Vannin' Community and Forums Forums General Discussion Readers Rides My 1997 Express

Well guys and gals, I've finally gone and done it.

We've had a pretty rough time up here in Michigan for the last 6 months at least (a large part of why I have not been on the forum as much as I used to be). Unfortunately, that includes the loss of both of my parents in the last 3 months.

This 1997 Express was my Mom and Dad's van. They ordered it new through Midwest Conversions, using my (then GM) employee discount on the chassis. They had the chance to meet the owner of Midwest Conversions, sit down with him, and order just what they wanted for options and colors. Dad owned a lot of nice vehicles over the years, and this was his favorite (it was his 5th van).

The van was stored indoors all of it's early life, used primarily for pulling their 28-ish foot travel trailer. Later, when they traded their last trailer for a motorhome, it became strictly a pleasure vehicle.

As the years passed, and old age took their health and ability to travel, the van saw less and less use. Even when they moved into assisted living homes, Dad kept the van close at hand. Finally, they moved to a small house without a garage, and as a second vehicle, it sat in the back yard, and was not driven or started for many years. Still, he could give it up.

With their passing, the van had to go. The reason I joined this form (sans-van) was that I had hoped to have a chance to buy it some day. Well, that day is here. I'd rather have my folks with me, but the van and it's many happy memories will have to do.

As this is yet another daily driver for me, and I have 4 old cars (IE: "classic"), and a meager budget to spend on toys, don't expect to see much in the way of outlandish or wild mods. But a have a few changes in mind.

She's in really nice shape, about 75k miles.

1997 Chevrolet Express 1500
255 H.P. 5.7L Vortec V8
4L60E OD Automatic Transmission
8.6 rear axle with 3.73 gears (I don't think it has G80, but I'm not sure)
Midwest conversion with grey interior, alcantara headliner, leather FlexSteel seating.

I took this picture last weekend, but won't take possession of the van for a little while yet.

I'm pretty excited about this!

Sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. Enjoy your van. Ponder on the old memories and make new ones.

Sorry for your loss Dave. I also lost both my parents, Mom in Feb '14 & my dad in May '14. Cant tell ya how much it hurts not to see them anymore. Cryin right now thinking about them & you losin yours.

There not totally gone as long as they are in your heart.

Thanks guys.

I have no idea what an Expresswell is! LOL I'm seeing if a mod can fix that title for me. One of the problems of typing with 2 fingers.

Well ... its fixed .... lol

Well thank you sir!

Your Well come ..

Dyno Dave, Sincerest Condolences on the passing of your Mom and Dad.

Standing shoulder to shoulder in Solidarity right between you and frscke1. Good you were there with your parents.

Vanned out here to Texas to see Mom, realized I wasn't going anywhere. But we had a ton of fun, busting her out of rehab to live at home for a few more years, the last wild ride in her Cadillac.

Thanks for sharing the story of the Family Express Van. Cool history. Nice Van Dave!

Thanks Wedgy. They had a lots of great trips in the van, many of them up here to Michigan to see us. As I mentioned, this was Dad's 5th conversion van, and I have a lot of good memories of those earlier trucks as well.

I can't wait to get it here. We want to take it to Florida this year, so she will need some work before a long road trip.