86 Diesel Econoline Hightop to replace stolen 96 B3500

My 96 Dodge Ram B3500 was stolen a little while ago. I do still have a motorhome but I enjoy having a Van. 

I now have 1986 Ford E-350 powered by a 6.9 idi diesel with a banks turbo kit.

I just happened to start talking to the guy in an Advance Auto parking lot. He said he'd sell it to me so I bought it. No surprise it's already ended up on a tow truck with a failed fuel pump.


It's back on the road now. Aside from replacing the lift pump and brake master cylinder it seems to be a pretty solid van.

I have not started a build yet. It's too bad I don't have the old Dodge to transfer it's build over.

Nice starting platform! May your aim always be true on the build.

It’s kinda cute and looks like it has potential since you can do the work.

Ive started on the build of this van finally.

The paint was not good. The body was pretty straight but would require tons of prep work to get ready for paint not to mention a small fourtune. My solution was to cover the entire van in truck bed liner. I would call the end result umm.. 'authentic' meaning when I tell someone I did it myself they will most certainly believe me. However I'm happy with the end result. I think it looks much better and being that it is bed liner it does serve a purpose and add some durability to the vehicle.

I have replaced all the interior wall paneling. I had to re seal the hightop which was a nightmare before replacing the walls.

I have replaced the carpet. It still has the rubber floor in the cab area as carpet is not really suitable on the cab for my lifestyle.

I have installed carpeting, cabinets and a futon. I have modified the futon to be more comfortable and to fit in the space better.

attached are some pictures of the progress. I still have a lot to do but its getting there finally!

Looking good. My only negative comment is I hate carpet it’s hard to clean collects too much dirt my high-quality vinyl floor Wasn’t cheap but it’s so nice. But that’s my own opinion and my opinion doesn’t matter When is your rig.. Glad you resealed the topper - Hope it stays that way for you. Keep up the good work.