New project: Econoline

[madmax]

Hey everybody!

Picked up an old Econoline van the other day for just about nothing and decided to insure it for $10 a month to haul stuff around.

Call me crazy but I kind of like the thing. It's got cool little wheels, and is a delivery van, so no side windows, a cage, and side-opening doors with a step. I'm having a hard time finding a picture of the particular body style.

I'd like to fix the thing up using junkyard parts. There must be "upgrades" I can find for the thing from "newer" cars out there. I'd even like to experiment with a junkyard turbo or something. I mean, what the hell? If I sink $500 into it, the experience of "building" a car myself would be pretty cool. And it'd probably be pretty reliable.

Anyone have any experience with this kind of thing (van)? I feel dirty.

[Randy67]

Depending on what year it is, the Econoline vans shared alot of parts through the years. As for upgrades, how about a Powerstroke from a van (slightly different setup than pickups). It's turbo, get good mileage and can make great power and tow just about anything. If you are really cheap you could get the earlier 7.3 IDI non-turbo and add a turbo to it. Also, you could upgrade the suspension/brakes to E250/350 parts easily. Just a couple ideas.

[madmax]

Thanks Randy. I know a lot more about Chevy parts than Fords. I bet there is a "big brake" upgrade out there for me somewhere, too. The powerstroke is a great idea. I'm also probably going to fab up a dual exhaust setup (leaning to weld). It also has some damage to the rocker area - maybe when I start learning some body work I'll throw some brake ducts in there

[FirstGenZq8]

http://www.activesuspension.com/

neat videos.

[shmoov69]

http://www.myspaceantics.com/images/...free-candy.jpg


Swine little red box!! See the link!

And another cool one!

[srh3trinity]

I am of the opinion that most any vehicle can be cool if it has the right stance and the right set of wheels along with enough mods to set it apart from the crowd. Keep us posted.

[shmoov69]

Year?

[TonyL]

someone say custom econoline?

[ADaughen]

Econoline truck, but similar concept...



Two articles on the truck with a 32v 4.6L.
http://www.mustangandfords.com/featu...kup/index.html
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicl...ine/index.html

I'd rock it... My wife would probably tell me I had finally found something uglier than my Pinto. :p

[Ishmael]

One of the magazines just asked for someone to pt an econoline. I've always wanted one. Please put side pipes on it.

[JEM]

Hey everybody!

Picked up an old Econoline van the other day for just about nothing and decided to insure it for $10 a month to haul stuff around.

Really early (flat nose and straight axle on leafsprings), or with a little hood, or a big hood?

If yours is a flat-nose model, somewhere in a box I've got a mid '70s Hot Rod annual with an article on putting a 351C in one. Z'ing the crossmember to lower it maybe 3in and I don't remember what else, I know cooling was an issue. And of course the chassis layout is still pedal-toy quality. There's a lot of Windsor swaps out there, a couple econoline boards and lists and this is worth looking at: http://jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178391

The really early ones had IIRC the 200 six, a nice oversquare seven-main motor, the last couple years ('81, maybe '80?) have a bellhousing pattern that'll take a late transmission (T5, AODE/4R70W) and if you want a bit of a development job, the exhaust manifolds on those had a coffee-can-sized cat mounted directly to the manifold outlet, not a bad place to bolt a little turbo if you're up for some headwork. The later ones got the very beefy 240 six, reputedly easily replaced with the 300 which is a dirt-common junkyard item.

[madmax]

I thought the car was from the 90s, but it turns out it's an '01, and has 167k on the clock. I think its gonna end up costing me $200.





I'm thinking maybe going for the blacked-out crown vic cop car look - give it a little rake and some tint, maybe some black steel wheels?

I have a thing for black. Maybe experiment with some flat black?

[madmax]

i wish it were 30 years older. im gonna have to try a little harder but it'll be cool

[TonyL]

quick chop.

[TonyL]

or this.

[cantvalve16]

I never thought I would see a VAN on PT.com. Better clear the runway for all the pigs.

[madmax]

http://www.activesuspension.com/

neat videos.

Interesting link I'd always kind of wondered why there wasn't a product out there like that.

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I might have to ditch this thing for an older one.

On the other hand junkayrd swaps are probably going to be easier and cheaper.

I think I'd want think thing to at least make a 3rd gen SS sweat.. so 300hp?

[Twentyover]

............
I think I'd want think thing to at least make a 3rd gen SS sweat.. so 300hp?

More like an act of God

[PT Sportwagon]

I believe the suspension is the same as in the f-150 pickups. There is a lot out there for them.

Tim

[SatisTraction]

i have seen a couple converted to 4x4 and liked it!!!