1992 Ford E150 High Roof

[maddydilly]

Looking at this 1992 econoline e150. Its got a tall enough high roof for me to stand in and 130k miles. The seller is asking for $5750. Its gutted but has a fan and two camper windows already intalled. What do you guys think? I’m trying to find a mechanic to check it out this week. 

https://offerup.co/jGDvY9017cb

 

[Uncle Todo]

I like it, especially the high top. It's an aftermarket real high top, higher than the conversion van type high tops.
Going to sell fast, and already 2 weeks old, take it up to a mechanic, if all looks good I'd wait a week or two then make an offer.

Price seems a bit high to me, but it seems vans in Cali are high anyway.

 

[ckelly78z]

The price seems pretty steep for a 29 year old van that is stripped out ("gutted"), and only a 1/2 ton model. Maybe these vans are twice the price being in Berkeley California ?

 

[treesprite]

I thought 92 had barn style side doors.

 

[Uncle Todo]

I'm not 100%, but I believe typically that passenger models had the barn doors and cargo models the sliding doors.

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah price is really high. 1/2 ton you will be at max weight quick, that high top is already subtracting from the GVWR. to bad they cut that small window in(wrong type window).

highdesertranger

 

[maddydilly]

is there anything i could do for the van to be able to hold more weight? ive heard of helper springs but i have no idea what im suppose to be looking for. its been hard trying to find a van cheaper than 4,900 in california thats not trashed.

 

[Freelander]

You can add more springs, but your tires, bearings and brakes etc, will still be rated at the lower weight limits. About the only thing that will help with the weight is a higher rated chassis i.e. 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

 

[Uncle Todo]

If you're not going extremely over the rated weight, springs will be fine.
Plus, it's not like if you're right at the GVWR and go a pound over the van will start breaking, you do have a little leeway there but certainly something to keep in mind.

 

[bullfrog]

There are light weight ways to do this. Many no build builds are lighter, but there are ways using foam construction for cabinets beds and storage that weigh about the same as the extra seating which is usually removed out of passenger vans any way. There is no need to use heavy wood construction other than it is easy.

 

[highdesertranger]

"is there anything i could do for the van to be able to hold more weight?"

legally?...............no

as been mentioned you could up the spring rate but you still have a 1/2 ton axle, brakes and frame. Plus legally you can't up the rate.

highdesertranger

 

[treesprite]

I'm not 100%, but I believe typically that passenger models had the barn doors and cargo models the sliding doors.

I looked further into it. Apparently sliding door was an option that had to be requested back then. I think having a sliding door would possibly make doing the build more difficult.

 

[maddydilly]

I looked further into it. Apparently sliding door was an option that had to be requested back then. I think having a sliding door would possibly make doing the build more difficult.

i would prefer the double doors too just for more storage options but since this one already has the high top im ok giving that up for that extra storage over the front seats.

 

[maddydilly]

I like it, especially the high top. It's an aftermarket real high top, higher than the conversion van type high tops.
Going to sell fast, and already 2 weeks old, take it up to a mechanic, if all looks good I'd wait a week or two then make an offer.

Price seems a bit high to me, but it seems vans in Cali are high anyway.

ya i think the price is a bit high too but from what ive researched a hightop installation would be around $3,000- $4000 alone. plus like you said its in cali so everything is a rip off here.

 

[treesprite]

i would prefer the double doors too just for more storage options but since this one already has the high top im ok giving that up for that extra storage over the front seats.

The high top will allow you overhead cabinet storage too. The only thing I feel like I'm missing by not having a high top is not having that extra storage space (I'm sitting most of the time indoors anyway).

 

[Uncle Todo]

The high top was a key aspect for me being 6'4".
I still can't stand, nor would I be standing inside much anyway, but less I have to stoop when I do.