Have You Seen This CRAZY Ford Truck? Meet The 1964 Ford Econoline PICKUP!

[@lonespartan31289]

These things are so cool

[@anthonyfarnan5935]

Just gotta make sure you avoid frontal impacts 🤕

[@pat36a]

@@anthonyfarnan5935 yes, the only thing between you and the guy you hit is the Headlight.

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

This was definitely a hilite of our trip! Andre, Kase and Tommy were all very supportive and enthusiastic about featuring Dester... many thanx to all at TFL!

[@plmn93]

Thank you for showing it, it's such an interesting and neat truck.

[@anthonyc1883]

Sir, wonderful that you and your dear mother enjoy drives in this beautiful, eye-catching vehicle. She may have "memory issues" now, but you will forever remember the happiness you bring her with such a simple gesture at this difficult time of her life.

[@mikebelcher5111]

I love seeing people use these old classics like a everyday driver. Especially road tripping them like this.

[@corathekat1898]

Dude takes his elderly mother on drives and road trips. How cool is that!👍

[@JayKoczan]

This guy's passion for his truck is fantastic. It doesn't matter what the vehicle is, it's always inspiring when you see someone so passionate about their vehicle. 👍👍

[@chuckmuellerleile8729]

God bless you and your mother! Enjoy every last minute you can with her!

[@philtripe]

Tom is hilarious and that guy has a heart of gold ... maybe we can get a monthly Econoline Tom update

[@auroracruznelson8797]

He's also single... Ladies

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

@@auroracruznelson8797 so not funny... haha

[@kevinbarry71]

This was based on the Ford falcon; which was the Ford escort of its day. In the 1970s my cousin had a van version of this, which was made up like many custom vans of the time. Loved it as a kid

[@broncomcbane6382]

The instrument panel was used in the Ford Bronco

[@darylarmentrout252]

Phhhh, more like they put a Falcon driveline in a design based on the VW Transporter 🙄

[@econoroller]

Thanks for showing one of the coolest trucks ever. I've owned five of these in my lifetime, the three window and five window models....you might say I'm obsessed with them. I know every nut and bolt of of every year of these, vans included. I liked to put Ford 302 V8's in them and install front disc brakes with a proportioning valve to even out the pressure and make it more 50/50 instead of 70/30, which pretty much eliminated their (major) shortcomings. For the money, these were the best work truck you could get...unless you needed to tow heavy trailers or had to do work that required 4 wheel drive. All of these things can be easily overcome though. I learned that installing a 302 V8 actually reduces the weight of the 240c.i. models and moves the engine back even more, making them even more mid engined and further improving weight distribution. Now I have dreams of building one with a modern small Ford eco boost. Some people have done these with the Australian straight 6, which is a SERIOUSLY improved high performance version of the old bulletproof 240 c.i. That Aussie 6 engine will easily eat a BOSS 302 V8 for breakfast, and will last a long, long time. My first one was a '65 with the 240 c.i., the odometer had stopped working at umpteen miles. I can't remember how many, but it was ALOT of miles when the odometer stopped. Someone had parked it with plans to rebuild the engine, but it never happened...(and that's where I come in with an offer!) I commuted every day in Los Angeles traffic for 4 years with a (LOUD!) rod knock that would come on at about 55 mph, adding 50w non detergent oil, and even put paraffin shavings into the oil attempting to quiet her down. I was scrounging for $$$ to get it restored and trying to keep a rock band together at the time, I think I must've overheated that truck at least 50 times....but that engine just wouldn't die! -it was still running when my good friend and Econoline guru Eugene at Blue Oval Engineering did the V8 engine swap. He was a really cool guy and taught me many things about these. He had an Econoline shorty van he'd built himself that had a 460 c.i. V8, with dual carbs on top of a v-ram intake. It could do 140 mph. Carrol Shelby had built one with a manual 4 speed and a 427 from a cobra for the team Shelby tools and gear, he used to take it to Willow Springs and other events where their cars were racing or testing. So there's a couple of testaments to the integral stability of the design in general, and how the E series platform is a dynamite platform for modifications. Despite being a unibody, there's room for subframe and all the mods you can dream up. It's a shame how many of them have gone to the junkyard because of "unsafe at any speed" but they're still around....getting harder to find and not so cheap anymore. That first one I bought in 1986 had a high quality aluminum skinned camper shell with a boot that let you crawl into the cab that had been made just for it, and was sold new with it. A lot like the "Alaskan" brand camper shell quality of style and build. I bought it for only $1,300 and the guy was happy to get that for it! -It hadn't started in 4 years, but after some tire repair and caressing, I drove it home. It's been a love affair ever since...well okay, an obsession. ha ha ha! -Thanks again for the cool video, and thumbs up to anyone and everyone who loves and appreciates these fun machines! -Rock on :)

