2001 G3500 Quigley 4x4 Explorer Van

[ALF]

Look what I am picking up tomorrow:

2001 Chevy G3500 Quigley 4x4 with a 8.1L V8. I love to support the oil industry. The van also has a interior and exterior conversion by Explorer Vans of Warsaw, Indiana. Quad Captains chair and rear electric bench/bed.

One owner Florida truck with 106K on the clock. Interior and exterior are immaculate. I have only seen pics as the Van is in Florida and I am in Atlanta.

We are heading out in the 1988 4runner tonight which we will flat tow home on Sunday behind the G3500.

Many more pics to come.

 

[saveitforsunrise]

girlfriends folks have one just like that except grey, and its 4x4 but he decided to make it a street queen and threw 22s on it

 

[mkitchen]

Looks neat

Are you planning any mods to the van?
Mikey

 

[saveitforsunrise]

oh and i forgot! youll be driving right past me!!!! i live in thomasville, im guessing your comming through valdosta?

 

[Larry]

Awesome! :Wow1: So nice to see a good 4x4 van for a change instead of the run of mill Econolines. 8.1L engines in G-vans are pretty rare too as you probably know. The 8.1L was only offered in vans in the 2001 & 2002 model year. In 2003, they changed the frame, front clip and added AWD as an option but the big block option was discontinued. Not too sure about those wheels on your van though.

 

[ALF]

Just made it home. The truck ran great but does not have a low fuel light so we almost got stranded. Truck cut out and we were able to coast a 1/4 mile to an exist that had a downhill ramp, ran the stop sign at the bottom and had to turn left as no gas on the right, came to a stop under the overpass. Was able to restart the truck and surge about 20-30 feet. Did this a few times and limp to the gas station. Pulled up to the pumps and realized tank is on the other side. Truck wouldn't restart. So I bought a $13 gas can and put in about 2 gallons. Truck started right so I moved her to the other side and filled the tank up. Whew!!!!!!!!

Ultimately I would like to mod it with a front winch bumper, new flares, gut the low hanging fascia and running boards and install some rock sliders. Perhaps a big rack up top.

But for now its going to haul the family around and pull my toys.

Alf

Are you planning any mods to the van?
Mikey

 

[ALF]

quigley

I didn't realize the 8.1 was that rare. Maybe that is why it is so thirsty. Actually I got approximately 10 mpg flat towing the 88 4runner that i would guess weights 4K. We ran 75-80 mph for 480 miles mostly flat with some rolling hills. I am hoping 14-15 when not towing and I will be happy. You gotta be easy on the gas as the throttle response is immediate and strong. The beast will put you back in your seat.

I agree the wheels need to go. What do you think would look good?

Alf

Awesome! :Wow1: So nice to see a good 4x4 van for a change instead of the run of mill Econolines. 8.1L engines in G-vans are pretty rare too as you probably know. The 8.1L was only offered in vans in the 2001 & 2002 model year. In 2003, they changed the frame, front clip and added AWD as an option but the big block option was discontinued. Not too sure about those wheels on your van though.

 

[02TahoeMD]

I didn't realize the 8.1 was that rare. Maybe that is why it is so thirsty. Actually I got approximately 10 mpg flat towing the 88 4runner that i would guess weights 4K....
I agree the wheels need to go. What do you think would look good?
Alf

Congrats on a nice rig. If you got 10 MPG towing a vehicle I would be pretty happy with that!

My vote for wheels would be something from the American Racing teflon series, their muted black-grey looks good with any color.

 

[ALF]

teflon series

Design is nice on this wheel but I've done the black wheel thing and am over it.

Perhaps a more basic brushed 10 hole wheel.

Thoughts and suggestions are greatley appreciated.

What about all the pin striping? I am worried that if I remove it #1 you will most likely see the fade markings and #2 it may make the truck look very vanilla.


Alf

 

[njtacoma]

Wheels -

I am currently fascinated with Level 8 wheels, their strike 8. It is available in a black silver mix, silver and all black.

Alf,
Does this van have leaf springs up front?

Would you mind snapping a picture of the front end setup sometime.

Thanks,

 

[DT75FLH]

If it still has the sunvisor on the front, I'd ditch it. you will probably gain 1-2 mpg with that mod alone.


nice find

 

[ALF]

If it still has the sunvisor on the front, I'd ditch it. you will probably gain 1-2 mpg with that mod alone.


nice find

Visor is getting removed tonight. I am going to just reinstall the mounting hardware and button caps vs patching the holes and painting at this point.

Alf

 

[DT75FLH]

Visor is getting removed tonight. I am going to just reinstall the mounting hardware and button caps vs patching the holes and painting at this point.

Alf

thats what I did with my old bronco. didn't even notice the button caps after removing it.

 

[roostercruiser]

I like that van. I almost got s Roadtrek 110

 

[rexWRX]

I didn't realize the 8.1 was that rare. Maybe that is why it is so thirsty. Actually I got approximately 10 mpg flat towing the 88 4runner that i would guess weights 4K. We ran 75-80 mph for 480 miles mostly flat with some rolling hills. I am hoping 14-15 when not towing and I will be happy. You gotta be easy on the gas as the throttle response is immediate and strong. The beast will put you back in your seat.

I agree the wheels need to go. What do you think would look good?

Alf

No personal experience, but I've heard the 8.1 will get 10mpg loaded or unloaded.

Nice find.