The Van: Update #1

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars) 12/22/2016 at 09:24 • Filed to: The Van

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As I said in my previous post, I am in talks with my manager to potentially buy a 2001 Ford E150 van with a blown 4.2 Essex V6 engine.

Today, our longtime roommate and former Ford tech, along with my grandfather and mother, are coming to my workplace to get dinner, and they’ll be inspecting the van from the outside to see if it’s worth it or not.

The driver’s side fender is dented, as is one of the side doors and the left rear door. Other than that, the body is pretty straight and the interior doesn’t seem That Bad. My manager has forgotten how many miles are on it, but he said there was, “a few.” Very specific, I know.

So this could be by first project vehicle and the first vehicle I will be solely buying, which is very exciting. If it doesn’t happen, then it doesn’t happen.

Some on here have tried to convince me to do a 4.6 swap, which according to the forums isn’t the easiest thing but who doesn’t like a little challenge?

random001 > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 09:28

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No one. No one doesn’t like a little challenge. I encourage this course of action.

CalzoneGolem > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 09:34

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People that aren’t buying project cars don’t like a challenge.

Wacko > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 09:46

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once you get the van you will need

then followed by

Jack Does Cars > Wacko 12/22/2016 at 09:52

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That is the most 2007 looking man.

Jack Does Cars > CalzoneGolem 12/22/2016 at 09:52

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You right you right

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 10:00

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What’s the van plan? Personally, I’d vote for one of Kreiger’s Rush Van paint jobs:

jminer > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 10:24

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I’ll warn you that there isn’t much space in that engine bay to work, and unless you’re getting it for a song it’ll be cheaper to buy one running than to replace the engine in that van.

Now that the discouragement is over with, I love the older econolines. My wife drove a late 80s 15 passenger club wagon with a 6.7 diesel in it while in high school. That was an awesome van!

As long as you have the space and the funds for a big project like that go for it!

Jack Does Cars > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 12/22/2016 at 10:47

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Van plan includes:

A) fixing it

B) burnouts and brakestands

C) selling it

Frenchlicker > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 10:50

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Buy it if it’s the right price. Screw the creeper persona, these things have so much room for activities.

Jack Does Cars > jminer 12/22/2016 at 10:50

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It will be extremely cheap, much cheaper than buying a running van even after the swap. We do plan on buying a running junkyard engine and body panels. Then we plan to sell it for extreme profit.

Jack Does Cars > Frenchlicker 12/22/2016 at 10:52

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Like ping pong and air hockey?

jminer > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 11:09

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I don’t think you can count on extreme profit. Around here econolines of that body style in running and driving condition go for like $2k. A running engine would cost $5-700 plus another few hundred in things like plugs, filters, belts and hoses. Then if it needs tires another $400, and so on. It gets expensive real quick. If you’re careful you might be able to make a few hundred bucks, but that’s only with your time being free.

If you’re wanting it as a project to learn wrenching on, go for it though.

Frenchlicker > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 11:21

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Iwas thinking rear engine V10 or V12 actually.

Jack Does Cars > jminer 12/22/2016 at 11:36

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Rough Econolines in Raleigh with 300,000 miles are $3,000. This is a Good Thing for me. But you’re right, it will get expensive fast.

Jack Does Cars > Frenchlicker 12/22/2016 at 11:36

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Like that Ford Transit/Jaguar XJ220 mule van.

jminer > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 11:38

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Then you’ve got some more room in the project. Good luck!

Frenchlicker > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 11:44

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Exactly.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars 12/22/2016 at 13:14

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Before you sell it, you have to take it on an epic road trip, maybe to the west coast and back. Throw in an inverter to power a microwave and mini fridge, toss an air bed in the back, pack some clothes and various sundries in boxes, and follow the open road. Bring a friend, be it human or doggo (or one of each) along for the trip of a lifetime.