Since this project has lingered on for a couple of years I am not exactly sure of the order of operations that were completed except to  note that weather and availability of space played a factor in what was done at the time.

I figured I better start on some part of this truck so I metal stripped the front of the vehicle because there was past body work that was cracking from years of sitting in a field waiting to be rescued.  At this time covid restrictions were in full swing and I found a different Econoline in Toronto that a body shop had completed for something to do and now were selling.  I spoke to the seller and this vehicle was freshly painted with the original engine and transmission left as is except for detailing with fresh paint as well.  It was painted grabber blue and black and was listed for $22,000.  I am mentioning this vehicle as a consideration to anyone thinking that restoration is the way to go over purchasing a completed vehicle.  In my situation, purchasing this vehicle would have been a better way to go if I really needed to add this vehicle to my stable.  But that is the problem.  I don ‘t really need another vehicle…. but the thought of leaving  this Econoline that I purchased to rot in a field for another 30 plus years is not acceptable to me.  The blue Econoline sold which is good because travelling during covid, let alone travelling to Toronto to make a deal and then having to line up shipping was a bit much for me at that time anyways.  It is always an option to purchase over restoration. Now there is the difficulty of finding parts which is  becoming tougher depending on what you choose to restore.  In my case working on an Econoline is more difficult as it is pretty much a unicorn of a vehicle.  There are few of them around and even fewer parts to be had.  The re-man companies used to make body parts but have since quit most of their production and are just letting their initial supplies run out.  I mean, who is even rebuilding these anymore anyways? What is left to be found is usually in really tough condition requiring much work.

I managed to purchase floor sections from a restoration company and installed them.  These are very common parts to replace as most of these vehicles have rust in the same places.  Salt and water off wet boots in the winter just speeds up the process.  There likely was rubber matting at some point in this truck’s life.  My plan is to use bed liner to re coat the floor surface.  In my next episode I will discuss the benefits of finding parts vehicles to use for their valuable resources.  This is the new way to restore…..purchasing parts vehicles but you have to have the room to store these usually non driving vehicles.