seriously thinking about this....

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 21, 2010, 5:56 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Eco ... 500wt_1182
close enough to drive and get with a trailer and can visit with the wifes brother on the way down or back.... Price is right and it needs a 302!!! God help me, I have too much on my plate now!!!

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » March 21, 2010, 8:12 pm

Anthony.
Take a very close look at this truck before you buy it.
There are very few or no replacement parts available for the little Econolines trucks that I know of, so everything that you have to replace has to be custom made.
They're cool, but not popular enough for people to make parts for.
I had a similar problem with a '68 Ranchero restoration, and that did not end well.....
Uncle Skip

Max · Post by **Max** » March 21, 2010, 8:12 pm

Haven't you been wanting one of those again though? I say, save the little fellow and grow your family.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 21, 2010, 8:24 pm

I understand unc, but it won't be my first...

I really have the bug to do another one...

Thanks for the backing Max, I think I'll through my hat into the game and start watching it hard. It is in better body condition than the one I did and since it needs engine work.......................... I think a 302 will fit nicely..

62galxe · Post by **62galxe** » March 21, 2010, 8:33 pm

Anthony imagine it in orange.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 23, 2010, 5:01 pm

Placed my bid!!!! wish me luck!!!

dwbr · Post by **dwbr** » March 24, 2010, 12:53 pm

wasnt those trucks nose heavy to begin with? i remember seeing videos of them under hard braking and the rear wheels coming off the ground, what is the weight difference between the stock engine < dont know what engines came in them> and the 302?
________
Mazda CX-9 history

oldtrucks · Post by **oldtrucks** » March 24, 2010, 1:00 pm

Did you get it??

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 24, 2010, 1:42 pm

Yes I did.... Will be picking her up around noon on Saturday..... Any volunteers to help??

http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15540

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » March 24, 2010, 4:28 pm

Anthony.
We're doing a 302 crate motor install in a '63 Econoline van at the shop and its not as straight forward as it looks.
I'm not suggesting that you can't do it, but unless you have some serious fabricating skills, it is NOT just a drop in.
I'll try to take some pictures of it this week for you.
U@ss

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 24, 2010, 6:45 pm

Thanks Unc. Pics will do me good. I can figure the fabricating out and have a certified welder as a real close Bud. This will not happen for several years, the Slick comes first. I am going to try and get the Econo running for now to make a 12 mile puddle jumper out of her to get me to and from work. If this is accomplished, I will sell the Dodge. I have 1500 in it so if I get 1300 out of it I will be OK. put the 500 back that I bought the Econo with, and that will leave me 800 to put into Eventually. (My slick) Get the Slick done and on the road then and only then will I put the Econo in the garage to tear apart. Only time will tell, but I will have my little red, strike that, ORANGE wagon as a HOT ROD.
When building the first Econo I had to re make the engine mount support arms and get all of that lined back up. With the 302, Things I know probably will need to be done are as follows....

1-customize the doghouse, it will need to be extended to the back of the cab and might even need to be wider. Spark plug access.
2-cut the back of the cab and re-support and make cover panel for bed so there is room for the tranny.
3-I don't wan't an auto so I am thinking keeping a 3 speed on column. probably need to lengthen shifter rods.
4-I have a 9 inch ford here at the house. If it is too wide I will trade it for a 8 1/2 out of a Maverick.
5-Radiator? I am sure there will be issues but I am thinking keeping the air dam and maybe trying to find a way to increase the air flow to the radiator.
6-uni-frame? if to much power, it will need strengthening...

The main thing is that it looks right and sounds right. I am not looking to race it or burn the tires off or try and do wheelies..

All of this was the plan for the first Econo but I was looking to have to drive her for several years while I built my Slick before tearing her apart. The wreck sped up the rebuild of my Slick So maybe it is destiny.

I'll post up pics of the new toy and try and keep everyone updated as to what is happening with it.

Again Unc, pics would be great and I would really like to see some shots of the van also, not just the engine...

Boy, I sure am glad you guys are open minded and not just 61-66 f series only... I really enjoy this place, It is my happy place

shawnsfordsrevenge · Post by **shawnsfordsrevenge** » March 24, 2010, 9:02 pm

That's a cool project. We have one or two around here in Denver area that show and go. Maybe one day I will end up with one myself. god knows I need one