"1973 Ford CamperVan"

This 1973 Ford Econoline is my adventure RV.  This fully equipped camper is based on a Ford Econoline 200, a 3/4 ton chassis, with a 302 V8 and C-4 transmission, all in a package only 16 feet long. It is an ideal boondocking vehicle. The tropical camouflage is my own personal art form.

Pre 1974 vans are not subject to the smog regulations of later models. That makes it a hot rod. Back in those days they designed extremely simple & elegant living quarters  She has dual exhausts, Cragar Stainless Steel Wheels and a Spartan interior with LP Gas stove, ice box and couch which converts to a double bed.  I added two 12V. house batteries charged by the 302's alternator and, most recently, a Solar System that I cobbled together during a trip to Quartzsite.

Though modest looking, this CamperVan has all the living comforts of many larger and newer RVs, including DVD, hot shower, toilet, an awning and my laptop computer which is constantly connected to the Internet via a 3G wireless hotspot. Hwy 1, along the coast of California, is my alley :)

A Wilderness System two person Kayak is hung on two steel straps mounted high on the left side of the top.  In addition two mountain touring bikes are mounted on a Thule rack. I travel with my nine year old Pugaranian, "Maile".

In 2006 we ordered a rebuilt 302 long block from PowerProEngines.com of St. Louis. In a few days the engine arrived at City Automotive, exclusive mechanics for Cruiser Bob's CamperVan.

Justin Lambert, son of owner Moe Lambert, shared my passion for old Fords and gave much of his time (and a few choice accessory parts) to the project. For anyone visiting north county San Diego and having mechanical problems, Check out City Automotive for help if you find yourself in our part of the world.

One problem with putting a beautiful new engine in a CamperVan is that it is darn hard to see it . . . unless I open the engine boot in the interior and that's a big pain. So here's a shot taken just as the powerplant was slipping into position in the van.

We installed the rebuilt (in America) 302 V-8 engine with new Edelbrock intake manifold and four barrel carburetor. We topped it off with a set of Thorley headers, electronic ignition and alternator. And off we went . . . to La Buffadora, Lake Havasu, San Felipe, Santo Tomas, Morro Bay and all the sights of Southern and Baja California.

Future plans include making the rounds of National Parks on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. We are also keen on visiting Steens Mountain in the remote badlands of eastern Oregon/Nevada. This is home of the Kiger Mustangs. We'd love to find out how these wonderful wild horses got our family name???