FORD ECONOLINE VAN 1968-1974
Your Subtitle text
WELCOME! Thanks for visiting the second generation Ford Van site.
The Ford Econoline Van 1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974, the best years.
The Ford Econoline Van 1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974, the best years.
The completely changed appearance of the second-generation Ford Econoline which was introduced in early 1968 is obvious. Notice the new inward-curving upper bodysides with completely different characters, the enlarged grille and the forward-positioned front wheels. Besides Twin-I-Beam front suspension, chassis changes included a larger 24-gallon fuel tank, a more vertical steering column, 52-inch rear springs, orscheln parking brake control and center-point steering linkage. Distinguishing this E-100 Cargo Regular Van from its predecessors were a 2,500-pound front suspension capacity, standard 3,050-pound rear axle and a greater base GWV 4,500 pounds, Since there were now three Econolines series the former Heavy Duty package was no longer catalogued.
The Original Ford Econoline introduced in 1961 thru 1967. (First Generation) 
Making its appearance during the 1968 calendar year was the second-generation Ford Econoline. Completely reformulated, the new E-series family was offered in three GVW ranges: E-100, E200 and E300 maximum rated at 4,500 5,400 and 7,600 pounds respectively. The new models were also reproportioned with the front wheels positioned ahead of the step wells and the engine located forward and to the right of its former position. A snubnosed hood was provided to facilitate maintenance and the front compartment engine "doghouse
' intrusion reduced. Two wheelbases were now offered, the Regular's 105.5-inch and the SuperVan's 123.5-inch, The formost chassis feature of the new Econoline was Twin-I-Beam front suspension complete with wide-track axles while the most significant powertrain advancement was the availability of an RPO V-8 enginge - the new 302-cubic inch derivative of the 289. Missing from the selection of body types, which now incorporated curved side glass and onepiece side panels, were the 8-door and Panel Vans and the Pickup. A revision in nomenclature took the Club Wagons out of the Falcon car line and designated high-series models Chateau.
More information: The horizontal-bars theme grille was enlarged and had the Ford name in block letters on its upper portion. Trim rings made the two round headlights seem larger than before. Above the headlights and grille was a sloping hood. It could be opened for checking fluid levels in the radiator, battery, brake master cylinder and windshield washer reservoir. Removing the cover within the vehicle could provide complete access to the engine. Since the engine had been pushed forward a bit, it was now possible to swing the driver's seat into the cargo area. Vertical, retangular taillights were used on the rear. The right-hand cargo doors had push-button handles and all doors had slam type latches. Standard features included included color-coordinated vinyl upholstery, painted front and rear bumpers and hubcaps, a left-hand fresh air inlet, dome lights in the drivers compartment and cargo area, an ashtray, a single electric horn, a coat hook, a mechanical jack, double-grip door locks on all doors with reversable keys, push-pull interior door locks (except rear doors), metal door checks. Headlining in the driver and passenger area, a fresh air heater and defroster, and double cargo doors at right and rear.
Originally scheduled as 1968s and assigned part numbers accordingly (C8UZ), the new Econolines were considered 1969 models. (There were no 1968 Econolines). The styling of the vans was damatically changed, for the 2nd generation.
As far as the Econoline goes, Ford originally planned to introduce a redesigned version of its popular vand in the fall of 1967 with its other 1968 truck models. But a long strike "1967" between the United Automobile Workers "U.A.W." and Ford put that plan on the back burner. Even after the strike ended, it took Ford awhile to get back up to production levels that were the same as before, so the introduction of a new model had to wait a little bit longer. Thus the new Econolines weren't released until the model year was half over. Ordinarily a model release this late might be referred to as a 1968 1/2, for example. But Ford called these new models 1969s. Ford did produce and sell some Econolines before the release of the 1969 models, but those were carryover 1967 models.
Whether you call them 1968 1/2s or 1969s, these new Econolines looked quite different from the first series built from 1961 through 1967. They were longer, wider, and heavier. Restyled from stem to stern, they looked like not other vans on the market back then. With their short hoods, larger grilles, and repositioned front axles, they set a styling statement that the others would follow.
Another Fantastic website; http://econolines.ipbhost.com/
