While we continue to investigate the engine’s tendency to “go dark” at operating temperature, we faced a more immediate logistical hurdle: the Vice Van was a literal anchor. To move it around the shop or the driveway, we needed a footprint that wasn’t compromised by rot and age.

The Rubber Evidence

The existing tires were the definition of “end of watch.” The front pair was in the worst condition, with the passenger side tire sporting large holes that made holding air a physical impossibility. Since the van is still a long way from being roadworthy, we couldn’t justify a brand-new set of performance rubber.

Instead, we sourced a used but acceptable set of tires on eBay for a steep discount. They aren’t forever-tires, but they are the “probationary” set we need to get mobile.

The Extraction

Getting the front wheels off was its own battle. After twelve years of dormancy, the wheels were frozen to the hubs, requiring a significant amount of persuasion to break them free. Once liberated, we cleaned the years of grime off the wheels and touched up the paint before heading to a local shop to have the new-to-us rubber mounted and balanced.

First Flight

With the front tires installed, the moment of truth arrived. For the first time in over twelve years, the Vice Van moved under its own power.

The successful transit revealed two critical pieces of data:

1. The Good: The steering feels surprisingly smooth, and the 351 Windsor feels powerful—even in a short distance, the torque is evident.
2. The Bad: The braking system is almost non-existent. The pedal offers little resistance, and stopping is more of a suggestion than a command.

The Verdict

The van is no longer a lawn ornament. It can move, it can steer, and it has the heart of a powerhouse—it just can’t stop. We’ve cleared the hurdle of inertia, but the lack of brakes means the next phase of the investigation will have to stay within the safety of the driveway.

The rear tires will be replaced at a later time, before the van sees the open road.