In 1967, the Chevrolet van underwent a significant interior and exterior facelift. The forward control cab design was retained, but the doghouse was lengthened, widened, and slightly relocated to fit an optional V8 Chevrolet small-block engine. Engine cooling was improved with the addition of an optional larger cross-flow type radiator and a redesigned front th. Wheels, flares, and suspension mods were the most common 1st-gen custom mods, although chopping was occasionally done.
The interior of the van was a cavernous space, ready to be outfitted as a cargo carrier or a mobile living room. The materials used in the van were durable and durable. High top conversion vans had the original roof cut away in places, then replaced with a fiberglass roof to give the van increased height. This modification creates more interior room in the van.
The Astro 2 model has an interior height of 1199mm (H1) and a wheelbase length of 2825mm (SWB). The width between the wheel arches on this model is 1310mm. For its time, the P30 was innovative in providing a mobile workspace, featuring large sliding doors for easy access and enough interior height for an adult to stand upright. Color options were available.
Low-top conversion vans generally have a height of 81-82″ inches, while Sprinters, RAM Promaster, and Ford Transit low-tops have an average height of 90″. GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express are great vintage options for those looking to stand up inside.
In 1967, the Chevrolet van received a major interior and exterior facelift, with lower sections serving as areas for shelves, lights, and entertainment components. Older high tops often mounted TVs in these parts. With an inside height of 4½ feet and a load compartment that’s only 22½ inches off the ground, Chevy-Van design makes it easier for owners to load up to over.
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What is the cargo space in a van?
Standard cargo vans have a cargo capacity ranging from 200 cubic feet to 500 cubic feet, depending on the model and configuration. This allows them to transport a variety of items, from small packages to larger furniture or equipment. However, the exact dimensions and capacity can vary depending on the manufacturer and model, and can be affected by factors like shelving, storage compartments, or interior modifications. Understanding these dimensions helps plan transport needs and ensures items fit comfortably and securely. For performance vehicles, the 2024 Ford Raptor is a good option.
How high is the inside of a cargo van?
A comparison of compact and high-roof cargo vans for rent reveals that these vans have interior dimensions of 52″ x 76″, 48″ x 55″, and an estimated mileage of 24 mpg.
How tall is a Chevy conversion van?
The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana by Explorer are classic vans that offer the best in power, towing, and custom exterior and interior appointments. Built on a sturdy 2500 Chassis, these vans are no larger than a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL but have a shorter front end and tighter turning radius, making getting around town easier. The uncluttered interior allows for maximum legroom, headroom, and storage space.
The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana by Explorer are perfect for long trips or vacations, comfortably fitting a family of seven in plush leather seats. The vehicle features R-11 factor fiberglass insulation, high gloss simulated wood appointments, window ledges with enhanced automotive décor, dual drink holders, four hi-back low-profile integrated headrest seating, quick release middle captain chairs, a 3 way rear sofa with arm and headrests, heavy duty fade and stain resistant fabrics, full one piece carpet, carpet floor mats, 6 sets of 3 position reading lamps, aluminum step plates, color coded wiring harness with automotive plugs, easy access fuse panel, full width automotive overhead console with wood accents, backlit control panel for interior lighting, indirect lighting package, aux 12-volt power outlets, cloth shades on all windows, leather double stiched window valances, center ice chest with storage and insulated cooler, factory radio and CD with acoustic 6 speaker sound systems, 2 garment hangers, assist handles above cargo doors, automotive style leather door kits with built-in drink caddy’s, rear storage compartment for tire jack and lug wrench, and 4 courtesy entry lites.
What is the internal height of vans?
The load space of a small van is typically 1. 7 meters in length, 1. 5 meters in width, and 1. 2 meters in height. The maximum weight that can be carried is between 500 and 900 kilograms. For business purposes, mid-sized vans are a popular choice due to their compact size, flexibility, and reasonable load capacity. Medium-sized vans are neither excessively large nor diminutively small, rendering them optimal for sole proprietors and business owners.
What are the inside dimensions of a Chevy cargo van?
The maximum cargo capacity of the van is 313. The cargo capacity of the extended wheelbase model is 9 cubic feet, which is 80 cubic feet more than that of the standard wheelbase model, with a floor length of 146. A distance of two inches is to be observed between the rear of the passenger seats and the maximum cargo capacity, which is 173. The cargo capacity is 6 inches greater when the cargo is relocated to the front console.
Which van has the tallest interior height?
The Ford Transit offers a high-roof interior, a 3. 5-liter EcoBoost engine, and satisfactory fuel efficiency. The extended version of the vehicle has a considerable rear overhang and is therefore not well suited to off-road driving. Additionally, the extended version exhibits a reduction in interior length due to the extended front end. The cost of maintaining and repairing Ford Transit vehicles is typically low. The vehicle has a wheelbase of 136 inches and is 213 inches in length.
