What is your impression of this Van? 1966 Econoline e

Howdy,

I'm new to this group, but thanks for having me!

I'm wondering if you have any general impressions about this van:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5184468848.html

I met the seller, who is really nice and knowledgeable, and even offered to help me fix up the problematic stuff that needs immediate attention (I need to replace some parts in the brakes and steering, and probably find a windshield specialist to replace the front window seal)... everything else seems to be legit, no serious rust or frame damage that I could see. In the near-term, I also definitely need to replace all the seals on the windows, get a new fuel pump, and then get to work on all the surface rust I can find.

Is this a reasonable price? Are there any particular things I should look for/ask about? It seems to run well, and purrs like a beauty! I felt myself swooning for this one... but I think maybe I need a reality check?

Thanks!

If you put your hands and eyes on it and like it, BUY IT. Seems to be a reasonable price. Good luck

it says salvage title,,,,,,,,,,,will you be able to get insurance on it?

It is possible to get it insured where I am, in Cali.  I need to re-register it, which is a bureaucratic process,  involving a DMV inspection for safety and to make sure the VIN num matches the history. There are a few other requirements, and about 50 dollars in fees I think.

Has anyone gone through that process? I suppose that's a good topic for another thread

,,,,and maybe check to see the hidden VIN number matches the title,,,,,,,,,how did it end up with a salvage title?

From what have seen following this site and others the last few years, I think you can find a lot of better condition west coast vans for a little more money.  If you can afford it, you will be happier in the long and short run buying one that's in better shape mechanically. Remember phone companies ran these vans to the ground, well over 100-150K and then junked them as a fleet.  A yard must have saved it and gave it the salvage title.  I'd pass on it and keep looking, JMHO based on the pics and description.  BTW, welcome, take yer time and don't rush in, I and I'm sure many others, have bought old vehicles they wish they hadn't but were overcome with emotion in person when they got there to see it.  As for brakes, you have to expect you will need a complete rebuild from hoses and lines to cylinders, better to buy something where this has already been done.  Steering probably is a worn out worm gear and sector inside the box, common with old fords if it's like my old 49 and it probably is., or rod ends, etc, could get costly....again pass....also, I have found that the longer the description , the worse the vehicle actually is...

Vantasia wrote:From what have seen following this site and others the last few years, I think you can find a lot of better condition west coast vans for a little more money.  If you can afford it, you will be happier in the long and short run buying one that's in better shape mechanically. Remember phone companies ran these vans to the ground, well over 100-150K and then junked them as a fleet.  A yard must have saved it and gave it the salvage title.  I'd pass on it and keep looking, JMHO based on the pics and description.  BTW, welcome, take yer time and don't rush in, I and I'm sure many others, have bought old vehicles they wish they hadn't but were overcome with emotion in person when they got there to see it.  As for brakes, you have to expect you will need a complete rebuild from hoses and lines to cylinders, better to buy something where this has already been done.  Steering probably is a worn out worm gear and sector inside the box, common with old fords if it's like my old 49 and it probably is., or rod ends, etc, could get costly....again pass....

Could not agree more

You'd have to drive down to LA, but it might be worth it for a way better van for a little more $

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5215467145.html

kookykrispy wrote:You'd have to drive down to LA, but it might be worth it for a way better van for a little more $

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5215467145.html

At that price, just buy a new carb....looks OK for the $$$