1998 Ford E-Series Van

Extended Passenger Van

5.4

Automatic

1FBSS31LXWHA30313

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is a 1998 E350 van chassis. It is still driveable, and has a 5.4 gas V8, 4-speed automatic transmission, and single wheel, one ton rear axle with drum brakes. It was a low option trim package, with manual windows and vinyl seats. I bought this as a complete, running, 15 passenger club wagon van in 2011 to use as a donor vehicle for another project. I cut off the body, just behind the windshield posts, and mounted the body on a retired E450 ambulance chassis. I have had the remains of this E350 stored in my barn since taking off the body in late 2011. My original intent was to find an old 1950 era Ford COE truck cab to mount on it. I thought that would be easier than rebuilding the drivetrain, brakes, etc. of an old truck. I have seen other old cabs mounted on smaller Ranger or S10 frames, but I was wanting a truck that had more capacity to tow a car trailer. I have finally accepted the reality that I would not be completing such a project any time soon, and it would be nice to park some of the vehicles I actually drive inside the barn. I have kept a trickle charger on the battery, have started it every few months, and let it run for about 15 minutes. It has always started right up. The fuel level is low, and I have added a little gas a couple of times a year to try and keep it fresh. I just drove it out of the barn last weekend and up to the house to wash it. I only washed the front sheet metal, and have never washed the frame. When driving it back to the barn, it blew a rear brake line, just to the left, above the rear axle cover (as shown in a picture). That is a problem that can happen to a car that hasn't been driven often. The van still stops fine just using the front brakes. I can drive it by standing on the sill and holding onto the windshield pillar, Bob the Builder style. I have only gone up and down the driveway like that and don't recommend taking it out on the street like that. The van was originally from Florida, and used as a hotel shuttle. It still had the Florida title when I bought it. So, it only has surface rust, and hasn’t been through Ohio’s salty winters. The body that I took off was completely rust free underneath, and only had “Florida rust”, mostly on the roof around the drip rails. I have only driven the van, from Columbus back to Dayton, when I bought it, maybe 60 miles. So I can’t really say how well it drives. It seems to hesitate a little now when you first give it gas, but might be fine once it is gets driven for awhile. I remember that the front end did feel a little loose. The van originally had rear A/C, but I don’t remember trying out the air conditioning, so I don't know if it used to work. It won’t work now until the rear lines are capped off and the system is charged. One A/C line was cut when removing the body. The rear heater lines have a hose attached to recirculate the coolant. All of the wiring was unplugged. I have a picture showing the dash while running. The “brake” light is on, because of the rear brake line leak, and hadn’t been on before the leak. The airbag light is on because the seats are disconnected. The seats have seatbelt tensioners, and will trigger the light it they are unplugged. The front tires have a lot of tread and the rear have zero tread, but they hold air just fine. I don’t remember ever adding any air to any of the tires. There is a small dent on the right fender. The doghouse engine cover was switched with my other van, and the latches are broken off. I have three out of the four, and they can be riveted back on. I have taken the following measurements: wheelbase 136”, outside of the tire to the outside of the other tire 76”, frame rail width 42”, rear axle centerline to the rear of frame rails 61”, front bumper to the rear of the frame 226”. You can look up factory stats if you want exact measurements. I have included a picture of how the van used to look like with the body, and a picture of the van that I mounted the body on. Sale includes the chassis, the remains of the front doors (as pictured) and the front seats. Pickup is at my house, 45305 zip code. I will deliver for free within a 30 mile radius of 45305. Longer distances can be negotiated, just message me for a price. This vehicle needs to be trailered or towed away. No warranty. Payment and pickup within 10 days after the auction ends. Payment can be made through Paypal or with cash if you are picking it up.