Van culture is one of my new favorite things, as I’ve begun exploring different Facebook groups since getting my 1981 Toyota HiAce project. This crowd seems to know how to have a good time, with BBQs and camping regularly scheduled activities. While my Toyota may get me access, I won’t get the high-fives like this 1976 Chevy G10 van would guarantee. It’s a killer shorty-style van and is ready for cruise night. Find it here on eBay listed with no reserve.
I love the fender flares with the raked stance and plenty of dish on the wheels. The European tuning scene may take credit for that look, but there’s a fair amount of evidence our very own domestic vanning culture spawned such styling choices. The seller claims this G10 was repainted many years ago and has been awaiting restoration ever since, but the previous owner let the van go when he realized he wouldn’t get around to it.
The original red paint is visible in more than a few places, and I personally dig the factory colors more than the denim blue it currently sports. The interior has the classic signs of an unfinished restoration, with missing door panels and a passenger seat gone AWOL. The seller notes that while the 292 fires up nicely, the column shift mechanism needs some work. There’s also a tendency to pull hard to the right under heavy braking.
Surprisingly, the G10 hasn’t been completely kitted out in typical shag-a-delic fashion, but the remnants of some funky carpets are visible over the wheel wells. Check out the twin pop-up sunroofs, and the interesting window options – just two large windows near the front cabin provide daylight to the rear, while even the barn doors are filled in. While it may trigger jokes about free candy, this G10 has a mean stance and won’t take much to roll reliably again.
I’d freshen up that six banger and leave it in, I’d be willing to bet that there is an after market port EFI system out there that could be fitted onto this engine too. This is a great blank slate to custom to your own personal tastes Id loose those wheels in favour of some wide GM rally wheels though. Oh and I’d go back to red just because I like red. Lots of possibilities here. Nice find.
This van is begging for a set of side pipes to compliment the fender flares and mag wheels.
ya…that would be a 250 inline 6 not a 292….chevy didn’t offer the 292 in a van…but read the ebay ad they dealership can’t decide if it’s a g10 or a g20. that’s a red flag I would think
If the condition of the inside is any clue, this thing has had a hard, hard life.
If the bidding doesn’t go to the moon this is a great starter van to do as you wish.
This van is creaming out for a fire breathing V8 and heavy duty trans.
Those front wheels want to come off the ground on acceleration.
That was supposed to say Screaming. Sorry about that.
The six would require to disappear as well the transmission and in it’s place while doing complete front end replace motor mounts for a crate 350 and 400 transmission and let’s not forget the disk brakes required all around, only until those items done then interior, last the body wheels and tires along with fantastic sound system and security system for the slob who wants to rip me off of the hard work invested!
The half assed color change turns me off completely on a vehicle like this.
You gotta be insane to throw any $$$ at a custom cars transmission and opt for a non OD one. Th400? Really? Why would anyone want that….
So.. Turns out Matt Foley was right..
R.I.P big guy.
OMG, it’s got more than two doors, someone is gonna say it’s worthless!!!!!
hada short wb I used as a wrk truck/live in back in the day (’68 model in 72).