New to the Van world

Hi,

My names Nick I live in La crosse WI. I'm new to Vans but have been a avid Hot rodder since I was 15 (now 40). I've always looked at these early vans and have always thought they were cool as hell. Well, I've sold a recent project, and now I have decided that I need one of these!!!! My wife really likes the idea too because we can cruise to shows and sleep over in a camp ground, and she loves camping. I figure it's a win win situation, I get the hot rod and she gets to camp lol. I guess I could use some help finding one that's in decent cond. and is fairly close to where I'm from. I'm not looking for a high doller Van, but one that I can drive and fix up. Also, I'm open to the make, I've had all makes in the past and to tell you the truth there's something cool about them all. If anyone can help with my search that would be great. I would really like to get more involved with the forum and that would be so much easier if I had my own Van to talk about. Well, thanks for listening. Nick

Hey Nick, welcome to the site.

What brand are you partial to? There's a guy on the Dodge A100 Yahoo forum that's in La Cross. He has a very nice A108 8 door and I believe he has also restored an A100 with his son.

Welcome to the site!!!!
Stop by here on Labor day weekend, there always something for sale here plus you can check some cool vans
https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/do-you-know-of-a-van-event-f29/taz-z-10th-annual-vintage-van-fest-all-vans-econoline-a-100-pick-up-s-welcone-t14040.htm

Thanks guy's

I'm kind of partial to the short wheel base older vans at this point, but you never know. Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the link.

Nick

Welcome to the site Nick.....

Welcome from West Virginia!!!!!

Welcome Nick, Heres a no-door with a small block out your way.He also has an Econoline supervan
http://appleton.craigslist.org/cto/1902598781.html


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mike

welcome to the site.I would recomend a Dodge.Early body style is used all the way to 1970 they had power steering,V8 and automatic to just to let ya know some of the advantages.Oh and just cause Dodges RULE!!!

I'm partial to the Dodge's too The doghouses come apart easily without being welded to the floor, the automatic shifter is cool and most everything stayed the same from '64 to '70. Getting Dodge front end parts can be a little pita.

GM buried some of their batteries under the floor. I heard that Ford has a larger replacement part selection. IMO Chevy and Dodge had nicer looking extended vans.

I'm thinking an A108 Hightop camper with a 440/727 might just be what the doctor ordered

Welcome in Nick.Be patient,It will find you.

well I'm pretty syre they didnt put the bigblocks in till late 70's but if ya buy an 8 cyl then its easy enough to install 440

BajaCharlie wrote:well I'm pretty syre they didnt put the bigblocks in till late 70's but if ya buy an 8 cyl then its easy enough to install 440

That's what's cool about these van shows. There was 'discussion' as to if someone could put a 440 in there without butchering the doghouse. Well I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that Mike Cragle did it. He said it was a total PITA to shoehorn it in there, but does it go. To quote Taz - "It's INSANE!"

I think a camper version would be the ultimate sleeper.

they are all cool A's, E's, G's, corvairs and even the bugs and if you can find one a Thames van. i'd take one of each if i could afford it, they all have a special look. when i scout the internet i go to site mash and type in vans and get to look at all the listings on ebay and craigslist nationwide...

all are cool but only DODGE is the coolest.

I've been "collecting" Econolines northwest of you in Saskatchewan, but mostly because Chevs and Mopars are rare (though my brother has the Fargo A100 I rescued). V8 swaps are easiest on Chevs and Chryslers, and you can probably put a hot small block together. You don't want to go TOO big, as heat is a factor as you need room for a suitable rad too. So I would say that if you find a good candidate in the A's and G's, you should go for it. If I had an A, G and E right now to choose from, I'd choose a G (because I don't have one!) Welcome!

There are a couple van club people and events your way...

"all are cool but only DODGE is the coolest."

Baja, I know your post is in jest, and 3 years ago I would have agreed with you. I spent two + years looking for a suitable van, with a Dodge being the main goal. I owned a '66 A100 panel 30 years ago and wanted another. But when I found my Econo 3 years ago I knew I had found my baby. And formerly, of the three, the Ford would have been my least favorite, but not anymore.

Really, what matters most is finding one in the best possible condition body wise, no matter the brand. The rest is relatively easy to bring back, but body work...

Yes, the Dodge has the best dog house (IMO), and they and Chevys are easier to install V8's (some came with them), but the Ford 6's are strong and well built. Take your time and as someone else said, the right one will find you.

I have to say for me I would have any of the brands of early's . They all have good points and bad. Some are harder to find parts. Body is the key no matter what you get

G-Man wrote: Body is the key no matter what you get

That's a hard lesson to learn. I thought mine was in better shape than actually is. Now it's time to pay the piper.