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| | | New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Hello guys and gals, I'm Lou from MD. Just picked up a 1983 Chevy Van G20 with 148K miles but everything works pretty much. I've been reading some posts here and I'm looking forward to sharing some experiences and ideas with you all. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 | heyy, welcome aboard vannin..thats a really nice lookin chevy! haha im not a fan of big windows but im liking that paint style =) good luck with her =) | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,168 Vanaholic | Vanaholic Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,168 | aboard very nice van... | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | From another Chevy van enthusiast. Congratulations on the van! Looks really nice.
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 | Nice aboard
Everyday above ground is a Good Day!!! Never Stop Vannin'
Member of Break Away Vanners Host of Spring Break At Shenandoah Acres Family Campground
Owner & Creator of Wizard's Van-In Videos Member of Riding High Truckers from 1982 to 1996 2nd Member of The Toopa Sinner Tribe Member of Free Bird Vanners 1996 to Present Member of Cape Atlantic Truckers South Jersey Host Club of Freeze Out Certified Nats Judge Member of Shenandoah Valley Vans | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 78 journeyman | journeyman Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 78 | Lou very nice Chevy with the striping. Are that decals like mine ? Good luck with it. 1981 Chevy Van
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,892 veteran | veteran Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,892 | Lighthouse Vanners... 1995 GMC g20 conversion (Grim Ride) 75 Dodge shorty Darrin & Shelly
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 21,211 Likes: 25 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 21,211 Likes: 25 | Welcome Lou! Where in MD are you? I'm in Brooklyn Park outside of Baltimore.
Nate Breece | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | aboard! | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 724 Likes: 2 old hand | old hand Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 724 Likes: 2 | Hey... another nice 83'!! Welcome!
1983 E-100 Shorty East Islip,NY - Queens,NY "Sweet Spot"
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 7,662 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 7,662 Likes: 2 | welcome to the forums..... Nice "Survivor Van" I am also in Md just north of Baltimore.....
......Wookee
Its a "Van Thing" A life style you have to LIVE to understand! Vintage Chevy Van Club
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 6,256 Likes: 164 Master Metal Sculptor | Master Metal Sculptor Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 6,256 Likes: 164 | Welcome....nice van. I, too, am in Maryland. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,695 veteran | veteran Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,695 | I miss my 83 GMC.... Nice van. Welcome. RipperServing NYC/LI 347-303-7403 | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 2,820 veteran | veteran Joined: May 2010 Posts: 2,820 | aboard , good to see more chevy vans on here | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 11,529 Showoff of the week on Cardomain 11/26/07 | Showoff of the week on Cardomain 11/26/07 Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 11,529 | aboard. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Hello again, and my sincerest apologies for dropping out of existence after posting my introduction message. I thank you all for the nice welcome messages and hope you're all doing fine. My life is full of distractions and shifting priorities, but I've found a quiet spot coming up in September and am going camping, with the van :-) yahooo! I just bought a 6" futon mattress and plan to build the base for it very soon. I also bought the 'Kooler-Air' (ice) cooler-based air conditioner.
I could use some help on a couple of issues, though. One is removal of the captain chairs -can't find how to. Do I remove the bolts holding the base to the van floor?
Also, I need a new stereo, as this van is all original, and the stereo must have originally sucked. :-). It has speakers in front doors and the back walls, round, 5", me thinks.
Any suggestions/comments most welcome.
Kind regards, Lou | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | Welcome back! All captions chairs are not the same. Some you can remove the chair and leave the base attached to the floor. Others (like mine) you need to remove the entire base and chair together. Yup, that means getting under the van and removing the bolts. As far a as stereos go, there are countless options out there. You should also have speakers mounted in the dash on either side. These may or may not work anymore. And to replace them means pulling the dash. I would suggest a new head unit, some 6" speakers for the doors. And a set of 6 x 9 speakers in the back. That would at least get ya some decent tunes. If you can swing it, the head units with pop out screens are really cool.And will play CD's or DVD's or CDR disks. And most have a plug for MP3 players. Here is a pic of mine:
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 | | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Thanks for the tips on the seats and speakers/radio. I guess I'm going down (under the van, I mean). Your system looks awesome. I like the idea of the MP3/ USB inputs. Did you have issues with wiring the new radio? L
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | Your welcome, and thanks. I didn't have any issues installing the new radio. But, I have done many before. You should be able to reuse the factory power and ground wires. Then it's just figuring out the speakers. And if you replace them as well. Should be no problem. When you buy a new stereo all the wires are labeled... Front Left Front Right etc
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,536 Likes: 136 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,536 Likes: 136 | Very nice looking van.Cant wait to see some more pics. Arianrhod:2003 Chevy Astro Black Magic: 1985 Dodge B-250 Serenity:1985 Chevy G-20 The Outcast:1983 Ford club wagon Luna 1974 VW bay window transporter Freedom:1990 Ford E-150(parts van) Outcast Vanners van club Support your local 2% | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 298 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 298 | 's Rock!
