Finding an old overlanding rig is one of the more exciting discoveries you can make when checking out old trucks. A few years ago, we posted about an old Unimog that ended up in the scrapyard after being abandoned on a property in upstate New York. The loss of the heavy-duty equipment and the history of a vehicle that had been indomitable on the trails at one point in time felt significant. Of course, it doesn’t matter now, but when we come across a 4WD-converted GMC Vandura like this one here on eBay, it seems well worth the cost of restoring.
The concept of converting a vehicle like a Vandura or a Chevy G20 caught fire in the 70s and 80s. When considering how many different forms these old-school vans took – a true “boogie” van, popular with the vanning crowd; the overlanding fanatics, who would buy a rig like this; or simply a contractor’s first choice for a convenient and cheap-to-run workhorse – it’s impressive how versatile the platform is. I often wonder if GM’s own engineers knew they were creating a van with so much potential. The Vandura as shown here, outside of its 4WD running gear, is in respectable condition.
Companies like Quigley were perhaps the best known for these off-road conversions. Wheel Drive Engineering out of Utah was the builder behind this GMC, which is seemingly far less known (if Google search results are any indication.) The lifted suspension, low-range transfer case, and slightly meatier tires are all clues as to this rig’s potential, but I’m sure that will be lost on most casual observers of what looks like an old work van. The Wheel Drive upfits included WARN locking hubs and 4.09 gear ratios, the former which are plainly obvious on the front wheels.
Of course, like most old vans, you’d be rightfully concerned about the interior and how trashed/funky it is. I’m happy to report this GMC has survived in remarkably good condition inside, with clean upholstery front and rear. The back compartment sports rear-facing jump seats, a very cool upgrade that will make conversation with friends far easier when parked. The seller notes additional features including a Dana 60 front axle, 12 bolt rear end, and a 33-gallon fuel tank to keep the 5.7L V8 fed over long-distance trips. The asking price is $8,890 or best offer, which seems quite fair for a rare 4WD rig like this.
It’s difficult to imagine a poor vehicle made even worse, but here you go. For the record, the 4wd is a savior to these, they get stuck in an inch of snow going downhill. Ironically, on dry roads, no help there, as it will wander all over, like me at a flea market. Gas mileage, oh boy, let’s just say trips are planned around gas stops, and that is costly today. $150 a fill-up, and it won’t last long, my dearies. This setup does have some merit, and if you have business out in the wilderness, this will get you back there, but everyday driving in this will increase the chance of road rage, trust me. Considering the AWD alternatives of today, I don’t see much appeal for this.
I drove a Vandura 3500 6.2 diesel 2WD and it got me to many a ski slope and back in Vermont and New Hampshire. I got it stuck exactly once, on an unplowed forest road in a snowstorm, and I once pulled a stuck Saab off a snowy median while flinging quite a lot of snow on the car’s hood.
With good tires and competent driving, it handled New England winters just fine, even with an open differential, until salt ate it alive. Mine got 23 MPG, I would imagine a gasoline-powered 4WD would be in the teens at best.
Yup, I’ve many vans, Ford, Chevy and Dodge. My 74, Dodge 300 with a 318 and posi used to take me to Mount Snow from CT every weekend for years. Like any pick-up, she just needed some weight in the back. ‘Competent driving’ was key. The farm I grew up working at, the old farmer used to tell me 4 wheel drive was for people that didn’t know how to drive. lol
Not so on the getting stuck. I drove my wife’s 78 shorty to Montana on a hunting trip with studded snow tires and plowed through a pile of deep snow and drifts. She drove it all winter in western Washington, never had any real problems. Still have it. My Daughter came home from the hospital in it and my wife drove her to college in the same van!!
Lotta rust on this one repairs of that alone will probably cost as much as the asking price. Cool vehicle nonetheless.
I’ll disagree with both Howard and Dabig. This looks to be in great shape outside of some rust on the nose. And given the lack of alternatives today, it has great appeal. What a cool and utilitarian vehicle for that trip to the flea market or that camping trip. Love it!
Look at the picks on eBay has shows rust in the a pillar and gutter and top along with the left rear quarter panel!!!! At current body shop rate for body work in Ca is 170 per hour. Adds up quicker
I’m a Quigley fan. But I’m a little biased. As I was the only “stocking dealer” in the western third of the country. Quigley and the GM engineers actually work together and Quigley is a direct ship from the van plant in MO. (Quigley also performs RHD vans for GM export and US bound mail delivery. I actually made presentations to the rual mail carriers convention for Quigley) Currently and for a long time. The only non-GM part on a Quigley conversion is 1 mounting bracket. So replacement parts will never be an issue. (I have talked with many owners of non-Quigley conversions and parts are an issue with those conversions. (What front axle was used? What brake rotors/calipers were used, etc ) The “stock” Quigley conversion only increases the vehicle height by 1″. But they offer a “lifted” version if you desire. I have even sold a few box van/cut away “G” series vans for use here in the Sierras. So ends your Quigley commercial for the day!
I noticed that the transfer case on this featured unit hangs pretty low. (beyond the mount) so care must really be used in a true “off road” situation. (IMHO a skid plate should be used to protect said transfer case )
We ordered one of these in for a wealthy customer back in the day. 3500/400 V8/Auto/Part time 4×4.
To see the customer in his daily battle regalia you would never think that he was the outdoorsy type. He was a dentist, but come the weekends, he and his equally outdoorsy girlfriend would explore the back country, which stretched all the way down to Columbia and back to Alaska.
100K miles and things inside the engine were knocking and wanting out. A new engine and the guy was out the door again.
The dealership fell on hard times and everyone moved away. I often wonder what happened to Dale, his lady, and his truck?
I own an 80 version of this van! Made by 4 wheel specialist in salt Lake! My van was a mini school bus for a small town in Wyoming! Has a regular 12 bolt corporate rear end and a dana 44 front! With a 409 trans and a ford left side dump diesel transfer case! They flipped front axle to match the left side dump case! Interesting unique vehicle! Love my van and living at 9500 feet it is a must 4×4! 10-12 miles a gallon but as good as any v8 chevy square body! I would take it up against any express or mini van any day!