while I have some reservations beyond merely upkeep (safety, gas mileage), I was hoping you all “out there” could offer some opnions or advice on the “joys” of owning an older car. Well, what I really want is a truck. Specifically, a mid-sixties Ford Econoline “forward-control” pickup. I’ve seen them on e-bay and other online classic car sites for a resonable sum, in apparent good condition. I know there is some question of parts availability, but, for the right price, I think it could work.
I think a mid-60’s Econoline pickup is a very good choice. You can put a lot of miles on those 352 V-8 engines, rebuild them, then put even more miles on them.
The typical things that can go wrong include starters, alternators, clutches, radiators, and master cylinders- but these parts are widely available. They are very easy to work on.
Owning an elderly ride entails a bit more hassle in getting things fixed, but I think you’ll find it’s worth it. Find an old mechanic or two. Many younger wrenches have never worked on anything without a computer in it, not to mention carburetors. It also helps to join the car club dedicated to your brand. As Surreal said, it’s not hard to find the mechanical stuff, but sooner or later, you’ll need some odd trim part.
Always bear this in mind: When people say “this thing rides like a truck” they are talking about a mid 60’s Econoline.
Sure, things can be done to make the suspension better, but as you drive around, remember the technology that makes modern trucks ride and drive nicely simply wasn’t around in the 60’s, at least on Econoline trucks. Not a real big deal, unless you have a long commute over bad roads. Then it’s a sore backside every day.
A V-8 was not available in the Econoline till 1968. At there introduction in 1960 the Econoline had a 144 cid six cylinder engine. In 1962 the 170 cid engine became available and in 1964, a 200 cid engine was the only option through the 1967 model year.
The Econoline pickup of 60 to 64 is the most desirable model. Other desirable models include the 63-67 window vans and the 66-67 models with 3 way rear doors.
Because of the popularity of Mustangs and Falcons, replacement parts for the running gear and most brake and suspension parts are easily available. Body parts can be hard to find though. The vans suffered from engine cooling problems and they are very poor drivers in adverse weather conditions. Needless to say, because of the driving position, Econline vans have a terrible safety record. I remember my dad buying a brand new Econoline in 1966 and he save $15 by not having seat belts installed.
Although I’ve worked on cars for over 13 years, I am still relatively “wet behind the ears” compared to my uncle. I visited him once on the outer island and he had the weirdest assortment of types of vehicles in his repair shop, and he said to me, “If it has nuts and bolts, I fix it.”
But…parts may be a problem depending on what it is. As stated before, trim parts will be a bitch to find, but if you decide on throwing a newer engine (say 70s-ish) there should be no dearth of more common parts such as starters, alternators, carb overhaul kits (as long as you can see a tag no.), etc.
