Vans are undoubtedly cool, but they often suffer from the conditions of their ownership. For one, they can be used as workhorses, which inevitably results in the interiors being trashed or the body get scraped up by tools and supplies. When they’re used as miniature campers or RVs, people live in them far longer than they should, and sometimes out of desperation. Finding a van like this 1990 Ford E150 that is set up for long-distance cruising and the occasional overnight that remains in excellent condition is a treat, especially with some modern entertainment features included. Check it out here on craigslist for $10,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip. The E-Series van is one of the more successful vehicles in Ford’s history, with a production run spanning decades. The van went through a variety of refreshes with its reputation for being a workhorse remaining consistent throughout. From payload limits to interior storage capacity to low maintenance requirements, the E-Series was essentially built to be a plumber’s truck or a transport vehicle. When conversion vans (along with SUVs) became popular platforms for aftermarket companies to build and sell, the E-Series began its second act.
Now, obviously, wild van creations were a big deal in the 70s, but those were built by private individuals. Vans like this one were built at a far larger scale and even sold by dealerships. I’m sure you could find out which vendor built this particular conversion van, but they were all more or less the same. A couch, captain’s chairs, curtains, and the occasional TV and VCR combo transformed how we all perceived this brick-shaped utility vehicle that was previously a roofing contractor’s best friend. The seller’s rig looks like it has been loved since new, and from the wheels to the interior, every detail seems to be in great shape.
The story here, beyond the condition, it the list of recent maintenance. The entire fuel system has been gone through with the dual tanks both dropped and cleaned, the fuel pumps replaced, a new fuel pressure regulator, and much more. The engine has been serviced and the automatic transmission has been rebuilt and still carries with it a balance of its warranty. The 302 and 351 were common engine options in 8-cylinder E-Series, with power ranging from 185 to 210 horsepower. The asking price seems fair for a van in this sort of condition, and one with safely under 100,000 miles.
Not sure how the site does it, why just earlier, I was looking at vans,,,again. Naturally, there’s a few, and you totally get what you pay for. From raccoon homes, to some nice units, like here. I think, the same people that are selling their classic cars, are the same folks selling these vans. I have a hankerin’ to get out this Spring, and do some searching as to where to run the clock out. After careful study, the only place I could afford, would be the UP, der hey. Plus, I LOVE THE UP,,,Colorado, not so much anymore. So,,a motorhome is too much hassle to travel in,,if I move, the van would have to be able to tow the Jeep, so a V8 something would be needed. Naturally, in accordance with the site, this van is way overpriced, a neighbor has a 2001 Dodge, semi custom like this for $8K, and I thought that’s too much. Again, nothing is selling, and vans are going for half that. MY biggest concern with an older vehicle, is repairs on the road. A valid charge card with unlimited funds is needed, I can hear it now in Bugtussle ND,,,”Yep, that Illudium Q-36 modulator is shot, by golly, haven’t seen one of those in a while, I can have one Tuesday,,,BUT IT’S WEDNESDAY, and an unscheduled stay in Bugtussle happens.”,,,and so on. See, as a truck driver, I think of those things, mainly because that happened to me, where as most people think, yeah, traveling could be fun, just wing it, and cry later. @$150/hr., it adds up quick, it’s not 1978 anymore. Unobtainium modulator aside, these are just the best vans.
Stay tuned, eh?