This might have been discussed but since I'm new.....

[EternalCombustion]

Though no less sterile, but I believe the real reason for cemeteries as you have pictured is more about corporate owned, big business where the bottom line counts above everything else. The pictured cemetery is much easier and cheaper to maintain. With memorial plaques instead of headstones, a mower can just cruise over top and no individual trimming around each is required which saves money.

[EternalCombustion]

To sort of get back to the original post and to further address your question. I do believe that Atti is right that if you mod a van into a hearse you are basically killing any value it might have had. You most likely will not find a buyer on either side of the hearse market. But with all of what I said in mind, I still believe that it is yours to do what you like.

Now, if I had a van and I wanted to explore my darker side, my idea would be as follows. I have always kind of had a soft spot for the old custom vans of the '70s, you know the ones with the giant mural on the side of a barbarian chick in a chainmail bikini with a panther on a leash made out of logging chain. So with that being said maybe a large graveyard scene with a vampire chick with maybe a werewolf or something on a logging chain. lol. Hell it would be easier now with all the vinyl wrap companies popping up. It would probably be cheaper and easier with the vinyl, rather than trying to find someone who could airbrush without totally screwing it up.

Wow, want to sell a van? lmao. just kidding

[Guest]

>>> WARNING - DOUCHE POST <<<
(Ask Ryan, windshield wipers are a feat for him and he still has a great coach).

*gigglesnort*

[BIGEVIL]

This is the type of thread I really enjoy.

I really don't think I will discuss the contrasts of keeping a hearse stock or modding it. Any one who knows me on this forum knows my thoughts on that. I think it is because I respect all the members here and try to be helpful and positive, the PCS types don't give me a bad time very often.

Let me draw a parallel on the whole van thing.
Lets say a guy with a 90's Camaro puts a Ferrari body kit on it. Most car enthusiasts will agree that it is very lame. Especially if they try to pass it off as the real deal. All Ferrari owners will shun that person.
Lets say a guy has a real Testarossa with a blown engine. He decides to put a wicked small block chevy in it. Some car enthusiasts might think it is cool. All Ferrari owners will not.
Modifiy an original car will have mixed reviews. Trying to copy an original will usually be unaccepted.

If you want to drive a hearse, "get in where you fit in".

[Guest]

Lets say a guy with a 90's Camaro puts a Ferrari body kit on it. Most car enthusiasts will agree that it is very lame. Especially if they try to pass it off as the real deal.

to borrow a word from the 90's high school lexicon, no one likes a "poser."

[Honey_Badger]

I think all "wanna be's", Should be issued this sticker. I will print them for FREE! LOL



Simply because this is my mental correlation of a station wagon / mini van at a hearse meet.




I do have to concur that an old school shaggin wagon van with some skin art would be awesome. I know someone that has a blue suit and platform shoes that would probably be game to fill the part for a photo op.

Now I know there are going to be a few that will wish I would "burn in hell!". LOL

[ThePostalJester]

this is exactly why I started this topic. I WANTED feedback. As for the van/faux hearse, resale ISN'T an issue, it's a early 2000 chrysler, there aint much resale. As such I can do what ever I want. I just need a vehicle that reflects my inner darkness. I'm not looking to "fit in" or be a "groupie". Honestly I want to wait for a real hearse and not be a "poser". But for now I think the cemetery with a barbarian chick and panther sounds nice. Well more dragon than chick but the cemetery is right on track. LOL

As for "normal car converted to look like a hearse", what about normal cars that were converted to actual working hearse? Google hearse and you'll see just about every kind of car has been converted. PT Cruiser, Mini, Smart, 300's, the list goes on, even a chrysler minivan built to be an honest hearse.

And what about the other way around, a hearse converted to a normal car. I have a family of four and 3 dogs. We like to cruise as a family, so unless I am VERY lucky and find a combo I will be removing much of what made the hearse a hearse in the first place.

[ThePostalJester]

Now I know there are going to be a few that will wish I would "burn in hell!". LOL

HAHAHAHA NEVER!!

[ThePostalJester]

Oh and I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put landua stickers on my windows. Seriously WTF! Maybe some nice wreaths or something......

[Guest]

if you did a super fab job and converted a car such that it was capable of securely carrying a casket, and you paid a super attention to detail, using professional hardware, etc, etc, that's one thing. and by this i mean you do an actually semi-pro looking coach conversion.

if it's some kind of total hackjob where you basically just paint it black and hang some curtains, that's a different story.

[ThePostalJester]

Cool Emo Kid in mom's soccer wagon with Landau stickers on the back windows don't cut it as an adult.

I had to, sorry.

at 45 I'm far from an "Emo kid" and WILL NEVER put Landau stickers on my windows. I'm just not as financially invested in my passions.

[ThePostalJester]

if you did a super fab job and converted a car such that it was capable of securely carrying a casket, and you paid a super attention to detail, using professional hardware, etc, etc, that's one thing. and by this i mean you do an actually semi-pro looking coach conversion.

if it's some kind of total hackjob where you basically just paint it black and hang some curtains, that's a different story.

So you'd be ok with this



or this



or even this



If so then why would this be so wrong


And why we are on the subject, what about this...

[Guest]

Personally, i have nothing against minivan hearses that were actually professionally coach built. any car that is professionally coach built, no matter how hideous, is still an actual real funeral service vehicle.

those all look like professionally built vehicles to me.

[LMS]

The thing is if you are going to make your own hearse type vehicle, it needs to be so completely bad ass that no one dares question whether you deserve to be there or not.

The Reaper's rod as Eternal combustion pointed out is a prime example.


Though technically not a real hearse, it's level of bad assness was off the charts. So far off the charts that not only was everyone secretly running back to their rooms to rub one off over it, BUT it also won a nice trophy.

But the problem is he had serious monies tied up in that thing, and if your questioning your ability to afford a hearse you sure as hell can't afford to build something that bad ass. I know I can't afford to do it and I have 2 real hearses.
My suggestion, keep reading on the webs and learn as much about these cars as you can while you save your spare change. One day the right car will come up for sale and you can make it yours.
In the mean time paint some wicked artwork on that van as suggested and drive the hell out of it. The Dodge caravan is a good vehicle as far as mini vans go, drive it till the wheels fall off.

[Otto Baron]

desconso1.jpgdesconso2.jpg
I own a 1959 Park Row. An actual Combination Coach, and I really love my period Funeral Coach. I also like the styling on hearses. So, I don't care who hates it, but when it came to our 2006 Dodge Durango, I enjoyed blanking off the rear windows, and placing Landau Bars from DNR industries on the rear quarters. I also changed the front end, so I could install Peterbilt styled headlights. I get a lot of compliments for this car, and this one is my dayly driver. By the way, I do carry an actual coffin in the back, and installed a couple of plauqes with angels, over what used to be the side rear windows on the inside of the "casket compartment".
hearse[1].jpg