New Guy with 1964 Econoline Heavy Duty Cargo Van

I recently inherited a 64 cargo van that has been sitting in a garage since the late 70s. It was my brother-in-laws daily driver. The voltage regulator was putting out to much and caused the generator to sling solder. One of my older brothers bought it before he passed and I ended up with it. I'm waiting on the weather to cooperate before I pick it up. Its in tight quarters, but I did get in and determined that it will roll. I'm hoping the engine isn't stuck. If it is, I have a 61 170 engine and extra 3 speed tranny from a running econoline. The spare engine has been sitting in my garage for 3 years, but turns freely. I hope I don't need it as I would like to go original. Does anyone rebuild generators and voltage regulators. Also, I'm going to need to find seats and a 4 speed transmission. I forgot to mention that this is a factory 4 speed van. The guy that owned it before my brother-in-law put a 3 speed in it. Still has 4 speed column and extra linkage hanging. Will try to get pics soon. It has rust, but I'm a retired auto body man so not too worried about that part or the ugly yellow brick road, painted above the style line around the van from windshield to windshield. I am really looking forward to the project. Any help on the seats, generator or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Greg

Welcome to the forum! Looking forward to seeing some pictures. Sounds like you want to go with all original, what kind of seats are in it now?

Welcome!!!

Welcome to Vintage Vans! I think I've read on here that the 4 speeds weren't as reliable as the 3 speeds...maybe the prior owner was experiencing those issues and decided to switch it out to a 3 speed. In any case, you've come to the right place for help and advice! I'm sure someone will be able to point you in the right direction.

Thanks for the welcome. I believe my brother n law told me the seats are out of a pinto, but they weren't mounted the last time I seen it. The van is complete minus seats and a battery, plus an off center skylight and a wood bed platform. The latter two will have to go. The transmission is probably going to wait since I have two 3 speeds. My plan is to get it running and drive it between working on it. I want something that you don't need a degree, to keep it running.

Hang out here for a few years, and you will get a degree in Vintage Econolines. You can't get that kind of education in any college.

This site is loaded with good info and some really slick rides. I didn't know that the steering gear box could be adjusted. I was looking at a rebuild on it later, but maybe I won't need to.

Welcome also. I thought I knew a fair amount about Econolines but the knowledge I've gained on this site has been unbelievable. Ask questions someone on here will get it answered

Thanks for the welcome. This site is pretty awesome. I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions once I dig in. I'm going to try a get over to it tomorrow and takes some pictures. It's going to be sub zero and I'm getting old, so we will see. I can only get in to it on weekends and evenings and there's no light.

Welcome to the forum Greg! Sounds like a cool project. I'd love to see a pic of the paint job. I'd try an electric motor shop for the generator. Otherwise a 2G alternator is an easy swap. Good luck!

Thank you Seth. I'm having trouble with my only running vehicle, but I'm hoping to get over to get some pictures today.

I'm having trouble resizing and posting my pictures. I'll try some more tomorrow.

Welcome to VV,,  IMO,, one of the friendliest forums on line.  Regards to yours,, I would suggest that you make the move that most all with a generator eventually end up doing.  Simply convert to an alternator and end all the issues.  
 The trucks were never intended to use the electrical loads that we put on them nowadays and in like putting  in a new house circuit breaker panel wise to install more capacity than you are planning to use. Why not do that with an alternator for the same amount of moneys to repair the generator setup???
 I use and love the Ford 3G alternator and have been talking about it for years since 1st finding it. It puts out the amperage AT IDLE that very few other alternators put out at full rpm!!  90 amps at 600 rpm and a low of 135 amps at 2000 and up to 200 amps if you get the great big one.
 A stock 64 and up alternator putting out perhaps 60 amps at 2000 and very little at idle.  Idle speed amperage output the most important,,, any alternator can scratch out 60 amps at full speed.
 The 3G available for the same price as the smaller alternator and almost a bolt in. The only draw back would be the mount and needing a double pulley setup as ANY alternator over 80 amps needs two belts or a serpentine belt.
 Still,, if you dont want to go through that you can still just use a stock alternator and convert the wiring over very easily..  Note.. I forgot to mention that the 3G has an integral piggy back regulator and you can ditch the stock setup in front of the radiator!!!!  Believe me it works GREAT!!!
VicSoCal

Couldnt get a 2nd picture in,,, here is a 3G install on my last,,, the single pulley shown not good and would squeal once in a while on startup,,, Too much tension on the belt still not working and so like I have been posting for years,,, MAX amp load for a single belt is 80 amps,,, convert to dual belts not a big deal,, (with the right parts,, LOL).   I can send also pictures of the parts to make the mount if anyone is interested to make their own.  Note the self adjusting setup at the back of the mount... works very nicely (pat on the back),,
VicSoCal

Thank you for the welcome, Old Skool. I probably will switch to an alternator for awhile and your info looks good. I doubt I will be doing any of the wiring, but I know someone. Right now I just want to get it to turn over. If it'll do that, I should be able to get it running. I'm hoping to get better pictures on Christmas Eve. Thanks everybody.

Vic, Do you or someone else have a part number for the G3 alternator? I know it's cheaper to get one from a salvage, but would like the reassurance of a new or rebuilt one.

Thanks,
Jim

95 Mustang,. 1st give away is no external fan. 135 Amp unit, 90 Amps@ 600 rpm. Two larger Amp units I have heard about. I can pay wiring details better when I get back home. Basically ditch the inferior Econoline regulator and copy wire color code and designation to the piggy back regulator. Run LARGE gauge wire directly to a 125 Amp resettable breaker and then directly to the battery post on the starter solenoid as that avoids all and any issues.

For sure get a new one, why create issues and more guess work. Auto Zone lifetime guarantee, update is well worth the work. Biggest issue is making the bracket and finding the dual pulley setup. There is a bolt on pulley for the early single pulley dampener and a matching dual pulley for the water pump. I have a few setups I think?? Out of town right now so can't look.
Vic

Thanks, Vic. I'll order that one.

Greg, Sorry I interupted your thread.

It's all good. I'm getting a lot out of this. Get in here all you want. Got a couple more pics.

Welcome to VV Greg. Judging from your pics, you have a decent looking ride there.