Pics of your VAN! Post up!

[Abitibi]

Same on mine, no canvas and loving it! Head over to www.vintage-vans.forumotion.com if you haven't already... :-D

 

[Justone]

Thanks, going with steel do to the ease of modifying them, ie: easy to weld. If they get a ding or dent they could be hammered out on the trail. Have two full sets at this point. Playing with banding (wider) some 12" rims for my Chevy Sprint auto cross car.

 

[Stitebunny]

-draaronr

Not sure on temps. It was in the single digits outside I think. The heater was pretty much running non stop all night but we were comfortable. Maybe 60?

 

[bknudtsen]

My 1968 Chevy Sportvan 108 Custom with 3/4 ton axles, 6" lift, 34.5" x 11.5" MT's, Chevy 5.7 TBI, th400, np241c, electric power assist steering, pop top..........everything very custom, modified to FIT. Tons still to do, but she runs and drives! View attachment 322472View attachment 322473View attachment 322473

THAT! Could get me back in a van... Very cool!

 

[draaronr]

-draaronr

Not sure on temps. It was in the single digits outside I think. The heater was pretty much running non stop all night but we were comfortable. Maybe 60?

That's pretty good

 

[ohpyramids]

My 1968 Chevy Sportvan 108 Custom with 3/4 ton axles, 6" lift, 34.5" x 11.5" MT's, Chevy 5.7 TBI, th400, np241c, electric power assist steering, pop top..........everything very custom,

That's ************ dude. You're doing a killer job.

 

[mgmetalworks]

THAT! Could get me back in a van... Very cool!

Big shop first, then restoration project Brad. We talked about this, remember?

 

[grnhornetcustoms]

That is exactly what I have been wanting to build! I would like to see a thread on this build for sure. How did you set up steering and brakes.

 

[jmeb]

Amazing thread. Looking forward to reading it from the start with a few beers tonight.

My first and current van: a stock 2001 AWD Astro, 165K-ish, with easy up/down camping setup. Mostly used for skiing, summer camping/hiking/climbing/biking adventures. Sadly I think her transmission will go in the next year or two, so I'm starting to think about my next van, ready to go more all-in now that I've caught the van addiction. In an ideal world: mini-van size, AWD/4WD, reasonably priced, truck chassis.

I've got a pile of photos I tried to post up, but am not allowed to post links yet apparently.

 

[LiveWire64]

My 1968 Chevy Sportvan 108 Custom with 3/4 ton axles, 6" lift, 34.5" x 11.5" MT's, Chevy 5.7 TBI, th400, np241c, electric power assist steering, pop top..........everything very custom, modified to FIT. Tons still to do, but she runs and drives! View attachment 322472View attachment 322473View attachment 322473

Love your van! Would like to see pics of the running gear & the electric steering setup. Please keep us posted on any progress. Brad

 

[ihatemybike]

Sadly I think her transmission will go in the next year or two

Handy with a wrench? Transmissions on RWD based vehicles aren't terribly hard to remove/install. There are a few rebuilders around me that will rebuild with all the tough upgrades for about $1000.

 

[jmeb]

Handy with a wrench? Transmissions on RWD based vehicles aren't terribly hard to remove/install. There are a few rebuilders around me that will rebuild with all the tough upgrades for about $1000.

Not handy enough, and sadly no space living in the city. Plus its an AWD van.

 

[ihatemybike]

Plus its an AWD van.

True AWD, but RWD based. Engine and transmission are longitudinal in the van, built like a truck. FWD based AWD vehicles are harder to work on.

Truth, if the body is in good condition, the engine is strong and you still like it, having the transmission done would be totally worth it, especially with how easy it is to convert them to true 4x4.

 

[Accrete]

True AWD...especially with how easy it is to convert them to true 4x4.

I know there are pros/cons reasons for each person's rig, that said, I would not trade the our rig's AWD's daily-driving safety and convenience in our soggy PNW. Sure there is a _sort of_ extra cool factor with 4x4, but a nicely set up AWD will take at least 80 percent of us to : ) 99% of the places we want to go.

YMMV : )
Thom

 

[Choff]

AWD Vans are the Best

Agree on the AWD Vans !!!
I have been driving an AWD GMC Savana Van for 100,000 Miles !!!
And its my 5th van from the 1970's -Yes old fart 62 years young- and still driving vans.!!
Goes through snow like stink!!!
Tires and wheels recently added, great Tires -Goodyear Tripple tread with GMC Denali Rims from E-BAY
Air bags in the rear for added lift when needed.
Just put on 2800 miles over Christmas-Best traveling vehicle out their!!!
Choff
KEEP ON TRUCKING