Hey all, im new to this board as likely noticed by my lack of posts, this be good old number one. Came upon this site while researching this vehicle that im looking at picking up. Not sure the value or the year, but from my research it appears to be a 1955 Ford P350 Vanette. im really interested in this thing, but have no idea what its worth. I have been in contact with the owner and know that he has a clean title for it, but isnt sure where it is, so he is looking. Until then im just curious about what some more experienced individuals would have to say about this. The vehicle isnt technically for sale, but he is willing to part with it, and i dont want to bend the owner over either when i make my offer. I know his starting price, but dont know where to negotiate from there. I love this thing and think it has some cool potential. What say you gents? This beautiful rustoration would be coming all the way to me from the county over, here in the great rust belt state of Wisconsin













I also recreated the logo based on the picture, not sure if anyone is familiar, but would be cool if someone knew.

 

Looks like quite a project that will most likely need everything. It would have to be something you're in love with. Rust falling down on the dash panel is not good. How long has it been parked?
Below is a little later Boyertown Bodied van for comparison . At one time I owned a 1963 Boyertown bodied Ford that I converted to a camper. Very basic simplicity.
What is the owner asking?

BTW, You've dug up an eight year old thread although still interesting.

http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/5725380879.html

 

Welcome to the board fellow Wisconsinite! My dad had one back in the '80s that looked a lot like that one. I was a teenager at the time and had a great time camping in it.

BTW, where in Wisconsin are you in?

 

Raytasch,

Im aware of the depth of this project, as I am looking at turning this into a toy hauler / camper of sorts, im not entirely worried about keeping it original. Essentially im turning this into a motorcycle trailer with a built in motor. Also im very comfortable in metal working and welding as well as body work. If i do this it will likely end up having a late model chassis thrown underneath. I didnt have a chance to inspect the motor all the way so im not sure if it has the 223 or the 239 y block, but either way i feel the vehicle would be underpowered, for getting upto speed, with out some update to the drivetrain. The owner threw a price out of 100 bucks, and that is why im coming here. They are a family friend and 5 years ago they flat out just told me if i want it its mine, so im sure i can get it dirt cheap. This thing has been parked for at least ten years he said, and he parked it due to tranny issues. He said the motor was solid though, and that the generator worked fine yet, when he parked it. Im asking about value here though because, like i said family friend and dont want them over a barrel or hard feelings should i decide to just clean it up and through a sticker in the window.


Bob,

If im not mistaken i saw you say something like that earlier in this post, in fact there was a comment about going through Lomira on 41, i do that daily. I work in Fond du Lac, live in Mayville, grew up in Hartford, and was born In Tomahawk. Got Property up in the T-hawk area yet, wish there was more work up that way, but until then im in your woods.

 

I live in Jackson, i have customer in Mayville. Nice little city, I wouldn't mind living there.

 

Very cool, Know right where you are located over there. Truly my neck of the woods.

 

V8 engine has been swapped in (valve cover looks like 1952/55 Lincoln). It originally came w/a 223 1V I-6.

NOS parts are very hard to find for 1953/77 P Series Parcel Delivery's.

 

Just got a call from the seller, they located the title and as it turns out this is a 1957 Ford P350 with a 4.4l V8, so looks like it is all factor with the 272 y block. Still unsure of what anyone would consider the value on this thing. Really interested at this point I am just trying to make sure that i give fair value to this, at the price they are willing to take, i could scrap it and make money, so i know its a good deal for me, but is it for them as well.

 

NOS is of little concern to me for what I am looking to do here, but thanks for the feedback. Most everything I would be doing would be custom, think old school rat rod.

 

The following is JMHO. So far as value, scrap value is it. The number of people who would bring that pile of cobbled together obsolete parts back to something functional is very few. There is no unseen or hidden value there. Sounds like we have a willing seller and a willing buyer in agreement on price. Please don't take my description as uncomplimentary. There is a time when I may have been interested in it. Keep the thread open when you get it and when progress occurs. BTW, I take the term Rat Rod as a bad word, usually meaning not enough skill or value to do a build right.

 

Thanks for the honest feedback. I do not mind you considering rat rod a bad word. In this case I am using it as I am not looking for show quality work. I am simply making a fancy motorcycle trailer that can double as a camper at big rallies. The back is going to be stripped out, a locking channel added to the floor, and a ramp into the back. Might even bolt a toolbox to the floor. Usually i go over board on my builds and end up doing right by the vehicle anyway, but this is literally intended to be a make it work type of job. Will definitely keep it updated here as progress is made.

 

If the seller gave you a price you like buy it. Don't worry about if it is a good deal for him.