6 replies to this topic

[sharkpitlocal]

Just picked this up from my neighbor. Got tired of watching it sit in his driveway for the last three years since he moved in. Problem was, I had to part w/ my custom Baja Bug first, which only took about a week! Now that I have this sucker, it's already down at my local mechanics shop getting freshened up. I am the fourth owner, and it came with all the original service and maintenance records, receipts, informal logs, and shop manuals. It ran when he parked it three years ago, but hasn't since. It needed a few obvious fixes: the exhaust manifold gaskets were bad, it needs a starter, and the engine was covered in oil! New valve cover gaskets installed, and they typical plugs, wires, cap, and button. New belts and hoses, to boot, along with two new batteries. Next on tap is to change all the fluids... front and rear diffs, tranny, engine oil, transfer case, and new antifreeze. Once we get her started, and yes I named her BUBBA, she will go down and hopefully pass smog. Problem is, the 460ci V-8 has 218K miles on it. It's never had an engine rebuild and a tranny rebuild, but I'm hoping she holds steady. Shocks were Rancho's put on in 95' and they should still be ok. Brakes? Who knows... Definitely plan on adding rear discs, eventually. It's only going to go from my house a few miles out to the beach on weekends while I surf. Oh, the custom 40 gallon tank has a crack and leak in it, so it's going by-by. I'm just going to replace it w/ and OEM 22 gallon tank and maybe try to have the big tank repaired. After putting on a set of tires, she's going to have to wait a while to get anything else done, plus I will have spent all my loot too! Here's where I plan on having her in five years: Either a pop-top camper roof or a fiberglass tall topper; inside sound-proofed w/ Dynamax ultra; floor covered w/ Line-X; custom interior done by me, including a small folding bench seat/bed, and whatever else will make a good day-runner or couple day camper, max. Paint? Wife said to get rid of the dark color and add some windows, or she won't ride in it! Typical! What'ya think, people? Did I get a good deal for $3,000, or what? After the engine freshening and fluid replenishing, I'm hoping she still runs strong. Ideas on the engine? Keep the 'big-gulper' or go bio-diesel? What diesel would fit under the hood and match up w/ the C-6? Should I expect any problems w/ that Borg-Warner? Suggestions and comments will be taken. Oh, more pictures and updates to follow. Thanks.

Attached Files

•  Bubba.JPG   32.24K   44 downloads

[old_van_man]

nice find! you got a great deal for $3000. Looks nice and straight with nice chrome. My wife won't ride in my van until it's all fixed up too.
keep the 460CID, have it blueprinted, convert to electric fan, and EFI (holly makes kits!).

[Mat Mobile]

Cool van! I like where your project is going! I think you got a fair price (which is good for your neighbor too. win-win)

I also want to do the disc brakes in the back. I haven't seen anybody do it on these vans. From my very brief research, I think the trick is to take the rear disc brakes off of a "modern" Ford Explorer.

[sharkpitlocal]

Update: Still in the shop! Found out that the engine is a 351 Windsor, and I'm kinda glad. Wasn't looking forward to guzzling that much gas. Speaking of which, the custom 45 gallon tank had to be dropped in order to diagnose the lack of fuel reaching the engine. The inside was rusted big-time, so I just replaced it w/ an OEM 22 gallon tank, with new internal fuel pump. Also had the fuel pump along the frame replaced. The engine got new plugs, wires, rotor button, cap, and starter. Mechanics are finishing the fuel system any day and hope to have it running for longer than a minute! Also, the valve cover gasket needed replacing, as well as the exhaust manifold gasket, which is when they found the crack in one side of my headers. Welder fixed it, but we still don't know if she will smog until we get it running. So far, besides the 3K I bought it with, I've spent about that same amount on parts & labor but it's all good. The initial start up investment will hopefully pay off for many beach trips over the next few decades. I'm hoping that the brakes are decent. I have all the original service records going back from the original owner, as well as the two owners before me. It has 218K total miles, with many parts replaced, some several times. The front brakes have been replaced at least five times (Quadravan's are notorious for dis-proportionate front break wear). It's had three radiators, two headers (because they get hot and crack), two windshields, another paint job, most of the bushings in the front suspension replaced w/ original Quadravan stuff, too. The list goes on.... 2 starters, Rancho shocks, etc... Underside looks decent, though. I plan on purple-stuffing the bottom, followed by a hot water pressure wash, and a case of do-it-yourself undercoating aerosol spray cans. The interior was re-done about fifteen years ago by some place in River-Tucky (Riverside) called RV Rehab Room, or something. It's matching blue padded vinyl, but has these cheesy brass tacks compressed down about ever three square inches. That's going to get covered w/ spray glue and Home Depot indoor/outdoor, gray, $18 for a 4'x8' roll of carpet. It's pretty thin and pliable. I redid the interior in my baja bug with it, and it looked great... utilitarian, but great. Oh, just google rear brake kits for econolines and there's a company that makes them. Can't remember off the top of my head. Keep ya posted.

[76Vanduro]

Nice ride the metal looks cancer free I like the guard on the front I want something like that on my 76' I also would like discs on the rear
My van also has the 351w (new) and a rebuilt c6 but only a 2 barrel carb

[Hoofbeats]

Swaping a Dana 70 to discs is an easy project.You can buy the parts or the complet kit.

[sharkpitlocal]

Finally getting her back from the shop a month and a half later. It smogged and is now road legal, so I'm super stoked! The welder fixed the two cracks in the header and the catalytic converter and muffler were still good to go. Got the new fuel tank, pumps, strainer, and lines installed. Engine also needed an injector replaced. Front & rear diffs, and transfer case are getting fluids changed. She's also getting new rotors, calipers rebuilt, and new pads on the front. On a bad note, the rear end is making a slight noise, hopefully it isn't something major. If it does need a new ring and pinion gear, or to be totally rebuilt, I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and pay for it. The tranny also will go through all the gears fine, but won't engage park. Don't have the money to rebuild it now so I'll just cut her off in neutral and use the parking brake! Getting a new set of mud tires slapped on it when I pick it up from the shop and I'll be on the road.