How tall is a conversion van inside?
Low-top vans, resembling cargo vans, have a height of 81-82 inches and are typically 90 inches tall. Models like Sprinters, RAM Promaster, and Ford Transit have an average height of 90″. These vans are capable of towing boats and heavy items, and can fit into a common garage. They often feature entertainment systems like televisions and DVD/Blu-ray players, often with fold-down options. Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are popular conversion vans, available in raised and low roof models.
What is the clearance height for a van?
The minimum vertical clearance for van parking spaces, access aisles, and vehicular routes is 98 inches (2490 mm).
How tall is the inside of a minivan?
The video illustrates a 2020 Honda Odyssey minivan with a trunk door width of 49 inches. The time stamp in the description pertains to specific models within the current production line.
How tall is the inside of a uhaul cargo van?
The pickup truck and cargo van have an interior length of 7 feet 10 inches, a width of 3 feet 2 inches, and a volume of 245 cubic feet, situated 3 feet 2 inches from the ground.
How high is the inside of a transit van?
The Ford Transit vans have different roof heights, with standard roof vans measuring 83. 9 inches (7 feet) and medium roof vans measuring 100. 8 inches (8. 4 feet) and 72 inches (6 feet) respectively. To convert a Ford Transit into a camper for van life, a comparison table has been created to explore the interior and exterior dimensions of the T-150, T-250, T-350, cargo vans, passenger vans, and Transit Trail. The measurements are taken from brochures and spec sheets. The table provides a comprehensive overview of the van’s dimensions and can be useful for those looking to convert their van into a camper.
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There was a time when vans ruled the custom scene! They had slick paint jobs (sometimes with wizards), crazy interiors, and even …
Your article inspired me to seek out my mom’s Dodge Ram van. Turns out, her boyfriend (she died 14 years ago) held onto the van for me to get when I was old enough! I didn’t know this, like we had discussed it but I didn’t think he was really going to keep it and give it to me, but I reached out to him and he’s like yeah, come get it! She’s in really rough shape but I plan on getting her running and sorted out after the years of neglect. Lots of memories in that van. I bet one of my Disney movies is still in the VCR.
When I was a kid, my brother’s friend’s mom used to have one of the vans that was maroon. I remember riding home from the mall in it and perusal Sabrina the Teenage Witch on ABC’s TGIF. The TV had an antenna and we could barley see anything because it got terrible reception. But it was so cool being able to watch TV while we were driving. I mean sure, perusal a article in a vehicle wasn’t that big of a deal, even then, but perusal a new episode of the same live show that I would’ve been perusal if I was home that night, was pretty cool.
This brings back so many memories. My dad used to own 4 of these around 15 years ago. We used to live in Saudi arabia back then used to make round trips of 2000 kms from riyadh to makkah. It used to be so big and comfy. I am definitely going to purchase one of these again. And yeah my dad’s the coolest 🤙
I live in Belgium and a buddy of mine has one of these, a giant V8 tank with blue leather interior and a flip down flatscreen TV in the back. The ride was like nothing I’ve ever been in… comfy, torqy, quiet, the list goes on… his is worth about 30k euro’s tho, they’re really expensive over here and insurance/taxes are out of this world for something like this
I love it. Thank you so much for reviving memories of cross Canada and USA trips as a teen. That van got us from The Rockies to Niagra Falls to Mt Rushmore and the Badlands of South Dakota and everywhere in between. All journies began and ended in Winnipeg. It was white with blue custom graphics, and the inside was so well kitted out and luxurious it was ridiculous. I love nostalgia, and your van provides it by the ton.
When my dad retired from the army and moved us to missourah in 93, his first job was working for a conversion van company in Nixa, MO. I don’t remember their name, but I remember how my 14 year old self thought how cool it was when I saw one of their vans driving down the road, knowing my dad did the the electrics in it.
My dad had a late 80’s e150 conversion van for a little while when i was like 11-12 years old around 2007-2008. Just like this, had the tv, vcr, stereos, the star and accent lighting, real wood trim, the seats, the plush ride, you name it. Even several years ago, it was getting tough to find another one in decent shape. Theyre either in heaven now, junk, or really expensive. But lots of memories in vans like this as a kid for sure. I was right at the end of the era of people having these.
