Vannin' Home Forums Chevy General Discussion Hot Rod's project van

Hey everybody, I've finally registered for the site and hope to have some fun here. If you didn't see it, we're doing a project van in HOT ROD magazine, with a '74 Chevy swb van, and it'll be done up Pro Touring style.

I do have a few tech questions regarding suspension, however. Does anybody know if the suspension parts are carryovers to GM pickups of the same era? I'd like to use air bags or drop spindles (bags preferred), but not sure if the pickup kits will bolt in. Any help?

Looking forward to seeing some feedback on our van. It should be a fun project.

Rob Kinnan
HOT ROD

Rob, first of all welcome to the forum. I think you will get the information you need.
Second, I am proud that you are coming to US, Vanners! for information. Now I'm a Dodge fan but I have a feeling our Chevy guys will do you proud.
And lastly, I think it's time for me to renew my subscription to the magazine. I haven't had one for some time but you have renewed my faith.
Thanks again and good luck with the project. Looking forwar to seeing it.
Jim aka Gup"E"Boy

rob getting ready to bag the front of a 77 gmc van, i will post the info for you tomorrrow i have it at the store. last year we bagged a 78 dodge van. we used Air Ride Tech from jasper ind.thats whose product we prefer.

Welcome to vanning.com Rob! We'll do what we can to get the answers to your questions either by the regulars here or from vanners like Frank who built Never Enough.
Any chance of posting some teazer shots of it ?

<small>[ February 15, 2006, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: Virtual ]</small>

Welcome aboard Rob!
Yes, the suspension pieces for the same year pickups will work on your van. Only the 71 & 72 vans were a little different. Seems they had different balljoints from the later years. I am working on a 72 shorty right now. Trying to figure out what spindle will work on mine. Hoping I can just change to a later balljoint & use 73 & up truck dropped spindles.
Goodluck on your van. Please keep us posted. Brad

did you find what springs they used on the rear of the 70s van when you took pics of it

Welcome aboard Rob.

I enjoyed the first aticle of buying the van and getting it home. A true classic story.

Can't wait to see the finished project.

Welcome aboard Rob. I hope you throw us the occasional picture...

Welcome Rob is Preston still around the mag. if he is tell him weird harold from c.i.v is still alive as for the project van to cool i just bought a chop top 76 chev ( check out name the van contest in general discussion)i will be doing a air bag system on it as well. i am looking into a frame notch for it as well if i locate any info will let you know and happy to have a great team like yours join us here at Vannin...