Why are these old icons of personalization and questionable tastes still so compelling? Do these 70s vans have any sort of effect on you, making you want to grow your hair out long and abscond with a woman named Georgia May while driving straight out Route 66 for a quick trip to Las Vegas? I suppose that’s a matter of personal tastes, but vans like this 1977 Dodge Tradesman here on eBay always get my wheels turning.
Of course, what’s most captivating about these vans is its representation of an era of customization and tuning that hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Van culture commands a small following, so finding enthusiasts committed to keeping these highly personalized home-on-wheels on the road isn’t easy. But given the number of vans like this one that pop up on eBay, there has to be a loyal following somewhere.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of seating and even a custom light bar that is sure to set the mood all the way to funky. The seating surfaces appear to be well-preserved, but the condition of the aftermarket furnishings and carpeting can’t be discerned from the photos. Sometimes, the hardest part with keeping a vehicle like this on the road is finding a supplier for those features like showers, sinks and stoves. No word from the seller on whether anything is missing.
Performance-wise, you’ll just find the venerable 318 paired to an automatic transmission. Nothing exciting there, but the seller has completed several maintenance tasks, including a new exhaust, brakes and gas tank. Given it is just out of storage, the mention that the van just “runs and drives” indicates to me that more work may be required by the next owner, so I wouldn’t invest in that Vegas timeshare just yet. Would you rock the open road with this Tradesman?
I remember a lot of these conversions roaming the streets back in the late seventies. I’ve never been much of a “van guy” myself but, they had their place I suppose. The condition of this example seems to be pretty good.
I was wondering what it would be like to be seated on the rear bench just behind that rustic looking post if that van hit something unexpectedly. LOL
My oldest brother built one out of a 70 Ford E200. No windows aside the front doors and windshield. The exterior was a beautiful deep maroon with no graphics and turbine wheels. The inside was where all the magic was. A bed at the rear, sink and cabinets with a TV above on the left side behind the driver’s captains seat. Tastefully done paneling with a few wall sconces and black and maroon carpeting throughout. A very sharp, unassuming mini-RV. I wish i had pics of it.
My favourite. Dad had one brand new with 360 and posi. Home made fold down table with bench seats was the bed. Also good place to sneak us into the drive in. I used to sit on a cooler in between the front captain’s chairs, when we would drive up to northern Ontario. Regarding the hood flying up on the highway, that happened.
Parts are available at. http://Www.customvan.com
We used to build a wall with a hexagonal hole to enter the “bed”. Carpet everything in shag. We would build the overhead console out of plywood ,then carpet and it would house the CB radio and the world famous 8 track player. Rip the giant speakers out of the old home record player console that took up half the living room and mount them in the wall. Under the bed was used for storage and smuggling bodies into sanctioned events and drive ins.
I was 7 years old when the boogie van craze was strong and I wanted to be in it soooo badly….those things were so cartoonish, they naturally appeal to kids. These and the Lil Red Express truck…first vehicle I ever craved.
By the time I could drive, vans were over and done, and now that they’re back I feel a little too old for the scene. Despite the idea that they are the next big thing, they are being sent to the crusher like crazy….even some nice restorable ones. This blog makes me sad:
http://vangraveyard.blogspot.com
I had a 76 Dodge, could never get it to run right, was the last year for the carburater. The dealer was the worse, had all the vacumn lines wrong. Took a trip to Va. and got 9 mpg., and 60 MPH on I-95. took it to a wrench up there and he just scratched his head. Had a 67 Dodge, doors never fit, ran, handled well.
Piece of cake to break into, we did get, could put your fingerbetween the dorand the body, typical LTD for the era
John
I have been Vanning since 1975,have had 10 different van’s over the years. I presently own 3 now. I have meet Vanners from all over the country and Canada. Made many friends for life. Vanning is not a fade to me but a lifestyle. We have traveled the country going to Van and or events. Have enjoyed every minute of it. . Gas prices have hurt Vanning over the years, but the die hard Vanners keep on trucking. Facebook and Social Media has helped increase the interest again , number are picking up at events. My wife and I started Vantasia vans of Kansas City, and host the annual Spring Fever Van in. We are coming up on our 40th year. Our events are for people that drive van’s or panel trucks only. If anyone has any questions about Vanning you can email me at Dnooner@aol.com. KEEP ON VANNING