Dude I swear you sound just like me talking about how badass these vans are I’ve had 2 a 91 and a 95 both high tops and the 95 was the chevy G20 explorer package top of the line leather LEDs everywhere running boards with 8 running lights on both sides 2 sky lights and and electric sunroof my rear seat was a 3 piece couch so it made a full size bed that was actually pretty comfortable I do have to say the new vans are amazing Yes the are just like limos but still awesome they just don’t have all the outside accessories like the 80s and 90s ones had These vehicles literally are the most comfortable and completely underrated
These vans bring back so much memories yet I never driven one or been in one, but back than they were just always parked every parking lot of a mall to every cookout at parks, and just like the sony walkman they just slowly started disappearing without anyone noticing until they were all gone and you remember them again because of articles like this
Way back in 1992, when I was 15, my mum, over here in the UK, and my Aunt and Uncle, in Canada, decided, to go for broke and have a once in a lifetime family holiday, where we would basically spend the entire summer touring the USA. The vehicle my Uncle chose for this amazing trip was a 1985 Dodge Ram 250, with a long wheelbase Starcraft conversion. I remember being met by my Uncle at Toronto Airport in this behemoth, and seeing inside for the first time, I thought it was incredible. Very similar inside to Tyler’s, but in dark blue velour. We spent the following 8 weeks going from Ontario, across the border into New York State, then across the country, down the west coast to California, across to Texas, then up the middle back to Canada. It was an incredible trip, through an amazing country, made all the more memorable by being in this unbelievably comfortable vehicle, which we ended up covering 10,800 miles in. Two things that always stick in my mind were, driving this beast through San Francisco and even with it’s big V8, the thing really struggling to haul it’s 3.5 ton bulk up those streets. The other thing, was being left alone in our motel one night, whilst in New Orleans, I realized my Uncle had left the van keys in the room. So being a stupid, car crazy teenager, and a sucker for the sound of that engine, I decided, in my wisdom, to take the van around the car park. I spent the next 10 mins flooring it, from one side to the other, having great fun. The thing then stalled on me and refused to restart, so I began to shit myself, as if I’d been caught by my elders, I dread to think what they’d have done to me.
My dad had two of these when I was a kid, the first one caught on fire while a mechanic was servicing it, and my dad used the insurance money to get another one, while he did mostly use it to deliver medicine to hospitals during the day, at night my sister and I would hope in to go pickup my mom from work with my dad. The point of this is, this Van has a special place in my heart, I absolutely loved the feeling of being at home but not really being at home, this was my favorite thing my dad ever bought, anywhere you went felt like a vacation or a road trip, even if it was just to McDonald’s, my dream is to one day be able to afford getting one of these for my mom and dad, they’re in their 50’s now, and I’m about to turn 30 in February, the point of all of this is, the memories!! This is the first vehicle I ever drove, my dad put me in his lap and let me steer it, I would love to surprise them with one, I just can’t afford it right now, and everything Hoovie said in this article is absolutely TRUE!! (P.S. I broke my sister’s finger while flattening the bed) while my dad was sitting in the driver seat waiting for my mom to get off work at 11pm in Chicago downtown, and then immediately rushed my sister and the rest of us to the ER, all while I was in tears, and telling them it was all an accident!! The memories Hoovie, the memories!! I can see you have a lot of them as well!! Great van, Congratulations on the purchase!! ONE DAY!! I’ll be able to afford one too! My dad came to this country with only $40 in his pocket, he’s busted his ass for years to give my sisters and I the life we have today, if he can do it, I can do it too!
My mom bought a Dodge one in 1982. We went everywhere in it. When I got old enough to start driving, I drove it to school every day. I was quite popular in high school because of it. I had a Metallica tapestry in one window and Iron Maiden in the other. Those were the days. Partied my ass off in that thing.
My first car was a Chevy G20 conversion. Mine was a short wheelbase with the 4.3l V6. I got it because I was into model aircraft at the time, and it is was close to me and inexpensive. It was done by Mark III, and had a lovely satin white DuPont Imron finish. My 5’10” self could stand upright in it, it was like a big scary, tippy, comfy couch.
I have a 1996 Ford Econoline with a 351 W engine. It has 430,000 miles on it and it’s still running strong. This was one of the best engines ever made. I was disappointed when Ford stopped making the Econoline, and I don’t like the newer Ford Transit vans. My next high top conversion van will be a Chevy Express or a GMC Savana because it’s getting harder to find a low mileage Econoline.
You’ve made me literally cry in a good way. Memories of my mom and our travels from Greyhounds to a 75 Chevy Cargo Van, completely homemade/tricked out by my mom and stepdad for summer travels because we were poor and then in 84 we had a Ford Conversion for more fun memories. Thanks so much for appreciating these beautiful vans. If you can believe it, my mom gave a neighbor our 84 Ford van for 500 bucks, in pristine condition. I wish I could find one I could afford to travel around the US but am disabled and can’t afford them now. Maybe I could do a crowdfund and some pan-handling and save up for one with what they cost these days I’ll be dead by the time I get it. I’m buying a lottery ticket tonight now, fingers crossed. THANKS HOOVIES GARAGE. <3
My Grandma had an ’87 G-30 wheelchair van for my Grandad. It was a dark blue hightop with the fold down bed, the 110v outlets with the oldschool wooden backplates and that awesome screen printed window tint made of little pixels (but round shaped). Even as a rambunctious kid, I loved road trips in that van.
