One of the hottest segments of the classic vehicle market is that of campers. From kitschy tow-behinds and slide-ins to camping vans, these nostalgic remnants of an era when Americans took to the outdoors in droves during the sixties and seventies are a fun diversion for collectors. This 1969 Ford Econoline van with a high-top conversion for sale on Facebook Marketplace in sunny Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a neat example of these practical vehicles. There is only one problem. This non-running van was the recipient of a mild soaking courtesy of a passing hurricane. Can you reunite this converted van with the campgrounds it belongs in without too many issues? Does the $3,250 asking price leave enough in your budget for a return to the road, or is the new buyer better off just parking it down by the river? Thanks to James for the tip on this cool camper!
Before you fade away with dreams of taking this camper across America this summer, there are a few issues to be addressed. As previously stated, the seller tells us in bold print that the van “DOES NOT CURRENTLY RUN AND WILL NEED WORK.” There is also the issue of the van’s encounter with Hurricane Helene. It seems that it had been sitting for two years before Helene’s arrival. We are told that water from the storm reached the top of the tires. Working on the assumption that the van was in Saint Petersburg at the time, you can count on that water being brackish at the very least. The pictures show no excessive rust damage for an Econoline of this vintage. However, flood damage from salt water is always cause for concern.
Yet, despite the salt bath, the pictures reveal a very well thought-out camper van that may be that perfect combination of a vintage vehicle and overnight accommodations. The most obvious change was the removal of the roof and replacement with a tall fiberglass cap. Attached to that cap is a rail for an awning. Unfortunately, we are not told if the awning is included in the deal or has been lost to time. This cap allows the inhabitants a wonderful luxury: being able to walk upright. While it may seem like a frivolous privilege to non-campers, being able to stand up straight is quite the luxury when it has been raining all day and you are stuck in an old van.
The ad also does not disclose whether this camper was made in a factory or if it was the handiwork of one of its previous owners. We are told that it has been owned by the same family since it was new. It was called “Granny’s camper” in honor of the family member who drove it all over the country and was claimed to be a “bit of a hippie.” There are no references to The Grateful Dead or patchouli oil, and there is no evidence of tie-dyed curtains in the ad, so I guess we have to revert to the old standard of buying the vehicle, not the story in this case.
Regardless of Grandma’s countercultural proclivities, the interior is a rolling example of proper space utilization. In its cramped but cozy confines, the new owner can expect to find a camping toilet, abundant cabinets, a dining room table that converts to a bed, a stove, and a refrigerator. There is an obvious absence of an air conditioner. However, there are an ample number of aftermarket windows bolted into the cut-out panels of the body, and one can procure a very suitable portable air conditioner from their local home improvement store. Perhaps the nicest touch is the wicker cabinet doors, followed closely by the vintage paneling throughout. It would be interesting to know if there is any insulation behind the paneling.
While we are not given a glimpse under the mail-slot hood or the giant box covering the engine in the cabin, we are told that the engine is Ford’s venerable 302 cubic inch V-8. It is backed by an automatic transmission and is on a half-ton chassis. The seller tells us that the van has factory air conditioning, but it may have been a dealer-installed unit. The engine does not run currently. As for the mileage, the odometer reads around 50,000 miles, but the seller is hesitant to claim that as genuine.
Overall, this is a very interesting van in very good condition for a late sixties Econoline. There may be some flooding surprises, but Ford vans of this era are about as complex as a baseball bat. Parts are still available, and they were known for long periods of service as commercial vehicles. Someone handy and adventurous may find this to be the perfect project.
Have you ever owned a camper like this? If you got this one running, what would you do with it? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
I’m currently considering an RV of some kind. While the raging yang in me wants something like the AWD bus, my sobering yin says, something like this. While I think it would be fun to have the old bus, it would wear off quickly, at every fuel stop. To be clear, this isn’t the answer either. My old man had a Dodge van that he had the top cut open, and had a top like this attached. It instantly transformed a pretty nice van into the most treacherous vehicle I ever drove, and I drove a lot. It was unstable in crosswinds, and oncoming trucks sent you into the ditch, almost. Even the old man regretted doing that, and got rid of it. I’ll admit, being able to stand up is a plus, but not worth the handling quirks. I do think, handling aside, something like this makes more sense than the Ultimate Behemoth.
