<![CDATA[Jalopnik: ford econoline]]> http://tags.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: ford econoline]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/fordeconoline http://jalopnik.com/tag/fordeconoline <![CDATA[1972 Ford Econoline Camper]]> Welcome to Down On The Street, where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. Here's a front-engine Econoline with Aristocrat RV conversion on the back.


I was in a rush when I spotted this well-used classic, so I couldn't get many photos; since then it hasn't returned to this spot. My knowledge of vintage campers isn't so great, so we'll need to depend on our more knowledgeable readers to fill us in on just what we've got here.

First 500 DOTS Vehicles • DOTS FAQ

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<![CDATA[Ford Econoline, Plymouth Suburban, and Impala Wagon Down On The Maker Faire Parking Lot]]> This is Down On The Street Bonus Edition, where we check out interesting street-parked cars in places other than the Alameda. Here's some nice iron I spotted at the Maker Faire parking lot last weekend.


1964 Chevrolet Impala wagon

1969 Plymouth Suburban wagon.






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<![CDATA[ROUSH Propane-Powered Ford E-250: Econoline Gets Gassy]]> Like the idea of the ROUSH Propane-powered Ford F-150 and F-250 but need better compatibility with playgrounds and free candy? We give you the ROUSH Propane-Powered Ford E-250. Prepare to jam Econoline with propane.

Just like the F-150 and ROUSH F-250 Propane, the E-250 uses Ford's 5.4-liter V8 and a retrofitted propane tank. Running the van on propane results in 18% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 20% less nitrous oxide, 60% less carbon monoxide and no performance compromises. Of course, none of that matters if you're running a fleet of work vehicles and just want to cash in on cheap propane. We also hear young girls dig environmentally friendly vehicles, just sayin'. You know, if they don't want the candy.

The conversion carries a $8,995 premium, but qualifies for a $4,500 federal tax credit. Propane is typically cheaper than gas, especially if your fleet is buying it in bulk and fleet users can qualify for a further 50 cents per gallon tax credit on that fuel. Check out our review of the ROUSH F-150 Propane for full details on how all this works.

The press release follows:

PROGRESS TOWARD DETROIT'S "GREEN-COLLAR REVOLUTION"
ROUSH and PERC Shift Focus to Existing Green Technology to Make Biggest Impact Now

ROUSH® Performance, with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), today introduced two new alternative fuel vehicles available through Ford dealers in the United States and Canada.

The 2010 ROUSH propane-powered Ford F-250 and 2010 ROUSH propane-powered Ford E-250 both achieve lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions due to the use of propane as an engine fuel. On average, propane fleet vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent; create 20 percent less nitrous oxide; produce up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide; and fewer particulate emissions, compared to conventional gasoline. These vehicles follow the introduction of the ROUSH propane Ford F-150 in 2007.

In development for three years, the new low-carbon, propane-powered vehicles will meet strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications, ensuring availability in all 50 states.

The introductions put ROUSH at the front of the "green-collar revolution" in Detroit, namely because of the decision to focus on propane which, as an alternate fuel, is available right here, right now.

"By focusing on propane, ROUSH has been able to engineer green technology that is proven to reduce emissions now," said Jack Roush, chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. "And the upside is that we are hoping to add nearly 100 new green-collar jobs."

According to PERC CEO and President Roy Willis, propane is already the most widely used alternative fuel on roads today, powering 10 million vehicles around the world. "Of all available alternative fuels," said Willis, "propane offers the best mix of vehicle range, durability, and performance. And the nationwide propane infrastructure can readily and affordably be expanded to provide easy access to refueling stations for fleets and the public."

The Ford F-150, F-250 and E-250 are based on the 5.4L, 3-valve Ford V-8 powertrain, each using a ROUSH liquid propane injection fuel system, including new fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors. The propane trucks sustain no loss of horsepower, torque, or towing capacity as compared to a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.

With F-250 deliveries anticipated to start in the third quarter, ROUSH will make this vehicle available in two forms. Customers can choose either a complete ROUSH-assembled 2010 F-250 with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty or conversion kit that fits the 2009 and 2010 trucks. The additional cost for a ROUSH-assembled F-250 is $8,995 and qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $4,500. At the pump, propane prices per gallon are normally lower than gasoline or diesel, and with the proper infrastructure in place, a fleet user can qualify for a 50-cent tax credit per gallon consumed.

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<![CDATA[Ten Cars You Can Live In After Your Home Is Repossessed]]> As shelter is the largest single expense for most people, the ongoing "Financiapocalpyse" could see more people trading that Tudor for a four-door. As your guides through this challenging time, we've identified ten cars you'd be happy to call home until your 401k is worth more than the postage used to send you those depressing reports. These rides are comfortable, affordable and most importantly, you can probably sleep in it. With car sales dwindling, now may be the best time to invest those dwindling funds in a home on wheels.


