Econoline. Exceptionally rust free to start with, now fully restored.

Description

NOTE: During this auction I will answer questions readily, but I am quite busy and you may not get a response from me for some time.

This type of van, in this condition, is a very rare sight these days. The vehicle draws a lot of attention and gets many compliments. It is pretty special because it has been so well preserved, having sat indoors in CA between 1987 thru' 2018.

1972 Ford Econoline E200 “Chateau” Van, 302 V8, C6 Transmission, Factory A/C, Power Steering & Power Brakes You Tube Video: FORD 1972 E200 Econoline Compilation

You Tube VIDEO Title:Ford E200 Econoline Van 1972

You Tube VIDEO Link: https://youtu.be/D4WgCYT5MKo

In the video opening clip, the engine was warm and had just had a fresh 10/30 GTX oil change. At running temperature, oil pressure remains at the high end of the guage. (This engine is completely rebuilt.) After shooting this video, we've made final adjustments to the engine tuning and we sorted out a rear brake light issue. The video camera picks up quite a bit of wind noise (We had windows open on a very hot day.) Running temperature, even on very hot days, is consistent at the cooler end of the gauge. (The vehicle has a re-cored radiator and is fitted with a Flex-Fan.)

Summary

This vehicle originally spent it's life in dry Modesto, CA. It was purchased by the prior owner in 1987 when a restoration was begun, including the professionally rebuilt engine & upgraded C6 transmission (Both were never run & stored with assembly lube only, no oil.). Many other components were checked, restored and replaced as required including the Re-cored radiator with new Flex-fan, re-conditioned wiper motor etc. The engine is running an upgraded Edelbrock 4 Barrel Intake & Carburettor with Pertronix electronic ignition.

Bodywork was also carried out, the only rust repair evident was a very small hole in the header above the windscreen which was ground out and welded. There is no other rust, repaired or otherwise, that we can find in the entire vehicle. The vehicle had a minor hit on the front passenger corner, which was very effectively repaired. The project stalled at around 1990.

The vehicle sat indoors until 2018 when I purchased the vehicle and brought the project to completion. There are a few issues still to finish or improve.. A/C is not fully hooked up yet etc.. but, all the work that has been completed is of a high standard. This vehicle is about as close to a near perfect example as you are likely to find today. Structurally and mechanically the van is in exceptional, and rust-free, condition.

The vehicle drives beautifully. Engine has plenty of smooth power. Transmission is smooth. Power assisted Steering & Brakes are well sorted. Sound & heat insulation works well. There is no rust that we can find, anywhere.

Paint is Shelby “Viking Blue” with “Wimbledon White”, per the 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Racing Colors. The leather trimmed Seats are contrasting Black with OEM Houndstooth Blue fabric inserts. The van is intended to look purposeful. It receives many complements and requests to sell.

All said and done.. this van to drive, seem's better than new !!

History

•Original registered owners in Modesto CA.
•Purchased in 1987 by prior owner. Restoration started, project stalled in 1990, sat indoors until June 2018 when I purchased.•Vehicle is now re-registered in CA with its correct, restored original CA Blue Plates.

Mileage

The van was not supplied with its original instrument pack (lost). What we do know:
•Mileage is indicated at 60,500 on the original transfer document.
•Brake drums on the van have only moderate wear and are the ORIGINAL FoMoCo units, suggesting a low mileage vehicle.
•Replacement binnacle showed 6588 miles on install, so any additional mileage, combined with original 60,500 is the actual mileage. @ 11-18-2019 Mileage is 9000. (3500 miles since 6588, so total mileage is 64,000)

Body

LWB (127”) Window van, Dry & very straight. Undercarriage condition indicates the van has had an easy life in a dry climate.
Front passenger fender has taken a minor hit and is repaired well.
Rust: A dime sized hole above the windshield in the header is ground out and welded. In 12 months of restoration we have found zero evidence of rust, anywhere.
Overall, the body is excellent. Underside is extremely clean.

Engine

REBUILT Ford 302 V8. Balanced & Blueprinted. Mild RV Cam. “Hooker” Competition Headers.
NEW 4x Barrel Edelbrock Carburetor & Inlet Manifold
NEW Pertronix Distributor, Electronic Ignition & Coil.

NEW Alternator.
NEW Starter Motor.
Currently running Break in oil with Zinc additive. Will be changed soon.

