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In 1985 I bought this dented, ugggly, six-cylinder 3 speed, short wheel base, no window '71 mid-Ford for $300.
I started by bringing it to the body shop and having the bottom around the vehicle cut off and new panels welded in. I ended up replacing four of the six doors. While the body work was being done, I figured while the welder was going and mud was flying, I might as well make it a seamless body also.
With bodywork nearing completion, I installed a 1969 351ci Windsor, FMX transmission, and changed the gears in the 9" Ford rear to 350/1 ratio. Equipped with Hooker headers, California turbos and 2 1/2" exhaust, you could tell when it was going by you! Since traction was a problem, I put P275 60 15s on 10" wheels in the back and P235 60 15s on 8 1/2" wheels in the front.
After installing a vinyl top and rear wing, it was time to start working inside. Whiskey barrels were cut and upholstered to provide seating for driver and passenger.
In May '86 the van made its first van run in Plymouth, MA-Buzzard Run 1. I drove it through the summer in primer putting lots of miles and lots of van runs before parking it in the fall.
In May '87 it debuted in its new color, Oxford White, at Buzzard Run 2.
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After many van runs, yet few modifications, I still own, drive and love this machine.
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Last Updated January 18, 1998 by Barry Wickman