E250 Ford Econoline, extended version
We call her Willamina, she is a 1988 E250 3rd Generation Ford Econoline, extended version. We were not looking for an American van, but spotted her for sale locally in 2012 and fell for her brash 80โs Americana style. You wonโt see many of these in the UK, but they are common in the USA so getting parts quickly for a reasonable price is not a problem. There are a couple of active Facebook owners groups so getting advice on repairs and modifications is straightforward.
New MOT no advisories. 82,055 miles, the miles will go up a bit as we are still using her.
The private number plate will be included with the sale if we get the asking price.
The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is 3674 kilos. If you have a Category B licence and passed your test before January 1997 you can drive this van. If you passed your test after January 1997 you would need to upgrade your licence to a Category C to drive this van. However, the GVWR is not recorded on the V5, I have taken it to a weighbridge and the actual weight with some gear onboard is 3010 kilos so the weight could potentially be down plated with the DVLA.
Exterior:
Gas and electric plug in points (for cooking outside and music, lighting and fridge).
240v Hook up with long lead and adaptor
Drinking water filler point.
Keyguard hidden key stash box for your spare keys.
Storage for gas bottles, hook-up power cable, levelling ramps.
Tow Bar with electric socket for brake lights/indicator (The last owner before us used it to tow his Harley around)
MaxxRaxx heavy duty bike rack mounted onto the tow bar, it is large enough to take 4 bikes, but only has 2 cradles. It will be included with the sale if we get the asking price (usually retails at ยฃ320).
Fiamma wind out awning, this is a bit scruffy but it still works. It would be simple to replace with a new one as the brackets for these awnings have not changed.
The grey and black waste tanks are stored beneath the van at the back, they are emptied via a long flexible pipe into campsite RV waste disposal drains.
Rear doors for access to the service compartment below the toilet cupboard, contains batteries, water heater, heater blower, charger and power inverter.
Double side barn doors with pop out windows.
Rear spare tyre with chrome cover.
We have a side tent which came with the van, it is not a perfect fit but it does work and expands your living area a fair bit, it will be included with the sale.
Since buying her I have done the following:
Restored the paint and stripes
Stripped out old insulation and replaced with Cellotex
Installed a large 250w solar panel on the roof for off-grid camping
Installed pair of 85amp Leisure Batteries
Installed VSR Split Charger to ensure motor battery stays charged
Installed UK 240v electrics – two double sockets connect to this
Installed 12v-240v inverter – one double socket connects to this
Installed 240v-12v battery charger
Installed 20psi water pump
Serviced the Truma gas/electric heating and boiler (this probably needs doing again)
Replace most of the weatherstrips, rubber window seals and channels
Installed new Fiamma Roof Vent
New fibreglass on roof
Added galvanised Steel Roof Bars
Replaced power window motors
Replaced wiper motor
Replace Rear brake cylinders and shoes
Replaced Steering Rack Bushes, Track Rod Ends, Front Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
Upgraded headlights so that they run brighter bulbs
All new tyres 2019
New Front Grille
Fitted LED downlight in main cabin
Installed bespoke pull out bed with storage below
Installed Karndean vinyl flooring planks in living area
Installed black automotive carpet in front area
Engine Bay
5.8l 351 Windsor V8 petrol engine
Automatic C6 3 speed Transmission
In 2019 the engine was removed; The heads were cleaned, stripped and reassembled, valve seats were cut, block was skimmed and all gaskets were renewed.
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Return) was deleted when I bought the van. I have added a plug in VTS simulator and plugged the relevant holes and vacuum lines. The EGR system could be reinstated with available parts but the engine is running well without it.
When we bought it it had an ancient single point injection LPG system fitted, this caused constant backfire problems so we removed it and had planned to install a modern LPG system. She has an underslung LPG tank and the injector fittings are installed ready for a sequential LPG system to be fitted, this would cost ยฃ1000-ยฃ1500, and would roughly halve your fuel costs.
The ECU (electronic control unit) runs OBD1, I have a simple OBD1 code reader which will be included with the sale.
Engine parts replaced:
Radiator, Throttle body, Air Intake, Water Pump, Timing Cover, Serpentine Belt, Belt Tensioner, Alternator, Thermostat, Fuel Injectors, Distributor, Ignition Wires, Coil, Spark Plugs, Starter Motor, Exhaust Manifolds, Front end of exhaust system, Catalytic Converter, Speed Sensor, MAP Sensor, O2 sensor, Temp Sensor, ECU, Fan, Fan Clutch, Battery, New twin cone air filters and hoses.
I have a couple of boxes of spare bitsโnโbobโs including the Haynes manual, various gaskets, bushes, bolts, sensors, dashboard spares, distributor with leads, alternator and a pair of spare front doors, you are welcome to take these if you want them.
Bad Bits
There are a few small dents and spots of rust in the paint work.
Drivers side door card velour is very tatty at the bottom of the door.
A few small areas of the interior still need to be completed.
Crack in Windscreen on the passengers side, not a problem for MOT.
Fresh Water tank level indicator not working.
Small pin holes in the exhaust muffler. A new muffler will cost ยฃ50 inc delivery from RockAuto.
Small oil leak from front crank seal, fairly easy fix but it’s not a bad leak so there is no rush to fix this.
Air Conditioning has not worked whilst I have owned it, the fix may be as simple as re-gassing but it may be more involved, normal hot/cold air blower works fine.
We have been gradually restoring her, trying to keep the style as original as possible, the interior is dark oak and blue velour.
The van is designed as a four berth with a 1.8m x 1.2m pull out couch/double in the centre and an extendable bed platform up top to create space for another 1.7m x 1.4m double, perfect for kids, but we use it as a two berth and use the platform for storage up top. Beneath the bed there is an 80 litre freshwater tank with pump and extra storage.
Up front. Both the front seats are on swivel bases, the drivers seat will turn 90ยฐ and the passenger seat will turn 180ยฐ. Old school Sony CD player with a 10 CD changer behind the drivers seat, for all your classic tracks. Cruse Control, Washer Wipers with intermittent setting (this was an extra), adjustable steering wheel, plastic wood effect dashboard, aftermarket temperature gauge.
There is a kitchen area with a red formica worktop with original two burner hob and sink, above and below there is useful storage for all your cooking stuff. Opposite the kitchen there is more storage including a very cool pull out drinks cabinet. There is no built in fridge, we use a Dometic gas/electric plug in Combicool which we put outside the van when we are camping, this allows for extra space in the van and easy access to cold drinks and snacks whilst outside. The Coolbox will be included with the sale if we get the asking price (usually retail at ยฃ350).
There is an external blackout cover for the windscreen and front windows, the side windows have pop-out plywood blackout screens to cover them.
There is a sliding door leading to the shower room area with shower, basin, toilet, cupboard under basin and mirror. There is also a large storage cupboard with a hanging rail.
The van is designed as a four berth with a 1.8m x 1.2m pull out couch/double in the centre of the van and an extendable bed platform up top to create space for another 1.7m x 1.4m double, perfect for kids, but we use it as a two berth and use the platform for storage up top. There are lap belts on the couch for two passengers in the rear. Beneath the pull out bed there is an 80 litre freshwater tank with pump and extra storage.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
