1969 f350 4x4 motorhome

[tempefd]

I have seen in catalogs and books where Ford made factory motorhomes in the late 60's early 70's. The were built with the bump side cabs on them and dually rear ends. I think Ford moved into the motorhome cabs in the early 70's and only made these a few years. I found one for sale and was wondering before I purchase it if anyone knows any history behind these trucks. The one I am looking at has a 69 Ranger cab, dually Dana 70 rear end, Dana 44 front, factory 4x4 with Dana 24 t. case, 4sp. trans. The cab has captain seats and you can walk through to the camper part in the back. Where were they made? Are they factory made or did Ford make the trucks and send them somewhere to have the camper part built and put on the frame? Are they worth buying and trying to do a restore?? Thanks for the help and the thoughts.

[fireguywtc]

From all the reading and literature I have seen on this site, there is no such thing as a 67-72 F350 dually 4x4. This camper was almost certainly a converson. But the conversions where usually quality work and looked factory. I think it would be worth looking at. If it is in good shape, you can either make a cool camper out of it or make it into a cool pickup.

[Joshpow]

could be napco conversion to make it 4x4. also could be some kind of f250 front suspension in it.

[basketcase0302]

Joshpow on Tue Aug 16, 2011 11:39 am
could be napco conversion to make it 4x4. also could be some kind of f250 front suspension in it.
Josh

The conversion that Napco did on my 79' E-350 I owned was real nice. Probably only a matter of time before we see one as we've already seen several Napco bumps conversions here on the site.

[1971ford]

We need pics!!

[Joshpow]

[tempefd]

front view

[tempefd]

more pics

[tempefd]

front again let me know what you think.

[forrestbump]

It appears that this truck started it's life as a full pickup truck with bed due to the body moldings attached to the cab, doors and front fenders - OR - the moldings were added!?! The cab and chassis models I've seen don't usually have the factory moldings on them...even if they're a Ranger, Sport Custom or Ranger XLT. The badging is also usually attached to the lower front fenders on cab and chassis models.

If the VIN indicates F350, it's interesting that this truck has a Dana 44 front axle. If it were a Napco conversion, the center section would typically be on the passenger side as most Napco conversions were done on GM trucks that are passenger side drop. This is interesting as well...something I have never seen before.

I'm thinking it's a factory F250 4WD that's been converted to F350 status...I could be wrong, just an opinion.

This is a GREAT looking truck and I'd recommend you get it if you can. Great Find!

[Joshpow]

I think it was a ranger 250 gone 350. Being it has the non-dish front wheels. Still nice ol truck though. I say if you want a cool ol camper grab it. Keep us posted.

[Doug Comer]

post the vin number if you can

[basketcase0302]

If the VIN indicates F350, it's interesting that this truck has a Dana 44 front axle. If it were a Napco conversion, the center section would typically be on the passenger side as most Napco conversions were done on GM trucks that are passenger side drop. This is interesting as well...something I have never seen before.

I'll first correct myself from above where I stated "my Napco conversion".
My 79' E-350 was in fact a Pathfinder conversion with a driver's side pumpkin on the "HD-44" (being of the eight lug pattern). I believe I have some pictures here of the front axle, (that I sold after landing here last year).
It is a cool old camper!

[forrestbump]

Jeff, you've brought back some great memories when you mentioned Pathfinder Industries. They did GM, Chrysler and Ford 4WD Van conversions in the late sixties until their demise, unknown when that was.

There were two members in my 4WD club that had 4WD Vans, one was a GMC and the other was a Ford. Great trucks btw.

Pathfinder Industries was near where I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley of SoCal. After they converted the 2WD Vans to 4WD, they'd have piles of 2WD suspension parts and would usually sell them for scrap value, disc brakes and all. Great Deals, Great Memories...

[kingcarz]

My uncle bought one of these Ford campers new, 68-69 style grille, it was plain jane cab, 2WD, he used it often and when he sold it, it was just like new, he lived in Michigan, I do not know where he found it, or if it had dual rears, and by the way, I had a 1979 ford E-250 4x4 van by pathfinder about 15 years ago, 351M/automatic, lift w/35's, that was a fun ride, one of those I wish I did not sell