Looking for a van

[doghows]

Well my Wife has finally gave in to the dark side. She has told me I can sell the Metropolitan if and only if I can find her a Falcon Van. So the search is on. She want one with windows but other than that it's wide open. So if any one knows of one for sale put us in contact so I can fill my garage with more Falcons. Thanks Steve...

By the way I just brought home a 65 chero last night. I think we need a new forum for all us crazy guys.??? Or should I say category??

[redfalken]

Brian P. is the "Van Man". I think he knows of every Falcon van within a 1,000 miles of here!

[Luva65wagon]

Wasn't Jim Frey's grandson selling one for $29,000 or something? Maybe it is still available. [thumb]

[doghows]

Dang and my budget was 27k.:( Brian any good leads out there. She wants one with all the windows. Thanks Guys..

[modified17]

There's a real nice one the Portland Craigs List under Ford Falcons dated Nov. 3rd. Windows and everything. No price though. Dave

[BPVan]

The Dark Side????? I see now where I sit in this club:bicker:

Anyway, I have much info for you, in fact too much to type here, but I'll give you the basics. A true Falcon Van is the window version with rear seats (though finding one with rear seats, well forget I even mentioned it.). Falcon Van was a marketing idea to rebrand the Econoline as a "Station Bus" or "Wagon" and group them with the sedans. This model also had the mechanical slide out step (as mine does) for the right side door as it opens, look for a van with a working one as they are 40 swear jars to fix.

My recommendation is to hit the 65-67 years as you will have less upgrades to do. These years started the super duty line with the heavier bumpers and rear axles. They also tilted the steering wheel back starting in 65 and also had the upgraded heater box and 2 speed wipers (and if you act now I'll give you the info to upgrade to intermittent wipers while maintaining original aesthetics). The best power to economy ratio I have seen for these is the 200ci which was never offered from the factory of course.

'67 was the only year with a factory dual master brake cylinder, so you can imagine the frequency and price of them on ebay (few and $300+ for a working pull) as there is no direct aftermarket option without mods. I would avoid the super van with the 18" extension, not a good look and that much more metal to take care of plus more room = more stuff, and who needs more stuff? Don't answer that. One more tip - Glass is not easy to get for them so a broken window might be a deal breaker, or a significant price cutter.

As always give me a call anytime. I might even be coaxed into looking at some with you, I can point out all of the stuff you might not realize is missing or misplaced, all the stuff I wish I knew when I bought mine. Above all take your time, they pop up for sale frequently and some for very cheap.

Welcome to vanning! I guess I won't be the special one anymore.:cool:

Here are some links to the main early "vanner" sites:

http://www.vintage-vans.com
http://www.ford-econoline.com

[BillP 98201]

How about matching sedan deliveries? :banana: I do like vans though. My dad had a 65 Dodge van for years. Said the falcon wouldnt pull our travel trailer

[doghows]

I had my eye on that 61 Delivery on craigslist for a while but the wife wants windows. I guess it is easier for her to see out to drive and not hit anything.
Brian thanks for the tips I will look slowly and carefully. I have enough project stuff at the house, and this one will be either done or close to it.
If I get confused I will be calling. Thanks.:shift:

By the way the dark side is just getting that stupid little metro out of my garage, and getting something she might actually drive...:)

[64SprintV8]

It is a rare travel wagon with a pop top,and a heavy duty model with the larger 240 truck engine,9inch rear end and 3 speed automatic.Also has falcon trim.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2713645630.html

[redfalken]

Seems like a decent price depending on how it looks up close and personal.

I did a camper wagon search and found this one. Done up like a diner. Pretty cool and yours for $22,500. No bodywork needed!! We know how you hate that! :doh:

http://caravans.oros.org/Caravan/Ford/Ford.html

[doghows]

Thanks for the heads up. I already have pics from the seller. He said he is not ready to sell for another week or so. He is moving and using the van for that. Wife kinda liked it?? We will go look at it after turkey day. Thanks for the tips [thumb]

[BPVan]

Steve -

One has popped up that looks real clean, it probably wont last too long. From the fact that it has a manual column shifter I am going to guess it has a 170 or 200 in it.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/2848340534.html

[BPVan]

The post is down already, must have sold or had second thoughts...

[doghows]

Was that the yellow one??

[BPVan]

Not it wasn't, the yellow was a panel which I was considering looking at myself (the crazy is wearing off). The one I posted was a real nice window van with bench seats being used as a daily driver.

Anyway, another has popped up for cheap. Its a 170, 3 on the tree and will need a little body attention. The dash is all intact and has the vinyl trim option like mine. Looks like the seats are out of it but I see it as an opportunity to put more modern seats in it which many have done.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/ptd/2852192229.html

[doghows]

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me Brian. I will show it to the powers that be... Steve

[BPVan]

A really good one popped up, much more together plus it has all the upgrades that came in 65:


http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2865253835.html

[doghows]

Thanks Brian, I spotted that one yesterday. I have my 65 Ranchero up for sale so if it goes, I think a van might be in the future.

[Nathan289]

There's a 62 ford galcon club wagon in keniwick

Yes it was spelled galcon in the craigslist ad.
Its blue and has lots of windows. Body has lots of patina and some old school ansen kidney bean wheels.

Thought id share...

I always thought the econoline pickups were cool

Nathan