One of the most exciting aspects of the classic car world is the custom (or kustom) paint jobs that talented artists spray on our beloved autos. From miles-deep candy and ‘flaked gloss to flat black or oxide red primer, the paint job that our cars wear is the most distinguishing feature to the general public and the first thing that most people notice. Up for sale here on Facebook Marketplace is a 1962 Ford Econoline truck with a fully custom paint job and treatment. Located in Dayton, OH, this kool truck could be yours for $22,500.
From Von Dutch to Larry Watson to Gene Winfield (who is still alive!), many amazing artists have used cars as their canvas to express their artistic talents and give their subjects a truly unique touch. Cars have been getting custom paint jobs for as long as automobiles have been built, but painters really came into their own in the 1960s show car circuit. We first began to see candy, metal-flake, panel jobs, seaweed flames, and many other paint fads pop up at this time and completely take over the custom car scene. These ideas spilled into the 70’s and artists continued to push the envelope on what could be accomplished with masking tape, a spray gun, and a steady hand. Even today, many cars are painted in this style, including this Econoline.
The Ford Econoline truck may not have the sexiest lines but throw on a flamed-laced-paneled paint job, and suddenly, this truck stands out from the pack. Sprayed over a black paint job, the satin gold and red flame job pops with the lace pattern peeking out from underneath. The Cragar SS’s add a great touch to give this rig some late 60s/early 70s van vibes. Despite only having the stock 230 straight 6 in the dog house, the paint job makes this Econoline look like it’s streaming down the road while standing still!
So, what do you think of this rig? Is it too garish, or just right? This Ford will not be winning any drag races, but with this paint job, you will be one of the coolest cats at the car show and won’t see another like it at your local cars and coffee. In a world full of beige-colored bubble cars, we need more rigs like this one cruising around and showing the skillset of our great automotive artists. Thank you so much to Barn Finds reader Ted for sending in this treat!
I absolutely love this truck. I have always liked the Econoline pickups. The paint job is amazing imagine all the hours that went into the prep and paint work on this. This paint job looks right at home on this truck and if I bought it I wouldn’t change a thing. Even the Cragar SS wheels look like they belong on this truck. GLWTS
Sweet.
Has to win the day, too cool!
Cabover van-based pickups are worth their weight in gold it seems. Dodge and VWs included. You can also throw the Corvair into the mix. I can see it because they look cool! This one goes a step further with the rad paint job. I’m surprised manufacturers haven’t tried to create one of these based on a current front drive platform.
Rumor has it that the Ford Econoline cab over pickups were 100% responsible for the sport “sky diving”. It gave the passengers the sensation of free falling forward just riding in it, breaking the way for going the next level of just jumping out of an airplane. Of course this is just a rumor.
have not seen something like this in a while. welcome
First thing I’d do is repaint this hideous thing. Poor little truck. It must be humiliated having to go out like that.
Beautiful.
If you zoom in on the paint job. There’s an amazing amount of detail in that paint job. I couldn’t begin to guess at how many hours of labor that must’ve gone into it. Its not my personal cup of tea, but I really do appreciate all the work and detail this has.
Not my cup of tea, but right on.
Had one of these on the back lot at Arizona Van Man from 1980-84. Plan was to build it for SEMA one year, but it never happened. It would have been a fun job, wish we had done it.
Very cool truck, it’s like a flashback to the ’60’s / ’70’s.
I wonder when that wild paint job was done ??
Hope someone appreciates the time spent on this, and takes it home.
Cheers.
Ford Econoline not my favorite flavor but mad props to the painters obvious skills!
If I wasn’t going to be worried about door dings, that truck would make an awesome grocery-getter.
You’d never see the dings. The paint is too busy.
ITS swell makes me smile!
I love Econoline pickups! Arguably one of Ford’s most poorly engineered vehicles. But they’re just cool. I bought a ‘62 3 window for $50 years ago. Only had 53k on it- but was missing the rear window. No problem. A sheet of 3/8” plywood with a flat glass peep hole in the center- good to go!
I’d be afraid to drive this one- but it’s cool. 😎
Impractical? Yes. Unique? Absolutely. The only thing I would change is get rid of the worn out stock 6 cylinder and replace it with a mild 289/302 to add more go to the show. And front discs for the whoa. I learned to drive a straight stick on one of these – 3 on the tree! – and it would have a special spot in the post lottery win garage. As others have noted, the unique driving experience is a sensation of falling out the huge front window.
This would have had a 144 or 170 factory. Most of us owners swap in a 200 as they are plentiful. Ford later offered the 240 big six. No such critter as a 230. As for driving one, I have been driving early Econolines for 50+ years now and love them. No hood is good!
I have to expose my New England roots and call this truck “wicked cool”.
Winfield has one on his Rosamond desrt property..
the Pacifica
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/?p=59899
Buy the custom paint, get the truck free
While the color choice isn’t my thing, I am certainly impressed with the time spent, the quality of the build, and the attention to detail.
The paint job is worth more than the truck. I’ve got a couple in my garage waiting for me to work on. I have found that pretty much any paint job looks good on them for some reason.
I love everything about this baby. Wish I had the garage for it. It would be mine in a flash.