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Old 04-17-2011, 11:15 PM   #1
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2009 Ford E250 RB High Top Build

Not sure where to put this thread. This isn't really a Homemade because Van Specialties will be doing the work. But it's not an SMB either. In any case here is the empty canvas - a 2009 E250 in Silver. I had thought a white van would be OK but Silver with chrome bling is more better.

A walk around




The interior



And an un-needed HVAC unit. Somebody really loaded this van up and then sold it with 200 miles on it - it has all the power stuff, traction control and reverse sensing. Not sure about LSD.


Van Specialties will be putting on a 24" bubble top and installing a Westy-inspired floorplan. It will take about 10-12 weeks to get it done.

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Old 04-18-2011, 08:02 AM   #2
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

Nice van. 4 or 5 speed? You may want to reconsider getting rid of the rear A/C unit, they work very well and if you are loosely following a Westy design, it and the vents could be incorporated into the cabinets. Also, in a VW the engine hump would be more intrusive than that A/C, so it could easily work. IMO.
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Old 04-18-2011, 10:15 AM   #3
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

The van is a 4-speed. I think the 5-speed was only on V10's and cutaways.

We had rear AC in a passenger van and it worked very well. Now the kids are gone and passengers will be few. I'm sure the rear AC could be retained, but it takes up as much room as a couple of lawn chairs plus a roll-up table...
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Old 04-18-2011, 12:39 PM   #4
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Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

The 5 speed is an option with the 5.4. Not a big deal the 4 works very well I find.
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Old 04-18-2011, 03:32 PM   #5
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

On the Ford site, the only way to select a 5-speed trans is to select the V-10 option.

Mike
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Old 04-18-2011, 07:05 PM   #6
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350
On the Ford site, the only way to select a 5-speed trans is to select the V-10 option.

Mike
That's correct. Unless you order a cutaway/cab-cassis. Then it's optional with the 5.4L. But Ford actually says on their ordering page that the 4-speed is about 8% more fuel efficient in-town than the 5-speed.
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Old 04-18-2011, 10:14 PM   #7
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

My mistake on the 5 speed option.

I'm surprised at how much is double wall construction on that van, are they all like that? I've got a passenger model and have yet to take a look behind the plastic. Also, if you used reflectix directly on the inside metal, would the space between the two layers be enough of an air space for it to work properly?
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Old 04-19-2011, 12:13 AM   #8
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver350
My mistake on the 5 speed option.

I'm surprised at how much is double wall construction on that van, are they all like that?
Yup. Makes me wonder about side impact protection in the other vans. I have a strong suspicion that it was built that way so Ford could easily remove the ladder frame, and have an instant uni-body. But the ladder frame gave Ford a clear marketing advantage.
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Old 04-19-2011, 08:20 AM   #9
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

I had the same rear air on my cargo van when I got it.If you want to gain some space with out losing the A/C you can.About 1/3 of that can be removed if you remove the heater core and some of the duct work.I figured we did'nt need the rear heat as we were putting in a furnace.Good luck on your build.
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Old 04-19-2011, 10:20 AM   #10
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Re: Ford RB-Westy 5.4L Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver350
My mistake on the 5 speed option.

I'm surprised at how much is double wall construction on that van, are they all like that?
Yup. Makes me wonder about side impact protection in the other vans. I have a strong suspicion that it was built that way so Ford could easily remove the ladder frame, and have an instant uni-body. But the ladder frame gave Ford a clear marketing advantage.
So all vans since 1992 are like that?
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