Newbie question about the Lingo

[catinmoon]

HI all,
I've been on the lookout for a Sportsmobile for a while and just ran across this forum. It's obvious there is a lot of group knowledge out there to take advantage of.

One thing I am encountering is there are a lot of abbreviations and general lingo that I can't quite follow. So I'm hoping that there might be an old post somewhere that is a dictionary of sorts that will help me understand some of the posts.

For example, I'd really like to find a shorter length, smaller engine, 4 or (front wheel -does that exist?) van with lots of windows. But I'm sure you would say it differently. What should I be looking for in terms of keywords?

Translation?

Thanks much,
SJ

[BroncoHauler]

Ford bodies
RB: regular body (shorter length)
EB: extended body (longer length)

Ford bodies
cargo van (minimal factory windows)
passenger van (lots of factory windows), sometimes called a wagon in Ford-speak

Ford engines
V10 gas (6.8L)
V8 gas (5.4L)
7.3L, 6.0L, 6.4L diesel engines depending on year

From Ford, all vans are rear wheel drive
4x4 conversions (U Joint, Quadvan, Sportsmobile, Quigley, Advanced, sure there are some others)


Herb

[daveb]

I'll send you the link to my web site shown below...that might help.

There are many lingo shortcuts, probably too many to list.

Just something like Day/Nite shades might throw you a loop.

[Nomadcat]

Originally Posted by catinmoon

For example, I'd really like to find a shorter length, smaller engine, 4 or (front wheel -does that exist?) van with lots of windows. But I'm sure you would say it differently. What should I be looking for in terms of keywords?

Translation?

Thanks much,
SJ

I'd start by reading a lot of old posts, threads, etc. You'll find yourself fluent in SMB'ese fairly quickly.

As for what you mention, when it comes to Ford vans, at least, a shorter length is usually an "RB", a smaller engine - well, you'll have to read up on the different engines, but a "5.4" or a "V8" qualify as small for these trucks. Older ones have different labels, such as a "351". Again, read up. No front wheel drive, but look for "2WD" for two-wheel drive. Window vans are sometimes called "window vans" or "passenger vans," as opposed to "cargo vans" or "work vans" or, my favorite appellation "plumber vans."

good luck, and keep reading. welcome.

paul

[larrie]

If you find a term that has you stumped, just ask.

[catinmoon]

Thanks! All this helps. This might be a silly question, but with so many companies doing 4 x 4 conversions, why doesn't Ford do their own? seems to be a demand...

SJ

[daveb]

The turn key vehicle used to be Quigley from what I was told years back. I could be wrong. Today Ford only warranty's SMB conversions and not the parts SMB has added/changed. The extended warranty has change in the past and can at any time in the future. Why Ford didn't supply a converted vehicle is probably due to the local companies out there doing it. Most ambulances don't require 4x4.

[jage]

Originally Posted by catinmoon

Thanks! All this helps. This might be a silly question, but with so many companies doing 4 x 4 conversions, why doesn't Ford do their own? seems to be a demand...

You mean the company that cancelled production on the best selling commercial van platform ever?

[stanw909]

Same company that brought us the Edsel.

[daveb]

Don't just blame Ford; we're under pressure to be Euro in design by good ole uncle sam. Hell it won't be long and this will be the accepted style of pickups