I had a friend that installed thick SHAG carpeting, Small a/c units, bug screens for the rear windows, fish-eye windows, and roof top wind powered turbine exhaust fans(which really worked well to keep it comfortable inside with a breeze). He started a business out of his home and became wealthy & opened his own shop! The van culture and CB radio’s was so cool in its time. And Hoovie is right ; if you owned a good looking van, it truly was a Love machine…not creepy at all! It was about FUN, FRIENDS, AND ROAD TRIPS!!!!!
My dad bought a Ford conversion van in the 80s when we lived in Greenville, SC. He named it Blufford which stood for blue Ford. I believe it had two gas tanks which would take us most of the way to NJ to visit family. To me it felt like there was too much give in the steering wheel, especially when you had big side winds that would try to take into the next lane, which was nerve raking especially in the DC traffic.
Hey Hoovie! You know The Explorer Van Company (best conversion company in the US and the World!) still converts GMC Savannahs, Chevy Express, Ford Transits, and so forth? Go check them out! My grandparents had their Van decked out during the 90’s and literally watched the process of their Van being hand made! That van was such a BEAUTY! I only wish I had the chance to own it! But Explorer van is still around still in Warsaw, Indiana, go check out their newest lineup!
My wife and I lucked out and found a 1993 Ford Econoline E150 this spring, with only 24,125 miles on it for a very reasonable price. It had been kept in garages by its first two owners, who used it with its wheelchair lift to take handicapped family members to and from doctor visits. It is not quite as fancy as this Chevy G20, and it is not quite as well-preserved as this Chevy van is, but it is still pretty nice. The fuel-injected 351 V-8 can easily reach 75 mph, but I prefer to keep it at 60 – 65, so as to squeeze a little more gas mileage out of it. I think we traveled through about 20 states this year, on two different trips. (If gas prices keep rising as expected, this will take away from some of the enjoyment from a planned westward trip next April.) We are trying to retain some of its interior trim, while we slowly convert it to a camper van. I just can’t bring myself to “gut” the thing as some people do. BTW, our VHS player didn’t work, either. We made its housing into storage for maps and travel guides.
I have had 2 of those here in Sweden back in the days. There was a car dealer here that imported these G20. He had a big warehouse with only G20’s But in the early 90’s they got to expensive to drive arround. He had 88’s and 89’s brand new he coulden’t sell for many many ears. Think he had at least 40-50 cars. He tried to sell them for 25,000$ arround 1990 and he dropped the price 500$ each year. He never gave up selling them for over 25 years. Think he sold the last one in 2014.
Hoovie – you’ve got to see the irony here, these vans (which only existed in small numbers in the UK) were very comfortable and had entertainment in the back for the kids to keep them quiet. We lost all that in the 90’s &00’s before making a comeback with the advent of the Ipad or other tablets strapped to the back of the front headrests. But that’s and add on and not even a factory fit item!!. Speaking of the tyres some car manufacturers are slowly realizing that bigger volume tyres = comfort at NO COST. My 2017 Audi A4 has 17 inch Alloys and the tyres have a good 4 inches of sidewall. Result is a car that is really comfortable because of the volume of air in the tyres. For years bicycle companies made racing bikes with ever decreasing tyre sizes typically 700 x 23mm (or less) with frame clearances so fitting even 25mm tyres was a squeeze. That was until 10 years ago they discovered it cost a LOT more to develop a more compliant carbon fork than it did to allow 25mm-28mm tyres to be fitted and the larger volume of FREE air!! meant a more compliant ride (running 15psi less) less rolling resistance (because the tyre was able to soak up imperfections) and fresher cyclists. FFWD to about 2016 when the first “gravel” bikes started appearing and folk discovered they were only about 2-3% slower than a full or race bike BUT could take 32mm tyres were MUCH more comfortable and could go places (like a fire road as you in the USA call them) that a racing bike had no chance of riding along.
How much of a head acg was it in your neighborhood? I have a 1990 G20 conversion like the in the pictures that you shared in your article. My ma and setp dad want me to scrap it. I don’t want to because if the throttle body is repaired/replaced then she will run. She’s got a few other issues but I grew up in my van and learned how to drive in it even how to tow and back trailers with it. If I do have to get rid of her I want her to go to someone who will take care of her and not just scrap her. Can anyone give me advice?
Let’s put it this way I’ve struggled to find a decent then either a GMC or Chevy for the last few months for under $5,000 and that’s not talking about a conversion that’s just a plain old van. I finally lucked out and got one for free but requires a lot of work and it will probably cost that and parts and time. I’d say for $9,000 you got a being good deal. If you ever wanted to sell it later you can get at least that. The prices just keep going up on these vehicles. I figured as is I could probably sell my van I got for free for at least $5,000 and there are people more than willing to spend that. But I’m doing a micro conversion with some Communications gear in it for off-grid prepping.
