It should become plenty obvious that the 1980s have come roaring back when a minty conversion van such as this is fetching over $10,000. There was a time when you wouldn’t want to be seen in a rig like this, and certainly wouldn’t spend all that much for the privilege of ownership. But those days are long gone, as what’s old is new again, and enthusiasts realize it’s getting near impossible to find a conversion van of any sort in the sort of condition whereby you’d use it as intended. This 1984 Ford Econoline E150 Mark III Conversion Van has just 81,000 miles and is in exceptional condition, and it’s been listed here on eBay where bidding has reached $10,700.
Now, this Ford does have a lot going for it, starting with that epic decal design. Given the era in which conversion vans were all the rage, the exterior decor is almost as important as the interior condition. These vans can look quite tawdry and even borderline creepy when found in tired condition, so this Mark II has a lot going for it just on the eyeball appeal factor alone. There’s no rust to speak of, and the chrome bits still present well. The only thing that really holds it back visually (for me) are the wheels, which I realize are an OEM design, but they just don’t work all that well with the white-line radials. That’s an easy fix, however.
What you want when shopping for a conversion van – what’s perhaps most important – is a clean interior that you wouldn’t mind living in. These mini-RVs are all about being used as homes away from home, so if the upholstery is tattered and there’s mold beneath the carpets, the whole point of the experience is ruined. Not here, as the seating surfaces appear to be quite nice, and the conversion van retains all of the details that set it apart from your standard issue work van, like blinds and curtains in the window; swiveling front seats; rear folding bed; and a rear table and cup holders, perfect for tailgating. Actual mileage is 81,902, but the condition looks like it has far less than that.
Up front is just as nice as out back, and even the navy blue carpeting looks to be free from major flaws or staining. The seats look comfortable as all get out, with plenty of support and cushioning for long trips. The same goes for the door panels, which look to wear an extra layer of cushioning over a stock Econoline van. The best part about these is that they make excellent options for just going to a football game for parking lot shenanigans, or you can pack it up for a multi-week, long distance drive and not have to find a hotel every night. These conversion vans rarely look this nice inside and out after this many years on the road, so I’m not surprised to see the strong bidding so far. What do you think it should sell for?
Nice; the only thing it doesn’t appear to have is cruise control; can’t tell from the pictures. GLWTA!! :-)
It has cruise. https://bulk-share.slickpic.com/album/share/,jNDuNUYYY1Njj/17926752.0/1000/p/iPhone_photo_SP_17926752.jpg
Cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel spokes. Typical early 80s Ford setup.
This thing must have been garaged kept. Can’t believe it’s from Pa. and NOT RUSTED.
My father had a Dodge conversion van in about this same time period, also in PA. It was garage kept, and only used for traveling. At 10 years old it only had 28k on it. They were great for traveling. I used it once or twice to take family and friend to NASCAR races, or football games, great tailgating vehicle. I kinda miss them.
I think the wheel covers are from a newer van. Early nineties I’d say.
Exact same graphics as my 85 mark III, except mine was silver and red graphics an not this clean, those wheels are Ford van but much later…brings back memories, 351 duel tanks cost $5 to pull outta the driveway but was my daily and even camped in it on several construction projects….
Home away from home? Let’s call it for what it really is..a shag wagon. At least by the 80s they didn’t look as garish, and this one looks pretty nice! And it doesn’t have the shag(?) carpeting that so many 70s conversion vans used.
I’ve had two of these, ZERO regrets what so ever. The ’86 Ford hi-top & the 94 Ford hi-top. The trips around the country with ease & so memorable from CT to Key West & every where across zig zagging. Wish they kept making them with all the newer modern amenities as flat screen TV, DVD, less bulk than back then, as I’d take a new one over a bumper pull camper we’re looking for now any day.
The passengers set is broken down on the outside edge, shorter peole have a time getting in them.
Also someone switched wheels as these conversions didn’t come this converter W/these tires and wheels
If you ever worked in a dealership that sold these, you probably remember the one wrench who was really good at diagnosing the electrical maladies common to these Scotch-Lok farms. The conversion guys wiring in all those extras? They literally poke OE wires with a test light to find one that’s hot at the right time, then clasp onto it with 3M’s greatest evil. Shoddy wiring is a hallmark of conversion vans and limousines. Been there, undone that.
A big ol’ mini van that gets 10 mpg.
Ended: Aug 10, 2021 , 7:00PM
Winning bid:US $10,900.00
[ 28 bids ]
Located in:Glen Burnie, Maryland