Transmission

REBUILT Ford C6.
NEW Transmission Cooler & Lines.

Rear Axle

R&R’D Ford 9’ rear axle. NEW Rear Wheelbearings.

Propshaft

NEW (“Drivelines”, Orange County, CA.)

Exhaust

NEW 3” Stainless with “H-crossover”.(Balances cylinder bank pulse.. generating smooth flow, greater efficiency & sound.)

Cooling

REBUILT Radiator. NEW Cap. NEW Flex-Fan. NEW Hoses. NEW Thermostat.

Heating

NEW Heater Core.

Brakes

REBUILT Brakes: NEW Bendix Shoes, NEW Brake Lines & Cylinders, NOS Dual Master Cylinder, ORIGINAL FoMoCo Brake Drums (Indicating lower mileage.)

Wheels & Tires

NEW Tires 225/75 R15 Nexen. 15”x7”. REPAINT Wheels x5 (5x5.5” PCD)

Steering

REBUILT Power Steering Control Valve.

Suspension

Stock. Bushings & Shock Absorbers are as purchased. We have found no drivability issues and no reasons to replace/renew components.

Fuel System

REBUILT Fuel Sender, NEW Fuel Pump. CLEANED Gas Tank.

Electrical

NEW “Optima” Gel Battery. REBUILT Wiper motor. SOURCED Instrument Pack indicating different mileage.Inner courtesy lights work, however I have not installed them as this requires screwing fixtures through the new headliner.

Chrome Plating

Front & Rear Bumpers, FORD Grille Letters, Front Window Vent Frames. “Supervan” Emblem.

Anodizing

Grille & Corner trims. Headlight & Taillight bezels.

Glass & Seals

Original side & rear glass cleaned & polished. In reasonable condition. NEW Windshield & Windshield Rubber Seal.
NEW Door Seals.
NEW Vent Seals.

NEW Square Window Seals x2 (x4 remaining but not urgent.)

Exterior Trim

“Supervan” rear door emblem (“Chateau” Emblems DELETE). NEW Wiper Blades. NEW Side markers. ”Econoline 300” side emblems were supplied with the vehicle, however VIN indicates that this is an E200.

Headlights

NEW Sylvania Halogen Headlights. The brightest & most expensive available.

A/C

Factory AC parts are installed in this vehicle.All is connected except electrical connectors to A/C pump, and Battery. Also, because the rear bench has moved rearward (about 6”), new hoses to the inside outlet box need to be made, then hooked up.

Paintwork

Professionally prepped & repainted in 2018/19 with PPG Clear over Base Viking Blue with Wimbledon White Roof, Engine bay & Wheels.(1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Racing Colors)

Insulation: Sound & Heat.

Noico Self-adhesive Sound Deadener on front floors, wheel arches, doors & roof.
Aluminum skinned felt insulation under carpets, on bodysides, & roof.
Hi-Temp Fiberglass mat & Woven heat insulation within Engine Cover. Hi-temp insulation within engine bay.

Interior Trim & Upholstery

NEW Seat upholstery: High quality leather facings, OEM Blue Houndstooth fabric inserts ($180 per yard x4yds !!)
NEW Interior Panels fabricated from ply, then sealed & trimmed with Ford Blue vinyl.
Engine cover tray has magnets installed on the underside so that containers on the topside are held in place under normal conditions.
Side window inner trim panels have magnets installed on the inner surfaces so that interior fabric screens/shades can be magnetized into place.

Seatbelts

NEW “Beam’s” Seatbelts. 2x Front retractable, 1x Rear static.

Sound System

Interior is wired for sound System Speakers.(Not installed. Preferred cleaner look.)

Spare Parts

Several important spare parts included including a rare, correct OEM “Draw-Tite” Towing Bracket, spare square window.

OUTSTANDING ISSUES TO SORT OUT

•Instrument pack Ammeter not currently working. (Temp, Fuel, Odometer, Speed all working well, Charging system is fully functioning.)
•Brake warning light stays on, even though dual master cylinder power brakes function very well. At this time I have just removed the bulb, but the issuewill need to be investigated eventually.

•A/C system will need to be finished.
•I have replaced x2 of the square window seals with new seals from Steele Rubber ($30 each/1hr work). There are x4 more square windows withacceptable, but older, seals. Not an urgent matter.