General thoughts on an Econo and A108?

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum. Been an aircooled VW guy for a long time, but in the past few years Ive been building motorcycles as well, and you just cant fit a long rigid frame in a Beetle. So I've been looking for an old van to accompany my gf's bus.
Ive read through pages and pages of stuff on here, and its all been super helpful, so could you possibly give me some feedback on two vans I think I'm down to.

1) A 1969 A108 -- is there anything I should know about the longer wheelbase? I would think it would drive smoother, actually, but sometimes I look at it as just think its too.....long. I know thats just opinion; any tips for when I go to check it out? It was posted in the listings a couple weeks ago, I'll probably go see it in a few days. http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/cto/3952473961.html

2) a '61 Econoline, 144ci, 3 on tree, short wheelbase. I think it'll still work for motorcycle hauling, but how about differences in overall driveability? I've driven ancient cars my whole life, so I have no problem tinkering, setting points, driving relatively slow. I guess I'm wondering about mechanical comparison. i really do like the short econoline body style...

Thanks a ton, I really appreciate it!
James

First off=Im not an econo or dodge type- yet all about same!! 144 cube engine is small=low on power! yet usually anyways likely meeds updates & rebuilding & mant opt for larger engines @ that time anyways . Now for the longer vans - some like some dont =personal preferences only! yet!!= any van will fill up quickly!! i will say an alternative to hauling anything inside is also a small trailer for bikes or stuff too!! Econs are easier to get parts for and larger support groups also! 

I like them both the same for different reasons. The econo for style, and the Avan for its ugly and MORE ROOM! even if it was a short wheelbase, the Avan has more room in it due to larger inside dimensions. Something to take into account. I love the econo because its pretty and rad and all around classicly good looking, thats HARD for me to pass up, but the long wheel base econos look "unique" and handle awkwardly (from what I read on here) if the weight is nto exactly done right, and as such, being an old car guy and motorcycle guy, I went with the Avan, mostly for the room, and the Ugly looks really make me like it more. Kinda like the loyal ugly dog that you just cant be mad at lol. Since the econo long wheel base is "unique" I went the easy route, and have even carried a motorcycle around a couple times WITH my rear bench still in the van.

Just throwing idead out there. Have a great day!

I'm a Mopar guy all the way, so I'm biased.
I'd suggest looking at the Dodge with tape measure in hand. Put your bike nose against a wall and measure to the very back, not just the wheelbase. Also check the height! I've rolled my XR250 into the back of my 89 van, and it's close!  
When you look at the van, figure where the bike will fit and then consider that a shorty will be 18 inches shorter.
I've had fast cars and slow stuff. I can shift my mindset to a slow car. Heck, I've got a flathead 6 in my 4 door Chrylser Windsor!
but I'd really have a hard time with hauling a bike + stuff in a 4 cylinder van. I'd be looking for at least a 6. The 4s are fairly uncommon and the parts thing is also a concern. Get a 6 or 8 and avoid the 4 speed Ford.
Then it's a matter of finding what's available and affordable.
Here's a later van and vintage bikes to give you an idea of packaging...

Tha A108 really isn't that big, and will have more room for your hauling. That 144 motor you won't like just because of lack of power.

Welcome to VV!!!

Thanks a lot guys, I am pumped to join the elite Vanning Forces!
Here's the econoline Ive been watching, I think it was in the CL/ebay listings as well...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-E-Series-Van-DELIVERY-PANEL-VAN-1961-ford-econoline-panel-delivery-/221271936608?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3384d5ce60&item=221271936608&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
I hear you about the general dog-ness of the 144 straight6, and while it makes so much sense, I then think "well crap, Ive driven VW busses all over the country, Ive been driving an orphaned Mercedes 240d in the meantime (which uses a calendar instead of a speedo); I can do slow".
But I will also be hauling a good bit of motorcycle and parts, so I will first do what RodStRace suggested and measure.
Heres the bike that I'll be hauling, at least in the beginning-- its pretty l-o-o-o-ng, so I have to see if its even possible. The sissy bar will come off....
Thanks again![img][/img]

with a chopper for sure the 108

That's a sweet Putt..You'll have to do the long wheelbase with that chopper.These guys on this site are the best for everything you need to know about vans! I'm hooked!! Welcome to V.V. Ken

Yeah i'm with Ken , Your in need of a 108 ,

i love my 108 with the extra room and a 318 for plenty of power

Nice bike!!!
I couldn't find one of my tape measures (of course), so I grabbed an 8' chunk of wood.
On my 100, this will NOT fit between the doghouse and rear doors. It barely fits between the battery box and rear door. At an angle (battery box behind driver seat to right rear corner) you can add a foot, so 9 feet. Without a seat on the passenger side to the left rear corner, add 18".
A 108 will be 18" longer, so go from there. You shouldn't have any issue with height, and the bar does not extend behind the rear wheel, so it's not an issue.
If the front wheel is a 21", it looks like you are right around 103" or about 8'4".
You can stuff it into a 100 across and be tight, or get a 108 and make life much easier.

Welcome aboard! Me thinks the chopper would look right at home in the 108. Good luck and keep us posted once you've found "the one"!

I looked long and hard but couldn't find a dodge van i seen with a cuda painted on one side with the tires lined up and a chopper on the other side again with the tires lined up, thought i'd pass the pic along to you. ohwell,, welcome to vintage vans. nice bike...

There is one with a cuda on one side, Challenger on the other. I've seen one with a chopper too, but it's sure not to scale!






and here's something to make you unable to sleep!

Ha!
This is whats been fueling my budding van craziness...

that's nice Rod the one in pa. had the same hemi and the other side was the chopper (dare to be different)

el-fakir like the bike but not picking up on the brick wall to much going on.

The Econoline also had an 18" longer van called the SuperVan. I see lots of them for sale, since I am looking for a shorty van.

Id get a 108, more playroom inside.

I've got a 90" and getting the water bed, wet bar, etc in there is going to be a challenge but I have faith it can be done.