Ambulance conversion.....

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Jan 12, 2005 | 06:56 PM

gtojohn

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Ambulance conversion.....

Anybody know anything about the ambulance conversion actually this is more like an EMT vehicle ("box" on back not just a stand-up roof on a van). Any special fetures these get, trans coolers, oil coolers, heavy duty springs etc etc?

The production date is 11/90- does this make it a 1991? It has the 7.3.I have not heard it run but the asking price is 3500, probably get it for less. It has not been registered in about 8 months.

i own a home imp. company and need a vehicle to transport a gutter machine and supplies. This vehicle would be perfect.

Thanks for any info-
john

Jan 12, 2005 | 09:25 PM

Earle

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I can't tell you much, accept that you should expect that it has been well maintained. The body is heavier than the normal Ford Van. Last, Ford seems to be the choice of most Ambulance Services. Earle

Jan 13, 2005 | 11:18 AM

ken04

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gtojohn

All stock vans have the disclaimer; "May not be used for ambulance" so an ambulance package has to have considerable improvements. I'd guess heavy suspension, maybe frame gussets, shocks, springs, cooling, alternator, that kind of stuff. If it runs and drives, it should be a heck of a rig. Maintenace is very strict for ambulance companies, so you should be set. I'd like to find a 4X4 ambulance with the box, it'd make a heck of a 2 person camper, to get to those real out of the way places. Ken

Jan 13, 2005 | 07:25 PM

trike1946

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From: NJ where fun comes to die

An ambulance would be very well maintained, but has hard use. You will find them to be very heavy. I was going to buy a 90 7.3 with a "Norton" body. It had dual wheels, and about 12 - 14' body. It looked perfect. The trouble was that it weighed 9400 pounds empty. It had a gross of 9900 pounds. With 2 drivers and a stiff, it was maxed out. It was so well constructed that I could not find a way to strip out enough stuff to hold all my tools and equipment. So I gave up. They do have coolers and heavy suspension. But if it is the original trans you can count on buying a new one. Better weigh your equipment and the van to see if it will work. Good luck.

Jan 13, 2005 | 07:35 PM

gtojohn

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trike- thanks for the info- even though it might be cool to have this vehicle for work. Not only for the story but for all the cabinets and external lockers, I believe what your saying.

I don't need a truck that handles like a corvette but i don't need this big fuel happy slug either. I do have another option locally. 1991 Ford E350 box van, 7.3l, 75k original miles, new tires, new exhaust asking 2900.00 Problem is... it isn't very presentable. I would probably have to DA it, seal it, paint white.

Thanks-
john

Jan 14, 2005 | 04:36 AM

trike1946

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From: NJ where fun comes to die

Sounds like a good deal. I settled on a short bus with a diesel. It is a 90. Sort of a small cube van with windows. Good fuel milage and pulls a heavy trailer. If the truck is good, you can buy a spray gun and paint it. Good luck.

Jan 14, 2005 | 10:19 AM

ken04

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gtojohn

Maintenance is so important on diesels, especially early Navistars and the cooling system. Cavitation erosion was a big problem, if it was properly serviced and has had the additive added, and the anti-freeze replaced on time you will have an engine that will last a long time, just make sure you keep after the cooling system. The early diesels were way under stressed, so they go forever. Take care and good luck, Ken