The seller calls this 1986 Chevrolet G10 Sport Van a former barn find that has clearly been revived. It looks like it just stepped out of a trucking or vanning magazine left on the newsstand in 1975. With flares, spoilers, and white-letter radials, the seller has all the boxes checked for a properly “vantastic” creation. The questions is did it come out of the barn wearing these duds, or was it a plain-jane Sport Van that got the upgrade of a lifetime? You can be the judge here on craigslist where it’s offered for $16,500.
The seller indicates there are some minor paint flaws throughout, including on the rear wheel fender extensions. That makes me think the G10 has looked like for quite some time, and while the paint is almost certainly not original, it was likely redone when the van modification scene was at its peak. The taillight covers I could do without and I’d love to see the van lowered a bit, but otherwise, this G10 checks all of the boxes from a visuals standpoint. While the wheels look quite good, the seller does disclose there is some pitting.
Of course, a modified van would needs at least one of two things: a wild interior and a mural painted on the side. This one doesn’t have the artwork but the interior certainly has an interior that looks the part. The modern speaker grills are distracting and not in a good way, but the next owner can sort that out pretty quickly. The carpeting looks very clean, but the skeleton wallpaper is a mystery in terms of its age. The diamond plate can also be found on the dash, where it surrounds a modern stereo. The seller has also installed a subwoofer, so the audio equipment has been a priority.
But that doesn’t mean the drivetrain has been ignored. The seller lists several recent repairs including a full tune-up with new plugs, cap, and rotor, along with fresh hoses and belts, a new water pump, wiper motor, horn, choke, thermostat, and side mirrors. Just don’t get your heart set on some fine, V8 rumble: this van is powered by the dependable 4.3L V6 engine. I suppose that’s the biggest let-down as something that looks this bad-ass should really have a meaty V8 under the hood, but that can remedied if more power is desired.
If that’s the extent of the audio upgrades, it’s obvious to me why a V8 conversion hasn’t been done, much less attempted.
The cargo capacity is very appealing to me.
I’d upgrade to V8 w/tow package, bag the suspension for adjustability and hauling ability, and add rear and front camera/monitors to head unit. Maybe modify that bench seat so it folds down.
Buy it.
Throw an old mattress in the back, and head out on the road 🎶 🎵
Yes that is low miles for the year, posted 19 days ago.
I was liking this until I saw the 4.3….. Not a fan. And even though it says it’s a TBI, I highly doubt it, at least not in ’86. I had a 4.3 in my 86 C10 and my 85 as well both with 4bbl Quadrajunks, and neither of them lasted past 80k miles. Non roller engine back then, soft cams and junk cranks. I would consider an LS swap just to keep it in a better MPG for trips. Just my 2 cents
The van was a flashback until the owner began modifying it with led’s and aluminium checker board
It now looks odd
Too many windows.
Not worth the work to many windows
Motor upgrade, suspension upgrade, fill in the window locations , which would mean a new paint job. The price is rising with the work to get it where you want it. Not sure it’s worth it.