This section is currently under construction. This section will be used to house the other pages on my website regarding the LLV (Long Life Vehicle) and additional pages that may "pop up" in the future.
LLV Availability: Since the USPS (United States Postal Service) has not currently named a replacement for the LLV, they are still in use by post offices nationwide. While your local LLV may have been replaced with another type of vehicle (the FFV, Ram Promaster, etc.), this isn't the vehicle that will replace the LLVs. Because of this fact, the LLV will not be available in large quantities until the USPS officially retires them. I'm currently following this closely.
If you're planning on buying one now, don't give up hope. While the USPS was the largest buyer of the vehicles, they were still sold to individuals, companies, and other government agencies. The Canadian Postal Service have begun retiring their LLV fleet.
Tips for Buying an LLV (as of now): Since the LLV was sold to other government agencies, government equipment bidding websites like GovDeals may have LLVs listed for sale in auctions. Since they're primarily sold in auctions, the prices can range from $3,000 to nearly $12,000 for a like-new LLV.
If you've found an LLV you like, there are several things to remember when purchasing any vehicle - especially a vintage or high-hours vehicle like the LLV:
- Have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle. If any imperfections are found, you can negotiate with the seller. (Auctions are exempt)
- Find and calculate operating costs before purchasing the vehicle (i.e. insurance costs, maintenance costs, fuel costs, etc.)
- Limit your expectations. Since the LLV can only go 65 miles per hour (pushing it), make sure that you accept the limitations of the LLV. Since some were not well maintained (especially the USPS ones), you may be looking at a "nearly complete restoration" before your LLV can hit the road.
- If you do get the LLV of your dreams, please remember: don't drive your LLV over 55 MPH if possible. You may (likely) break your LLV going 60+, and they're unsafe at high speeds.
- Whatever you do, DON'T put a beefier motor in your LLV. Then, you're just asking for a visit to the morgue
- Take care of the LLV, and your LLV will take care of you.
Yes, they're legal. The Grumman LLV is street legal in most cases. They do have a VIN # and a data plate.
If you're purchasing a LLV:
- Perform regular inspections. Regularly inspect the fuel delivery system, especially hoses. Because hoses are made of rubber that can degredate over time, the fuel hoses can leak fuel that results in a fire. It is also recommended to check the fuses and replace any corroded fuses, as corrosion can result in the fuse block overheating - which can turn the fuse block into a melty mess - or worse, the entire truck reduced to ashes. Also inspect the windshield washer fluid hoses, and inspect and clean dust from the bottom of the steering column. These problems have been identified as known issues by LLV owners and vehicle maintenance workers for the USPS as the possible culprits for the LLV fires. (Regular inspections should be done on ANY motor vehicle.)
- Fuel delivery system (hoses and components)
- Fuse block and electrical system
- Windshield washer fluid hoses
- Steering column (dust/paper fiber collection)
- Keep your LLV maintained. (When buying parts, as you would for any other vehicle, the cheapest part isn't necessarily the best part. You may pay a larger price later down the road.)
Internal (Section) Links:
Repairing an LLV:
- YouTube mechanic realfixesrealfast has some good video tutorials on repairing the Grumman LLV. (Listed below; links open in new tab.)
External LLV Links:
all links here open in new tab
