These days, most of the projects I buy are because of a connection I had to the car or truck in question in my youth. The cars are almost always a vehicle I wished I could have bought in high school, so I’m reliving some adolescent memories with every project I pick up. The seller of this desirable short wheelbase 1977 Chevrolet G10 van draws a similar conclusion that for van enthusiasts of a certain age, this was the exact rig you wanted to bring home and dress up with all of the custom vanning accessories that were all the rage in the 70s. The G10 was supposedly found in the desert languishing under a carport and is listed here on eBay with bids to $6,100 and no reserve.
Man, I love these things. I definitely didn’t grow up in the era when vans were at their peak popularity, but it’s not hard to see why they were so popular. Short wheelbase anything is pretty much a homerun, as the proportions are so much better than a long-wheelbase variant. There are some very simple steps you can take when modifying a vehicle that completely transforms it, and with GM vehicles of a certain age, throwing on some deep-dish rally wheels pretty much guarantees the vehicle in question will look ten times better once mounted. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing, other than possibly dropping the suspension a touch. I wouldn’t touch that perfectly patina’d paint, but I might add a period-correct mural.
Like so many vans that come up for sale these days, the interior has been gutted. This is pretty much middle ground at this point, as a project van with its original interior still present is likely fairly funky inside at the moment (and not in a good way), and one that has been completely restored inside is going to have a much higher price tag. To get into a van with the old, trashed interior removed at least saves the next owner a fair amount of time and labor, and removes a step from the conversion process to begin making this G10 your own. Install a couch, a cocktail table, and a place to sleep, and I’d be content to spend a few months on the road in a rig like this G10.
The seller claims he found this Chevy after 20 years of outdoor storage, and incredibly, it still runs pretty well. The interior will still need to be restored, but the driver’s compartment looks perfectly usable for right now. The 350 and automatic transmission combo are said to run well, and it also comes with power steering and brakes. The G10 also came with air conditioning from the factory, but the seller reports that some components may be missing. Overall, a clean short wheelbase truck is the place to start if you want to get into the van lifestyle, and this one is bidding pretty cheaply at the moment – do you think it will break $7,000?
Who’s the Boss?
I dig it the truck rallies look good,but 10 in. Cragars on back 7 or 8 on front,and yes sidepipes.
A friend of mine bought one of these brand new.
I thought it looked great in Black,with White bumpers
and wheels.
Do they even make regular vans anymore?
As far as I know Chevrolet and GMC are the only ones making “regular ” vans these days. Dodge went to the Sprinter years ago and Ford went to the Transit, another European van, in recent years. I’ve had a few Econolines for company vehicles and I always liked them the best.
Another story? You bet. The guy on the farm I lived on had a van just like this. Farm vehicles generally are the poorest example of any given make, and that van was no exception. I’ve driven a lot of vehicles in my day, but that van had to be the WORST. It rattled like 8 marbles in a coffee can, all over the road, poor brakes, got extremely poor gas mileage, and heaven forbid you have to take the engine cover off, I did once, and never got it on right again, and it leaked air and oil smell.. It, however does do ONE thing well, it’s a box to keep materials out of the weather.
Now, I HAVE been in custom vans like this,( the rest of THAT story can’t be printed here) and a whole different story, they can be very comfortable, great heaters, cruise nice, and they do make vans today, but more for multi person transport, and these newer cargo vans, like Sprinters, have taken over the old utility vans duties. These utility ones are hard to find. They were used until they rusted in half, then became a tool shed out back. It’s a great find.
The 350 4 barrel engine in our ’72 Blazer got 11 mpg whether it was running or not.
I had a 1978 3/4t long bed version with a 350ci turbo auto trans and 3:42 gears. Bought it brand new when you could line item accessories. A short van was useless to me as I wanted to customize and live in it for a year or so. It handled very well, rode well and got 18+mpg
I`m looking for a 70`s Van. Either Chevy or Dodge. 4wheel drive would be cool. I miss the good ole days.
@Charles – You could try our want ad: https://barnfinds.com/want-ads/
Does it Run? Does it Move? Is the Frame Rotted?
Long wheel base look better, handle better and serve the purpose better.. the shorties being perceived ‘cooler’ is just another example of how the majority leads the way with bad choices and/or sheep mentality =/
This van is a sweeet find, someones gonna be a happy camper =)
I just sold my ’71 G20 Chevy Van,second owner! 350 corvette motor,stall speed 350 Trans.,12 bolt 4:10, 3000 stall speed W/ upgraded mid-shaft bearing and loop. This van was bought buy a great guy that will be a perfect new home for this one of a kind vehicle. I will always love and miss that van!!
I had a ’75 Econoline, long wheelbase. 351, no air, no side windows, portholes and wagon wheels. We drove that truck everywhere! Unfortunately, I wrapped it around a tree. They handled like crap on ice!