SMB Ford E-350 Cut-away w/fiberglass body - Page 4

Chance · 05-25-2014, 09:55 AM

I find it a strange business decision. Trying to build an Econoline replacement in-house basically sends a message to Ford that the Transit isn't an adequate substitute. How long do they think the Econoline cutaway is going to be around anyway? It seems to me that R&D resources would be better spent moving forward rather than holding on to the past.

Also not sure fiberglass is a great material for off road use. But that's minor by comparison.

BajaSportsmobile · 05-25-2014, 10:17 AM

"Moving Forward" is Metro-Sexual Skinny Jeans in the form of a Euro-peeing, underpowered, low slung, frameless delivery cube - that can't fit a tire bigger than a space-saver spare tyre. It is Pajama Boy in vehicle form and computer AWD that sorta is. Ho hum.

I totally get what Sportsmobile is doing here - providing a solution to a demand for a real truck/van that can carry a load and haul one too - with tough 4X4 systems, big meats and ground clearance to get you there! I'm getting a little aroused.

I could go on, I should go on...

Greg In Austin · 05-25-2014, 10:39 AM

Chance,

I don't think SMB needs to send a message, I think they have likely told them outright that the transit is not a replacement for all markets. I am sure they have had those conversations.

Remember, Ford has at least three times already, extended the life of the E-body, and each time almost immediately sold out their production runs.

There is no question that the Transit with its lower floor will not be able to do the things the E-body has been able to.

Is the Transit body on Frame or is it unibody?

Most of the Class C manufacturers have a special body that they use, I see this as very similar, but with a Class B.
Not sure of those extra 2 inches will make this a class C or not.

Again, it will be interesting to watch as wee move forward.

Greg In Austin · 05-25-2014, 10:40 AM

Tell it Baja ! Tell it !

gerrym51 · 05-25-2014, 11:24 AM

I doubt ford makes it's business decisions based on what sportsmobile or all the B makers combined. that is a pittance to ford.

however the chassis/cab is a real money maker for ford.

I don't blame sportsmobile for wanting to use the chassis/cab

haywoodphotomaccom · 05-25-2014, 12:12 PM

The prototype looked great in person. I may be on the wait list for one....

Chance · 05-25-2014, 02:53 PM

You guys really see a much different big picture, don't you? Is it one where the Econoline survives indefinitely just because a few off roaders swear by its design? That's not realistic.

Ford reportedly trademarked the T-450 and T-550. If the present Econoline body has been around for over 20 years, I can't help but think that the present cutaway doesn't have a long life left in present form. So why invest on a dinosaur with one foot in grave? The beloved Econoline may be great and all for 4X4 conversion but it doesn't change the fact that it's on the way out.

And what would keep Ford from mounting a modern brand new Transit cab on a body-on-frame type of chassis? I'd be surprised as hell if they didn't plan for that for the heavier-duty T-450 and T-550, or else have some other plan to replace the heavier-duty cutaway Econoline in the near future.

In my opinion Ford will not walk away from the class 4 and 5 cutaway market just because they are replacing the Econoline with the Transit. And whatever that is, I seriously doubt it will be a reworked Econoline.

Personally I'd like to see a reworked Transit cab mounted on a reworked version of the F-450 or F-550 chassis.

gerrym51 · 05-25-2014, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chance

You guys really see a much different big picture, don't you? Is it one where the Econoline survives indefinitely just because a few off roaders swear by its design? That's not realistic.

Ford reportedly trademarked the T-450 and T-550. If the present Econoline body has been around for over 20 years, I can't help but think that the present cutaway doesn't have a long life left in present form. So why invest on a dinosaur with one foot in grave? The beloved Econoline may be great and all for 4X4 conversion but it doesn't change the fact that it's on the way out.

And what would keep Ford from mounting a modern brand new Transit cab on a body-on-frame type of chassis? I'd be surprised as hell if they didn't plan for that for the heavier-duty T-450 and T-550, or else have some other plan to replace the heavier-duty cutaway Econoline in the near future.

In my opinion Ford will not walk away from the class 4 and 5 cutaway market just because they are replacing the Econoline with the Transit. And whatever that is, I seriously doubt it will be a reworked Econoline.

Personally I'd like to see a reworked Transit cab mounted on a reworked version of the F-450 or F-550 chassis.

not true-the econoline chassis/cab survives because so many class C"s are made from them if only b's they would have been gone long ago

**BroncoHauler** · 05-25-2014, 03:52 PM

Besides, some dinosaurs and dinosaur-age creatures continue to exist today; sharks, gators, birds. Many 'dinosaurs' continue to exist today because they evolved and didn't die out like many people believe.

Herb

REF · 05-25-2014, 04:32 PM

Why have they not adapted the Chevy platform? Are those being phased out too? Don and the guys at boulder off road have built some true beasts on that platform, swapping out the front end with dynatrac's or fords solid front ends. One of these with an interior and a CCV top would be sweet!