Ford Body Builders Layout Books

dave_in_delaware · 12-09-2008, 10:34 PM

I'm not sure if this could be useful to anyone, but I came across these "books" while doing a search through the Ford website....

They have data, dimensions, drawings, etc for the E-series vans (and other trucks), by model year. You can read the "chapters" online, or with the newer model years, open the whole book online, or download the full file (pdf) - which is what I did. Just right-click where it says "Click here to open the entire book" and save as... Be careful - they're like 55 MB!!

Interesting reading, and it might come in handy if you're going to customize your SMB.

I'm guessing the pages we all want are entitled "E-150/250/350 Super Duty Van" right? Not "wagon" or "passenger van"?

Main page:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/to ... build.html

Available online for:

2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

Older models' documentation is not online, but you can order a CD with it on (for free IIRC):
2002
2001
2000
1999
1997

Hope this helps! I thought it was a cool find.

AndrewST · 12-10-2008, 05:35 AM

Thanks for the link, never noticed they had the books available there.

j.whitbread · 12-10-2008, 10:50 AM

When looking at this info I see there is one model called "incomplete."

It is this designation that makes it difficult to import SM into Canada.

David_in_TX · 03-23-2009, 12:47 PM

I don't know anything about importing to Canada, but the incomplete designation is for the chassis cabs, stripped chassis and cutaway cab vehicles Ford sells. Basically these are for Class A's, Class C's and other vehicles where the end manufacturer completes the vehicle by putting their body on the Ford frame. Sportsmobile does not buy incomplete vehicles for their Class B van conversion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.whitbread

When looking at this info I see there is one model called "incomplete."

It is this designation that makes it difficult to import SM into Canada.

j.whitbread · 03-23-2009, 01:05 PM

I couldn't find the thread, it is either on this forum or Ford Truck Enthusiasts, but a guy who was trying to import his SMB to Canada said Canada Customs entered his VIN into the computer and it said the van was "incomplete". It is my recollection only and you could be absolutely correct.

David_in_TX · 03-23-2009, 01:38 PM

Hmmm, I searched the RV.net Open Roads Forum because I remember reading something on that forum (not SMB specific).

Here is what I found:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safev.../usa/index.htm

Thread I found on the Open Roads Forum (RV.net, Trailerlife.com, etc.):

http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/in...g/1/page/1.cfm

JoeyNick · 03-25-2009, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_in_delaware

They have data, dimensions, drawings, etc for the E-series vans (and other trucks), by model year. You can read the "chapters" online, or with the newer model years, open the whole book online, or download the full file (pdf) - which is what I did.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/to ... build.html

These links, and many other files, have been added to the SMB Wiki page:

http://wiki.sportsmobileforum.com/

ScotFree · 10-02-2010, 04:06 PM

I downloaded this for Reference, thanks.

carringb · 01-13-2011, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.whitbread

I couldn't find the thread, it is either on this forum or Ford Truck Enthusiasts, but a guy who was trying to import his SMB to Canada said Canada Customs entered his VIN into the computer and it said the van was "incomplete". It is my recollection only and you could be absolutely correct.

Cargo vans with the RV-prep package are considered "incomplete" because they are missing some key features.... like seats. The final stage upfitter must then apply their own VIN, adjacent to the body Ford body sticker with the original VIN. The VIN from the final stage upfitter should register as a complete vehicle. There are a few different regs for canada, so the final stage upfitter (SMB) would have to certify the van as compliant with those Canadian regulations. Ford includes the necessary requirements for Canada in the body-builder guides.

Pntyrmvr · 08-14-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.whitbread

When looking at this info I see there is one model called "incomplete."

It is this designation that makes it difficult to import SM into Canada.

As long as the final manufacturer has put in the VIN/Meets Safety Standards/Date of Manufacture sticker all is well after 15 years. Before 15 years Registrar of Imported vehicles has a list of all accepted manufacturers/converters. Sadly SMB is not on the list.

Grab an oldie and keep the wrecking yards empty!

Regards,

Gavin