Hot Wheels

[SWbySWesty]

She's big, brown and full of life.



Specs:

1990 E-350 4x4
460 V8
E4OD tranny w a nice overdrive function
Dana 60s
Rear air locker
315 tires (about 35s)

The plan: She's got some vibes at 70mph, and the steering pops so I think it needs ball joints, but otherwise she's in top shape. This thing is ENORMOUS. It'll hold 2 dirt bikes in the rear cargo area, 5 seat belts, class V hitch for a double dirt bike carrier. We'll see if I build it out or have everything removable and just strapped down so that when it's nice, I can pull out the kitchen and do it all outside.

 

[bknudtsen]

Scorrrrrrrrrree!!!!!! Noice!

 

[blupaddler]

Congrats Garrett!

Looks like a nice van!
If it has an overdrive then it is more than likely the E4OD. The C6 is only a three speed with no overdrive. The overdrive is a great feature to have for those long fwy drives.
The older Fords are definitely built strong,nothing quite like old iron.

 

[BIGdaddy]

dude, Garrett. That's sweet.

What kind of mileage/range does that have? Dual tanks?

Congrats!

Once you swallow the fuel costs (which you probably already have...haha!), that thing's gonna be a memory-maker, fo sho!!!

 

[rockbender]

Sweeeeeet Econoline! 315's look just right on the old body style. Unfortuanately I had to go down a size so I could get the slider open and fit in the garage so I've got some big tire envy!

 

[BIGdaddy]

From Billie Jean, to Billie MEAN!

 

[SWbySWesty]

What kind of mileage/range does that have? Dual tanks?

Dual tanks. The fillup was awesome (read $$), but I didn't get to calculate mileage. I used 3/4 of the front tank to go 166 miles, but this doesn't have a trip meter nor do I know how big the tank is (forgot to look). So far though, it's looking like 300 mile range. Add in my two jerry cans and that's acceptable to me for where I go in reality.

Once it gets moving it's a tank so I think it'll do just fine with mileage on the flats. I don't want to watch the gas gauge going up to Big Bear though

 

[T.Low]

Way cool.

 

[SWbySWesty]

OK - Prelim plans (not necessarily in this order)

1. Third battery in a batt box. Solar charge controller inside. I'm going to figure out the optional factory battery box under the van and the water exposure it can have...might have to make it all internal . I'll keep my panel on a rack against either wall or slung from ceiling so I can place it out from the van and move for max exposure.

2. Sound System. This needs to be done after battery system. I'll try to put a manual switch between the engine bay batteries and the camp battery so I can recharge while driving since I'd like to hook the stereo into this house battery for camp tunes. I'm going to do it right with 4-6 speakers, amp and woofer. (same setup as my Westy which could run for hours).

3. Water tank. For now, I have water cans which I like, but an onboard tank might be nice to have. This is debatable.

4. Tow points. I have a rear hitch. Need to figure out the front. I think I have some kind of D-ring holders, but I haven't seen how they are tied in.

5. Carpet cleaning. It smells like an old airplane. Musty. I hope to finish that up tonight.

6. DC plugs for front and rear power for Engel and charging stuff.

 

[barlowrs]

Pull the seats and put in a nice comfy couch!

Congrats though Garrett, Nuice platform! Cannot wait to see it out and about.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Pull the seats and put in a nice comfy couch!

There's a thought. For now, though, I picked up a Slumberjack cot which fits in the rear. Should be nice and comfy with my buddy heater!

 

[dwh]

Not a C6 if it has OD.

Normally, the center tank is 18g and the rear 22g.

460s have a widespread reputation for averaging 10mpg no matter what you do. Uphill, downhill, towing, headwind, tailwind. I've had a bunch of them, and yea...the rep is pretty much right. The OD should help some on the highway though - never had one so I dunno.

Barn doors on the side. I like.
Popout windows. I like.

Nice truck!

 

[SWbySWesty]

Thanks!

I spent last night attempting to make it smell a little nicer. You know you have a big van when you can move a full size carpet cleaner around inside...


I also got my bed situation figured out. That's a large Slumberjack cot. I think I'll be nice and comfy until I figure out a possibly more creative solution. For $45 I can't complain! Thanks Craigslist!

 

[SWbySWesty]

I'm toying with the idea of removing the legs to the cot and attaching it to the left wall as a dropdown bunk. BUT then I lose the ability to take it with me on non-van trips. hmmmmm

I placed a phone call to Deaver Spring today. I think I'll wait a while before doing that upgrade. The quote was the SMB quote, so mine should be less, but still expensive. I'm one who will spend the cash on quality, but right now, I can't justify it since I just got it.

I also looked over at Aluminess. Jeeze, they aren't messing around. 85lbs for a bumper of that size? Nice work.

I called up Advanced 4x4 in SLC. They don't have records that far back, but I found out that the locker and the 35'' tires didn't come from them. They told me how to figure out my gear ratio when I change the diff fluids if there is no marking on the cover. Nice people!

Further inspection also reveals a trailer controller under the steering wheel. That's pretty sweet to know. Now I just need a boat or something?

 

[SWbySWesty]

Having grown up with dogs, and run an auto detail business, I know how to get rid of wet dog smell.

1. Air it out to dry it out.
2. Carpet clean it.
3. Arm & Hammer baking soda for 15 minutes, vacuum, keep airing out.

Smells like fresh laundry now!