Econoline Van question

Has anyone ever attempted to shorten the long over hang on a early Econoline van?,it appears that the rear section has a piece added to make the van longer and didn't affect the wheelbase 61-66 style. HRP

 

Yes you can swap the shorter rear section. Easy enough, but if I remember correctly the long van has a longer roof one piece, so you'd have to shorten or replace the roof.

 

what he said....

 

Yep, they made the Long bed vans by taking the standard one and adding the extra foot or whatever it was to the end.

 

I will forward the information. HRP

 

I think they added a rear that was a foot or so longer. There were two different rear sections. I wonder how "straight" they are? if you can just take it apart, cut some out, and put it back together? or if they taper differently? I had fun getting the back of the cab to fit the suburban parts I added when I built an extended cab 59 chevy pickup

 

Im pretty sure all econolines 61-65/66 were the short model it was the later versions 66 thru 68 that had the extended rear end.

 

i think the "super van" (long one) is 18'' longer.

 

Nothing against the O.P. and his ride but sometimes this place (the H.A.M.B.) confuses me.

How is it that threads about '64 -'65 Pontiac GTO's get deleted but a thread regarding a '66 Ford Econoline VAN continues??????????????

 

I'm the OP and don't own a van,,I do however have a friend that ask me a question I couldn't answer,,BTW,,it's a 63 so it does fall in line with the Hamb rules,,if it makes you fell better report this thread and get it closed! HRP

 

NOPE!

I'm not like that. Although I know others are which is why I'm confused why some are okay and some are not. I guess haters will be haters unless they like it, then it's cool and okay.

 

Econonlines were "economy" models, and share almost all parts from 61-67, all models. I seriously doubt that much is different on the extended Super Van models other than the roof and taillights.

I do think that the rear springs may be slightly longer because I've had some troubles fitting some HD springs on my shorty van, and I suspect they're from a Super Van.

As for vans... how are discussions about vans any different than discussions about station wagons? Neither are traditional hot rod fodder, but both were used for hauling families and race cars to the track...

 

Wouldn't it be easier to sell it and buy a shorter van? Years ago in the van era the long one was more desirable and expensive.

 

goat is an evil muscle car, van is a fun vehicle.

(might be how some guys see it)

 

Belonged to his dad who p***ed away recently so I seriously doubt that is an option. HRP

 

Hummm....

I kinda like how you put that Jim!

 

HRP, as said, your friend will need a donor with a good roof and tail.
Since he's considering hacking away, mention that there have been at least a couple supervans that have had the rear axle moved back. They look pretty good that way.
Kinda goes against all the g***er AWB stuff you see lately.

 

Rusty might have the right idea. The roof can give you a fit, and, as stated earlier, the taper etc. if you tried to put on the shorter tail piece. Also, don't forget the frame issues you might face.

 

i saw a long van that someone was moving the rear wheels back to give it a more balanced look. is that an option? the picture might have been here on one of the van threads. it would be alot of work. .

 

Sorry but I vote enough! van threads already.
Ask your van questions on the van threads that are already here. That’s were all the van people (with the info) hang out anyway.

 

My question was answered early on in this thread,,sorry you had enough but I was under the misconception that the Hamb as a whole tried to help with information.

Go ahead and report it and get it closed,,like I said,I have the answer for my friend. HRP