My 1963 Ford Econoline 4.8/6L80E build
#30
Launching!
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the kind words from everyone. It will keep me motivated to finish this thing. My 2 previous projects over the years (1967 Chevelle convertible, and a 1967 Firebird) were both sold before I completed them due to the age old problem of 'not enough time, not enough money'. I have to finish this one!
#31
This is a GREAT BUILD and I will be following it closely as I would love to do a similar build, but with a little newer van. . . . maybe a 70s G van ? Some great info here ! keep up the great work.
#32
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Maumee Ohio
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cool Build
I'm lovin your build. I like the fact that you are not using traditional mods that others have done. I can also appreciate your money constraints which many of us also face. Sure would be nice to build one van without worrying about the funds but you do what you can with the funds you have.
#37
I've got a '66 Supervan and was just scanning sites online and came across your build, I got to say this is very unique and made me want to join this forum.
This is my first post and def. want to see what you've got coming up on this build.
Excellent work. Later.
This is my first post and def. want to see what you've got coming up on this build.
Excellent work. Later.
#38
Launching!
Thread Starter
Well, quite a few months have passed. And, as usual, life gets in the way and the van is down to low priority. I just got back into it a few weeks ago.
I did finish up all the engine, TCM, ECM, BCM, gauges wiring over the summer. I also worked on the drivers side tail light. I am now working on the side door hinges. After trimming carefully for the new hidden hinges, I realized there wasn't much material left. So I just cut out the entire door jamb and decided to make a new one out of 1"x2" stock.
One of the rare occasions when something goes your way: The rear seat platform that I made a year ago (way before I was thinking of hinges) actually lined up perfectly with the new door jamb!
Since it worked so good on the front hinge- I made a mock up of the door edge with some 1/8"x1" stock that I bent to match the door profile, to make sure everything cleared.
All clear
1963 Econoline hidden hinges
I did finish up all the engine, TCM, ECM, BCM, gauges wiring over the summer. I also worked on the drivers side tail light. I am now working on the side door hinges. After trimming carefully for the new hidden hinges, I realized there wasn't much material left. So I just cut out the entire door jamb and decided to make a new one out of 1"x2" stock.
One of the rare occasions when something goes your way: The rear seat platform that I made a year ago (way before I was thinking of hinges) actually lined up perfectly with the new door jamb!
Since it worked so good on the front hinge- I made a mock up of the door edge with some 1/8"x1" stock that I bent to match the door profile, to make sure everything cleared.
All clear
1963 Econoline hidden hinges
Last edited by trozfan; 01-23-2015 at 02:43 PM.
#39
Launching!
Thread Starter
More hidden hinge pics
Hinge pockets tacked on to check for placement.
Door is curved, so notice the hinge offset from each other. This required the top pocket to be mounted normal, and the bottom one is inverted to get the placement correct.
Here is the finished hinge pockets, and bracing all welded in
here are the door gaps! Now to fill in the old hinge openings
1963 Econoline hidden hinges
Hinge pockets tacked on to check for placement.
Door is curved, so notice the hinge offset from each other. This required the top pocket to be mounted normal, and the bottom one is inverted to get the placement correct.
Here is the finished hinge pockets, and bracing all welded in
here are the door gaps! Now to fill in the old hinge openings
1963 Econoline hidden hinges
Last edited by trozfan; 01-23-2015 at 02:45 PM.