I found this 1978 Ford Econoline with the "Cruising Van" option, rebuilt 351W, and all original with rust along the bottom edges. Anyone know how rare these are? Are they worth the cost of a restore? He offered it to me for $500 with a clear title. Ran great when parked, but has been setting a few years. Let me know what you guys think. New member here.
SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS '93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB '92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Super cool but I'll bet the cost vs. reward might be a bit low from the looks of it. Maybe get a peek under it and see how the floor and frame are holding up before you jump into anything.
For $500 though, I'll bet you could part it out and make money.
As an investment ... No. You probably will never get back what it would cost to restore it. But if you just want to own a really cool piece of Ford Econoline history, then go for it , bring her back to life.
1975 Ford E-150 shorty (sold) 2016 Ram Promaster shorty 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7l 1984 Ford E-150
Pretty rough looking, you better have an extra $10,000 laying around just to start a restore on something like that. You could probably sink that much into bodywork and paint, plus sitting a few years can always cause problems, things dry up and freeze up when a vehicle sets for extended periods of time. Some thoughts on items that will need repaired, brakes, gas tank cleaned and fuel system, new tires, radiator system. For the money you could have in a restore, there are a lot of vans showing up on craigslist between $5000-10,000 that are turnkey and ready to be bought and driven.
Thanks for the welcome and advice guys. I have checked the floors, and they are solid. I have restored several cars and trucks, so I know what I would be in for. The problem with buying a running one, is you still end up with surprises. If you build one from the ground up, you know it's all new, is the way you like it, and as was said you save a piece of history. I am picturing this thing with shiny black paint, painted on versions of the tape stripes, some wide and narrow Cragar S/S wheels, and chrome side pipes, looking like it just drove out of a Ford ad from back in the day! The fun factor at cruise-ins and shows may outweigh being a little too deep into it financially. As was said, you do it because you love it. The owner made it clear he will crush it for scrap price if I don't save it. I am still hoping to find out how many may have been made with this option.