Best vans ever made! Made my living out of Chevy cargo vans for years. All they ever needed were the odd tie rod or ball joint. They religiously got 400 kms on 80 liters driving in the city. Great work trucks! The conversion vans around here rusted away in short order. The factory metal didn’t like getting cut for aftermarket windows and roofs up here in the salt belt. The next gen GM vans had nothing on these. A nicer dash maybe………
It surprises me that more people don’t still have these. I don’t see nearly as many of them out on the road today as in the past. Do they have a ton of problems that are too expensive to fix or something? I would think more technically homeless people and people who are into the whole van life thing would have one.
WOW, no envy but where does this kid get all that money to buy all those toy’s and wow, look at that house that castle wow ! Ok, some people work with the hands and others with the brains and this kid works with his brain I think, Ok, good for him enjoy life while it last because nothing last forever I heard. TCB.
As a kid my friend who we will say was upper middle class always had the cool shit. A pool, go-karts (shit was so fun!) and of course one of these vans – decked out from the dealership just like the one seen here – same color too. Anyway they had the TV and the VCR….we watched Robocop and Predator on the way from Cape Cod to NH….it was the first time my friend, his two brothers and of course my friend himself – first time all of us ever saw those movies and man was it fraking amazing! The best part – headphones so the whole time we were reacting it was assumed it was one of those typical 90’s kid movies like Blank Check or whatever but nope…Predator and Robocop. Friends mom had no clue – dad got the movies for us beforehand and set up the headphones. Blockbuster baby! The scene when you see what the predator can really do with his canon…the greatest man scene in all movies – seeing them mow down the jungle unloading with everything they got…ALL OF ROBOCOP (if you have seen the movie like all of you should have you know why its all of ROBOCOP). All of those moments all seen for the first time while on a ride in one of the best vehicle memories to ride in. We turned into men that trip…course my favorite movie is T2 but thats another story. Anyway from Plymouth, MA – love the content Hoovie! – Daily Driver – 2015 Jeep JK here without its summer setup youtu.be/jZZRyU_FX8E vs summer mode – youtu.be/h_l5cmJyvgw
Does he not know that Chevy still makes the high top conversion vans and they are way nicer then that one? Those are nice for their time but I’d rather have modern fuel injection. Now if you LS swapped that thing and updated the interior and added a much bigger tv then I’d daily that tank! There is a 2008 high top conversion express custom near me with 98k miles asking $15k so not far off from that outdated tanks price.
I’ve had 5 of these (Fords) since 1985. My concept was to put the band in the van, tow a trailer with the equipment, and we were rock stars. The Fords had a longer wheelbase than the Chevy, but didn’t handle as well. Now, mostly retired, I still have my 2001, and every week someone asks me if I am ready to sell it.
My grandpa had an ‘86 chevy g20 w/ a 350 just like this when I was a kid, but black with that same gray graphic. I loved it, it towed his 26’ boat like nothing, captains chairs were comfy as s**t, and rode like a caddy unloaded. I also drove my bosses 80s GMC van as a teenager delivering furniture. His was a load w/ a dog of a 305, but it was still a blast to drive around, cranking 80s rock out of the blown out 30 y/o stock speakers lol. Good times.
Oh great. Now you’ve gone and done it. This article will drive up the price on these, and I’ll never be able to realize my dream of owning one as great as the one my parents had in the early ’80s. That one even had a sink. And yes, of course it had shag carpet. By the time I could drive, they’d replaced it with a Toyota van. Sure, they’re mid-engine and all, but not as cool as the conversion van.
No.1 cylinder crapped out on the early ones. Thin casting made it hot & vulnerable. Don’t know if this was worked out by the end of the run. Owned a ’96 GMC Mark III hi-top. Shifting solenoids crapped out. Damn dealers would charge for a new transmission when they knew it was a $25. job. Hell to pay one day.
Dude this is awesome! I literally just bought a ’91 G20 cargo van.. is not near as nice as that and needs quite a bit of work as the previous owner wasn’t very mechanically inclined but.. at the moment i live out of it and am working on making it better. To be fair though it’s actually 1 year older than me lol. Still gotta agree the ride is not too bad and the stub nose on the front is actually alot better than any of the rest of my vehocles with it a few feet in front of me!
My parents had one of these–they were luxurious. I borrowed it once to take it and two other couples to Ensenada for a day and it was very comfortable–like being on a luxury airline. Each person had their own spot light for reading and captain’s chair, and the back was like a sofa that turned into a bed.
