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1965 Ford Falcon Van
#335420 October 19th 2009 11:10 pm
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 37
P
newbie
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 37
Howdy from Texas!

I've been a vanner since 2004 when i purchased my first van, a well used '95 Chevy G20 airborne express van. I've had a hoot fixing an modifying the van: Bigger engine, dual exaust, computer and injection system modifications, interior mods, ect... I've had a great time with this van, and i don;t know why i waited so long to get one!

Well the bug is biting me again and i find myself looking at the classic vans for my next project. I've been looking at the the early Chevys (64-70) and all the ones i've come across have major rust damage or they need parts that are allmost impossible to come by, IE the windshield.

So driving to San Angelo today, i spotted a van sitting in a guy's front yard. I turned around to have a look and its a silver 1965 Ford falcon van that looks to be fairly complete.

What are the Econolines like as far as parts availability? Are there any rust areas i need to look for? Are they easy to upgrade to a v-8 (heh heh heh Boss 302 clone in the doghouse laugh ). I've never driven or owned a vehicle with a leaf spring front end before, what do they handle like? Do they behave pretty well on road trips?

Thanks for your help!
PMB

Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
pbrady73 #335436 October 20th 2009 1:00 am
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,497
"Canadian guy who lives way the heck out west"
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"Canadian guy who lives way the heck out west"
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,497
PMB,

If it's a 65, it should have a full crossmember supporting the engine, and they have been modified to accept V8s.

Rust areas? Rear roll pan and corners, rockers, front passenger floor. More urgently though, check the spring mounts.

There are suppliers for window seals, but the "Falcon" windows around the cab are not FoMoCo... but are made to work.

Handling... well, it takes some getting used to the cab-forward thing. I've never driven a "tight" Econoline, but I would consider urethane bushings in a complete rebuild... it's definitely not going to feel like a modern ride.

Good luck!


Corey aka sasktrini, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

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Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
sasktrini #335439 October 20th 2009 4:54 am
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,601
Likes: 10
pooh-bah
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pooh-bah
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,601
Likes: 10
No a true Boss would not fit, heads would not allow you to put the dog house on it, which is a shame cause that would be a terror on the street.

Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
maples01 #335461 October 20th 2009 8:31 am
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,266

Vanner Extraordinaire
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Vanner Extraordinaire
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,266
I drove my 61 over 200,000 miles...it is an acquired taste, but a blast with sway bars! It will handle like a sports car if set up right. V8s were never available in the Fords, but a 68-70 Chev motor box will allow almost anything! There is a 460 powered one in Ca. Parts are pretty easy for the most part. There are a couple yahoo groups dedicated to the early Fords, and a couple members on here that can tell you anything you need to know! pics

Last edited by on the road; October 20th 2009 8:25 pm.

Howard
"Nickels and Dymes"
Midwest Vans Ltd.
Vanfest Staff
Ontario Federation of Vanners Rep since 1978
National Truck-In Board since 1986
First van event-a hall party...March, 1974...ain't been right since!!!!!



Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
on the road #335466 October 20th 2009 8:45 am
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 21,211
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Supreme Master
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One of the keys to a good handling early is to add front and rear swaybars, make sure all the leaf spring bushings are in good shape (or just replace them) and make sure the kingpins, tie rod ends, etc. are in tip top condition.


Nate Breece
Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
NateB #335473 October 20th 2009 9:08 am
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,321
pooh-bah
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pooh-bah
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,321
welcome shift pics


Roger & Donna Jones & Cisco
aka: Gloworm & Dee Jaye & Puppy Trucker
Free Spirit Vans, Springfield, Ohio
2000 GMC Hightop, 2008 HHR Panel, 1987 Astro, 2002 PT Cruiser, 2000 Harley Road King,
Secretary - Southern Ohio Van Council
Host of the 1995 and 2002 Nationals and 1999 C of C
Member Northeastern Ohio Van Congress - 2007 Nationals
Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
Gloworm_Dee_Jaye #335535 October 20th 2009 3:29 pm
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 28,125
Madman!
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Madman!
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 28,125
welcome aboard. Good luck with the new toy !


Ken Schwarz
Tricky Truckers, N.J.
Van Clan Plus One, Canada
Manse Vans, Finland
Rebel Vanners, N.J. "USA"
Toopa Sinner Tribe, N.C.

www.showvans.com

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Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
Superbeast #335620 October 20th 2009 8:18 pm
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,088
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old hand
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Posts: 1,088
yay yay And check into the Econoline Message Board.
worms @> Econoline Message Board


Cloudy
Re: 1965 Ford Falcon Van
Cloudy #335687 October 21st 2009 2:28 am
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,497
"Canadian guy who lives way the heck out west"
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"Canadian guy who lives way the heck out west"
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,497
Actually Cloudy, I'd highly recommend that board for 2nd gen Econoline enthusiasts... I'm one of the only 1st gen Econoheads over there. When I need help, I come here, VintAGE-Vans, or two groups on Yahoo (EconosRUs and oldeconolines).


Corey aka sasktrini, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

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