Projects Another Project...1961 Econoline Van...I Must Be An Idiot!!

these little units are cool! my 65' pickup has had the linkage 100% gone through (3 on the tree) and still has issues. the automatics for these are shorter and actually hang from upper crossmember. i do recall if you installed a regular c-4 your driveline ends up being 17" long. they need brake upgrade and disc conversion is available. the guys on the econoline forum are really up on the do's and don't concerning them.

 

Bloodyknuckles, Econoline's rule!! I think it started from when I was a kid watching CHiP's. They were on there all the time. I've loved them ever since. Keep us posted on the progress. Some day I will own one.....

 

Thanks man!

I think that may have been where my facination with these vans began.

Fuckin' Poncherello.



BloodyKnuckles

 

It runs!!!!!!!!!!!!

...and it runs damn good. I have replaced the cap, rotor, points, condensor and coil.

I pulled the gas tank out and it had 30 year old gas that was pretty nasty. It also has a few rust holes that have me concerned. I am going to look for other options as I feel that a replacement tank may be hard to come by.

I also pulled the radiator. I believe it is split at the bottom so I am on the look out for a new one.

Then on to the fuel pump, water pump, brakes and tires.


I know this is going to start to add up but what I'll have in it would be less than if I bought one running and driving already.


More news at the top of the hour....





BloodyKnuckles

 

There's a place in Raleigh called the econoline connection. No website, but the number is (919)231-0020. Maybe they'll be able to help find what you need?

And congratulations on getting it running. Now you're half way to driving it!

 

Yes and no. No one makes tanks for them, but a 65 Mustang tank fits perfectly. OK, not perfectly. You will need to change the tank from being a top fill to a side fill (like the original Econo tank) and add a vent, but you can get a brand new tank for about $100 from American Pony, or Mustangs Unlimited. 16 or 20 gal.

 

Thanks for the info on the tank. I really have to figure this out. The tank is pretty jacked. Also the radiator is unrepairable so I'll have to look for a new one or get this one recored.

These were things that I didn't want to deal with but I should have figured I would have to.



BloodyKnuckles

 

You're in luck! A 6 cyl Mustang (64-65) radiator will work perfectly with the small Econo 6. I had one in my '65 with a 170 until I pulled it all to stuff in a 302. The Mustang radiator kept the notoriously hot Econoline cool even when sitting in traffic on 100* days.

Here's the catch... you need to cut off the mounting flanges, flip them, and weld them back on, then it will bolt right into your Econo. I think I got my radiator from radiatorsusa.com for about $100 shipped. I think they have local shops build the radiators and ship them out.

 

Dude!!!!!!!!!!! You fuckin' rock!!!

I have been going through different cars in my head to see which ones were running a small rad and you have known about this all along! Damn you!


Thanks so much. I will order one tomorrow.

Perfect.



BloodyKnuckles

 

Mine sat about that long as well. Had to replace the fuel and water pumps, points, plugs, and the brake master cylinder and all the wheel cylinders.and heater core But the sumbitch ran great after that, and the parts were cheap except the master cylinder. I think Hellfish went to the double master cyl from 67.If ya gotta replace it, that's the way to go.

 

I have a ford econoline manual from 65, give me you vin and I'll decode it for you.

 

Thanks man!

You have a PM.



BloodyKnuckles

 

Had one when I was 16, that's the last thing my GF's parents wanted to see pulling up to their house and their daughter getting into

Was a great van except the 3 speed linkage and would make a great gasser project. Like the others said, small block with an auto will fit in the dog house but the bigger motor will take some cutting and you'll be sitting on a milk crate

Cliff Ramsdell

 

It's actually from a '77 Maverick. The '67 Econoline dual MCs are more precious than gold. I used a bracket designed and built by Fred Carillo, who recently joined the HAMB. He might be willing to send you the plans for how to build the bracket.

A small block v8 won't fit so neatly in a '61-64. That doghouse is shorter lengthwise and, I think, narrower than a '65-67 doghouse. I never had a problem with my 3-speed linkage. You can't shift all that fast with it, but it never hung up or gave me trouble.

 

Over on the vintage van forum, they like to hack out the Dodge doghouse and floor flange for the Es and Gs when swapping to a V8. It's all removable, and big enough.
Another example of Mopar engineering!

 

Im glad to read you got it fired up!!!! I am looking forward to see what you do with it. So many cool things can be done to that van. Congrats dude!!!

 

Hey bloodyknuckles, forget that shag carpet link I posted!
I emailed for a quote (6'X9', or 6 sq. yds.) It was 351 without shipping!
58.60 a sq. yd.!!!!

 

What the hell is wrong with people???

I know I haven't posted any updates lately but I have been accumulating parts. Other than a gas tank I have everything to make this a reliable roadworthy van.

After the big swap meet this week I should have the tank and begin replacing everything.


Updates soon.

Thanks Rod!


BloodyKnuckles

 

Very cool, I am in the middle of a econoline pickup build. Wacky 302, AOD and a 9 inch. Here is a youtube of the fresh fire after the swap. Body is alot further then this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKctT2LpNo8

Tons of hours into the tailgate and roll pan. Its is Dodge Ram T/gate that I sectioned in but I think it looks great.

Just now strating a disc brake conversion. Fun project!

kgdb

 

I LIKE that tailgate!

 

you can work on the motor while driving down the road, that's cool, i like it

 

oooooooh, i think i got a buyer on my Pontiac, and i just looked at a 67 Pop-Top Econoline for $995! some old guy out in the boonies has it, says he just went through the motor, and brakes. The inside was gutted except for a long couch along one side. I'm pretty stoked about it! Although, i may need to put some windows in it, seeing how my day job involves working with elementary school kids. the last thing these parents wanna see when the come to pick there kids up from school is some tattooed guy with a windowless van hanging around....

Also my trip home from Nc, left me Homeless for the past month, so, (fingers crossed) say hello to my new home!!!

 

I dig it. I wanted one to tow my 61 Falcon.

 

So, I have some good news;

I DROVE THE FUCKER TODAY!!!!!


I'm a bit excited as you may be able to tell. I have been peckng away at it as much as I can lately.

I replaced the water pump, fuel pump, radiator, hoses, belt and I rebuilt the carb. I fired it up today and other than no brakes I saw no reason not to drive it. I just did a few laps around my driveway.

Pretty cool. Brakes next.



BloodyKnuckles

 

You must have gathered by now that you are not an idiot, but indeed got a great ride to work on. If you decide to paint it one day keep this idea in mind.
Apologies to the original artist Steve Standord.

 

yeah ... brakes are kind of important, ya know?

 

The fact that says "Donut" on the side is perfect!!! It's a long standing joke with me. Thanks.

Yeah, I'm on master cylinder patrol now. I have everything else but the MC. One brake works though. That should be good enough for the street!



BloodyKnuckles

 

I got my new '65 Mustang tank and modified it last Wednesday. I planned on having it installed already but not yet. Hopefully in the next couple of days.


I also have to plan on colors for the outside and for the interior. My wife and I agree about a dove gray and blue exterior with a blue and cream interior.

Opinions are welcome on colors.




BloodyKnuckles

 

Alot of the info in the '65 manuals are wrong .

 

Don't drive it with one brake , you'll spln it sideways and lay it down . Had my '64 panel on two right side wheels three times when the cylinders were froze up . .