike restraint system on the floor.

I dunno, it seems like a fun project. Is this one of those... "you're getting old and taking on dumb projects with worthless old vehicles" things?

Here's the two examples I saw on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1057691349289216/

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1480097342638034/

 

I can see the attraction. With a V6 it might be worth the attempt.

 

Buy American

 

There's this one too. Notice on the pic of the rear that the regular door is actually inside of a huge hatch where the whole back opens up! https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:3eaed0e7-8d5e-415e-a6d0-96643a52f60f

The problem the Scorpion solves though is having a rear opening big enough to fit a bike without having to modify it.

 

Have to admit, when I read the thread title, I thought "Which one? Klaus, Rudolf, Herman?...."

 

I thought MZ Scorpion but equally questioning your sanity

 

Well if you buy those two, that should delay your racing program by a good 6-12 months.

 

Are you selling that, Zoran? If so, do you have a link to the ad?

 

No, this one belonged to friend and was sold about 3 years ago.
In my early race days I had astro van for race vehicle, cargo one first then passenger one later.

 

I think I would like an MZ Scorpion. The RV thing looks as appealing as a painful genital rash, but to each his own.

 

I can see why you're interested... cargo space is... abundant.



Sincerely, those vehicles look like mold infested four wheeled garbage cans.

Why don't we save you the upper respiratory infection and gag reflex exercises and go with something like a used Metris van? Motorcyclist even did a write up on how good the Metris is for hauling bikes and gear!

 

No hate from me. They look awesome! Of course, I grew up in the 70’s and was around the custom van movement. The Scorpion has the same funky vibe.

 

Funky vibe? Bong water, sex stained sheets, and regret?

 

More seriously I'm interested in a 60's van like the original Econoline - Falcon / first versions of the Chevy G10 / Dodge A100. I have a vision of having my friend do some hand-lettering paint like a 60s MV Agusta Reparto Corse race hauler that I could use for some local track days, maybe some new bike deliveries around town, etc. Main issue I have finding a good one, aside from most of them having body damage / lots of rust, is a vast majority are inline 6cyl with 3 on the tree manuals. I'd much rather have a V8 auto for convenience and hauling power. This would fit in a normal garage spot, normal parking spot in front of the shop, etc. We have a big toy hauler for actual race weekend stuff, so this wouldn't need to fulfill that purpose. Something like this could be a good base to build out for the project: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1750063275737919?ref=saved&referral_code=null

***the Scorpion idea is kinda kitschy, and I'm not really that interested in that as a project unless someone had a premium condition one for sale cheap.

 

I had a 66 Dodge for a while. The slant six was a decent engine, but creature comforts are non-existent. Its noisy since the engine is between the front seats and ride quality is crap. It was dated when I had mine in '74 and they were WAY cheaper back then.

 

Bruce Berry was a workingman.
He used to load that Econoline van.

 

I'm definitely not going for solely a functional hauler. I specifically want a classic vintage machine that won't get used and abused daily, but used occasionally for promo events and if I need to move a piece of furniture or something, why not. Mostly it'll sit in front of the shop and look cool all painted up. Some promo video / photoshoot stuff would be great too.

 

If you're willing to spend money to modernize, it could be fun. It was a three on the three, but you might be able to mate an automatic ( original clutch was operated by a 3' steel rod, not hydraulics - a real mother when it broke). Brakes are 4 wheel drum. Most of the guys I knew that did mods are way past retired.

 

If I go all out on it, I'll prob have the work done in Ohio. My dad has lots of connections with guys who worked on cars of this era. Disc brake and auto trans conversion would be a pretty easy deal for them. They did offer some of these vans with a V8 and auto from the factory though. That's ideally what I'm looking for. I think the Dodges are more common to find with that configuration. I'm also undecided if it would be better to have the long extended body (or if I actually might need it) to fit a bike and gear. And then torn between a cargo van where I can use the whole side to paint more like a proper vintage race hauler, or a window passenger van so we could show off a bike visible inside. The van wouldn't really be parked anywhere with valuables inside where there'd be a concern of someone breaking in either.

 

Toyota Dolphin > Nissan Scorpion.