Driving halfway across the country in a new car makes
for a great time, but to really get the adrenaline going try it in a
50-year-old truck that you’ve just bought and that hasn’t run much in
the last dozen years or so like the owner of this
1965 Ford Econoline
for sale on Hemmings.com did when he bought it in Colorado and drove it
to Connecticut. And with all the repairs done along the way, it’s
probably now good to hit the road for another epic trip. From the
seller’s description:
This Spring Special is the
real deal with a ‘1’ after the axle code. It’s rear bumper is not stock
and the engine is a strong running 240 cid rather than the 170 cid when
it was originally assembled. Those issues mentioned above have been
resolved and the brake linings and drums are new all around. The fuel
tank has been cleaned and a new pick up/sender installed as well as new
kingpins and bushings on the front axle. The carburetor has been rebuilt
(automatic choke). The fuel pump is new and the battery and starter
appear to be recently renewed. It has a Ford 9 inch rear axle with tall
gears (that were a blessing on the way home). The exterior sports a 15
foot paint job which is why I’m told the original owner, disappointed,
parked the vehicle some 12 years ago after mediocre body work was done.
The good part is what you see is what you get: lower panels should be
replaced as well as a right front section at the wheel opening. The
undercarriage is in rather good condition with only a rear gusset that
has a thin spot. The main stamped frame rails still have a galvanize
coating on them. All the floor pans are solid. The speedometer stopped
working after the trip but the odometer appears correct. The interior
paint is still the original Poppy Red, the special color for these
Spring Specials. The radial tires are recent, of unknown lineage, but
then again they’ve proven themselves by getting me home from Denver. The
wheel covers a not original. I acquired them about 5 years ago and was
delighted to have 14 inch wheels on which to display them. Which OEM
produced them? The seats fold forward which is very handy and the
original seats come with the deal. An aftermarket black carpet covers
the floor ahead of the doghouse.
Source: blog.hemmings.com
1 comment:
What a find! The interior paint looks great that red is really striking. I'm from the East Coast and haven't seen anything in that good of condition built before 1980. It's no surprise you had to go out West to get this gem. It does sound like your tip back has turned up the most pressing issues. Now that you have them fixed, where will you drive it next?
Domingo @ Viva Ford
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