I currently have a 2001 E-150 and have had Ford vans going back to a 1972 conversion van. We are going to look at a 1983 Ford Van with the 302 motor and automatic transmission tomorrow and wanted to get your input as to things to look for and gotchas to watch out for. Thoughts on the year / drive train for the van?

Thanks

Andy

 

That will be a C6 auto and all stock that motor made 150hp so this won't be a hot rod by any means.

 

If it is a high-top conversion then make sure the top is not sagging. Look closely around the roof where the rain gutter is for signs of rust or rust repairs. Check the door gaskets and window seals. Some of the window seals are very hard to come by.

Look for engine oil and transmission leaks.. Some people pressure wash the motor and transmission if they have been leaking so it will look clean, watch for that.

That should be a duraspark ii ignition very simple system. if you have emissions in your area, make sure it still has the emissions parts on it.

Rust under the body and inside wheel wells. Raise the hood and look for rust where the water runs down on each side of the fenders.
Underneath look for rust. rusty brake and fuel lines.. dry rotted brake and rubber fuel lines..

Check for play in the steering gearbox. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the tie rod ends and such.
Look for sagging springs on the rear axle.
When you test drive it go over some speed bumps and feel the suspension.
Be sure and take it several miles out on the highway... Kick it in passing gear a few times and look for smoke out the exhaust.

Smell the transmission fluid to see if it smells burnt.. look at the engine oil. If it is new looking check to see if it is sticky feeling... if so maybe an additive in it..

Look in the radiator for rust and build up.

If the engine has already started when you get there, perhaps it knocks on cold start up..
tires look good, look at the date on the tires...
Tire date codes
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11

 

My advice would be to pass on anything with a rough running motor or sloppy steering or suspension unless you are a serious mechanic ready to invest your time and money. I learned the hard way after buying a nice e150 conversion with all of the above. Within 2000 miles, the engine was shot and in need of a full overhaul.

Now I have questions about my e150 replacement. How do I post a new thread?

 

Great advice and good points to keep in mind. It is not a high top so hopefully that eliminates one set off issues - sagging and clearcoat fading. Heading over in the afternoon and will what it looks like in person . . . photos look good and the current owner has had it for 10+ years but the real proof is what it looks like when we get there and take her out for a shakedown.

Will post photos if she comes home with us . . .

Again, thanks for the input

Andy

 

My last two van buys didnt go as well as I wanted to believe they were going to. 95 GMC Vandura.. Owner: been a great van and we used it for family trips across the country.. Kids are all grown now and we just dont need it...
It needs a good bit of front end work, rear springs, shocks all the way around. The tree limb that fell and put a small dent in the hood also required patching the hightop that I did not see and he didnt mention... And then there is that rear differential that I had to have rebuilt....

So I came across a 85 e150 and I like Fords much better and doesn't require emissions here... It spent most of its life in a quanson hut. The body is in great shape but it had been sitting for a while is its main problem.. It needed one rear axle bearing and a tie rod end. Now I am starting to get oil leaks from old gaskets... But it will be my keeper..

All in all, I could have probably bought a 2005 for the money I have invested and not had to do much work! But i am partial to the older vans~

 

Oh well, back to the hunt. The body was clean and zero rust underneath . . . could tell it had not seen salt. The owner had said "no leaks" but the differential had drips visible, the transmission was bone dry on top but also had visible drops in the pan and the engine needed a good degreasing to see what might be leaking on the bottom half. Needed a new exhaust system and the interior - while definitely "old school" needed some lovin'.

There's another one out there . . . . . now to find it!

Thanks again for the input

 

here's a 78
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5109373338.html

If I hadn't already bought 2 vans that need work,,, I would look at this one..

Depending on what you are looking for,,, from time to time i have seen handy cap vans on Craigslist very cheep and low mileage. Depends on who is selling it and why..

 

WOW that interior is nice!