I'm watching too much Starsky and Hutch...: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Sept. 19, 2011 4:30 p.m. integraguy SuperDork

After a few months of watching Starsky and Hutch re-runs I've come to the conclusion I want to try to pick up a old Ford Econoline van. I even found one just like (I think?) I want on my local CL. It's advertised as being an '87 with "the small V8" , must mean a 302, and automatic transmission. Being in Florida, working A/C would be nice, but at less than $900 I can't be picky. Mileage is said to be 127K, but my guess is it's possible a van this old has more like 227K on it.

From previous discussions on here, I know I should AVOID the E series like the plague, but something about the boxy shape...

Besides the front suspension, please offer suggestions/advice to someone trying to let this one pass by.
Sept. 19, 2011 4:46 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

I have a similar problem except with GMC vans.
Sept. 19, 2011 5:58 p.m. Racer1ab Reader

Wait...you're watching Starsky and Hutch...and want...a van?

I'm not original.
Sept. 19, 2011 6:02 p.m. petegossett SuperDork

20+ years ago I knew where a Torino like that was languishing beside a garage. The owner wouldn't sell. I'm guessing those are worth some money now?
Sept. 19, 2011 7:01 p.m. Basil Exposition Reader

petegossett wrote:

20+ years ago I knew where a Torino like that was languishing beside a garage. The owner wouldn't sell. I'm guessing those are worth some money now?

Um, don't think so. I think I saw one or two S&H replicas go over the auction block and they were met with indifference. Part of the problem may be that the ONLY thing that made them cool was the S&H association. And it only took a paint job to make one.
Sept. 19, 2011 8:37 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

I am trying to figure out how an econoline fits in with S&H>

As for an E150. I have driven the Straight 6 and the small 8 versions (The 8 was an E350) and while slow, it is not a bad handling van.. but tended to go through tyres at an above average rate.

YMMV, but both vans I drove were pretty beaten up
Sept. 19, 2011 9:18 p.m. integraguy SuperDork

If you haven't seen Starsky and Hutch (in awhile) the "cars" were provided by Ford. Just today, an episode "featured" an Excalibur, but all we got to see was part of the grille. So if you watch the show, all you see are Fords and mostly the "squashed tomato" as one character (I think it was Huggy Bear) called Starsky's car. Therefore, aside from an occasional "black and white unit", you see Econolines. Today's episode featured one of those mid-late '70s models, the one that came AFTER the Falcon-derived model.

Aside from Astros, and a very occasional Safari, seeing a Chevy/GMC van for sale from the '70s to late '80s....well, it just never happens. I guess they went from work to the junkyard?

So far, the dismal gas mileage and need to replace tires is holding me back as the major reasons to avoid the big "E". I tell myself it won't see that much use that gas mileage will be an issue, yet one reason why I want one is so that I can stuff the back with a sleeping bag, stove, cooler, and a small stash of clothes and start travelling to ...anywhere/wherever.
Sept. 20, 2011 7:17 a.m. ultraclyde HalfDork

There's a high school kid locally that drives an S&H Torino in good shape. Makes me smile every time I see it.
Sept. 20, 2011 7:59 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork

integraguy wrote:

So far, the dismal gas mileage and need to replace tires is holding me back as the major reasons to avoid the big "E". I tell myself it won't see that much use that gas mileage will be an issue, yet one reason why I want one is so that I can stuff the back with a sleeping bag, stove, cooler, and a small stash of clothes and start travelling to ...anywhere/wherever.

It won't help your miliage.. but would a 4wd van be easier on tyres?