Eshaver Posted January 5, 2018 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Motor City; the company who took on Tom Elifret's Econoline van : This is a "What's in the box look at Tom Elifrets 1973-5 Ford Econoline LWB van . I watched Tom closely as he took AMT's 1976 Econoline and reversed it to what we used to refer to as a "Bull nose " Ford in the 70's . This is one van I know inside and out as I have worked on the 1969-74 Ford Econoline extensively . I've also over the years been able to collect options seldom ordered on the actual trucks simply because I have been an avid fan of them . I got into vanning myself back in 1972 with a 1970 SWB Econoline E-200 . Equipped with a 240 six , C-4 automatic and a AM radio , this was my entry into a lifestyle that I enjoy today . The model Motor city offers is of a typical 1973-5 Econoline with a Long wheelbase and the "Folding " side doors along with no cost option rear cargo glass . Buying a van then really was a myriad of choices abet limited . . Ford no longer had the side cargo door option of either NO side door , or cargo doors on BOTH sides as this was usually reserved for the "Camper set " . However , new for 1973 was a "Sliding " side door option and this was also a "No cost " option . These could be had with "Pop out windows " on the side door . Pop out windows were also considered optional for the rear cargo doors as well. Moving inside , the dashboard represents a radio as lockable glove box doors were optional on the vans where a radio was deleted . Seating was also a pair of seats with the passenger seat being optional , or a "Flip fold " Jump seat , or a like driver seat . Motor city offers the Econoline with a pair of standard low back seats with bases . YOU, the model builder can probably scratch build the "Flip fold Passenger seat yourself ". Air conditioning was indeed offered and the duct work ran down the Driver's side . this too is something you would have to scratch build as well as the "Dealer " add on A/C units made to install where the radio was located .The Motor cover- was made to replicate those used on Ford's optional 302 V-8 . I mention this because when this van was in production , I was manufacturing Drink holders for these vans and the Six cylinder box was vastly different in that it was square at the rear to accommodate the 240's longer head .Thus , the deck was different and the passenger had a scoch more room as the box was angled to give the extra room to the Right . The Transkit is molded in a White resin that is as smooth as any polystyrene plastic kit made today ! The photos I have taken are just as it's packaged in the box . Looking underneath , even the chassis parts were expertly back dated so as to show the earlier "I" Beam suspension used under these vehicles. Red Tail lamp lenses were included in a Polyethylene bag as is a vacuum formed windshield . Also included are a NON Chromed Bumper/ grille assembly along with the rear bumper . Very little is really needed from the AMT 1976 Econoline Van in which the earlier Van is designed to combine with . Enjoy reliving the era of "No Gas " as you build this van folks . For me , it represents a time of reliving my career as a van accessory manufacturer , wholesaler, retailer . I owned at one time five of these vans in several guises and both wheel bases . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gray07 Posted January 17, 2018 Share Posted January 17, 2018 love it, I been a vanner for awhile now, I drive a 1975 dodge shorty with cragers on it during the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Repstock Posted January 17, 2018 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Thank you, EShaver! Here's the kit built up and converted to a window van. I'm working on another right now that will be a work truck (with the sliding door). As you can see, the grille takes plating very well. I used the 1/20 kit a lot in guiding me on the master, as I didn't have access to a real one. My hat's off to Motor City, as they did the vacuform windshield...I had nothing to do with it, and it fits very well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share Posted January 20, 2018 EXTREMELY KWELL Tom !!!!! I'm surprised you didn't incorporate the "Pop Out windows into the Club wagon you did . I'm impressed by the color choice as it looks to be Factory in origin !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disabled modeler Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 (edited) On 1/17/2018 at 12:01 PM, gray07 said: love it, I been a vanner for awhile now, I drive a 1975 dodge shorty with cragers on it during the summer. I use to own one too but mine was a factory custom think it was a (Goodtimes) conversion..? I loved that thing wish they could bring back those old MPC kits of those so I could make a replica of it. The Ford van is very cool to..! Edited January 21, 2018 by disabled modeler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted January 26, 2018 Author Share Posted January 26, 2018 Mark, I used to live across the street from where Good Time vans were built . What kind of a van did you have ? I can probably scrounge up the parts from van kits if that is all you need . For what it's worth, I'm also personal friends with Dick Nesbitt who was a product engineer for them in the day . He and I go back to the van era as I was a parts manufacturer myself .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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