1998 Ford E150 Conversion Van

New Paint!!! Predominant color...Ford Red Fire Pearl Metallic 5938...Silver top and trim...Mercury Metallic (Lexus color). The original paint was well worn by the sun here in Florida..the clear coat was deteriorating. I thought it best to repaint so that no rust would develop...it is a shame for an otherwise sound vehicle to deteriorate because of inadequate paint protection. I removed the aluminum running boards some time ago, and replaced the stock wheels. I originally bought this van in February, 2002. It has the 4.2 liter V6 with AOD transmission.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• raconter1
• antique
• car
• show
• 1998
• Ford
• E-150
• conversion
• van

[MrConversionVans]

That's a nice paint job. I really like the idea of putting a special coating on the lower panels behind the wheels. I've not seen mudflaps on a van in a very long time so it just makes sense.

[raconter1]

@MrConversionVans I agree...the original paint was fading fast in the Florida sun, and since it sits outside, I figured I had to do something to preserve it. I had wheel to wheel aluminum steps on the sides, but I bent the passenger side, so I just eliminated them before painting...I don't miss them much, can still get into the van easily by grabbing the wheel....Passengers might not be as lucky! :D That coating really helps prevent stone chips! Thanks! :) Jack

[rx6180]

Found it at last! Yes, it looks good Jack. I especially like the interior at the back. The dashboard has similar styling to the Ford Transit van of the period - not exactly the same, but again, I can see Ford following similar styling themes either side of the 'pond'. Did the painters do all inside the door shuts and the door frame edges? Did some of the interior have to come out if they did? How near to the original colour is this Toyota colour?

[raconter1]

@rx6180 In addition, they did remove all the rubber gaskets and door trim..the red I have now is brighter and more metalic than the Toyota color. Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@rx6180 Hey, Mick! Yeah, the interior is really nice...The painters didn't do the door frames or underhood..the paint is close enough to the new color that it isn't noticeable, Actually this is a Ford Red..the Silver is a Lexus color...originally the red was to be Lexus also, but the expense canceled that..so instead a Ford Red was used.

:) Jack

[bimjales]

What do you use this for Jack? It's a very nice addition to your collection.

[raconter1]

@bimjales Hey, Jim! I had a van way back in the 70's...a Chevy van...but sold that after a couple years. Then I moved to a Dodge Grand Caravan in 89, kept that for many years, then bought this van second hand, it was about 3 years old. I used it quite a bit when moving around..it was a great book hauler! And it was my intention to take trips with it..and I may do that at some point, depending on the price of gas. They didn't paint the door jambs, no problem there...it's close in color...

[raconter1]

@cheddyrod Hey, Chester! Yeah..the paint is definitely the added touch...otherwise, it's just another custom van! Thanks! :) Jack

[cheddyrod]

The metal flake and pearl really adds life to this hauler.

[raconter1]

@Sarcasticscum Hey, Nathan! They make an even longer version of this as a kind of airport taxi or commercial vehicle! Just checked the mileage yesterday...14 mpg, but the fuel here in Florida is a 10% ethanol mix...if it were pure gas, it would probably be 16. If I take an extended trip, the mid row captains' chairs would be taken out...would slightly improve mileage. Interstate, constant speed would probably, on pure gas, raise mileage to a high of 18, I'm guessing. Thanks! :) Jack