Athearn Ford C series tractor. Suitable for 1971?

[Lemosteam]

Heavy truck, class 8 and up are virtually custom and made to order.  All of these variances folks are mentioning we're orderable customer options.  Trust me you could order those trucks choosing from six engines!  There were ten wheelbases, hoirzontal and vertical exhaust, dual or single rear axles, fifth wheel tractors, box trucks, flatbeds, tow truck, etc. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Ford-L9000-Truck-Brochure-/260305446606

My point is, Robbman is correct.  You could make about any type of truck with an L9000 to start from.  C series were used mainly for garbage trucks and ambulances.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The C series was mostly a class 6 truck. They were very popular with home heating oil carriers for their short wheelbase and turning radius. Fire apparatus makers used them too - if only becasue they were around for so long that they did not have to modify their boxes to a different chassis every few years. This is also the reason why the ecconoline became the defacto ambulance for the past 30 years.

I was always supprised Atlas didn't go further with their LNT. They made two versions of the F150! the least they could have done was add a short wheelbase/single rear axle version. It would have been nice to see a whole series of bodies. I guess Athearn has spoiled us on that.

[Robbman]

This is also the reason why the ecconoline became the defacto ambulance for the past 30 years.

Yep... the VN chassis has been pretty much the same since 1975.  Ford's infinite wisdom is changing that soon though.  Apparently even though the E-series pretty much remains the top selling van year after year due to commercial and fleet sales, in no small part to commonality, Ford wants to bring us a version of the Transit... yay!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The transit isn't too bad, I just don't think a narrow box is what people who use wide open highways want. Ambulances have transitioned over to the common chassis HD trucks like the 3500 and F350. Even Ram/Dodge, a long time hold out on common chassis designs has a cab/chassis available.

One of my jobs has transitioned to F450s while the other has been using class 6 Freighliners for years.