Update on my '64 Econo

Nightmoves, I was originally going to go with the Torq thrust American racing wheels, but these are classic cragar SS's, only the spokes are matte with a slightly rough surface. I like 'em a lot - the pic doesn't really do them justice. The fronts are 7" and the rears are 8".

I wanted the thrush side pipes too, but most were too long, and getting stupidly expensive. (I originally wanted dual exhausts out the back, obout 8" to either side of the license plate, tucked up into the roll pan. Could have done it on the passenger side but the gas tank inlet would have been a major problem on the driver's side, so I abandoned that idea.)

Southern, Van looks Fantasic.

You mentioned that the wheels are 7 & 8's should i assume they are 14's.
Did you have any problem with rubbing in the rear ?
Whats the offset?
I have 14X6 in the rear and was thinking of going to 7's but if 8's fit that would be better.

You were right about the mirrors. They look great. I have been looking for a pair ever since I questioned the price of your purchase and have come up with nothing.And yours were chromed already. At this point I would easily pay what you did. you live and learn.

What are your plans for the front plate? Do you need one ?
Here in NY I will get pulled over all the time without one. Always looking for ideas

mike

TRUCK LOOKS GREAT! REALLY LIKE THE COLOR, WHAT IS COLOR IS IT? IT LOOKS LIKE A VINTAGE COLOR FROM 50'S?
AM I CLOSE?

Wheels are 15", which was necessary with the D&D disc brake conversion on the front (you can go bigger, not smaller). Can't remember the offset but it may be stock. I had my paint shop measure and order them for me. No rubbing! PM me if you really want to know and I'll try and find out.

Yeah I looked for those mirrors for two years, in ANY condition, but got beaten out on e-bay several times. I originally would have settled to have them painted the same color as the body, but when that newly chromed pair showed up I went for it. Heck I paid more to have the headlight trim chromed than I did for both of those mirrors!

I grew up in upstate NY (wife came from LI) and always hated having to have a front plate. Got a ticket once for leaving it off the front of my '68 MGB, because I liked the way it looked so much better, but also got off with several warnings, which only made me more brazen. But here in SC, we only have the back plate!

Sorry Donn, not even close. It's a 2007 Chrysler color. I think it was from a PT Cruiser but there was a color on the 07 Crossfire that was really close. We sprayed up an old fender with both and I picked the one I liked the best. Pastel Yellow is the name. It is a two stage paint, with a pearlized second stage, but I just used the base coat with a clear on top (looks more period correct in my opinion, and makes future touch ups MUCH easier). I spent a LOT of time thinking about the color, and looking at every car I saw for inspiration. I'm really happy with my choice, which is a good thing! Thanks for the compliments - glad you guys like it too.

The van looks great all around, very classy. I am trying to pick a color, same as you checking out many cars. My first choice is a dull yellow, 68 camaro. But still looking. My friend has a 65 Falcon with a cool creamy white, don't think its orig. but really cool vintage look to it. Much like yours has.
It's hard!! if my body work skills were better, much better I would go with black but I am not even close to good enough for a dark color.
Love the ss's. That's going to be another tough choice down the road.

Southern,it kinda at first glance,reminded me of a tan/creme color that was popular on mid '80's GM trucks.Or just a shade or two darker.Looks great no matter who it came from.Very nice!

Donn,
I think these vans look best with lighter colors. Dark can be cool, but as you note your body work better be PERFECT or it'll show every nuance. These vans weren't perfect when they were new!

I saw a neat lime green on My Classic Car that was applied to a 1930's Hearse that was spectacular. It's a VW color - you see it a lot on the new beetles. Sounds awful but I think it could work. I seriously considered that for awhile, but just kept going back to yellow. It's no accident that it's close to the A100 I had over 30 years ago! (I've posted these before - pics are from 1976 when I left my home in Saugerties NY for California. Couldn't afford the Cragars back then!)

The D and D brakes were designed around fitting the stock 14" wheels. With only a few exceptions,14" wheels WILL fit. I dont recal the specifics but I know several peoiple using the D and D brakes specifically to allow for them to use the 14" rims. Dennis or Jim Bulger can explain it better than me.

By the way, your vans lookin "killer".

Sorry, I thought it wouldn't work with 14" at all.

It wasn't really an issue for me because I knew I wanted to go with a 15" wheel anyway.