[@michaelselman9885]

My grandpa had one of these back in the '70's. I loved it. He had a topper made 4 it. He had a bed, tools, guitar amp, fishing poles & few other things back there. He had a rod that ran behind the seats where he hung his clothes. He had a custom made trailer that he towed with all his camping gear in it. He lived & traveled everywhere in it. I would love 2 have one someday. They are very unique trucks. Thanks 4 sharing.

[@pat36a]

I have a 67 Heavy Duty Pick Up Utility. Last year for this body style. 240 (Big Six) Automatic. Tail Gate Delete, rear bumper delete, Radio Delete. Orginal owner was Los Angeles Gas Company. It came from Ford w/Utility Boxes Installed on the Bed Rails. Most think it's a VW truck.

[@lppuckster1298]

Mustie1 has one and is restoring it on KZbin. Same trim level and I think color too! I learned to drive on the van version.

[@Ribeirasacra]

I came here to say the same.

[@matthewshambler2644]

Haha, almost said the same thing and then thought I should check the comments!

[@mitchellsiroski2489]

One problem with Mustie 1 his is garage art and Toms is a drivable classic. If its not a VW Mustie 1 doesnt want to keep it or fix it'

[@barrybambmessagedeletedbyy7467]

Ford has to have the most iconic models than any other brand.

[@mikebelcher5111]

For Ford guys sure

[@rod22lt]

Not really. GM has had way more niche and cool vehicles over the years. For instance the corvair pickup of this generation is way cooler than this ford.

[@ati573]

Um, dodge has there's too. 😂

[@atteairaksinen]

This Econoline sure is a cool truck, but so are the others from the same era. Jay Lenos's Garage did an episode on the Chevrolet Corvair Rampside if you want to check that out. That one is a beautiful truck as well!

[@barrybambmessagedeletedbyy7467]

It's not about a pissing competition about who made the prettier truck, it's about who has the most iconic model. From the Model T to the first gen Raptor at least.

[@pat36a]

65 Spring Special. Trim was added to try to increase lagging sales. Bed is 7' long and 4' between the fender wells.

[@R.Nelson]

Straight 6 200cu in...3spd on Column....BEST VIDEO YET!!! Thank you so much TFL!!..been waiting to see something like this!!🌟🌟🌟🌟😃

[@gelfbrandt]

I have my dads old E-100 3 window pickup. it hasn't moved in nearly 30 years. I live 4 hours away so only get to work on it when we head over that way. Having to unload the 25+ years of stuff that got piled on top of it. Starting to document the work on jefferson state restomods channel. Not monetized, or plan on monetizing it. Just a record of the work on the project.

[@matthewshambler2644]

Super super cool.. and the fact it gets driven so much is the cherry on the cake!

[@R.Nelson]

I jus barely remember these...3 on the Column..NICE!!😀 But I remember that front end for sure..those headlight bezels...last time I seen one was early 82' at my parents cottage

[@pigatt1]

Sorry that your mom is going through memory issues. It’s so important to have something that she loves. Nice, cool truck and I enjoyed your story. Continue being a great son.

[@JURASSICEDITS09]

Cool! Ford ,chevy and dodge all built van pickups back then. Rare to see one most got used up or rusted away. Glad to see one still Rolling down the road.

[@bruceknirs9987]

Am in love with this old truck wish ford would make some thing like this again

[@AkioWasRight]

Safety standards would never allow it. The successors to this are the E-Series and the Transit, which are front engine.

[@dirtcar80]

Thanks for the shout out my friend. Hope we get to see you and Mom again sometime soon!

