One Of How Many? Ford Van Conversion
Listed here on craigslist Reno, Nevada but parked in a yard (salvage yard?) in Stagecoach and priced at $3,700 is this 1989 Ford Econoline Conversion Van. We have posted a smaller conversion of this type as well as other conversions but we believe that this is the first time for a 4 door like this Centurion RV Cutaway has been posted here on Barn Finds.
The ad only has the one image above posted so if you wish to see more images, you will want to contact the seller. The ad says you will need to do some upholstery work, but again no images were provided. The 460 big block ran great when it was parked. For some reason the water pump has been pulled through and we don’t know what the engine’s current condition is really like. There is a new water pump included in the sale, along with new plugs and wires. One window needs to be replaced and the owner thinks he will be able to have his son do that before the sale. You also get a ball hitch in the back and two fuel tanks. You will note that there appears to be paint issue on the units with the mounted spare.
A few other examples of similar conversions are posted above and you can see there have been quite a few of these built in various body styles. The question is, just how many of these conversions were performed? Are you ready to join van conversion community?
Cheers,
Robert
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Comments
Centurion built these E-350 cutaways and a model based on the Bronco for several years. The E-350 cutaway was designed to tow 5th wheel RV campers, as it essentially had the same running gear as an F-350 with a shorter wheel base. The body was an E-350 van unit cut off just behind the side doors with a fiberglass cap installed to the rear of the cab. The inside of the cab was equipped with custom van seats like all of the custom vans of the day. The chassis is the same E-350 cutaway that was used for Class C motorhomes and box trucks. http://www.2040cars.com/_content/cars/images/9/279309/006.jpg
The Bronco based unit was essentially a crew cab -250 with the rear section of a full sized Bronco grafted onto it. It sort of set the stage for the Excursion, the giant Ford SUV based on the Super Duty truck line. http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/attachments/trucks/14340d1283232119-90-ford-f350-centurion-big-tough-trucks-012.jpg
Always liked the Centurion Bronco. This doesn’t do much for me however.
Is rear access via double doors?
Yes, rear seat access is through the side doors on the passenger side of the vehicle. Centurion’s usually have one of those custom van sofa’s across the back of the cab and the two captain’s chairs up front. Seats five. One can also squeeze past the front seats and the engine dog house cover for access to the back. It is set up exactly like any other Ford van of the era or class C motorhome on an E-350 chassis. Think Ford Econoline with the rear of the van cut off just ahead of the rear wheel well’s. For the chassis think Ford E-350 cutaway chassis set up for a 26 foot motorhome body.
http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M2d9aae2c9dafd986821f9cdfba2cb6cdo0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0
“Don’t call unless you’re ready to buy”? What kind of sales approach is that?
http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?photoid=172495&;.jpg=
This is another Centurion conversion. They grafted the rear of a Supercab to a Crewcab to make this.
It’s been converted to a garbage truck.
Yea…
Searching for a “tourist” seems to be the national pastime these days.
No mention of miles. And with the water pump off, the seller has a good excuse for not mentioning whether it actually can be started and driven… Just ” Here is the water pump, etc, and good luck, no refunds.”
Come on. This van/truck is scrap unless it runs and drives. Buy it for $1000, and the $4000 you spend on making it decent might be workable. $3700? Duh.
I just put a water pump on my E150 (’96), plus a radiator, and other items… Not easy/time consuming. then there is the interior, of which there are zero photos.
Dunno why, but this listing just grates on my nerves.
I agree Alan. No collector value here, however if the seller were to get this vehicle running it will have some value as a driver. Otherwise, it is junk in my book.
If only it was in Canada