wow I never expected this much activity or this many responses to my questions, thank you all for your time.
about the old ford panel vans, I also had one it had the longer body and short wheel base.
it was converted to a camper of sorts with a bunk across the back with storage cabinets under to keep the coleman stuff.
it had two seats from a mustang sitting back to back with the front seats and plenty of floor space for the kids to play in.
ahh those were the days.
when you drove it you were sitting in front of the front wheels and if you were ever to be involved in a wreck you would be the first one there.
the engine was between the seats and I had a plywood box built on it for a table of sorts.
240 ci 6cyl engine with plenty of grunt. but was surprisingly quiet for being inside the van with us.
oh well those were fun days but I don't want to go back there.
much rather have a newer "B".
anyway it's just a thought for now.
thanks again for your responses folks.