Description
Up for sale is my 1983 Ford E-100 Econoline Van.
I purchased this van in April 2016 with 72,976 miles and drove it to approximately 91,812 miles during my ownership. The van is equipped with the legendary Ford 300 cubic inch inline-six engine and a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Based on the title history, maintenance records, and conversations with the previous owner, I believe the mileage to be original.
According to the previous owner, the van was purchased new by his grandfather and used in an appliance repair business in eastern Virginia. It later passed to another family member who used it to tow racing lawn mowers to events. I then owned and drove the van for approximately ten years.
The Good
- 1983 Ford E-100 Econoline short wheelbase van
- Ford 300 cubic inch (4.9L) inline-six engine
- 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive
- Odometer currently reads approximately 91,812 miles
- I purchased the van in April 2016 with 72,976 miles and drove it approximately 18,800 miles during my ownership
- New Interstate AGM battery installed in 2026
- Fuel tank replaced in 2016
- Fuel pump replaced in 2016
- Carburetor rebuilt in 2016
- Muffler and tailpipe replaced in 2017
- Trailer hitch receiver and trailer wiring
- Rear-mounted spare tire carrier
- Rear bench seat with seat belts
- Paneled rear interior
- Rear auxiliary blower/vent assembly under rear seat
- Ford oval rear courtesy lights operated by a wall switch behind the driver’s seat
- Ceiling-mounted mirror in rear compartment
- Power inverter mounted under driver’s seat
- Extensive maintenance and mileage records available
- Original brake pedal pad included
- Original driver’s-side Econoline emblem included
- New rear brake parts included:
- Brake drums
- Brake shoes
- Wheel cylinders
- Brake hardware
- Rear brake cable
- Brake fluid
The Bad
- The van currently should be considered a project vehicle.
- The van sat from approximately January 2024 until mid-2026.
- After installing a new battery and adding fresh fuel, I was able to drive the van approximately 3 miles to a local repair shop and approximately 3 miles back home several days later.
- While attempting to drive it to another repair shop, it stalled after approximately one mile and had to be towed.
- The engine currently starts and runs briefly before stalling.
- If the van has been sitting for a while, it may require extended cranking to refill the carburetor before starting.
- I suspect the problem may be ignition-related, but that is only my speculation and the problem has not been diagnosed.
- The van will need to be repaired and transported.
- A local repair shop advised that the body mounts have significant rust damage and require repair before the van can be safely driven.
- I was advised that approximately four of the six body mounting locations show rust damage in varying degrees and will require welding and fabrication work.
- The frame itself was not identified as the primary concern; the rust is concentrated in the structure where the body mounts to the frame.
- Rear brakes require repair.
- Power steering hose requires repair.
- The passenger-side power window is not functioning.
- The driver’s power window operates, but does not control the passenger window.
- The aftermarket Sony radio is currently not working.
- The air conditioning system does not blow cold.
- In previous years I had the A/C recharged and it would work for the season, but be depleted again the following year, suggesting a leak somewhere in the system.
- The side cargo door is somewhat tired and benefits from being guided open using one hand on the handle and one hand helping the rear of the door outward.
- The trailer brake system previously developed a leak and was disabled. Trailer brake functionality should be considered unknown.
- The power inverter has never been tested by me and its functionality is unknown.
- The tires have good tread remaining but are dated 2016 and show some age-related dry rot.
The Ugly
- There is significant rust in multiple body-mount areas.
- Several photos documenting the body-mount rust are included in this listing.
- There is rust bubbling beneath the paint in several exterior locations.
- There is rust around portions of the roof gutters and seams.
- The roof and exterior are dirty from sitting and would benefit from a thorough cleaning.
- The stick-on flooring in the rear compartment is peeling in places.
- The van contains numerous modifications and additions accumulated by previous owners over the last four decades.
- The steering column includes cruise-control buttons, but I am not aware of any functioning cruise-control system.
- A dual fuel tank selector switch is present even though the van currently has a single fuel tank.
- Additional wiring and fused circuits are present for various accessories and modifications.
- This Econoline turned 43 years old this year. There may be defects, repairs, wear, modifications, or issues that I am unaware of or have unintentionally omitted.
Inspection Encouraged
I have attempted to describe this van as honestly and comprehensively as possible based on my ownership, maintenance records, recent inspections, and photographs.
I strongly encourage prospective buyers to inspect the van in person before purchasing. If you are unable to inspect it yourself, I encourage you to have a mechanic, body shop, or vehicle inspection service inspect it on your behalf at your expense prior to making an offer or purchasing the van.
Please review all photographs carefully and ask any questions before purchasing.
The van is currently located at Cash’s Automotive awaiting repairs. If the brakes are repaired and the stalling issue is resolved before the van sells, I intend to increase the asking price to reflect those improvements.
This vehicle is being sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranties expressed or implied.
This van is also listed elsewhere and I reserve the right to end the sale at any time.
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