If I had that van I would fitnit with an inverter and a pigtail so you can plug it into an A/C socket, like at a campground, so you can use all the accessories insode without wasting gas with it running, I would also remove that console so it’s easier to move from the front to the rear of the van, so your wife can tend to the kids, I would also look into making the front seats swivel like those middle seats and I would probably put a different fridge in there if the rear seat can’t lay down with that one in it. Dope van, my parents had a low top 1996 Dodge 2500 Primetime conversion with the 360 Magnum and a 3.90 axle. It was a beast. That isn’t a VCR in there, it doesn’t record, it’s a VCP.
I had two of these vans. Absolutely loved them. It’s too bad they don’t make them like this anymore. I loved all the wood and the running lights in the ceiling. There was a wooden built in cooler on the floor and the ice melted and ran out a hole to the outside. So many cool touches with too many to mention.
Great vehicle ! I had one not too many years ago but the issue was rust issues around the large fixed windows and yes most of the Companies that did the Conversions for the American Big 3 are out of business mine was a G20 too and for long trips it could fit a 48 quart Igloo Cooler between the Captains chairs in the middle so I usually sat back there while my Buddies drove and I sipped Beers ! Or Rum and Cokes !
I never had one, but I’ve worked on several as a Walmart Auto Care Center technician. Basically, they are just like working on a similar make pickup with a couple noted differences. One, the most blatant, is the foot room for the front passengers is horrible. I don’t think I’d own one just for that reason. It’s worse than a first generation Jeep Liberty 2002-2005 or so. Working on them is a bit of a different task. Some are actually not bad. Changing the battery is very easy, almost as easy as on a similar pickup. The Air filter, for the most part, is right out in the open just under the hood. Very easy to service.(The older vans had the filter in the normal top of engine location, but that was only accessible from under the dog house). Checking engine oil and transmission oil are also very easy, there are extra long dipsticks that thread to the front of the engine and are very easily accessible from under the hood, as well as the engine oil refill tube. The power steering is a bit of a challenge to reach, but not impossible. The rest of the fluid level checks and refills are also located at the front, however, the spark plugs and ignition timing check will require removing the dog house to access and service. We don’t provide that type of servicing at Walmart anyway, nor would we check the engine coolant or brake fluid levels. The under-body servicing is also fairly straight forward, with the exception of greasing the front steering system. Usually there are anywhere from 2 to 11 grease fittings on a normal pickup, but there could be upwards of 13+ on a van.
We had a Ford Econoline custom van, which was the better van over that Chevy, but it had a removable table in the back with an actual chess/checker board on it. You could flip it over and just use it for lunch with cupholders. Captains chairs that turned around meant we could beat each other up on long trips. It actually had curtains AND blinds. Like literally the same type of aluminum blinds you probably have in your house, but black. When we jumped it off of things the blinds would rattle lol.There was a small window with screen that opened on each window as well. And of course a rooftop vent that opened up. Behind the last bench row/bed was a fully customized storage rack with compartments for tools, etc. It also had twin fuel tanks with a switch to flip between them. I have never seen this kind of awesome-ness since.
Do you know how much wood costs these days? Seriously, go to a big box HD or L’s and check hardwood prices. The thick oak in this thing is probably worth what Hoovie bought it for. Dang. I guess since this is a really decent car, he’ll sell it for pennies. Hoovie, please let me know when you want to sell it! I want to buy it!
Damn I like this lol, really maken me want one to take on trips or vacations . There is a 80s or 90s model it looks just like this one but it’s a redish maroon color GMC an in good condition a older guy had it an drive it all time an slow or easy when he did drive it before he passed. Thought about asking his son if he sell it or something cause I want one an plus there is so many at junkyard next to me in this same condition can I don’t understand why people are junking these or even doing that these are beautiful and very nice for a van this old from back then lol . The ones I seen at junkyard once I sat in one an checked it out I was like this I damn these seats wow so soft an that wood grain ahh man just suckers me in more 😂🙃
I remember the bar scene in Chicago back in the late 70’s to the early 80’s and these were the rigs that married guys who were cheating on their wives gravitated to. They were mini motels on wheels, and when they got lucky they didn’t have to look far for a place to lay it down and cover it up. I was young and single at the time so I couldn’t relate, but those guys use to tell me that the best benefit was not having to account for motel bills showing up on their credit cards.
Yes 3/4 ton Ford conversation van I bought to drag the family around in. My kids best memories are camping in this van. They were the best and max comfort. 4 captain chairs and a couch that converts to a bed. The lighting was nice and could be on even if I drove at night. Wonderful driving in a captain’s chair is amazing
I bought my E150 Ford van brand new in 1979 and still have it. It has a 4″ lift kit, has had like six transmissions, couldn’t decide exactly what I wanted. Started with a 300ci six that I put over 100,000 miles on. Just put a built 460ci with a late model EAOD transmission. Nice to know that vans are being rediscovered. Think it’s cool that my Grandchildren will be able to drive it and have Great Grandchildren ride in it. It will always be part of our family.