I'd really be interested in knowing the backspacing of the wheels - if possible. Thx.

Looks like a few of us are interested in the wheel info.
I also was wondering what you ended up doing with the radio ?
Did you end up going under the dash?
What did u do about the antenna ?

mike

I'll try and get the offset info and post it.

I haven't mounted the radio but the plan is to sling it under the dash. I have a plastic box from Crutchfield. Not ideal but the dash is undisturbed and I really don't want to cut into it. Still looking for a dash skirt but I may try to fab something up to help make the radio look better.

As far as the antenna goes that issue is unresolved. If I can get a decent signal I might try and mount it underneath someplace.

I talked to my buddy Chris today and he promises me I ll have a newly produced dash skirt to bring to Bakers for show and tell. They should be for sale soon after Im told.

mcfly wrote:What did u do about the antenna ?

mike

I recently put tunes in my van...here is the antenna that I used. It cost $20. It requires switched power (the power antenna wire from the radio) and a ground. The rear view mirror screws were perfect for the ground. The power wire and the antenna connection run out of sight in the channels/pillar surrounding the windshield.

Thats a cool lookin antenna.Whole lot better than that fishin pole lookin thing on the side of mine.

Nightmoves wrote:Thats a cool lookin antenna.Whole lot better than that fishin pole lookin thing on the side of mine.

I have a stub that used to be a fishing pole attached to the side of the van. Now I can get rid of it and weld up the holes.

The antenna seems to work well. I did a road trip from Portland to Seattle and back on Saturday and cannot complain about the radio reception...seemed on par with the average car radio.

How does it attach to the windshield? Suction or sticky tape? Can you get it closer to the edge? Got a link for it?

southern man wrote:How does it attach to the windshield? Suction or sticky tape? Can you get it closer to the edge? Got a link for it?

I literally walked into AutoZone and paid $19.95. I long ago threw away the packaging and the only writing on the unit is (surprise) "made in china." I needed something and was willing to risk $20. I did have to buy an antenna extension to make the run around the windshield (also available at AZ, Radio Shack, etc. for a few bucks).

It mounts with double sided tape...just peel and stick. I very carefully cleaned the window surface and placed the antenna in the sun for a few minutes to warm the adhesive. I carefully stuck it and held it in place for 30 seconds, or so...

...and, it fell off the first time I drove the van. When it fell, I quickly reached up and slapped it back onto the window...where it has faithfully stuck ever since.

It could be a bit closer to the roofline, but I thought it might get shielded if it is too close. The instructions said to mount it on any non-metallic surface...I briefly thought about mounting it on or near the dash, but found this to be a cleaner look.

Cool Antanna - where did u get it ?? Brand?? 20 bucks is s deal. Long ago 30+ years we all just mounted the regular antanna under the car & insulated the mast with rubber grometts . worked good back then.

Twinpilot001 wrote:Cool Antanna - where did u get it ?? Brand?? 20 bucks is s deal. Long ago 30+ years we all just mounted the regular antanna under the car & insulated the mast with rubber grometts . worked good back then.

AutoZone...but, I've seen the same/similar thing at many different stores since.

Great Look Southern

Is that an original Ford color?
You mentioned that you have to put the door rubber back on....
can I ask what kind of tool you used to take it off neatly..and what kind of clear adhesive are you going to use to put it back on with.

Jim

My first time to see your thread southern man, good lookin' van you've got there. Have you done anything with the interior yet?

Casimier,
The paint is a 2007 PT Cruiser color.

I put the door rubber on with a 3M adhesive my paint guy recommended. Comes in a tube in black or yellow. I chose black. Took my time and kept it pretty neat. Touch up with Naptha if necessary.

Taking off the rubber wasn't too hard. PO had done me a big favor and replaced all the seals in the Van. Adhesiive wasn't too old so I just used a razor blade to separate the rubber from the metal. Lightly sanded away most of the residue.

Crowen,
I've been doing little projects, but interior mainly is waiting for me to rewire the whole thing. I bought a Ron Francis kit and have mounted the fuse box but need to get going on the harder stuff. I actually hoped to do more this week but its been quite cold here for the last couple of weeks and my garage has no heat. Usually that isn't a problem. Decided to put the stereo head in the glove box. Hated to lose the storage but it will look much better than slung under the dash. Especially if I get one of those skirts, which I'm looking for.