The laser fluorescence excitation spectra of the SnAr van der Waals complex, in the vicinity of the individual fine-structure lines of the Sn 5s(2)5p6s P-3(0) <-- 5s(2)5p(2) P-3 atomic resonance transition in the spectral region 317-270 nm are reported. Excited-state (v('),0) progressions of bands built upon the individual J(')<-- J(') fine-structure atomic lines were observed. Because the collisional spin-orbit relaxation was slow, transitions were observed out of the lower SnAr states built upon all the J(') atomic asymptotes. The spectra were interpreted through model potential energy curves based on the isoelectronic SiAr system. Lower bounds to the dissociation energies of all lower SnAr states were determined. The binding energies of the group-13, and -14-atom-argon complexes and the effect of the spin-orbit interaction on moderating nonbonding interactions are discussed. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.