This 1990 Chevrolet G-Series van is a well-preserved example of one of the many conversion concepts executed by various aftermarket companies. Trans-Aire was responsible for applying the various dress-up details you see here, from the applique on the body to the running boards and sweet aftermarket wheels. The Chevy has clearly been loved, and was used solely by the original owner for family vacations and to travel to their condo in Utah. It has under 56,000 original miles and is listed here on KSL.com for $7,500.
In an era where vehicles from the 80s and early 90s that maintain their in-period appearance are all the rage, this Chevy would fit in nicely at any upcoming Radwood shows. There’s no other era that I can conceive of where installing basketweave-style alloys on a conversion van would fly, and the same goes for fender flares and running boards. The ladder out back is now a hallmark of vintage SUVs used for overlanding purposes, but in a way, the conversion van of the 1980s was the predecessor to the current travel movement.
The seller has clearly taken great care to preserve the family truckster, which now lives in Utah full-time at their condo. It has been placed in climate-controlled, garage storage since new, and the lack of any fading on the upholstery or trim is evidence of these efforts. The seller notes the Chevy left the factory with numerous upgrades, including a larger 33-gallon fuel tank; trailer hitch; transmission cooler; rear air shocks; and more. The A/C system was converted to R134A, but it is currently depleted of freon.
The seller has also upgraded the radio to a modern unit with Bluetooth connectivity, and the original head unit is included with the sale. When you look at the pictures, it’s hard to ignore the cleanliness of the engine and the vibrancy of the pinstripes and body graphics – those little details are hard to fake, and point to a van that has clearly been loved. The mileage is quite low, too, which is unusual for something built to be a road-trip machine. If you’ve been looking for one, this is clearly one to buy – but don’t forget to bring your VHS tapes.
I love that it’s not a high top van! I get why people want the extra headroom, but they’re just plain hideous!
It depends on who makes the van you obviously haven’t seen that trans air vents high tops that is
Trans-Aire was a better-than-average conversion van when I sold them in the mid 80s. Less flashy junk, although still falling prey to the hideous color schemes of the day. As much as i enjoyed building and selling them, I still don’t personally consider any van post-1970 as being truly collectible, but that feeling goes for most vehicles. GLWTS!
Steel top means you can add a hard shell rooftop sleeper to it. Nice van!
Does it say what engine and trans it has?
I grew up in vans. This is a cool ride. But boy, that interior is a migraine trigger.
This needs a 23 window topper!! NOT!!! Very nice. If closer I’d have to look.
Considering the price of new conversion travel vans this seems like a well taken care of example at a decent price. The underside looks as clean as a whistle. That overdone velour interior however, would take some getting used (reused) to. The achilles heel of driving a rig like this daily is getting clobbered in an accident and the insurance company offering you ten cents on the dollar because it’s “just an old van.”
If it meets the age requirement, you can get agreed value insurance from any of the classic car insurers. It would limit the miles you could put on it, but then with the fuel economy of one of these beasts, who would want to use it everyday? I think most of these had the old faithful 350ci s/b with the 4sp. automatic. I’d use this for tailgating!
I’ve driven and rode in a fair number of conversion vans, bought and sold a few too. I myself do not have a desire to own one. Not that they’re bad when done right, but I just don’t have the need or want for one. IF I was looking for one I most certainly would check this out. It very much appears to be well done and well cared for. Good luck to the seller and I hope the new owner gets much enjoyment out of it.