[@badgerpa9]

Very nice truck Sir. I hope his journey is safe and he has a great time traveling in it. You used to see that style truck and van around as the plumbers or contractor truck .

[@garretlewis4103]

When I was in high school, my next door neighbor had one of these. We went to school together and I helped him work on his truck. He actually had the matching van too. His name was Tim. When you started saying Tom I thought it was him for a second.

[@lgoss3268]

Never thought I would see a fellow central PA resident on this show. So hello from Juniata County Pennsylvania. Great show

[@russellhorn6372]

In the air force we had this for a ramp coordinator vehicle. Talk about a vehicle being a abused. I will never forget the years of driving this little truck. 1968 to 1970

[@Vern.Anderson]

My dad drove one for years. Word of advice never drive through a low water crossing with the air vent door open! Pretty cool trucks, lots of memories!

[@Vern.Anderson]

That's so cool that he share's memories with his mom because of this thing.

[@Queensizemusic]

My friend had the full van in the late 80s - a full blown punk rocker - with “Bitchin’ Camero” across the windshield in stick-on block letters and graffiti all over it, like “No Sleep Till Brooklyn!” Across the passenger side. I loved it.

[@1guyin10]

A fellow I new growing up had a 1964 sitting in his barn. I could never manage to talk him out of it.

[@ChrisN85420]

what a cool truck and i'm from central pa too in fact i went to school for a bit in middletown i'll have to look out for this truck during car show season

[@phantom0456]

I’d love to drive this thing. Of all of the vehicles I’ve owned, only one has been an automatic, yet I’ve still never driven a “three on the tree...” it’s definitely on my to do list. I hate to see the manual transmission dying out, I’ve always preferred the control it gives me. I also liked hearing about how he takes his mom for rides in this truck, that’s being a good son and I’m sure it reminds her of her younger days 😊

[@fgialcgorge7392]

Oh man, I used to HATE these things. I grew up loving cars. I mean when we got back from germany in 1987 and I was 2, I was under the hood helping my dad or sitting in his toolbox handing him tools probably slowing him down but I loved it. In about 1995-2005 these things started popping up all over my city. You saw a couple everytime you went out and my goodness I thought they were wretched but now I absolutely love them and threaten my family that I'm gonna get one all the time. They're so cool and there's like 4 engines you can fit in there if you're so inclined. I've thought it would be cool to put an explorer ttb up front with an inline 250 to power it along. I keep getting overruled though. You can never have enough classics though so we'll see.

[@panji7793]

Love this kind of review,very rare vehicle

[@GATORADDAM]

I got to hear my first Russian "ahuooogha" horn. How cool is that?! Great video. Gotta love this kinda stuff.

[@lawrencegolba2244]

Nice truck. If you haven't installed the headliner yet (an idea): Had a '57 Ford F100 w/o interior panels. Had to drive it one winter 1-1/2 hrs to work. It was so cold from the ceiling that I had to wear a wool hat, gloves and winter coat the whole trip. Installed my hot water tank insulation blanket in the ceiling and supported it with vinyl siding struts. Never did get a headliner. Down side was fiberglass dust from the installation. Plus side was warmth and sound insulation. I'd also recommend some sound insulation pads inside the door panels.

[@TjBruce817]

I had a Hot Wheels version of one of those when i was a kid...luv it.

[@econoroller]

Hi James, FYI....Hot wheels has released another version of the Econoline pickup in resto mod form, I got me one coz I'm a total Econofreak. If you google search hot wheels '60's econoline pickup, you'll probably find one. They are from the collectible "shop trucks" series. The hot wheels stock number is FLC24-4B10

[@randallburgess46]

I had a 66 Econoline van. Loved it

[@nix4644]

Omg! My dad had one of these and I used to sit on his lap when he was driving. I'd be about six inches from the windshield, you know, in the safe zone..LOL

[@mrfordman9999]

That guy seems like a wonderful guy. Keep up the good work yall

[@poppyneese1811]

May be the coolest truck ever, I remember these; they weren’t real popular, but most weren’t in this cool color with the cool wheels. Also add GO STEELERS!!! Very cool owner in a PA way, reminds me of my friends in Pittsburgh, they seem tough, but inside just mushy big hearted good down to earth folks!

