I could fix that! I'd need your parts van though.

Stubbs, got the doghouse seal, Thanks!
Going to try to get some stuff done today.
Have the motor in the air to check the oil pan and other parts. Will have to strip off the old paint and do a few minor things. I also want to build a cradle to hold it so I can lower the van over it to install.

Engine cradle:
That's the best way. Some things to consider:
Gotta have casters, there is no way the engine goes straight up or down, unless you take the front axle out. You'd probably want to have engine and tranny together as a unit, because supporting the tranny while manipulating the engine and van body can get tricky.

PS - picking my van from the alignment shop later today, we just finished putting big front disc brakes on it. Lots of snags along the way, seem to stop well now, though. We might design a system ourselves to prevent extra fab work.

Ran

Ran, I have a 4 post hoist at home, so was thinking of building something that I could set on my strong cart that would catch the oil pan rail in front and have a small jack in back to adjust the trans tailshaft height.
Engine and trans together, headers and all. Only leave off the front stuff, since the shroud would be a pain and to clear the axle with the pulleys.
Today I stripped both front doors out, still have a bunch more to do before soda blasting.
I saw more holes to weld up inside too....

Yeah, that's the right idea, you lower the van over the engine/trans combo, then move the combo forward after you clear the axle.
Are you going to the Fling, btw?
Ran

Fling? No, too far for a short visit, hate LA traffic, and the tax man put a hurt on me!
I still have that other door, I'll get it to you someday! Snow has plans for SD in early July, so if something doesn't come up before then, I can bring it out then.

I did get the front door stuff removed today.
I wrote up a guide. Here's the link
http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/between-the-seats-a-f16/stripping-front-doors-t12371.htm#46771

That's a great write-up! Now if someone could do the same with cargo doors...I dread the thought of ever needing to take those apart.
Ran

Ran, here you go!
http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/betwe...12388.htm#46834

All doors are now empty and ready.

I pulled the tail light housings out. I will need another, the left side was rusty and I tore it up getting it out. There wasn't any on the PU.

Also got all the rear harness out and removed the exhaust system and manifolds. I hung the headers in place to see how they work. They will be fine, but wouldn't work with the 3 speed linkage.

Can't seem to get the filler neck out. Any help or ideas on that?
Rear bumper is back off, got to modify the rotisserie brackets to fit. Also soaked a bunch of bolts underneath so they will come out easier when the rest is pulled out. Probably will pull the transmission and engine this weekend.

I pulled the shift linkage, engine, trans, driveshaft, doghouse front, radiator, master cylinder and undertray out.
Pulled the engine out the top. Aside from it being in the dirt, it was pretty easy. The trans required some persuasion to break loose from the bellhousing, but otherwise all went smoothly.
Snow helped too!

Still have all the wiring harness, cluster, pedals, steering, both axles and brake/fuel lines, windshield and front bumper.
Then it should be ready for the rotisserie!!!
Still have to make mounts for that, but it's getting closer! I won't pull the axles and steering until that's ready and I've finished all the inside holes.

another shot

You pulled that out of the side door? Seems like it would be more of a pain. I would think it'd be easier out the front door, even though it's more narrow. Maybe I need to do the same when I get around to doing mine, even though I have a slant.

pulling the engine out the side didn't fight the tire that way...
Got the wiring harness, oil line, front bumper, brake lines, pedals and dash parts all stripped out.
Rear brake line, fuel line, and fishing out the loose filler neck to go before it's only a rolling chassis. The lines go through holes in the unibody members, I'll have to track down the grommets for those and develop a plan to reinstall.

EDIT Windshield is out. letters too, need to pull the clips....

Leaving the front and rear axles, steering and the driver seat in until it's ready for the rotisserie.
Hoping the metal guy will start work on it shortly. Some trade, some money and I hope that will be good. Still have a bunch of holes to weld up, but it's getting too windy out there today.

You are making good progress.

A38s I've been slow on sending you the letter, I'll get it out today. Sorry it took so long.

MoparGnome and I went to Vegas yesterday to pick up a 2WD Ramcharger for him. Today I'm helping a friend swap out a transmission in his race Jeep.

I have a chance to pick up an Edelbrock 750 carb for 150, but I think I'll hold off until I'm ready for it. Still considering a new Summitt Holley 750 instead.

BTW, here is a picture of the Sportsman dash bezels complete off the dash.

Ah. You need the other pieces too? No problemo.

No rush on the shipping. Sounds like more will be pulled for ya anyway.

I have a cast cluster bezel, but the one for the all across style has the extra part. I don't know if the shifter bezel is different (I have a regular one), but if it is different (cutouts or extensions), I'd want that too.
The whole thing is a bit off though, because it runs across the area where the crash pad bolts down and I do want to install that.

This auction has better pics of the fancy trim
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320523998067&viewitem=