Recently I met the daughter of a owner of a 65 Econoline cargo van, about as bare as I believe Ford would have allowed. Instantly fell in love with it and am working out something to become its next owner. It has sat in its current spot for the past 3 years so brakes and a tune up are definitely in order. The original owner used it as his parts/maintenance van for servicing washing machines at his laundry mats he owned in town and he drove it until he couldnt press in the clutch anymore. 2 years later he passed at the age of 98. I hope to get it back on the road and plan to use it as a toy hauler, keeping it mostly stock with just a few mods here and there but tastefully done.
the only body damage on it is the front 2 corners.

 

Welcome to the site..

Very cool ol van! Always wanted one.. Simple, light weight, yet tough...

I remember back in the 70’s, any used van was hard to come by with all the **** and paneling conversions.
Great that you want it to remain as built, or close... Do post up some images as you go....

 

Gotta admit , they were small ,but tough Nice to see one again, wish all the best and with care it WILL deliver !

 

Van is really solid. I like that it is so bare ( less to clean or work on!) I feel though my biggest hurdle will be the wiring. Apparently the owner didnt like to pay for parts and made his own setups. While neat and I appreciate the ingenuity, I think I am going to see about getting any wiring/switches mods back factory. My plan is to line the cargo area with panels and mount points so I can haul a motorcycle/golf cart around. Basically a self propelled enclosed trailer.

 

Diamond in the rough..

 

So update on the econo van. Went by yesterday to get a check list together, obviously in dire need of a tune up and fuel system refresh. All rubber lines will be replaced and carb will be gone through. Oil looks good but I’ll be replacing it of course along with trans fluid. Noticed some slop in the shifter so I may need to see about 3 spd column bushings? Lastly of course I’ll be going through the brakes.

Nothing is shocking, just a old car that’s sat awhile.