1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 4 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 4 | Hello all!
I am getting ready to purchase a 1965 Ford Econoline van and dip my toe into vanning! However, I'm much better at driving cars than working on them.
I'm going to see the van on Saturday. What are some things I should look out for? And what would be an absolute deal breaker?
Thank you so much! | | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,308 Likes: 569 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,308 Likes: 569 | Rotten floor boards, rocker panels, gutter rust … the frame under the van will tell a lot on how well it was maintained.
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 | | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 4 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 4 | I have pictures of everything, and it looks good, but I'm going to take the husband and have him crawl under it.
Thank you for the suggestions. I don't want to get blinded by how cute it looks and miss something major. | | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 9,879 Likes: 242 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 9,879 Likes: 242 | What he said ..... It's a 1965. That's 55 years old. Still, if you're looking to drop a wad for it, it should be in decent shape. Look close at the suspension spring hangers and attachment points on the frame. Especially the rear spring mounts. Any rot there is a no-can-do... Look for "ripples" in the body work, especially if it's been painted recently. Don't be embarrassed to take a small magnet to make sure the lower (read "rust prone") areas are real steel and not thick body filler.... The door gaps should be uniform around all the doors. It should start easy, drive well around corners and stop straight otherwise you'll be working more than vannin'. Have you been on any of the Early Econoline forums? Those guys can tell you all about it. http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/forumhttp://earlyeconolineresources.blogspot.com/http://www.fordeconolinepickup.com/forum/
Last edited by CatFish; February 26th 2020 12:25 am.
| | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,397 Likes: 64 veteran | veteran Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,397 Likes: 64 | Yep what they said, vans are great, but just not a ton of aftermarket if the van is rotten.Be picky on your first one and you will be a happy camper😀
When in doubt..get the sawzall out..
| | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 4 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 4 | Thank you for all of the information. I'm just nervous because it sounds almost too good to be true. The van is posted on Craigslist in Nashville. It has been listed for a couple of months. They are asking $4000 and it appears to be in very good shape. But, my worry is that with the price and it being located in a big city there has to be more to the story as to why it hasn't sold. I can go and see it, but it is over 2 hours from me so I don't want to waste my time. | | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 old hand | old hand Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,266 Likes: 43 | I guess you should ask yourself, what are your own deal breakers? Like are you invested in it if it requires a lot of mechanical work after you buy it?
1987 B250 - Painkiller
| | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 32,759 Likes: 175 Old Timer | Old Timer Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 32,759 Likes: 175 | Check it over very close and good luck with it. Just remember it is a 65!
Jim & Lucy Newkirk 1965 Chevy Bad Influence 1981 Chevy-the Love Shack 2012 Chevy Van , 2020 chevy van 2020 Chevy van Sapphire Sweet. Club Vannerz. vanninvanner@comcast.net | | | Re: 1965 Ford Econoline | Joined: Mar 2022 Posts: 1 stranger | stranger Joined: Mar 2022 Posts: 1 | | | |
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