Newbie intro / what to look out for.

Hello everyone.

Very cool site here! I have never owned a van, I have never wanted to own a van. I have had a 66 Nova, several dirt bikes and of late a home built Triumph chopper. I also have a wife and a daughter. While trying to figure out how to get all of us to Iowa for a car show next May, my father suggested getting a first generation cargo van. I honestly didn't know what he was talking about. So we looked them up. I HAVE GOT TO HAVE ONE!!! I love the early econoline's... (something else I said I would never do... own another ford. I'm getting tired of eating the words "I'll never" )

Not knowing anything about these vans I have a question. Are there any specific problem areas to look for? Aside from the normal rust, damage and mechanical soundness, is there a specific problem area?

My family is really looking forward to restoring one of these vans. Thanks for reading!

Novafrk

Welcome. Econolines are a great choice. I would look for one with a 240 ci motor,preferably a 67 since the 67s are the only ones that came with a dual bowl master cylinder. I am partial to panel vans myself but with a family you may want to consider a window "Falcon" van. We are here to answer all of your questions so ask away.

There are many good choices out there for a van. I like the window vans (since I have one). Look out for rust (showing & bondo repairs), back yard mechanic "fixes", and consider the repairs necessary vs availability of parts - do your home work. Have a good work space to perform the work & plenty of tools & friends to help. You made a good choice to find this forum as a resource!

to add to that, Econoline parts are by far the easiest to find.

Thanks! So aside from the normal 40-50 yo vehicle pitfalls nothing specific? I have mentioned the window issue to my wife, and she agree's that would probably be the better choice for the little one. We both really like the cargo van's look though. At this point in my journey all options will be looked at and considered. I look forward to being a part of the forum.

Novafrk

Here are some pics of the only window van I have ever owned. As you can see it is great for a family

Here are some pics of my panel vans.

also the 8 door with a few windows would be fun too.

I think I just shorted out my keyboard from all the drool....Someday mine will look nice. Great line up of vans boys...great line up indeed.

I could not of the mind without the use of the Internet and eBay! . Boy, how the Internet has changed the way we modified cars.

mrdsalvato wrote:also the 8 door with a few windows would be fun too.

Glad you could make it here. I met you at the Route 66 Rendzevous. You were parked with my van club, Inland Vans Berdoo.

Novafrk isn't there a rule that you have A Chevy van to tow that Chevy Nova or are you not planning on towing it. I'm like probably everyone else here and like all earlies and when I win the lottery I will have several of each in my 10 stall garage (LOL - dreaming again). My only advise is look at the drip - roof rails .

I sold the nova a few years ago. We want the van to load up an old Triumph motorcycle. This way the van and the bike can be a part of the show.

As a side note my Nova never let me down and even towed a 67 Mustang back to base one night. Ahh the memories.

Those vans are fantastic looking! Thanks for the photos.

As far as Econolines, LOOK at the spring perches, they like to rot where the springs mount. Mine are rotten. Look where the steering box mounts. They have other issues, but I feel these are the worst on Econo's.

vanishingbreed wrote:

mrdsalvato wrote:also the 8 door with a few windows would be fun too.

Glad you could make it here. I met you at the Route 66 Rendzevous. You were parked with my van club, Inland Vans Berdoo.

Hi Mike I do Remember you. What a good time we had at Route 66. Please let me know of any Van runs I might attend with you guys.

Welcome to the site!!! As you can see any of the makes are very cool. The key no matter what you buy is always the body. Try to find the cleanest one you can. It will save you a ton down the road.