If your gonna do it, do it in a Big Green Van! | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Thanks guys, I'm loving the Chevy alright... Now to figure out what to buy for a stereo. I really don't care much for radio nowadays (although I run my own internet radio station, Fusion 101) so I may just go with an amp, speakers and an iPod or MP3 player. Should I get a 2-channel, 4-channel or what? I have speakers in the back and doors (and Galaxy says also in the dash but I'll have to look for those).
I'm reading the 'hidden Stereo' thread looking for ideas on installation.
I'll take some pics soon after I install the bed frame and build a fascia (whatever).
L
Last edited by jimenezl; August 02nd 2011 10:02 am.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 559 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 559 |
SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS '93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB '92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Thanks. Does anyone know why my van has round, 5" speakers in the back (and I think, the front) but when I go to Amazon to search for speakers for my van, they only recommend 6"x9"? Not that I would mind, but would I have to cut into sheetmetal?
Thanks,
L | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,263 Likes: 1 Blendor Of Fine Schnapps | Blendor Of Fine Schnapps Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,263 Likes: 1 |
starwars tom wyckoff interstellar space truckers I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it. Groucho Marx | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | Thanks. Does anyone know why my van has round, 5" speakers in the back (and I think, the front) but when I go to Amazon to search for speakers for my van, they only recommend 6"x9"? Not that I would mind, but would I have to cut into sheetmetal?
Thanks,
L The stereo was probably installed by the company that did the conversion on your van. Back in the day it was common to use the small round speakers. When you say 'in the back' where are you referring too? Are the speakers mounted on the side wall? If you have a bench/bed combo, A good place to install some 6 x 9 speakers is in the fascia board under the seat.
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Galaxy, yes, I mean the side walls, back towards the doors. They are round and not too big, with cheesy shinny grills, and sound anemic. That's a great idea about putting speakers on the fascia, as I do have the bed/bench combo (but am in the process of removing it and building a plywood platform for a full-sized 6" futon mattress). I was thinking hard last night, figuring on installing a second battery to power the amp, laptop, etc, and all of it may very well go under the bed: amp, battery, fuse, etc. I did want to build some sort of storage space also on that fascia. Will get to drawing something today.. Thanks,
Lou | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | If you are planning on camping in September you should check out Keystone Madness! | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Ken, that looks like a wild time. You going? | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | I'm sure he will be there, And so will I! This is a really great van run.
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | Ken, that looks like a wild time. You going? Sure am! I'll be on vendors row! Look for Big Ben! | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 | always a good time at keystone | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Hey guys, worked a little bit today and got the captain chair out but discovered that the mount is soldered and not screwed so Ill have to cut it out. I also removed the bench/bed and built a frame for the futon mattress. Ill post pics tomorrow.
Last edited by jimenezl; August 06th 2011 8:50 pm.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,001 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,001 | always a good time at keystone Its Impossible not to have a good time at Keystone. And a nice selection of vans from a large area.
I DID NOT Escape, I'm on a Weekend Pass Lifelong Disease, WhiteLine Fever 97 DODGE shorty, The ROCK & ROLL Train New 4 Seasons Criuser, 74 B100, The Night Train Member of the Toopa Sinner Tribe
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Pictures! Could't wait 'til tomorrow. The seat mount pier - got some hacking to do.. I know it's hard to see, but it's wleded n the four corners. I don't have many tools so I may go for a chisel and sledge hammer. The bed is made. Doesn't it look inviting? And this is were I'm installing my speakers. The hole in the back was were the puny little speaker was installed, and get this, in series with the other one across the back (you can see the hole on the previous picture). The other speaker will go on the virgin panel to the left of the window. Hmmm, virgin, holes, bed, wonder if there's some sub-conscious currents floating thru my mind.. Another shot, and then to bed (not the van, the real bed...)
Last edited by jimenezl; August 06th 2011 11:10 pm.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Someone was asking what the OEM radio for a 83 Chevy Van looked like. I'm not sure if this is the original radio but it could very well be. An Audiovox cassette player.
Last edited by jimenezl; August 06th 2011 11:21 pm.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | Nice job making the bed, It looks great!