Stacey Davids Gearz needs to figure out that YouTube is not the same thing as early 2000’s cable. No one is perusal the stupid tech tips and in show advertisements. I watched like 5 min of this that had to do with the van and skipped through the rest. Now I’m going to go search for someone that is actually going to customize a van.
Most people would benefit a lot if they were just willing to put a few hours into learning how to weld. I can’t believe how these shows try to avoid welding because no one knows how. I used to be that way myself. if you can do anything you see on this show, you can learn to weld. you can grind down any imperfections and fix any holes you make with the welder. Please just try it, you’ll be glad you did. A cheap welder will do most anything you see on this show
I know adding comments helps with tube algorithms so I just thought I would say I loved the power block and even though I loved muscle cars always looked towards your shows the most as you were far and away the best host. You could probably fix toasters and I’d tune in to watch how you would upgrade it. Just down to earth, simplify it for the majority, never mock, whether a Miata or Mustang with 500 hp. Just enjoy what you do and give it a shot. Made me work more on my vehicles. Thanks, gave me a love of cars even more than I had before.
Excellent sheet metal / parts interchange info. Talking about ratty to custom Vans, It brings back funny memories . In High School (late 1970’s), if you showed up to pickup your date in a van, your date might have just gotten canceled by your dates father. On the other hand, if you showed up to pick up your date driving your ’69 Camaro street racer with uncorked headers, your dates father might say something like, why don’t you kids take my car. Less of an urge to race anyone, and get in trouble. All that being said, another good article Stacey. I’m looking forward to your custom Van build Take care
My son and his friend couldn’t push my Sierra up the driveway. So while they were gone, I did it myself by using the front driver side wheel and a 2×4. I just kept kicking the board under the wheel, so it wouldn’t roll back. When they got home, they wouldn’t believe I moved it by my self. 😂 So I rolled it back down the driveway and showed them how to do it properly. Once it was all 3 of us each on a tire, it took less than a minute to get it back to the top. They were really glad to learn that trick! The main reason rolling it by the tire works so well is that you’re maximizing torque by applying it directly to the wheel. So, instead of pushing the whole weight of the vehicle to move the wheels, you’re pushing the wheels to move the vehicle. Basically, it’s not much harder than if you were just trying to push the rolling frame without a body from the bumper, by yourself (which I’d done before learning this trick).
Vans are not back. Just a stupid gimmick for the show for Stacey to do something. Even if he does do a van it is because he will be advertising certain tools or parts. I would rather these shows just do an entire episode of a vehicle and not have it broken up into 20 parts over a season. Stop holding people in suspense to make them come back and watch another episode.
Thank you so much Stacey for picking me to be in this episode of WAYWO. Just a little more background on the 1925 Gerin (pronounced Jerr-Ann) Aerodyne, in 1922 when Jacque Gerin applied for the patents he was only around 24y.o., it had a lot of innovations in automotive engineering. Hydraulic shocks, hydraulic brakes, independent suspension front and rear, rack & pinion steering, a adjustable steering column, conical valve springs, roller rockers to name just some of those innovations. The body was never built, just the main platform, drivetrain, and exoskeleton. The engine and drive train were removable with just a few bolts holding everything together on a slide rail. His thoughts were that if there ever were a issue, the customer would bring it in for service and he would have another engine already to go, slide the engine out and a new one slid into place with very little down time. Germany was interested in his ideas and design and lent him a bunch of $ to fund it but we believe it was too advanced for it’s time as well as too cost effective to build so Gerin dismantled the car and yes, hid or destroyed a lot of the key components to make the car work so no one would steal his ideas and the car and himself went into hiding. During World War II the Nazi’s were looking for him and the car as he owed Germany a lot of $ but was never found luckily and the car resurfaced many years after the war in another country and exchanged hands with private collectors twice until 2015 when my boss purchased it and the restoration began to finish it to Gerin’s vision.
I worked at a van customizing company in the late 70s/early 80s. At the time it was one of the largest in the US. The company was Rodco Vt, Inc. We were putting out dozens of vans every month. I installed stereos, all the internal wiring, seat bases, windows, roof vents, and tire racks. Unfortunately, the gas crisis of that time made expensive, gas guzzlers unpopular, so the company had to close. I just recently saw a Rodco van on the internet. It was one I worked on.
I just bought a 91 Chevy Cargo van that I’m going to rebuild, mine was originally a School District work vehicle and it was a 8″ wide window and a 16″ wide window in the sliding door that I’m going to take out of the door and use in the back where the portholes usually are, I’d like port holes but it’s going to cost me less to have those windows cut down and replace the metal in the door and cut out the slots for the 8″ windows. The van now is like a Powder Blue/Periwinkle color and I kinda like it, I think I’m going to repaint it that color as a base and go with blue/purple stripes/scallops. The only thing I haven’t figured out yet is what I’m going to do with the inside because Wood Paneling is getting absolutely outrageous to buy.
