Q-Are 61 through 67 Econolines the coolest trucks there are?
A-Yes they are!! haha
Q-I know a 360 will fit in an A100, but can I put in a 383 or 392?
A-submitted by IBreece@aol.com
I realize this is an Econoline site ( A100's are very welcome here.), but we early vanners must stick together.
As the Dodge A100 did have a V8 option( 273 and LA318) the engine bay has plenty of room for a big block. I have a 1970 with a 400 and a 727 trans from a 78 Monaco.It went together with no problems. I have seen these vans or pickups with 440's in them without modifications to the body because there are no crossmembers under the engine or trans. If you wish to convert a slant six or small block to a big block, you use 63-65 Dodge/Plymouth conversion kit, which includes the block mounts and small block insulators.It slips right in. I recommend thatyou use 440 or 400 exhaust manifolds with rear dumps on them for clearance sake.
For any tech questions, contact:
BRIAN BOWE, PRESIDENT OF THE A100 VAN ASSOCIATION AT
1-410-867-4056.(HARWOOD, MD.) THANKS. DODGE RULZ!
Q-I have a 1967 E100, but instead of putting in a V8, I want to build a 300 six cylinder with 250 plus horse power just to be a little different. If anyone can help me In getting parts or information on building a "killer" 300.
A-Here is a company that can help you go fast with a six. Good luck.
http://www.cliffordperformance.com
Q-I'm just begining to restore an old "friend"-my 1964 Econoline Van - I've had it for 23 years now, just sitting for the past 15. Do you have any good sources for parts? I got the information from your link page- just wondering what you thought were the best? Looking for a gas tank and someone to make some new leaf springs first. Thanks for any info.
A-Mac's seems to be a pretty good place from what I hear. I haven't bought anything from them though. Everything I've needed so far I have found at NAPA or a salvage yard. I bought a 64 falcon car gas tank & sending unit from jcwhitney. I had to do some modifications to it though, and make new straps. So it's not really a bolt in, but it is the only source for a new tank that I know of.
As far as the leaf springs go, I would stop in to the local spring shop and see what they can do.
Q-I bought a '64 econo p.u. a couple of months ago and it has sat around collecting cobwebs. Three days ago I got the
urge to get it running and I think your site will answer some of my questions. It is pretty rusty, but straight.......so I have a lot of work to
do. I'm going to try and live with the six cyl. My next big expense is tires........is there an easy convert that looks good
(I had in mind a factory set of newer rims/tires....maybe from a wrecking yard)? If you have a suggestion, would appreciate a honk!
A-I put a set of factory aluminum wheels fron a 91 ranger on my truck. They bolt on and look good, and they are cheap too!
Q-I was talking to a guy at work today about Econo pickups. He knows where 5 are but not
sure what years. He wants to make one into a drag truck but wants to know about side panels because these are
rusted. Can you tel me where to look for parts and prices?
A-I talked to a guy at B & W Antique auto parts awhile back and he said they had the side panels in both sizes ( door side of van and non-door side of van ). I think the prices were $30 to $60, but I'm not sure. They are listed on my parts/links page. Their phone # is 360-47-4574, and they are in Washington state.
Q-Is the 1962 Econoline chassis & engine the same as the Falcon? Are the parts interchangable?
A-The engine and a large percentage of other components are falcon components. I don't think much on the chassis is falcon.
Note: A point of clarification. This answer is assuming the "Falcon" in the question is the Car Falcon. If the 'Falcon' in question is the window van, then I think parts interchangeability would be 100%. Check below ,2 questions down, for a slightly more detailed explanation of the Falcon winow van.
Q-Just found your sight not to bad as I am looking for a ford or dodge a100.Can you tell me is there a lot more room in the ford? My sons have F-100s 1965&63
A-I'm pretty sure the Dodge has a larger engine compartment, allowing for bigger motors, but I think they are pretty close in size. I think, if I were considering both, I would just make my decision based on the style I liked best.
I like them both.
Q-Hello, I am wondering if you know why our 63 ford van (one that looks
just like the one on your page with the deluxe trim package) why is it
called a "Falcon" and not an econoline? If you know please give us the
answer.
A-In 1962 the Econoline Station Bus was reclassified as a passenger car and the name was changed to Falcon. The rest of the line was still called Econoline. I don't know the how's or why's ( maybe it is the glass all around that makes it a car and not a truck), but I do know that the Econolines were designed by the Ford passenger car division and used a substantial percentage of Falcon components anyway. So why not call it a Falcon. Maybe Ford was cashing in on any success the Falcon line was having.
Alot of this info came from a book called 'Ford Trucks Since 1905' by James K. Wagner,I think I got mine from amazon.com. It's a pretty good book about Ford trucks if you are interested in that sort of thing.
Question- Was power steering ever offered?
Answer-The answer seems to be no. I also heard that the people who did conversions only did it once. Too difficult?
Q- Is there a ~ 300lb chunk of steel/cast iron bolted between the bed and the gas tank?
A- Yes there certainly is.
Q-Was an automatic ever offered?
A- yes, I was told they started offering autos in 64
Q- Will a V8 fit without cutting the doghouse?
A- Yes it will, if it is a 289/302 ( it did in my 66 )as long as ir is positioned correctly.My 302 is mounted using the big six crossmember moved back about 4 inches and down about 1.75 inches. There is also a tight fit between the exhaust and doghouse/floorpan. I used some old cast iron manifolds from a maverick (I think). Don English said he bought some custom headers for this application. I don't know where he got them.
The 351W,351C,351M/400,390/428/427,429,460 and SB Chevy,BB Chevy will most likely require extensive fabrication for clearance. I haven't checked Mopar , AMC or BOPC GM V8's. Chances are, if it isn't a small block ford, it won't go in easily. The old 215 Olds v8 might go in easily tho.
Some people have used a doghouse from an old chevy or dodge van as they came with v8's.
I am going to find out soon how much fabricating is required as I am going to install either a 351W or a 429 in my recently purchased 63 5 window.
Q- Is there a disc brake conversion?
A- Yes there is. Contact EconO for information as I don't have it.
I apologize for the lack of content, but I am working on it. Thank you for your patience.