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Projects Econoline Madness...Yeah I Must Be Mad...The '61 Is Road Ready!!

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by BloodyKnuckles, Oct 8, 2010.

  1. Here is the link to my original thread to get you up to speed;

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=453390&highlight=bloodyknuckles

    Well, I think I did pretty good.

    I bought this '61 from a friend that sat for 30 years inside of a hay barn for a whole $200.

    I have replaced a ton of stuff;

    >water pump
    >dist cap, rotor points and condenser
    >plugs, wires, coil
    >new Falcon radiator, hoses
    >belt
    >fuel pump
    >valve cover gasket
    >rebuilt the carb
    >new fuel lines
    >Mustang tank and sending unit
    >new hard and soft brake lines
    >new wheel cylinders
    >rebuilt master cylinder
    >changed all fluids
    >replaced the tires and wheels (temporary, not my style..)
    >rewired the ignition switch
    >got the wipers to work

    While going through the brakes I found that everything was replaced just before it was put away. The wheel cylinders were toast but everything else was perfect. Easiest brake job I have ever done.

    So when I took it out the first time the exhaust manifold blew a chunk and took the bolt and ear from the head with it. With the help of my buddy "Cougar" Mike he and I welded the chunk back in but now I am looking to replace the head and manifold.

    Also, I thought it was a 144 but it has the orange valve cover and air cleaner which tells me it may be a 170. It has plenty of power....for what it is.

    Today I took it up to 65 and other than a nasty exhaust leak it's rather nice to drive. It stops so damn good to boot.

    So all in all I am pleased with this thing. Going from a 30yr slumber (stuck engine and all...) to a decent little hauler.

    Pics;

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    This is the ONLY rust through on the whole van!!!
    [​IMG]



    I do need a master cylinder spring if any one has one or knows where I could get one.


    Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have a long way to go but I feel like I'm off to a good start.



    BloodyKnuckles
     
  2. old lady's mad
    Joined: Mar 18, 2007
    Posts: 169

    old lady's mad
    Member

    hey sounds like you making progress , way to go .
     
  3. AnimalAin
    Joined: Jul 20, 2002
    Posts: 3,416

    AnimalAin
    Member

    What's not to like? Very cool.
     
  4. Thanks a lot.

    I still don't feel that it's as reliable as it needs to be but hell, the engine was stuck.


    We'll keep pecking along.




    BloodyKnuckles
     

  5. econovanman
    Joined: Aug 27, 2009
    Posts: 76

    econovanman
    Member
    from yakima wa

    watch that rust i had the steering box on my 61 rip thru the frame rail
     
  6. reece
    Joined: Apr 27, 2004
    Posts: 353

    reece
    Member
    from NC

    Do you give out free candy when you drive it?....
     
  7. thunderbirdesq
    Joined: Feb 15, 2006
    Posts: 7,092

    thunderbirdesq
    Member

    Creepy-sweet! Dude, my econo was rusted in the EXACT same spot!
     
  8. vinmanr2d2
    Joined: Sep 17, 2008
    Posts: 144

    vinmanr2d2
    Member
    from new jersey

    I do need a master cylinder spring if any one has one or knows where I could get one.
    TRY KANTER AUTO SUPPLY.............1-800-526-1096
    M-F 8:30 - 6:00
    SAT 9: - 2:00
    good luck
     
  9. terd ferguson
    Joined: Jun 13, 2008
    Posts: 3,716

    terd ferguson
    Member

    It was nice seeing you drive the van tonight! Its gonna be killer!
     
  10. There is no rust other than the small section on the floor. The frame on this thing is nicer than the body, thank god!

    Thanks dude!

    Come on man, give me some credit...of course I do:D

    It's weird that's the only rust. The widow rubber is split on that side. I bet thats why it rusted.

    Thanks man. I found one at Lowe's. Almost perfect!


    Thanks man! I love this thing. My mind can't stop racing about what to do with it.


    I appreciate all the compliments. I'm still working out all the bugs but it's coming together nicely.




    BloodyKnuckles
     
  11. Very excited right now!!!

    As I was replacing the brand new water pump that I recently installed I found that my engine is NOT a 144 or 170 but with 5 freeze plugs it must be a 200.

    I have wondered why this van has great power for such a small displacement.

    Very cool!!





    BloodyKnuckles
     
  12. Keep going and you may find a cubic inch per pound of Boobie! :D

    Nice van. I would have jumped on that deal, too! And I'm a Chevy (oops...Chevrolet) man.

    Do like Turd and just keep pluggin" and enjoy!
     
  13. BigScott666
    Joined: Aug 31, 2008
    Posts: 184

    BigScott666
    Member
    from East Coast

    Hey Bro, just seen this...nice find!!! I just got done building 64 p/u for my son!! roller 302 swap.
     

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