LM 1965 Econoline trucks

LM = Learn Me - I just couldn't bring myself to write it out in the subject line.

I saw this ad, and was just wondering about these truck/vans. I'm guessing they are a bit quirky to drive. How are they for parts availability? Wondering what is a fair price for them, etc. For some reason I think I remember seeing a picture of one of these autocrossing and the rear suspension really wasn't up to the task, but that may have been a Greenbrier with a swing arm rear suspension. Not thinking of a daily driver or anything, but just something fun to use for around town errands and quick trips to the beach, etc.

I already have too many cars, but I'm always looking for something interesting. What say the hive about this one?

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/5012914044.html

I'm guessing this has a 3 speed on the column. Looks like the engine is the center console on these. No dog house taking up foot room, but of course your feet are the crumple zone. I'm guessing drum brakes all around. No AC. I'd like to see how the steering column ends up turning the front wheels which look to be a couple feet behind the steering wheel.

I had one of the vans years ago. Took me a week to keep from running over curbs. Sitting on top/in front of the front wheels took some getting used to. Early Ford Falcon drive train, 3 speed on column and 144/170 CI engine.

They rust like there's no tomorrow, but parts are available from the aftermarket. The earliest ones came with only a six cylinder engine, it was a few years before you could get a small block V8; I think trying to squeeze a V8 into those early trucks is hard to do as the doghouse/engine compartment is not big enough. Also the drivetrain and brakes aren't up to it. Of course, there's the safety aspect if that's a concern (you don't want to be in a head on collision.)

Do it.

This shape econoline/falcon never came with a V8. The Dodge A100 did have that option though.

My dad and I put a 302/C4 into one of these. The hole in the floor had to be widened and the doghouse had to be modified with a bumpout on each side. The extra weight caused it to sit a few inches lower up front which looked freakin' awesome. I like a ridiculous 70's style rake on these, but it meant that when you drove it you were supporting your upper body weight on the steering wheel. Kinda like riding a motorcycle with clipons or clubmans. It was fatiguing after an hour.

There is a 165lb lump of iron above the differential to help with weight distribution. I kept wanting to remove it but it really needed to be there.

They are Falcon based but have a solid beam axle up front so none of the Mustang based upgrades bolt on.

They are one of the coolest pickups ever made.

Never clicked on ad. Kinda pricey but a cult classic if in GOOD condition

Hal wrote: I had one of the vans years ago. Took me a week to keep from running over curbs. Sitting on top/in front of the front wheels took some getting used to. Early Ford Falcon drive train, 3 speed on column and 144/170 CI engine.

With the buses we tell new drivers to go past the corner until the can see it over their right shoulder then turn.

If you have to crash it, try to back it in, otherwise, pick your legs up before impact. Mechanical parts shouldn't be a problem. I don't know the market for these very well but $6500 sound way high to me, I'd guess more like half that. I think the front axle was popular with the gasser crowd back in the day, so brake upgrades probably existed at some point.

I built a 69 with a stroker roller 5.0 based V8 for someone last fall. Joined the Econoline forum where there's quite a bit of info and you can check current values. http://econolines.ipbhost.com/index.php?act=idx

Well, when I approached SWMBO about this one, it didn't go well. Not sure why, but she proclaimed it "stupid looking". We have a running thing where she says she gets to pick out the next car after she sent me out to buy a minivan and I bought a Miata. Since then, I've managed to get a VW cabby, a BMW 2002, a WRX and she has yet to get 'her' car. I tried to tell her it would make the best mother's day present. I'll see if I can convince her to go look at it today. Maybe in person she will like it better.

EDIT: We are going to be in the neighborhood today, so it is a possibility to at least go look at it.

As we say about cabover box trucks, you are always first at the scene of an accident. Not the safest thing on the road.

Price was not bad for the shape it claims to be in. Parts are out there from the normal truck vendors. Dennis Carpenter, Mac's etc.
Funky to drive well yes a bit as the wheels are under your knees but if your a car guy or driver with a brain you can pick it up quickly, just head to a paring lot with a few cones and set up a small training loop.

Used to be one in my old town with a 455 mounted so far back that there was no driveshaft, just one universal joint. It was painted hooker pink, and was said that wheel stands were easy.

safety safety blah blah blah. plenty of old cars are unsafe by today's standards. just look at this econoline pickup! OF COURSE its unsafe! drive at your own risk. drive accordingly.

here is some positive reinforcement.

I had a 65 Chevy van, same style bodywork and technology. It was a cool around town vehicle but not very good on the highway. I had a lot of fun with it but it was a little sketchy is some areas, braking and turning come to mind. I was not very mechanically inclined at the time, so just dealt with it. With some modern brakes and steering components I bet you could make it turn and stop with precision. I was able to drop a SBC in mine, it wouldn't do wheelies but sure did light up the rear tires. The other drawback with the engine inside the cab with you is noise and heat. I tried insulating as best I could but it was still very hot and a bit loud, but if won't be a DD/commuter these items shouldn't be a deal breaker.

My photoshop skills suck but do this.

One of those things that seemed like a good idea until I actually saw it.

Add a flat 6 mid ships / in frount of the cab and stuff some sort of 911 suspension in it.

Wait I almost like the flatter frount of the back window as the windshield. .. . Hummmm

Rear/ mid engine is interesting.

In reply to dean1484: "back up pick up"

My dad had the van version back in the day. He said he liked that he could adjust the carb while driving. Other than that he didnt particularly care for it.