New '63 Van Owner in Utah

Hey! New guy from Salt Lake City with a '63 E-100 Van. I owned a '65 E-100 truck some 20+ years go, but spent more time just keeping it on the road for a couple of years than upgrading and customizing it. So... Here are my plans now:

It's got to remain a daily-driver, and it currently kinda runs and kinda stops. I'll be making some improvements and repairs to get it safely on the road, then start making modifications and upgrades as time and money permit. Any input/feedback/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

1. I gotta make it stop better. Planning on a rebuild of the stock master cylinder and all 4 drum brakes for now. 4-wheel discs when I have the cash for a D&D kit and an 8.8 read end.

2. I gotta make it run better. Planning on a MAJOR tune-up to the 170, plus some Miracle Oil and prayers to keep it running until I can do my 5.0/C4 swap.

3. I gotta prepare for the future, by swapping out the generator for an alternator. Is the generator 6V or 12V? Can anyone give me swap tips? What's the highest-output, most compatible alternator I can get?

4. I gotta lower it. Can I put the springs below the axles, or do I need new springs? I've never lowered a leaf-spring car before...

I've got a 3-year plan for my restomod. I'll post a blog in the coming weeks so I can track the progress and your comments and advice.

Glad to be here!

_dallon_

Welcome to the site!!!!

Welcome. Your van is 12 volt. I "think" most everthing is after 53 or 54??/

Welcome. I have a 200 amp alternator in my Econo.

Welcome, Enjoy to the site!!!!

welcome to the site.

Thanks for the Welcomes!

It is SO HARD for me to put ANYTHING "GM" on my van... BUT, if it actually improves the overall cruising experience, AND I can HIDE it... Well, I suppose I will give it a try. Thanks! Anyone else do this? Any wiring diagrams available?

Any thoughts on dropping my leaf springs below my axles?

I'm so excited to get going!!!

Y'all rawk!

_dallon_

I am running a 130 amp out of a 97 cougar on my 289.I needed the extra amps for the Taurus electric fan there are a few places that have how to instructions .I gotta run right now. I will post the how to sites later

Welcome... I saw your intro on another forum... if I had the time, I would have told you to come here!!!

Yeah... The other forum seems more "specialized", but a lot less active... And cool! =)

I found some diagrams to convert my generator to a GM alternator. Thanks!

Can I lower this van without de-arching the springs?

_dallon_

De-arching the springs is probably the easiest way to get your van a bit lower. The axel flip is also doable but pretty difficult. You could try to find a drop axel, I think there was an econoline on here that had one. G-man is lowering his van by notching the frame and bagging it. I would think this is the best way to do it but also the most $$$.

"You could try to find a drop axle, I think there was an econoline on here that had one."

That would be me. It was done by the PO, and very poorly, so I ended up putting it back to stock. Not the nice profile it had before, but night and day regarding improved driveability and safety. Perhaps it can be done, but I'm happy to be rid of it. I may re-arch my springs at some point, because I like the lower look, but it is way down the list.

Thanks for the input fellow v-gans... In my tiny head, I think I could flip the axles on top of the springs by moving the spring perches to the bottom and still keep good geometry and ride. I shall proceed and report my findings. (Not this weekend of course, but hopefully before summer!)

I didn't know the Post Office fab'd dropped axles, but it isn't surprising that they would've done a poor job. I've heard hey can mod the sh*t out of a Jeep tho!

_dallon_

I'm fine with the 3-wire alternator... No one will see it. It's not the wires so much as having an internal regulator. Just a little less clutter. (Like there's ANY clutter in ANY '63 engine bay.)

_dallon_

hey if you are looking for a dropped axle check out these guys

http://www.droppedaxles.com/

I saw them at turlock swap meet. they can do all sorts of stuff including twisting the i-beam.

welcome... get that van out on the salt flats, because i would if i could. i bet it'd run at 8o mph!!!! lol

I just got an e-mail from sid at droppedaxles.com he said that I can drop my front axle 2"