Main difference in 1961 and 1962 Econolines

[bigorangevol]

I have a 1961 econoline 3 window and was looking to purchase a 1962 eco 5 window for parts. I was wondering what the main differences were between the 2 years. I was also wondering how hard it would be to cut the 2 rear windows into the 1961 model and make it a 5 window. I know the 1961 has 144 motor and the 1962 has a 170 motor. I was wondering if these are the same block and just bored different. I am needing the exhaust manifold and both show to use the same manifold gasket so I figured the 2 are interchangeable. I didn't know if there was a place to search that might have some other info about yearly changes and options for these trucks.

[NumberDummy]

Originally Posted by bigorangevol

I have a 1961 econoline 3 window and was looking to purchase a 1962 eco 5 window for parts. I was wondering what the main differences were between the 2 years. I was also wondering how hard it would be to cut the 2 rear windows into the 1961 model and make it a 5 window. I know the 1961 has 144 motor and the 1962 has a 170 motor. I was wondering if these are the same block and just bored different. I am needing the exhaust manifold and both show to use the same manifold gasket so I figured the 2 are interchangeable. I didn't know if there was a place to search that might have some other info about yearly changes and options for these trucks.

170 is just a punched out 144 block, and yes the exhaust manifolds are the same. They have a nasty habit of cracking and have been reproduced: C2GZ-9430-A = dearbornclassics.com - online catalog - page 155 (EMA100). Note: the 1963 thru 1967 170 exhaust manifold is not the same as 1960/62.

[economan]

i solved all of the craked manifold issues on my 64 by installing a late 70's early 80s granada/fairmont head, you have to modify the intake slightly by drilling & tapping new holes for the watertube plate to bolt onto & i can't remember which pushrods you end up using (it's been10 yrs since i did the install on mine) but you use the the adjustible rockers from the old head. works increadibly well this conversion. you also get the benifit of way better cooling, unleaded compatible valve seats, and bigger valves which of coarse boosts yer horsepower up a bit.
have over 20,000 troule free mile on mine since the conversion.

far as the corner windows go.....
bigg'nuff job to change em over & do it right. it would involve drilling out the spotwelds and removing the entire section. my personal opinion on just cutting out the window opening section and sticking it in would just be a huge butcher job that likely wouldn't last because of the flexing of the truck body filler would likely end up eventually cracking.
mikie
near ottawa canada
64 econo p/u 58 merc 100 panel