While finding old-school Chevy vans is not difficult, here’s two ways this example is a cut above the rest: it’s a long wheelbase model, stretched to 108 inches, and it’s been with the current owner since 1977. I thought for sure this was a flip until I read he remembered getting it undercoated in the late 70’s! The extended wheelbase makes this one all the more intriguing to me with its truly RV-like features on the inside, and it’s just begging for funky lighting and a sleeper sofa.
Equipped with a manual 4-speed on the column shifter and the optional 2-barrel small block V8, this G10 is about as tricked-out as you could get one of these contractor and camper-friendly rigs. In the case of this example, the interior remains in good order but it will need a new turn signal switch and gas tank. Whatever the issues are with the tank (I’m assuming it leaks like a sieve), the seller recommends bringing it home on a trailer. It’s a shame, because this otherwise looks good enough to get in and drive.
A big part of the appeal for me is the way this van is equipped. It’s not quite a commuter vehicle, or a work vehicle, or a camper – it’s a little bit of every piece rolled into a crudely-painted, pastel yellow box. The G10 features an ice box and faucet/sink with electric pump and water tank inside the cabinet. The rear platform looks like a perfect spot for laying down shag carpeting and installing a mattress, and the sliding windows just need some privacy curtains to complete the look.
The G10’s extended wheelbase gives it the space needed to make this a logical candidate for a camper conversion, but you can be the judge as to its best use by checking out the listing here on eBay. The seller has it listed at $4,500 with the option to submit an offer, and I don’t think the price is bad for a rarity like this. The paint is not the greatest and based on the side-view mirrors blending right in with the rough finish, I’m guessing this Chevy van had a date with a paint brush at some point. Get a new gas tank, clean up the interior and either live with the paint or find some vinyl wrap and call it a day!
My Dad actually owned a 68 Van, he had it for years as the Shop Van that we always took on car part runs, his was red though, Dad always loved red cars and trucks, the thing I always remember was that during the summer you sweated your **** off because the engine was right between you and the passenger, but during the winter it was OK!!!!
It was also a pain in the butt to do a tune up on it, you barely had room for your hand down the side of the motor, let alone a ratchet with a spark plug socket on it. We did learn thought that if you took the time to remove the entire motor housing I think it had like 12 bolts, you could get to it very easy.
I was intrigued by the column-shifted four speed comment because I’ve only heard of Ford having such a thing, but it’s just a regular 3-on the tree with reverse.
It’s a way better deal than a VW, but this one is kinda groady. Add in a re-paint, roof rust repair and sprucing up that interior (which probably means replacing the peeling/bulging panels, ancient carpet, and yucky water system) and it’s a fair amount of effort and money.
As a single guy who wants a rig like this, my litmus test is, would a woman be happy to ride in it, or would she run away? Vintage camper vans can be cute and funky, or just plain crusty.
I read that four speed colum shift also. There were European vehicles made with these and it is my belief that international had a four speed colum shift on the Travelall. Maybe someone can verify this?
Four speeds were an option on the early Chevy vans.
1968 was the first year that Chevy Vans had side-marker lights, mandated by federal government regulations. The front lights were located towards the front in the middle of the front doors, while the rear marker lights were located about a foot inward of the very back edge just below the vertical middle of the van.The optional V-8 engine was upgraded from the 283 2-barrel (175 HP) to the larger, more powerful 307 2-barrel V8 (200 HP @ 4600 rpm).
A column shift 4-speed transmission (Warner T10) was now available as an option.
I would do a repaint in a color that didn’t offend my eyes then I would strip the interior and use as a homeowners Lowe’s & Home Depot runner where I could leave the wood / drywall / tools in the truck without worry of rain / snow / thieves.
The interior looks like a wWisconson cottage and prolly smells as musty too.
I just sold one last year here in Dallas
A good running shortie for a grand
He was one happy camper
I’m thinking “Mystery Machine”.
It just might work…if there aren’t any meddling kids.
(Apologies to Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma.)
I still drive one all the time, very fun on mountain roads. 350 HO 3 speed
My good friend Paul has a shorty with the four speed in it. It was a service truck for some now defunct business. Think he said only has 28,000 miles on it but has been not running for at least twenty years though the parts are in his basement.
Is the shift on the floor? The four speeds I remember where behind the hum straight into the tranny and I think we’re only offered on 20 series