1973 Ford E-Series Van

Club Wagon Chateau Minivan, Van

302

Manual

Clear

Here's your chance to own a very rare model 1973 Ford Club Wagon - Chateau in excellent condition, with incredibly low mileage for its age (25,xxx). It's similar to the more well-known Econoline, but sports some upgraded features, like houndstooth fabric on all the seats and panels, air conditioning, and an AM stereo (works, but antenna needs to be wired in). The van was custom-ordered directly from the factory by the original owner with a nice special edition blue paint color. A Little History:I am the second owner of the van and have only updated necessary mechanical parts that go with time. The 302 V8 engine runs very strong, and takes the van down the highway at an easy 70 mph. I just drove it from New York to Austin, TX this month, and then back home to Arkansas, where it's sitting now. The van drove great the entire trip, except an issue with distributor, which I had replaced. About seven months ago, I also replaced the original 16.5" wheels (hard to find tires for) with brand new 16" Cragar Nomad spoked wheels and chrome center caps, wrapped in new Good Year Wranglers. See the list below for all the parts I've had replaced and updated. Running Condition:The van has plenty of power with its V8 motor. It runs and drives great; but runs and drives great like a 1973, not a 2013. It's been very well taken care of over the years, and I've had most of the noticeable kinks worked out in the time that I've had it. There are just a couple of temperamental characteristics as it is now: The mechanic that put the electric fuel pump on placed it a bit farther toward the front than I'd prefer, and sometimes it feels like it has to work a bit harder to pump fuel than if it were next to the fuel tank. The radiator is also showing a little age on extended trips, and is working at about 70% efficiency. Works just fine for trucking around town but I noticed it wincing on the highway in the blazing Texas heat, with the temp gauge creeping toward the "H". These are the only two issues I've had to watch for after all the work I've had done on it, but it runs very strong all in all. Condition/Rust/Blemishes:From the pictures that show the underside, you can see that the original owner had a coating sprayed on at the factory to prevent rust on the entire frame and fuel tank. The only rust I can spot is on the header pipes and some surface rust on the drive shaft and minor components like a few springs and rods. The muffler and tailpipe, however, I had replaced and welded on last week. The only rust on the body appears on the rear right side near the wheel well, where there are a couple small spots of corrosion. There are also a few scratches on the left side near the Club Wagon emblem, as pictured, and a few very minor dents. You can see from the photos that one of the double swing out doors on the right side must have been repainted at some point, and is cracking a bit now in certain spots (See the side-by-side paint comparison photo). This doesn't prevent you, however, from enjoying the slide-out step (!) when opening the door. Interior:There are two bench seats in the back which can be easily unbolted and removed. I have the second seat going longways for more room in the back. I also have the third bench seat stored up in New York, which Buyer can arrange shipping for if wanted. All rear seats are in immaculate condition, and the passenger seat has no tears. The driver's seat is the only one that shows wear, with a tear in a couple seams, as pictured. Carpet is in good condition, with a bit of color from where the seats and spare tire had been sitting. Any holes visible in the carpet are from seat bolts and the spare-tire bracket, which I have. Carpet can be easily removed, and the paint underneath is in perfect condition. The original jack is also secured onboard. I have a folder of all the original paperwork including the original owner's special order details, plus paperwork and receipts since I've had it. The van's a blast to drive and gets plenty of lookers and attention. Perfect rig for camping and surfing trips, or hauling your old motorcycles around. Local pickup is preferred, but I can arrange shipping through local shipping services. Any questions, just ask. 1973 / 302 / V8 / 3-on-the-tree, manual transmission - features: Power steeringDrum brakes2 Barrel Motorcraft carburetor 25,xxx miles A/C is there, but not hooked up Belts are in great shapeFlywheel looks greatNo coolant or oil leaks Tow bar, no hitchInstrument lights and dome light work All gauges work (replaced float in fuel tank last month) 2nd owner; came from an estate in New Jersey Minimal rust on bottom due to undercoating Special order paint job and houndstooth interior from factory Chrome foot-shaped gas pedal and brights pedal 2 rear seats, with one extra stored away. All in perfect conditionOriginal jack, and bracket for a spare wheel Headlights, blinkers, flashers work Same overall length of a modern truck or minivan “West Coast” mirrors UPDATED PARTS: November ’13: Cragar rims, center caps Goodyear tires March '14: Carb rebuilt July '14: Electric fuel pump Thermostat removed to promote coolant flow Radiator flush Fuel sending unit float In-line fuel filter 10 out of 11 Freeze plugs replaced (motor removed to do so) New Gaskets: Oil pan, valve covers, front crank seal, intake manifold Distributor Spark plugs Spark plug wires Muffler and tail pipe Clutch assembly Coil Motor mounts Engine oil filter