10.) Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit


The Volkswagen Golf-cum-Rabbit is the kind of home-on-wheels designed for a hip bachelor or bachelorette down on their luck. Though not enough room for a family, the smartly-designed hatchbacks have always offered style and storage at a reasonable price. The four-door models are ideal for urban campers who want to curl up in the backseat but still have street cred with people who don't know they're living on the street.
Price New: $17,575 (base four-door)
Price Used: $5,000 and up (Mk III - Mk IV)


9.) Mazda Mazda5


The Mazda5 may seem like an unconventional choice for a live-in automobile, but it offers a lot for a little. Based on the sporty Mazda3 platform, the Mazda5 has the benefits of a small economy car: good mileage, low cost-of-ownership and affordability. It also offers some of the benefits of a minivan: sliding doors, three-row seating, fold-out table, under-floor storage and fold-flat seats. The possibility of getting one with a manual, no longer a possibility with most vans, makes it the perfect choice for a down-on-their-luck dad who still likes to drive but may have to outrun creditors.
Price New: $18,665 (base)
Price Used: $12,500 and up


8.) Ford Econoline


We imagine people have been jamming Econoline as long as people have been living in vans. They're cheap. They're big. They're available in a privacy-enhancing panel version. When Chris Farley's motivation speaker said he was "living in a van down by the river" he was almost certainly talking about a Ford Econoline. The panel version is the cheapest model and, though it lacks carpeting, has ample room for an air mattress or stolen love seat. A top-of-the-line conversion Econoline from the 1980s can be had with a TV/VCR combo, reclining bed, wood inserts and velour drapes. If it's good enough for Mike Watt, it's good enough for us.
Price New: $23,940 (E-150)
Price Used: $3,000 and up


7.) Honda Element


The Honda Element may be one of the most configurable cars available. The SUV with the soul of a Civic, the Element's seats can be stowed, laid-out or removed as necessary. All of the Honda's seats can be folded backwards to create two long, thin beds. This is the ideal living space for a close couple not willing to face the harsh elements outside of an Element. Additionally, the water resistant interior means that you can hose off the interior after it collects the various liquids of life. Those with a little extra dough can get an ECAMPER conversion for a true camper experience.
Price New: $20,990
Price Used: $8,500 and up


6.) Chevy Suburban


There have been a few large SUV models in America's history, but none of them have lived as long as the Suburban, which holds the record for longest continuous nameplate in production. That's good if you're looking for parts for your new home. An increase in gas prices has caused an increase in availability and a decrease in price (the base model came with a 5.7-liter V8). Now that gas prices have dropped along with the economy, it's now even affordable to drive. At over 18-feet long, the Suburban's interior rivals some small studios. The GMT400 models from the 1990s could have come with the 6.5-liter diesel, which is perfect for long nights of idling to keep the heat running. Older models are tough and cheap while newer models get more expensive but offer more in the way of creature comforts.
Price New: $40,820
Price Used: $2,500 and up (GMT400)


5.) Volvo 740 Wagon


A Volvo station wagon is a great choice for a family looking for a safe place to live and the Volvo 740 is perhaps the best balance of value and space. Nearly 16-feet long, the early 1990s models run cheap and aklthough not fast, they're quite roomy. Most importantly, the build quality and reliability of the last model years of the 740 are among the highest of any vehicle Volvo's ever built. When you get kicked out of your gated community you can also use it to sneak back in as a soccer mom and not as someone who uses a soccer ball for a pillow.
Price New: N/A
Price Used: $2,000 and up


4.) Dodge Caravan


What better way to celebrate your new life in a failing economy than buying a car from afailing automaker? Kids love the Caravan because of the cool features, like the fold-out table, DVD player with A/V hookup for the video games, fold-flat seats, tall roofs and many storage spaces. When the kids ask why they spend all the time at the beach and never go home just tell them it's like that vacation you took to Florida.. except it never ends. A small family could do much worse than life in a Caravan or its ritzy Town & Country brother, though we recommend a third generation if you want all of those features.
Price New: $28,500
Price Used: $14,500 and up (third gen), $2,500 and up (second gen)


3.) Ford Flex


The automotive gypsy lifestyle once meant big vans or SUVs but the era of the crossover is here. Balancing van-like space and amenities with car-like handling, the crossover could be the sleeping place of choice for the next Great Depression. The Ford Flex might be the best choice for those who may soon be evicted but are currently of some means. The long, seven-seater Flex offers space, comfort and luxury in a package that looks like a house. Throw in a fridge in the second row console that can fit a six-pack of beer and you've got quite a home.
Price New: $28,295 (base)
Price Used: $25,000 (or even as low as $7,500 off of a repossession. How meta is that anyway?)


