1970s Ford camper van, thoughts?

[TMG51]

I have a friend who sent me this link as something she's considering to get into the lifestyle. My first thought is a vintage van isn't going to be right for someone not mechanically inclined (she isn't), but beyond that I'm wondering what further insight people here can share on these old E-series. Worth looking at?

 

[TMG51]

Whoops
http://m.ebay.com/itm/252638007807?_mwBanner=1

 

[jimindenver]

Parts may be hard to find both for the trucks mechanics as well as the camper.

 

[highdesertranger]

that thing is cherry. but for someone who is not mechanical I don't know. basically I think that anybody living in their vehicle should have a basic knowledge of their vehicle no matter what year. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

Whoops
http://m.ebay.com/itm/252638007807?_mwBanner=1

That is indeed a very cool looking van, and apparently well equipped too.
The downside is, you say your friend is not mechanical, and this being an older van might be a problem.
And, I do not trust older Ford automatic transmissions. they seemed to fail on a regular basis. Just my experience with them. Even if it were a manual three on the column I would fell better about it.
The 302 seems like a fairly reliable engine though, and there are tons of them out there, so parts should not be a problem.
If it were a documented low mileage vehicle, or had paperwork stating it was rebuilt/restored, I might cautiously investigate further.
Lastly, they have a buy it now of $8500. Bearing that in mind, what later model vehicle could you get for that kind of money?
It looks like a great classic camper for somebody that can either afford, or is a good mechanic.

 

[ArtW]

Personally, I'd rock that van
But
I'm the son of an old hot rodder, and i speak carburetor, something many mechanics with ASE patches today do not, and i can stick a trans in that thing in probably an hour or so
I advise your friend to see how NEW a camper / van she can find for that money

 

[Ballenxj]

I just went back and watched the videos. That thing not only looks good, has all the goodies, including stove, fridge, (that would have to be looked at for function) and a frame mounted propane tank. Those are expensive, and don't require inspection like the little bottles do. I know, I researched and bought one.
This van would be really tempting, but I defer to the mechanical aspect.

 

[masterplumber]

I'd love a van like that, but I'm fairly mechanical, especially when it comes to old Fords. That said, the price seems kind of high. They're obviously trying to sell it as a collector vehicle, not a mobile abode.

 

[drysailor]

I have a friend who sent me this link as something she's considering to get into the lifestyle. My first thought is a vintage van isn't going to be right for someone not mechanically inclined (she isn't), but beyond that I'm wondering what further insight people here can share on these old E-series. Worth looking at?

Perhaps if your friend was going to live in it, in one area that she already knows (mechanics, etc) and the price was right, it might not be
too risky, but extensive traveling in something that old might be iffy. A rotted wiring harness or ignition switch will strand you just as soon as a blown tranny.

 

[Almost There]

Having had at least two of them in that series I can attest that the 302 is a rock solid engine!

But the seats are uncomfortable, particularly by todays' standards and the steering wheel is huge...  

However, I still wouldn't recommend it for someone who wasn't at least mechanically savvy, even if they couldn't do their own work. Something that old is going to be needing a lot of TLC and if you don't know what's wrong or right, mechanics are going to be having a field day!

 

[user 2252]

Wow, clean.

 

[steamjam1]

It definitely scores pretty high on the coolness scale.

 

[GotSmart]

Does anyone remember driving a 1970 truck?  

You hurt at the end of the day.  That is a cool one for car shows.

 

[GotSmart]

After looking closer~~~  Bondo city.   :dodgy:

And not done by a professional.