1985 E-350 Cargo van
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1985 E-350 Cargo van
Well guys first off let me say I'm glad I found a forum with people who actually love these vans!!! With that said I have inherited an 85 Ford E-350 Cargo Van that was originally my Grandpa's and is now mine. I have many fond memories in that van as both passenger and later driver. Since there is a lot of sentiment with this van and face it, they do have massive functionality I have decided I want to restore this thing. Besides a rebuild of the massive 460 I want to install a quality bed liner, stereo, and carpet kit up front. Is there any aftermarket support for these vans? Have any of you ever installed a Gear Vendor unit in one of these vans? Let me know!!!!!!!!
Fleet Mechanic
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Well guys first off let me say I'm glad I found a forum with people who actually love these vans!!! With that said I have inherited an 85 Ford E-350 Cargo Van that was originally my Grandpa's and is now mine. I have many fond memories in that van as both passenger and later driver. Since there is a lot of sentiment with this van and face it, they do have massive functionality I have decided I want to restore this thing. Besides a rebuild of the massive 460 I want to install a quality bed liner, stereo, and carpet kit up front. Is there any aftermarket support for these vans? Have any of you ever installed a Gear Vendor unit in one of these vans? Let me know!!!!!!!!
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Welcome. We like pics here, so post'em up. Not sure if there is a specific aftermarket for your age of van. I have an '88 and I have found that I mostly have fab stuff up. There are alot of threads about the different ways that people have customized and sound deadened there cargo vans. What is your end goal? How will you use it?
Fleet Mechanic
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Yes I will definitely post some pics up when I get the opportunity. My end goal is to have basically clean up the interior, make it a bit more comfortable, and possibly a little more efficient with a Gear Vendor unit going through the gears. Overall it would be my occasional and very useful cargo machine.
You said it is a cargo van. Do you have plans for any rear seats? Is it going to stay as a work type vehicle? Maybe convert it into a small camper type? I guess I wasn't specific enough when I said what's your end goal with it.
Mine is a road trip vehicle for the family (5 of us and a dog) along with my DD and tow vehicle for my track car and travel trailer. I have many fond memories of road tripping in out E150 Conversion van when I was a kid....of course then you were stuck playing cards for entertainment, not watching movies on an in car DVD player.
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I am on the lookout for a gear vendor as well to add to my c6. I am assuming yours is a c6 as well.
You said it is a cargo van. Do you have plans for any rear seats? Is it going to stay as a work type vehicle? Maybe convert it into a small camper type? I guess I wasn't specific enough when I said what's your end goal with it.
Mine is a road trip vehicle for the family (5 of us and a dog) along with my DD and tow vehicle for my track car and travel trailer. I have many fond memories of road tripping in out E150 Conversion van when I was a kid....of course then you were stuck playing cards for entertainment, not watching movies on an in car DVD player.
You said it is a cargo van. Do you have plans for any rear seats? Is it going to stay as a work type vehicle? Maybe convert it into a small camper type? I guess I wasn't specific enough when I said what's your end goal with it.
Mine is a road trip vehicle for the family (5 of us and a dog) along with my DD and tow vehicle for my track car and travel trailer. I have many fond memories of road tripping in out E150 Conversion van when I was a kid....of course then you were stuck playing cards for entertainment, not watching movies on an in car DVD player.
Fleet Mechanic
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Nope no rear seats on this one. This machine is going to be a pure heavy duty hauler. I have a tractor on the side I want to restore so this thing might have to haul parts. I really think a Gear Vendor would modernize this machine a bit and perhaps give me a bit more MPG's from that monster 460.
Problem is a new GV is too much $$$. I am looking for a deal on a used one.
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The people I have talked to say that the GV unit can be good for another 2-3 mpg. So what does the 460 get for mileage? The c6 isn't the best transmission for milage due to the non-locking torque converter, but it is pretty stout and good for hauling/towing. Plus you can cruise at a little higher speed an still keep the RPM's down with the GV. It does alot for cabin noise.
Problem is a new GV is too much $$$. I am looking for a deal on a used one.
Problem is a new GV is too much $$$. I am looking for a deal on a used one.
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Fleet Mechanic
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460's will pull pretty good. Mine is a 7.3 IDI Diesel.
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Well the way I see it and from what I've been told the C-6/460 combo is pretty bullet proof along with the big rear ends on these vans. Couple that with a Gear Vendor and this thing is built for duty and cheap since I already own it.
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