Reality check

Hey guys! New member from Kentucky here. Just wanted to say that I love the forum. Full of very useful information and links. Been casually looking for a van the last few months and just got serious about it.
Just had a quick question... What should I expect to pay for a solid, good running early Econoline van? I'm not looking for a show car, etc., just a solid platform to start from. (i.e. weak paint, interior OK)

Thanks again!!

Joey from KY

2K=-?

I was thinking somewhere around 3-4K for aq van that only need cosmetic attention. Sounds like I'm in the ballpark. Thanks for your input!!

Welcome to the site, c'mon back with pictures of your new ride

eta:
Use Search Tempest to search Craigslist in your area and be patient. some people want way to much, others offer good deals on the earlies. Always verify the vehicles condition before you buy! "Runs Great" to some people is pretty dang far from my definition of it.

Yeah, Good advice! I won't purchase anything I haven't seen or driven. I've messed with old cars and motorcycles long enough to know that's a bad idea. Unfortunetly, this limits what area I can search. (Looking for something near Louisville.) I would travel 3 hours or so for the right van. I've got a couple of goods leads so far but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Keep the input coming!!

. . . to the site KYJOE.

Maybe I was just lucky, but I bought a van 2100 miles away (thanks to G-man's postings). Seems like the California air is better suited to the early vans!

All I had to go on was correspondence with the owner and a lot of pics. If you find one without rust, no matter what condition the motor or interior are in, you're way ahead of the game. Here's what I bought: Carl's Econo

Another good place to search craigslist is www.statewidelist.com it searches craigslist statewide and is pretty easy to use.

Also gives eBay results with the same search. I use it everyday.

Thanks! I'll start looking..

You just missed a 61 Econo truck in Ashland that went for $1300 ... Solid but not running but 100% complete.... I tried getting the cash together to buy but it didn't last but maybe a week.... Where are you at in Kentucky?????
Keep your eyes open and you will find one, maybe at a better price than you think......

this is a little pricey.... he has had it for sale for a while.... I new the van before the paint job and it was as close to rust free as I have seen around here..... very solid.... http://huntington.craigslist.org/cto/2164952429.html

I'm in Bardstown. Yeah, I saw that one. Not digging the paint

KYJOE wrote:I'm in Bardstown. Yeah, I saw that one. Not digging the paint

I don't blame you. Mystery Machine paint jobs are hideous and an insult to all vanners in my opinion.

Remember the Ol Days =?? Earl Shieb -Ill paint any car =only $29.95!!

Twinpilot001 wrote:Remember the Ol Days =?? Earl Shieb -Ill paint any car =only $29.95!!

Yep but when I was young it was $19.95. I had a 56 Ford wagon done for $19.95. I don't think they even washed it before painting it let alone did any sanding.

Problem was, they painted 'the whole' car! Masking was extra!!!

crowen57 wrote:Problem was, they painted 'the whole' car! Masking was extra!!!

yep even the tires. Mine were British racing green when they were done as were parts of the windows.

Ky Joe I sent you a PM but you havent replied. Im up near Cincy with a herd of Econos.