Looking at a '85 E 150, and getting back into Fords
 

Hi gang,
It's been a while now and I've been struggling with an evil '96 GMC Suburban that I thought would be a fair surrogate for my venerable '81 E 150 that I drove for over a decade without the plethora of initial problems that this burned out Suburban.
I've been scoping out a rather clean '84 E 150 on Craigslist and if things work out I may investigate further. Having that '81 called affectionately as "Easy Bake" I have considerable experience, tools and know how for THAT model year, are there any opinions, detractors, or anything I would look out for on a slightly later Econoline? The one I'm looking at has a 351 Windsor out of a Mustang and automatic transmission, the C6.

Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid for any responses.
Gus

Well nuts,
Repeated contacts and the seller isn't getting back to me. Not a year ago when 'Easy Bake' got totaled we found several Econolines on Craigslist for sale just out of reach. That is, of the years 1981-90. Now they're scarce as can be. Dangit

Depending how far you'll travel try eBay---I've bought three different E-Series through there, world-wide market and all. :)

Despite seeing several choices last year they're much fewer at this time. I reckon I shouldn't be surprised as this series of Econoline is 30 years old.

I love the timeless look of that gen Econoline and always will. I had three of that vintage, two 79's and a 91. Loved them all. When I could no longer stand being without one, I looked at that vintage but ended up with my 96 E350. I've grown to love it as much as my other babies, if not even more. First thing I noticed when I drove it was the steering wheel did not tilt up like a bus, as high as my older ones did, and I miss that. But maybe you should drive a mid-90's or so and see what you think? There should be a lot more of them available, anyway.

I've always been a fan of the 75-91's! I currently own a 96 & a 89. I personally prefer the 89 over the 96. I actually bought the 89 to replace my 96. The third gens are getting harder and harder to find. It seems like they pop up for sale in waves. I'm constantly searching for carbed third gens. Because I prefer the simplicity of the carbs over the old EFI ones. There will literally be months where I don't find any for sale. Then there are times when there are just a bunch listed. Usually they come up for sale, when I don't have the spare cash to buy them. Or the space to store them.:-roll :-banghead

I've found it takes a lot of patience when looking for the third gens. And usually it ends up in a compromise. Finding one that is the exact year, model, engine, transmission and side door style that I want is next to impossible. And if you do find a nice one that is a good deal, don't pass on it!!:D

I wouldn't be opposed to driving a newer model, but the primary reason I'm looking for an older one is my knowledge curve and the simplicity of repairs is my chief concern.

I can understand that. It was one of the things that also had me seeking out a 79 over the 96 too. But, for what its' worth, I've found that everything I've had to do thus far has been as painless as stuff I did on my other ones too. I've wired in a remote start, replaced the fuel pump, a decent amount of engine work (preventative maintenance), and so far nothing has made me worried. Obviously, this is your van and your decision. I just wanted to say I can totally relate to how you feel and how you're thinking too. Still have to say, despite how much I'm enamored with my 96, I would still love another 79.

I goofed on my phone, tomorrow I'll be looking at a '99 E150, any pros or cons that anyone has dealt with on this year?
its a V8 with a 4 speed auto, looks clean but are the spark plugs reachable? How about the oil filter and other maintenance end items?
Any help would be great 😊Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid for your responses.

Looked at a '99 E150 with the 4.6 liter motor pushbutton OD. 187k miles but the dealer would not negotiate within KBB fair market value, in fact, not at all. $4995.00
Checking others in the same area theirs was the cheapest but I am not in a hurry yet.
I did like that the oil filter was within easy peasy reach!

Moving this thread to "Found another one"
😉