Well, here it goes, folks! When Dave Freiburger put up the Car Junkie Van for sale in this thread http://www.bangshift.com/forum/index.php?topic=13970.0 , I sort of convinced myself to buy another van. I say another because as I mentioned in that thread, my father bought a brand new 1972 Ford Econoline 100 Window Van back in late 1971, and though I was only 2 1/2 years old, I remember vividly the several trips to the dealer to order it, and take delivery, and recall the fascinating sound of the deep rumbling of the 302 inside that great big empty steel drum on the way home that night. My dad built it into a camper that slept all 6 of us, and we vacationed in that van, moved numerous times, drove cross country many times, used it as my mom's daily driver and eventually took it with us to Germany in 1980 and rebuilt the engine before selling it there in 1982 to a returning soldier, who was happy to get it. In addition to that van, we later had 6 Westfalia campers, and 2 more new Econolines, but the memory of that van was permanently etched into my psyche.
Nearly 10 years ago I saw a very similar van across the street from my uncle's place in Florida, and traded a mint WWII era M1911A1 for it, but since I live in Europe, the idea of getting it here languished, as did the van, and I gave it to a buddy. Anyway, getting back to my story, when I saw Dave's van for sale, I knew I wouldn't be happy without another old van. When that deal fell through, I began looking for what I really wanted, and encouraged by Seth's (fahrenschnell) offer of assistance, I asked him to check out an interesting E-100 in Detroit I'd found on ebay. Coincidentally, I looked on craigslist in Detroit and lo and behold, there was this beauty for sale for $3500:
Seth rounded up his crew, and went out to look at it, and ended up buying it for me. Many thanks to John (milner351) for looking at the van for me, and Dave (std) for consulting and giving advice. I'm already indebted to Seth for all the time he's spent to help me realize my dream, and he's assured me that this van will be the baddest assest around! LOL.
This van has a lot going for it. First of all, it's a second generation Econoline, the looks of which I'm in love with. I'm not sure if it's only because I grew up in one. I also think it's the best overall looking van ever produced. The lines and details are so well balanced. It's totally cool!! As for this example, it's all original with only 83,000 miles, original paint and mint interior. A bit of Detroit rust thrown in for good measure too! I hear Seth's body working skills are even better than his electrical wiring skills...LOL jk! Anyway, he said it's in pretty good shape and should be a piece of cake to restore. I was looking for a rust-free desert car, but if there's a pro on the welding end, I have nothing to worry about. So, the van is complete, intact and all original. I'd rather get one like that to see what I'm starting with than end up with some unknown project car that's had who knows what done to it in its lifetime.
Options-wise, this is the top of the line Ford van, being an E-300 (heavy duty) and Chateau. So it's got all the best hauling equipment as well as most luxurious appointments Ford created at that time. I'm in love with that polished aluminum grill, chrome bumpers, chrome body trim, chromed side marker lights and rear light trim, etc. It's got the extra large low-mount side mirrors too, and in the interior, extra guages, dual air conditioning, seating for 12, and opening side windows. Mechanically, it's got the 302, 3 speed automatic C4 transmission, power steering, power brakes, Dana 60 rear end with 3.5:1 limited slip rear end, and 8-lug truck rims. I've already started a thread seeking advice in converting the drum brakes over to discs:
Some of the goals I have for the van are to do some serious rust-abatement procedures to it along with making sure it never comes back, so some welding will be in order. Unfortunately, the original paint will have to be covered again, but that leaves me with the opportunity to make it look brand new again, which isn't a bad thing either. Since I'm looking for a long-term vehicle that won't break down 10,000 miles away from home, I've enlisted Seth's assistance to refresh the mechanicals, and that means an engine rebuild with some killer go-fast (and sound mean) parts. My goal is around 400 naturally aspirated, non-stroker HP. I think I'll trade the C4 for a stout AOD transmission while I'm at it. Along with the brake upgrade, I'd also like to throw in new shocks and springs, etc, to make the van handle as well as it can and be as dependable and safe as possible. The van will have to serve duty as a family hauler and part-time parts or material hauler. Maybe tow a car or two down the line as well.
I welcome all input and criticism in this project, since I'm sure I'll need your advice and help. I'll try to keep y'all posted on the details, and once again I'd like to thank Seth and all his friends for their much-appreciated help in this project.
Nearly 10 years ago I saw a very similar van across the street from my uncle's place in Florida, and traded a mint WWII era M1911A1 for it, but since I live in Europe, the idea of getting it here languished, as did the van, and I gave it to a buddy. Anyway, getting back to my story, when I saw Dave's van for sale, I knew I wouldn't be happy without another old van. When that deal fell through, I began looking for what I really wanted, and encouraged by Seth's (fahrenschnell) offer of assistance, I asked him to check out an interesting E-100 in Detroit I'd found on ebay. Coincidentally, I looked on craigslist in Detroit and lo and behold, there was this beauty for sale for $3500:
Seth rounded up his crew, and went out to look at it, and ended up buying it for me. Many thanks to John (milner351) for looking at the van for me, and Dave (std) for consulting and giving advice. I'm already indebted to Seth for all the time he's spent to help me realize my dream, and he's assured me that this van will be the baddest assest around! LOL.
This van has a lot going for it. First of all, it's a second generation Econoline, the looks of which I'm in love with. I'm not sure if it's only because I grew up in one. I also think it's the best overall looking van ever produced. The lines and details are so well balanced. It's totally cool!! As for this example, it's all original with only 83,000 miles, original paint and mint interior. A bit of Detroit rust thrown in for good measure too! I hear Seth's body working skills are even better than his electrical wiring skills...LOL jk! Anyway, he said it's in pretty good shape and should be a piece of cake to restore. I was looking for a rust-free desert car, but if there's a pro on the welding end, I have nothing to worry about. So, the van is complete, intact and all original. I'd rather get one like that to see what I'm starting with than end up with some unknown project car that's had who knows what done to it in its lifetime.
Options-wise, this is the top of the line Ford van, being an E-300 (heavy duty) and Chateau. So it's got all the best hauling equipment as well as most luxurious appointments Ford created at that time. I'm in love with that polished aluminum grill, chrome bumpers, chrome body trim, chromed side marker lights and rear light trim, etc. It's got the extra large low-mount side mirrors too, and in the interior, extra guages, dual air conditioning, seating for 12, and opening side windows. Mechanically, it's got the 302, 3 speed automatic C4 transmission, power steering, power brakes, Dana 60 rear end with 3.5:1 limited slip rear end, and 8-lug truck rims. I've already started a thread seeking advice in converting the drum brakes over to discs:
Some of the goals I have for the van are to do some serious rust-abatement procedures to it along with making sure it never comes back, so some welding will be in order. Unfortunately, the original paint will have to be covered again, but that leaves me with the opportunity to make it look brand new again, which isn't a bad thing either. Since I'm looking for a long-term vehicle that won't break down 10,000 miles away from home, I've enlisted Seth's assistance to refresh the mechanicals, and that means an engine rebuild with some killer go-fast (and sound mean) parts. My goal is around 400 naturally aspirated, non-stroker HP. I think I'll trade the C4 for a stout AOD transmission while I'm at it. Along with the brake upgrade, I'd also like to throw in new shocks and springs, etc, to make the van handle as well as it can and be as dependable and safe as possible. The van will have to serve duty as a family hauler and part-time parts or material hauler. Maybe tow a car or two down the line as well.
I welcome all input and criticism in this project, since I'm sure I'll need your advice and help. I'll try to keep y'all posted on the details, and once again I'd like to thank Seth and all his friends for their much-appreciated help in this project.
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