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Reviving an Abandoned 1985 Ford Van. How Hard Can It Be?

Two Stroke J

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Today, I am diving into the automotive world for the first time to save an Iconic 1985 Ford Econoline E150. No joke, it has been my dream to have a van for as long as I could drive, and today, I am finally bringing that dream to reality. Join me as I take on the project of building this 80's Ford Van into the Van of my dreams!

I hope you guys enjoyed this new style video, as I wanted to experiment with using no music, and letting the footage speak for itself a bit more than normal. I really enjoy the laid back longer video style, so let me know what you think!

Love Y'all!!

20 Comments

@TwoStrokeJ Creator 4 months ago Pinned

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@hunterday2720 4 months ago

Before you drive too much more you NEED to hookup a pressure gauge to the transmission tv pressure port on the passenger side and make sure your cable is adjusted right ask me how I know. Even though it’s shifting now it will rapidly roast the direct drive clutches in your transmission if slightly out of adjustment. If I remember right it should be 0-3 psi at idle and around 90 when you have the throttle maxed out but double check that.

@kevinmatthews9207 4 months ago

Some tips, when loosening fasteners, penetration oil is your friend as you learned, also before you attempt to brake it loose tighten it just slightly first, then once you loosen it a bit, work it back and forth and gradually ease it out and keep working it back and forth. This breaks up the crud/rust in the threads. Also before installing any fastener that goes into dissimilar metals, use never seize. They prevent the corrosion..
Heat is your friend as well.
Hope this helps!

@loudv8874 2 months ago

Man I'm a retired 30 yr auto tech and former shop owner. Don't sell yourself short on your lack of experience. If you came through my door you would be hired on the spot just on your "will do " attitude alone and no doubt top paid too. I'm now a subscriber, you go Two Stroke!

@nnyone2 4 months ago

Welding a bolt head to a broken belt and then using an impact is futile. Slow torque works much better. Had to remove a bolt snapped off countersunk in a head last week and after a few welds and attempts slowly working it back and forth it came out.

@SGmotorsport9590 4 months ago

Man I just love when I see you posting, I've been watching you from the days of the original moped build, keep it pushing man:)

@BRBingeDrinker 1 month ago

Love the 80s fords man. I have two crown victorias, an 84 and an 86. 86 has first gen EFI and the 84 had CFI. 84 will start every damn time as long as there's a battery. 86 has given me a little more of a problem but not much more. 5.0 in both of them. Daily the 86.

@mrclay50 3 months ago

I'm glad I ran into this video I've got a 1984 Ford Van Econoline 250 that I'm going to have to do the same thing to. I've had it now for a year and it's been sitting for a year waiting for me to get to work on it and you're showing me things that I'm going to have to be alerted to.

@shadesofbluee 4 months ago

Not masking off those valve covers before spraying was giving me anxiety; last thing you want is paint flaking off into the oil. Finished product looks great tho, glad to not spot any over-spray inside them.

@brianmilliard393 1 month ago

I scored a 1979 Chevy c10 van back in my college days. I added a rear bench seat to it from a local junkyard and turned it into a surprisingly good people mover, work van, etc. it covered a lot of bases including towing a 17.5 foot bay liner boat like it wasn’t even back there. All while getting close to 20 mpg on average. The rear seat was removable for more demanding side jobs when floor space was at a premium. Straight 6, 3 on the tree tranny and rear wheel drive, short bed. 👍

@RavynnShanell 13 hours ago

Obsessed! My 90’ E150 brought me here. I wish I knew half of the things you’ve worked on!

@petereastwood7868 4 months ago

46:54 “ studs way too long …”. I think that’s because there is supposed to be an insulator gasket between the manifold and the carb base, which you omitted. The studs would not be too long if you used the insulator, which is to prevent vapor-locking if I am correct.

@OriginalMusic1983 2 months ago

That thing is awesome. Great video. Looking forward to seeing more. Incredible job on that engine, man

@danielhenrichs4562 3 months ago

Finally, someone who primes before painting 🫡🤌🏻

@phr3dmcc0y 4 months ago

the best thing about "parts cannon" is, you KNOW what it's *NOT*. Not only that, but New parts are never a bad idea on something you wanna rely on.

@ДмЮнит 3 weeks ago

Apreciate the long video, iv'e thought around 25 min there will be a part 2, but was pleasantly surprised!

@Some_Random_Kurdish_Guy 3 months ago

Can you say “this is an orbital strike cannon”?

@13garage._ 2 months ago

i also love old vans and wagons

@djeros7119 4 months ago

Thank you. You’re one the first tuber I’ve seen that knows how to use a spray paint can. Love the content

@franktyred9195 4 months ago

Some of my favorite memories about working on cars involve my 66 Mustang, my very limited tools, the lighting at dusk and my neighbor in her terry cloth jumpers. Ah, 1980 all over again.