Stacey you rock man, I love your shows, I’ve got a made in Brazil 🇧🇷 SR country / Bronco made only in Brazil in the 67-72 F100 body I am doing it inspired on your “Crazy Horse ” 1966 Bronco I really loved that one in particular! Your enthusiasm and capabilities are second to none, all the best from Adelaide South Australia 🇦🇺
Im working on a 79 short box van for a friend I’ve fixed a lot of crap on it the front was hit side door had a 3 foot crease and it went into the wheel well opening rear right door had 1 inch of bondo in it welded up an old RV vent on the roof and replaced the door pins and doing the weather strip ill be painting it the factory aged look hopefully it will look as it has never been touched the owner will have some chassis work done to it he’s planning on taking it to dinos get down in November
Original vans are hard to find. I have a 1979 Dodge B200 extended van that is camperized it has a convertible top made by Heco in Harmony MN. it is all original, very little rust. 51088 km or 31750 miles,mileage is original. original down to the shag carpet. The only thing not original are the rims, I put the rims from a 1978 Dodge Charger on it, they look a lot better than the hub caps.
In 1973 my dad started one of the first Van conversion companies in Elkhart Indiana. I worked at over 15 different conversion companies and can build a complete van from a shell all the way to the custom paint. I now paint custom million$+ motor homes, Renegade/Showhauler and Jayco are 2 of our biggest customers..
i just fnally picked up a 1979 g20 uncut shorty with a jethro tull mural. even tracked down the original mural artist and he told me he painted it over 30 years ago.. then emailed me original photos when he first painted it for a customer. needs some work but runs and drives. cant wait to give life back into this van thats been sitting for years
Probably the worst “Automotive How To” I have ever watched. Imagine someone perusal the first 7 minutes following it step by step. Getting the core support, ordering the grill from LMC then left in the breeze over not knowing how to mod the turn signals, but instead it switches to a skim of door rubber. Its like being told to jump out of an airplane, but not how to pack the parachute in the first place. Told and shown are 2 different things.
Custom vans are getting popular because everything else is priced out of the range of most folks. Even those who haven’t made poor financial decisions and have a solid income can’t afford them. Even rusted out buckets that will need 10k of metal work on top of other mechanical issues are selling for obscene money. The days of finding bargains are pretty much over. No low balls. I know what I’ve got. Unless you really want to rebuild something just buy a finished car and save the headaches. Or do what I’m doing and taking my daily driver and build on that.
Even though you have lots of good information on your show…. I want to see more work on the project that brought me here in the first place. I understand advertising… but…not when half or more of the content of the program is advertising… More content on being a gear head … and less on some company trying to sell me something…
BRO, My 67yr old neighbor has a 1992 CHEVY ASTRO (4.2 vortec? I believe) He has a 402cui BB, 4speed Muncie, and ‘gears’ in the rear end. TOTAL SLEEPER He has an “Electric Cutout Exhaust Dump! Goes from SUPER QUIET – tiny ‘cam’ rumble to ‘ PLOP-PLOP-PLOP!!!! AMAZING! He hasn’t driven it in years He was a Boeing engineer. He has a HAND BUILT GO-KART I RODE MYSELF several times. SUZUKI 650CC motor SIDE-MOUNTED to driver for balance. 8″ wheels – 6speed- SOLID 2” 4340 STEEL AXLE!!! (handmade) It was setup like a Motorcycle- You sat in seat but still had handlebars with clutch, gearshift on left side under foot. I Could rev that b** in 1st – Wham- 60mph@2400rpm IMMEDIATELY, 3rdto 88mph@4600 – 4th to 111mph@6200 – 5th to 120ish (I ALWAYS LET OFF – never made 6th). SCARY and SO FUN at the same time! You could take 90° corners at 55mph no problem, barely leaning……lololol NEVER seen one made like that since. Even the ‘pro’s ones couldnt hang his “Frankenstein”!!!
This show is an aftermarket commercial basically.Lots of product marketing with minimal DIY information.Stacey has made a long career with this format.Unfortunately its about as old as his hairdresser and wardrobe choices.If you want a double dose of this car schlock watch “My Classic Car” but lockup your VISA & Mastercard before you hit the buttons on the smartphone, laptop or tablet because they’re both produced by the same company! 💰🤑💸
Sadly soon all combustion cars and trucks including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia 🙁 In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Car washs will be forbidden too because they are climate killers, now they want to slow down all the gas station pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute…From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too….as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils…California and New York will do the same from 2027 on…. So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer….They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime. (BABVVEN & TEBBVEN & BEFVO laws)