Wanted : used Diesel E350 Extended cargo van !

[Gnarvan]

Have you considered contacting Chris at UJOR? I get the impression he keeps an eye on potential project vans. If he found one for you he could do a pre-purchase inspection and the 4X4 conversion. You would have the peace of mind knowing the conversion was done right. Kind of a one stop shopping thing.

[Pschitt]

Thanks Gnarvan. Yes, I did it and he's also looking for it...

[carringb]

Found one!

Needs a little deconstruction in the back, and also some reconstruction up front but the seller offers reconstruction as an option.

It's a 2010, and low miles. The ambulance body is a plus in my book. You already get the high-idle switch, dual alternators, rear HVAC, and extra heat shielding for extended idling. And it's already got flood lights all around!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...ht_7689wt_1097

[Pschitt]

Thanks Carringb. I already saw it but I'm not very tempted by a vehicle that had such an impact. And the height of the roof is not high enough, I should change it. In addition, ambulances have a bad reputation for mechanical reliability because they often leave at fast speed without taking time to warm up the engine. So I hope to find another.

[Firetrux]

Originally Posted by carringb

Found one!
some reconstruction up front but the seller offers reconstruction as an option.

Funny how the pictures showing the damage flash by twice as fast as all of the other shots...

I think an ambulance would make for a great place to start. The start and run is not a problem.

[Pschitt]

Originally Posted by Firetrux

... The start and run is not a problem.

I desagree with you Firetux. I've worked many years for an engine tuner building race engines and getting the engine warm prior to load full throttle is definitely very important to avoide dilatatione issues... But it's my opinion, you can have another one !

[Tapatio]

Originally Posted by Pschitt

I desagree with you Firetux. I've worked many years for an engine tuner building race engines and getting the engine warm prior to load full throttle is definitely very important to avoide dilatatione issues... But it's my opinion, you can have another one !

"avoide dilatatione issues"???

[daveb]

Wide open throttle???
Another issue with many ambulance vehicles is they sit at idle for long periods of time so engine hours needs to be looked at. But on the good side they must be kept in top working order so the shop usually has a high level maintenance program on each rig. At our utility, the shop pulls them in every 90 days for maintenance but mileage dictates when the fluid changes are. Because the van is checked out to you (and you don't want to use the spare) most of the guys take good care of their baby. Ambulances are another story and different crews use them so I don't know if I'd want one. But vehicles are tough and they say the 6.0 like to be run hard...just don't know if "they" are right

[jage]

Originally Posted by Tapatio

"avoide dilatatione issues"???

dilatation /dil·a·ta·tion/ (dil?ah-ta´shun). 1. the condition, as of an orifice or tubular structure, of being dilated or stretched beyond normal dimensions.

But I think the opposite is true, ambulances here are typically kept idling for long hours much more than started and run cold.

[Pschitt]

Sorry, I would like to better speak english...

I didn't know that you can keep cars/van idling. Here in Europe, you would have a penalty if you do it ! It's not allowed to let a car at idle even to warm it for five minutes... So, you have to drive slowly until engine temp get warm.