2.) Volkswagen Vanagon/EuroVan Westfalia


The Westfalia VWs were designed for living for, though not necessarily for extended periods of time. Offered through VW, the Westfalias were essentially a Volkswagen Vanagon or EuroVan with a camper top that folds out to create a living space. Many also came equipped with small refrigerators, stovetops, sink and other appliances. The Vanagon pictured above was created by this guy to be an all-season living space. They no longer sell the Westy here in the US new, so you'll have to find one on the used market.
Price New: N/A
Price Used: $6,000 and up (Vanagon) $12,000 and up (EuroVan Weekender)


1.) Dodge Sprinter


There's really nothing like a Dodge Sprinter commercial van if you have to live your life on wheels. Daddy Coppola turned one into a portable studio and we'd be proud to live in one. Based on the Mercedes Sprinter van, this is the Mercedes of commercial vans. At nearly 23-feet long, nine-feet tall and six-feet wide the cargo area of a Sprinter is a cave. Throw in a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, 12-volt power outlet and a hydraulic jack and you're traveling the US in comfort. For real style you can convert your Sprinter into a Mercedes with a few cheap trim pieces. In extended form there's enough room in the back for a bed, small couch, table and desk. High-mileage, used cargo versions can be found at quite a reasonable price. And, we hear it may actually be bigger than Wert's entire place in Manhattan — and for 1/10th the price new!
Price New: $42,170
Price Used: $14,000

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<![CDATA[PCH, Fry In Econoline Hell Edition: 4x4 or Slammed?]]> Welcome to Project Car Hell, where you choose your eternity by selecting the project that's the coolest... and the most hellish! The last time we ventured into El Infierno Del Coche, we experienced the joy of electrical fires and short vehicle range in the Arc-Weld Your Soul challenge. That one was a close race, but the electric 911 edged out the electric Spitfire in a 51.5-to-48.5 split. Today we're getting all forward-control on you, with a couple of interesting Econoline projects suggested by Schoolpsych. The question you need to ask yourself here is: do you want to go low and slow... or high and muddy?


The forward-control Ford Econoline vans of the 1961-67 period are great-looking little boxes, which makes us wonder why you hardly ever see one with the full in-the-weeds/custom-bodywork treatment. Why should VW Transporters have all the fun, know what I'm saying? Oh, sure, the force field created when Foghat albums met Acapulco Gold was powerful enough to draw in some flat-nose Econolines back in the 70s, but it's really time we started seeing modern interpretations applied to them. That's why you ought to gather together $2,150 (or whatever the reserve price might be) and hand it over for this lowrider '62 Econoline van. At first glance, it looks pretty good, but a few i's need to be dotted and some t's must be crossed before this van will be moving under its own power. First of all, the slammification process meant that the original I6 motor had to go and a V6 placed in its stead. "Placed" is the right word, because that's about all that's been done with the "rebuilt Buick" engine here. You'll need to figure out the rest of the driveline, too, and "some custom fabrication/sheetmetal work will be needed for doghouse, and to cover sections of floor that were cut to allow clearance of wheels, driveline, and rear axle." Easy!

Crusing down the ave in your Bajito y Sauvecito Econoline would be pure joy, but that joy will turn to panic when society collapses under its own stinking, corrupt weight. Yes, your slammed Econoline will be about as useful as tits on a boar hog when the cities are burning, the crazies are hunting for human meat, and you need to head to your fortified survival compound in the mountains. That's why your project Econoline should be this '66 with 4x4 conversion (go here if the ad disappears). It's got post-apocalyptic style galore as it sits, but you'll need to outfit it with armor plating, extra fuel tanks, and maybe some flamethrowers to keep the riffraff at a safe distance. The seller doesn't mention the running condition, but we're guessing this Econo can at least make noise with that 240 six-banger. More'n likely, you'll need to go through everything and fix some Field Expedient Engineering done during the drivetrain upgrade, and you'll definitely need to replace that slushbox with a manual.

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<![CDATA[Super Mega Van Will Probably Hold Everything, Might Tip Backwards]]> Let's say you're living in a van, down by the causeway, and you're interested in more square footage. The fool's way to that goal of jammin' mega-Econoline is to simply buy a retired school bus, or maybe even a still-running tractor/trailer combo. That or you could just hack off the very back of your van and weld on the tail of a second Econoline, and then weld on the doors of yet another van for maximum overhang luxury. While we suspect the usage may be more along the lines of "delivery on a budget," we still think living in an extendo-van down Mexicali way is the best option. Thanks to our man in Mexico, Carlo, for the vantastic photog work.

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<![CDATA[Vegetable Oil Brings Out Inherent Sexiness of the Econoline?]]> If you're part of a small but growing business looking to upgrade your fleet with a 1989 Ford E350, but you're also worried about the high price of diesel, we've got the Craisglist find for you. Sellers Daniel and Annika Ryan have rigged their great white beast with a vegetable oil system that REALLY WORKS. Our only question is why is an Econoline rigged to run on veggie oil "the sex".

Given the behind the back jokes everyone makes of van drivers, especially the ones with wood replacing the back windows, we would be inclined to avoid that particular carnal adjective.(h/t goes out to Alex)[Craigslist]

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