When it comes to conversion vans, there’s usually just two photos you need: the outside showing those sweet graphics scrolling down the sides, and the incredible interior draped in shag carpeting. This one checks those boxes and then some, as this 1979 Chevrolet G20 was locked up in a garage for several years before the seller got his hands on it and brought the conversion van back to life. This G20 is an actual factory-built conversion, with the interior retrofit carried out by Gladiator Conversions when it was sold new in ’79. The interior is a feast for the eyes, so be sure to check out all the photos here on eBay, where bidding is at $8,300 with the reserve unmet.
The conversion vans of this era usually had these sweet fender flares tacked on, along with the Wolfrace-style wheels. Of course, your eyes are most likely drawn to the variety of different graphics designs used on conversion vans, and while I love a good mural, I’m a fan of the slightly more subdued graphics seen here. The other detail that may help a van fan tell one apart from the other is the window configuration, as conversion vans in the 1970s featured a wide variety of window designs, from a single porthole to numerous pieces of glass like this Chevy has. You can also see from the side that this is a long wheelbase model, as the “shorty”-style body would seemingly end just behind the rear wheels.
Now, the big problem with these is no matter how much you love shag carpeting, it’s never all that enjoyable to roll around in the same shag carpeting as the previous owner. Fortunately, this seller has remedied those concerns by stripping out the cabin and starting over. The listing notes they tore out the original materials and redid the entire wooden subfloor, added brand new carpet padding, and installed one-inch thick red shag carpet. The sides and ceiling were done with a burgundy 1.5-inch thick design, and the results speak for themselves. This interior is not for everyone, but for a van enthusiast of a certain era, it checks all the boxes.
The Gladiator conversion consisted of a mattress in the back, an oak table in the middle, and three swivel seats. The seller even ordered up new Champagne Satin sheets, so your next roll in the hay won’t be in someone else’s bedding. The exterior was refreshed way back when, when the custom paint and graphics were applied in 1984, and that work has seemingly held up well. Other work recently completed includes fresh oil and filter, new plug wires, new spark plugs, new distributor cap and rotor, and a new fuel pump, and the truck is said to run well going down the road, with the transmission shifting smoothly. All in all, it looks like an excellent entry into van ownership with the hard work already done.
AHHHH !!!!! The memories !!!
If this van could talk ……. we would all blush.
What I see from the etching in the side window is a fat creepy guy with greying hair a beard, handlebar mustache and ponytail with a potbelly, wearing a black Harley shirt that’s two sizes too small walking into the van conversion company after watching one too many roller skating movies thinking that purchasing a van like this would help him score with young girls. There is a reason the popularity of van conversions waned after just a few years, though their creepiness continues to this day.
Steve R
Sounds like you’ve been there Steve R ! Takes a creep to know one. Very nice to have you comment on personal appearances of others and what they wear too…
Ah, the luxury of sitting behind a keyboard…
Keep your opinions to the cars presented, take your anger issues elswhere please !!!
You should live by your own words. That is the ultimate in troll moves.
Steve R
What is a troll move Steve R ? It would take someone familiar to that term to explain it to others.
Very thoughtful of you to comment on guys with beards that have vans. Why would you say this about people ???
” What I see from the etching in the side window is a fat creepy guy with greying hair a beard, handlebar mustache and ponytail with a potbelly, wearing a black Harley shirt that’s two sizes too small walking into the van conversion company after watching one too many roller skating movies thinking that purchasing a van like this would help him score with young girls. There is a reason the popularity of van conversions waned after just a few years, though their creepiness continues to this day ”
We could use more humor and friendly people sharing stories and a laugh. Not Steve R judging others on personal appearances and vehicles they may like.
This guy has to one up everyone…
Creepy, for sure, but the big 3 upping their full-size van game and selling minivans is what killed van conversions. Once they started offering interior options people wanted, factory van sales took off and van conversions tanked (rightfully so). This one looks like Cheech spent about 2 minutes putting the interior together.
Maybe it hits too close to home, either that or you don’t comprehend sarcasm when it comes to a cheesy etching of a stereotype on the side window of an old van. Either way, you need to lighten up, look at yourself, you are the one having anger issues, not me.
Steve R
Detailed info and history on shag carpet. Info on drivetrain: it has 8 cylinders.
Yeah that’s what I want the cop to see when he pulls me over in my smoke-filled cruisin’ van, the Zigzag guy etched into the drivers window!
My father in law had the 1987 C-20. Dash wasn’t as fluffy but it was well equipped. Came from Paul Sherry Conversions in Piqua, OH. He let Mrs & I use it for many road trips with friends ’90s. 305 4 bbl was not quick but reliable. Had a TV, fridge, folding beds, ladder to the roof rack, comfortable seats for long trips. Same window set up. Easy to forget to close those lower sliders.
Cool van but if i bought it i would definitely change out the wing windows.
Very nice looking van on the exterior, but seller is stating he “completely restored” the interior.
The van absolutely did not come from Gladiator looking anything remotely like it does now.
The interior is a hodgepodge of new parts, older parts from varying years, and the sellers fantasy. Nothing wrong with that if it’s your thing, but it should not be advertised as a “restoration”.
I guess thats why the seller did not include any before photos.
The tire cover says all that is important to know.
Love Vans .but that’s a lot of shag !!!!
Nice exterior. Too much red and fur inside.
“Don’t come knocking, if the van is a rocking” Thanks, uh, I’ll pass on this one… NEXT!
I certainly wouldn’t let my daughter date someone driving one of these vans.
Having owned a Conversion Van back in the late 70’s that faux fur around the dashboard is a turn off to me.
Not something I’d want but best of luck to the next owner.
Different strokes for different folks 😉
I’ve owned several conversion Van’s over the years,they’re great on road trips with the family, everyone has their space, less whining and fussing out of the kids,we even had one with a Nintendo system and color t.v.,built in coolers,very accommodating on long trips.
Get rid of the fake fur and this would be perfect to travel in.
Yes, these were great in their day, Can only imagine all that white fluff drying out and flying all over the interior. My teen daughter bought a winter coat with similar white “fur” . Got all over the hall closet over the summer, on everything. Had to buy several of those stick rollers to clean up.
Go with carpet… Cheech & Chong style
NO SALE at a max bid of $11,100.
Didn’t I just type the same exact thing for that ’68 383 Barracuda?