[@ShukenFlash]

I've seen 2 of these in the wild. The second was just this last week actually. Somebody had it out for the nice weather we had in the midwest, all 3 days of it, haha

[@ShukenFlash]

Actually, depending on just how recently this was filmed this might have been the truck was saw, haha. Passing through on his way from PA to CO. It was orange

[@danbolton3180]

There was a family in the town I grew up in that only drove these vehicles.

[@neilmaccallum3476]

My dad's buddy has one! At one point it had dual V8's, and was nicknamed V16EH...Now it's sporting a race built 383, and it's rear engined. The diff is literally just a pumpkin with maybe 10" stubby axle shafts....mid 9's! Thing is crazy!!!

[@michaelshoemaker1245]

Nice to see a fellow local couple on here!

[@buckshot6481]

They used to be everywhere, Dodge had a D100, Chevy had a Corvair version 😎👀

[@luchaDor]

I think you meant the Dodge A100

[@lamplighter5545]

The Covair-based version was call the Greenbrier.

[@paulallison6689]

All of the Chevy versions of these that I've seen had "Sportvan 90" badging on 'em (they had two different length versions of 'em with two different #'s if I'm remembering right).

[@James-xo4uv]

The Dodge version was the A100, a Dodge D100 is a half ton 2 wheel drive full size truck

[@21Piloteer]

Corvair version from 61-65 (Rampside pickup, Greenbrier wagon, and Corvan 95 panel). Chevy G-series from 64-70 on 90-inch wheelbase with a 108" wheelbase version optional starting in 67.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

Both this truck and this video are so good in a lot of ways.

[@celticbart]

I remember these! So nice to have a review. Great video.

[@LMacNeill]

I've only ever seen one other of these -- and it was also orange. LOL! So very unique. Love it!

[@enr3870]

My dad had an old cab over Dodge Van, that thing was a blast to drive

[@brabman7]

Very cool they are from Middletown, my work takes me by TMI daily!

[@spitzj1]

Well done Tom. The Econo brotherhood is well represented by you.

[@Wezi427]

I knew he was from my neck of the woods as soon as I heard his accent. "Radiator" 😂

[@geraldmarcus947]

i owned one for many years used it for motorcycle racing

[@jebsdaddy141]

My dad had one of these but it was a year or two earlier than this one. Very much a get it done type of utility vehicle and he added wooden slats on the sides of the bed to haul corn. The engine cover doubled as a seat if you had two passengers. The biggest problem was the 3 on the tree transmission levers would jam up requiring additional persuasion. The heater was on the floor and not integrated into the dash like this one.

[@darrelltrammel1623]

A friend in H.S. had one of these. It was a little scary riding with him. He'd make a sharp turn and it would feel like it was going to flip over. It's cool to see though.

[@kevinblock2307]

That sure is a cool classic

[@losir7331]

I really like that dude.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

That new Canoo FC should be a great offroader with the approach angle and sight lines. I love FC's.

[@sbukosky]

A guy I knew had one. I drove it on an errand. It was fairly new then. Wasn't too crashworthy.

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

You crashed his new truck???

[@jorgecallico9177]

Congratulations! I know how you feel because I've owned a running '65 Econoline 5 window p/up since last May. Same color too. Only difference is it's an automatic transmission. And an excellent tranny too. The joys of this truck are many. Not the least of which is the reliability and simplicity. As I was rolling across the bridge the other day it dawned on me how much more secure I felt driving a truck without the complex computerized bullshit. And the fellow in the story is correct. The truck has great appeal. My son's fiancee got a big kick out of my truck too.

[@jamesdarcy3902]

A 1966 Econoline Super Van was my wheels grades 11 and 12. It had a 240 Straight 6 with 3 on the tree, 4.10 axle? Handling was very ponderous, and I seldom drove it over 50 (1974-75) always aware that any front end impact the driver was right at the scene.

[@kadimsilahtar]

❤❤❤❤❤ kudos to the owner of this pretty girl, thank you sir for keeping her alive and joyful, and thanks to you too Andre...

[@westtrumpet7]

I wanna see a 83-92 Ford Ranger video. That would be pretty sweet!

