So I've always been interested in vans (So much room for...anything)

I recently came across a 70'-89' Chevy 1 ton Cargo Van
I helped my neighbor move it within her yard
Wants to sell it to me for 700 bucks, has new wheels/tires.

The only thing that's wrong with it is the engine has a knock in it, but I figured for that price I could just toss a new engine in for around 1200 bucks

So I basically have two questions;
1) It kinda looks like a Candy-Van (rape van) and she even mentioned that the previous owner got pulled over to make sure he wasn't hauling immigrants from Mexico, is there a simple/cost effective way to make it look less conspicuous?

and 2) What kind of engine should I toss in it? (if I cant easily fix the knock of course)

Thanks again guys, you have some awesome looking rides!

to the site from a vanner from Canada,as for the van throw up a pic, we vanners love pics of vans and any advice will soon follow.

This is what it looks like, drove it once. Transmission was smooth, but I definitely heard the engine knocking.

Hmmmm, let's see, make a van less conspicuous? Well, just isn't gonna happen. As far as the engine, 350s are plentiful. And lastly, welcome.

Welcome to the site. That Chev could be a great starting point. How to make it less creepy? Matching wheels and tires make a world of difference. Paint it something other than white (red, blue, or grey all look excellent on chevy's), for some reason people get weirded out by white vans. Turn it into a hot rod (no joke) people look more favorably on vans when they are shiny and custom. Good luck with getting your new project.

(PS)
Murder vans
Rape van
Candy Van
Molester Van

All names that are kind of frowned upon here, you'll find people round here are totally the opposite of the stereotype that brings these references about.

Alrighty, I'll keep that in mind.
any doorhandle mods to make the pushbutton engage easier?

aboard

aboard.

Welcome welcome