Fyi Howard… just recently Drove the tallest model Ford Transit van through the mountains up here. Slow going w the V6, but it did okay and handled as you would expect, not great but in no way squirrly.
The stand-up headroom in back was absolutely golden we thought, and consider it a must have now actually.
Hi Stan, thanks, I have seen those, but a bit out of my price range, besides, not sure what route to go if any. Like I say, it would be fun in a retro ’47 Flxible Clipper bus, but I’m not going to live in it, not yet anyway, all I really need is a place to stretch out and ease of getting around, plus be able to do at least close to the speed limit, whatever that is today, and blend in. Even a vintage “shaggin’ wagon” could work.
I may be in the PNW this fall visiting my son in Portland, I’d like to have something by then. While I’d love to see where you are, I can’t leave the country. Don’t have a passport, not getting one and have no reason to leave the USA, ,,yet,,dagnabit.
The fix for the cross wind situation is front and rear heavy duty sway bars, Bilstien shocks, and a SwayAway unit on the front steering tie rods. How do I know? Our E450 Ford based motor home and race car trailer hauler stock came as the worst driving vehicle I’ve ever driven. It’s got Ford’s “fabulous” twin I beam front suspension introduced in 1956 and the nicest thing I could say about it when we first drove it was it sucks! Did the above and it’s at least a decent driver. Big trucks will move you some as they pass but cross winds effect is much reduced.
Didn’t Twin I-beams start in 1966?
It was ’66 for the I beams. If you look at the time I wrote that piece it will explain my problem of working with complicated machinery that early in the morning.
I R O N S I D E S P E C I A L ! ! !
No ice looking.
these can serve well. Definatly one and even an un-related (blood or legal) 2nd party (if equipped w/2nd bed over cab) long durations and distances. This item looks ok internally (use a few seasons B4 decisions on changes).
‘Mechanically’ I’d like 2C the mil mi motor 300/4.9 (efi ~ ’96) & AOD or 1 of the diesels & Alison auto.
Drawbacks: no ‘bat rm’. A hang-a-shower (& port-a-john) can wrk in certain locations (state/nat parks, other secluded areas). Or everywhere fora Solo traveler.
Newer? is the Realto and Vixen. More $, ol skol bigger: the ’73/8 23 ft GMC. All 3 hrd to get…
Brandie new? Scamp, Casita, etc tow-B-hinds.
Best for me would Ba small Transit Connect or Sprinter style – I paint the outside as-if commercial (ie sleeper style) and create the inside as I need. Also ‘pull out’ so as to use for work as well (may B kitchen/bath up frnt behind driver/passenger as permanent, rest easily storable in garage or other rent-a-storage space. Possibly collapsable into sidewall area).
I’m glad the great people here talk about the cross wind issue. (Made worse with “twin-I-beam” construction) Yes, sway bars the size of railroad tracks will help. The best compromise I have seen is the hole in the roof with the raisable roof like a VW Westfalia.
BUT, don’t forget this thing as seen deep water. And yes, the salt water is a major concern. But also remember, even in a Midwest area or desert area flood waters are also mixed with sewer water. The mix makes for a corrosive agent that attacks electrical components. (Don’t ask me how I know!) Also remember differentials and transmissions have vents that allow water to creep in when submerged. So in the case, if the water level is correct. All wire connections from the floor down need to be addressed as well as possible damage to the starter, rear differential, transmission, front and rear crank seal areas, and possible engine if it seeped in those areas. So basically you are buying a shell.
Just for future reference, on a new car if the water makes it to the bottom of the dashboard, the insurance company will total the car. (Again, you don’t have to ask me how I know. )
Good luck to the buyer and the seller!
On 1969 vans, VERY few electrical components from the floors down. I have saved several pre-1970 flood cars and damage was usually minimal and easily addressed. Just did a 1969 Camaro flooded from the bottom of the dash. Had it running and driving in a few hours, yanked out the interior, power washed it inside and out, new carpet, starter and a few small parts and it was great.
Howard. We were a camping family also. Had 3 different pop-up vans. 2 dodge late ’70’s and a ’60’s corvair Greenbrier van. It was a better solution as u got the headroom when you got to your campsite and did not get blown around on the way. They were great for partying when I was a teen with my friends.
For that price I’d defninitely put in the time and money to get it fully road-worthy again!
Not a bad price for nowadays If it as a dodge I would go for it