[@robertyoung8289]

Andre would love to put a topper on it! 😂

[@rkh66econo]

I've had two of these, a '61 and '66. Had to sell both needing the money. Sad😭

[@lffit]

.That engine looks like the 144ci one used in the first Ford Falcon? I like it an original!

[@Chris-km8ln]

If I were looking for a classic truck it would be one of these or a corvair rampside, very cool!

[@21Piloteer]

I had the Dodge version (A-100) with a 318 V8/automatic.

[@JohnBtons]

Awesome ride! Like the old JEEP FC

[@econoroller]

YES! I almost bought a lifted FC 150 that had a Buick 3800 V6 installed in it. I'm glad I didn't though,it was pretty impractical for daily driving..and well, downright dangerous for that chore. But boy did it scoot! -they were probably the epitome of "minimalist" and comfort as far as cab forward design pickups from that era go. However, they were great 4X4's and all around work vehicles, and you could get them with all kinds of factory accessories like snow plows, tow truck booms, etc, some were purpose built as fire rescue trucks for rough terrain areas and are still in use. -Peace

[@mromatic17]

Really cool truck! i love really weird cars and trucks. They shouldve put the 300 i6 if there were going to stick with the 6 cylinder. They’re the best thing ford has ever made.

[@SuperWooba]

"Ford was really forward thinking" ... this guy knows comedy lol

[@gerry-p9x]

Called the spring special. Option has a weight up front to prevent tips

[@kdrapertrucker]

Love the Econoline pickups, Ford should bring them back, but with removable bedsides like Japanese Kei trucks.

[@ndguam]

Love the “three on the tree” vehicles.

[@mmahtnart8986]

I remember the "Little Red Wagon" that did a wheelie down the 1/4 mile.

[@James-xo4uv]

That was a Dodge A100

[@raymondsvensson9773]

Very cool truck. Just like the Volkswagen Kombi truck.

[@davidbrooks4294]

Used to drive a 1967 Ford Falcon Van in college. 3 in the tree.

[@robertbarkey3194]

I had 3 of those in my 20s n I Love those n I'm going buy one when I Find one Cheap n I bought mine Cheap but they aren't selling cheap nowdays like $3500

[@SPak-rt2gb]

First time I saw one of these I said I want one

[@greathornedowl3644]

I am old enough to remember when vans were midsized - late 60s early 70s. Think they were chasing the VW Bus back then

[@timsvtgen1]

That was a great episode!

[@asj8907]

I would place a few foil wrapped hot dogs on the engine manifold, when i got to the beach it was pure joy.

[@johnossendorf9979]

Very cool, until you get in a front-end collision ! My Dad was on a duble date in the mid 60's, when driving the ladies home they came upon a driver side to driver side collision between a late 50's car and a flat nose van. The people in the car were banged up but not severely injured. The guy in the was in very bad shape, his legs were crushed and there was no way Dad and his friend could have gotten him out if there would have been a fire. Dad and his friend stayed and did what they could while the ladies drove Dad's car to call for help. Dad always wondered what happened to the man in the van.

[@Kirbykin88]

Super cool guy, and an even cooler truck! 😎

[@dannyo6699]

15 mpg, that wouldn't be too bad even by today's standards. My dad and uncle both had 1970 Ford full-sized pickups and both got around 12 mpg. So 15 isn't bad.

[@danieldickey5104]

I had a 65 econoline van

[@wesleyrayyawn826]

There is a green one in a field next to my house. It’s been there for years.

[@ebrorson]

Classic

[@jessandkaka]

Very cool!

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

5:47 It went from being a used work truck to a collectible vehicle.

[@IIIBETEPIII]

You didn’t mention that you have phone tray above the steering column 😂👍🏽

[@pat36a]

Take Care of Mom. #1 priority at this time in life.

[@NastyCustoms5150]

I daily drive one just like this, just rougher lol

[@MrBillsfishin]

Nice old truck!

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Super cool example! The van version was on Scooby Doo?!

[@Rebel9668]

We had a Dodge truck that looked just like that when I was a kid. It was a '71 Dodge A100.

[@bobw9297]

I can remember burning my backside as a kid sitting in the middle , 2 adults 3 kids camping across Canada , safety last in those days ....

[@codeman1979]

Looks great

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

15MPG club, hanging out with my 2021 tacoma LOL