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,020 old hand | old hand Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,020 | Lookin good.. oh I always have those subconscious thoughts of virgins and holes in vans.. I dont know why either ;-) | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 12,847 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 12,847 | Bed looks great , got any before pics of the framing ? Proud member: Shenandoah Valley Vans ............" REALITY IS JUST AN ELABORATE ILLUSION".................. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 | looks really good! i like those rear door panels too! | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,536 Likes: 136 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,536 Likes: 136 | That's a real sweet old school style interior Arianrhod:2003 Chevy Astro Black Magic: 1985 Dodge B-250 Serenity:1985 Chevy G-20 The Outcast:1983 Ford club wagon Luna 1974 VW bay window transporter Freedom:1990 Ford E-150(parts van) Outcast Vanners van club Support your local 2% | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | Nice job on the bed. Those bases should still bolt in. There is a 14" square plat welded to the bottom of that column that bolts through the floor. Look for 4 bolts under the van.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | I looked under the van but found no bolts. Do the bolts go thru the plate? I could remove more of the carpet and look for those four bolts on the plate.
Thanks all for the kudos on the bed and the encouragement to go to Keystone.
I'll try to get pictures of the frame - just 2x3s and plywood on top.
Last edited by jimenezl; August 08th 2011 1:25 pm.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | If you are replacing the carpet, tear it out and you'll see what I mean, They should bolt through the floor, but maybe they are just bolted through the plywood subfloor. I would be extremely surprised if someone cut the platform off the base and welded them to the metal floor decking. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | you'd be surprised, and I'd be pissed! I'll check again. I am not replacing the carpet but I'll cut it in a straight line and glue it back together afterwards. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 | it should be bolted unless those arent the original bases..its not a easy task but ull be ok | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,263 Likes: 1 Blendor Of Fine Schnapps | Blendor Of Fine Schnapps Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,263 Likes: 1 |
starwars tom wyckoff interstellar space truckers I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it. Groucho Marx | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | I opened up the carpet a little and saw that the base is welded to the van floor. I see 4 empty bolt holes. What's the best way to deal with this? Do you think I can chisel it out of there?
on another note, as you can see, my van has the runners and whitewalls, apparently taboo with some of your more seasoned contributors here. I think it looks really old school... What do you think, keep 'em or dump 'em?
Last edited by jimenezl; August 15th 2011 1:59 pm.
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,265 | they dont look too bad with the rally rims...but when you eventually go for rims go with white letter tires | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 559 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 559 | I like them my 92 has them....
SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS '93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB '92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | A cut off wheel on an grinder is the way I would remove them. Use it to cut along the welds and then pry it gently out. A chisel will most likely just tear up the floor sheet metal. | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | Oh, and as far as the white wall, they aren't too bad... My grandfather used to sport them on his 32 Ford | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | I agree with SuperBeast, A grinder is the way to remove those welds. And if you still are having trouble, you may want to hit the seam with a air hammer. (use the chisel tip)
As far as white walls, I think they look okay with stock wheels if you want to keep the factory look.The same goes for running boards. They look good if you are keeping the original look of the van. (as long as they are not causing any body rust issues)
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 7,662 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 7,662 Likes: 2 | I just caught up with this post again. I am not too awful far from you. I would be more than happy to help you remove those seat bases and reinstall them correctly.... I have all the tools needed to do this job. PM me or at email me at: wookee10358@msn.com Keystone is a great event..... on another note, as you can see, my van has the runners and whitewalls, apparently taboo with some of your more seasoned contributors here. I think it looks really old school... What do you think, keep 'em or dump 'em?
These older survivor conversion vans are getting harder to find.IF YOU like the look keep it. There are really no written rules on the right or wrong way to custonize a van. Do what you like.That is what really makes the custom van culture so very cool..... Survivor conversion vans have even caught the eye of judges at shows like the "Nationals".Enough that these vans have there own class. They are an important part of vanning history .......Wookee
Its a "Van Thing" A life style you have to LIVE to understand! Vintage Chevy Van Club
| | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 298 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 298 | Welcome! Most of us conversion guys switch to OWL tires. One thing to consider, whitewalls are hard to find in actual truck tires. A lot of conversions came with auto tires. Aluminum running boards are more durable and do not have the paint issues I am having with my fiberglass ones. The thing to consider is where you want to go with your van. If you want to keep the classic 80's conversion look, you really have to have the aluminum boards, a ladder and continental kit. Have fun with your van! Chevy conversions rule!
If your gonna do it, do it in a Big Green Van! | | | Re: New van - 1983 Chevy G20 | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 22 | Hello Wookee,
I dropped out last year and now getting ready to ride again find that I missed your response and offer to help with the seats. Thanks! I will email you when I get the van back on the road to see if we can do this. I work in Woodbine, and sometimes travel to the eastern shoer, a lot closer to Joppa than Frederick.
CPS, thanks for the welcome and support ;-)
Luis
Last edited by jimenezl; April 18th 2012 1:41 pm.
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