Econoline Body R&R Questions
I have a 1978, 351W, 4 speed stick [3 speed Overdrive] Long Wheel Base E-150, Cargo Van with a sliding door. Apparently this drive train was available by order only. Has anyone else seen one like this? [If this was a garden variety 351W, C6, I would not bother, but this is the only 4 speed econoline van I have ever seen, and is just unkillable.]
To repair a half a million miles of body damage... [including recently being hit by a suburban] I am arranging for a body shop to install a used body on my 78's frame and am looking for someone to answer the "been there done that" questions.
While I have been told by the ford dealer that the sheet metal is the same from 76 - 91. Is there any differences in the sheet metal that make a particular year a pain?
It seems that I can find 6 cylinder standard transmission vans, or dual fuel tanks, but not both. Am I correct that a dual tank, automatic van body would easier to install, than a standard van, with one tank?
What are the most rust resistant years? [I know that 76-78 are very prone to rust and corrosion, but which had the best galvanic treatment]
I've helped do the pickup cab swap. but then four men can lift a cab easily. Is there any one out there who has done a van body swap [regardless of make]? If so, can you tell me the various pitfalls, that you ran into and how you lifted the body? [floor hoist lifting the body, vs dropping the frame, with the body suspended]
Many Thanks David