Here are the pics that we all like to see. First off, a shout out to any other females on this forum. I know the majority of you are males, but I hope there are some other females who have a vision and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty like me. This is the first van I have purchased. I finished restoring a 1946 Ford pickup last year and decided a more modern eye-catching vehicle would be fun to build. It will be another learning experience, but I think it's off to a good start. I have a 350 SBC and turbo 350 trans to put in. The van was in great shape except for the floor under the existing sunroof which was rotted out. It also came with almost all the parts, which is great because some of the stuff is hard to find, as I have been finding out. Anyway, I got it home from the body shop last week and I plan on getting the engine, trans and brakes done first. I want to put headers on it, but I'm not sure which to go with, block hugger or long. Anyone have an idea of which would be the least difficult to fit?
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
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This is a pretty deep tear down of a van. Did you set a budget for the project or just let it progress as you see fit?
I'm always interested in the numbers side of things. Yes, Parts are like a treasure hunt. Some great people here who helped me find signal lenses for an early grill. (thanks Bob!)
My '78 van body is in pretty good shape. It was a craigslist purchase for $500. I spent $2400 on a new motor and $1200 on the install/belts/hoses/radiator/heater core and altenator. I spent about $1000 on used wheels/tires and captains chairs, ceiling & door panels, visor, and other various parts from a donor van to get me on the road and driving. I popped for an early grill and bumper for $400
At $5500, I have a really nice dependable driver with a 3 year warranty on the drive train (except the trans).
I'm up for paint, pipes, cragars/BFG's next. Then a hook up of the A/C. and maybe a sound system.
I'm hoping to be done for about 10K for a "new" van. I wanted to make sure I could get a return if I needed to or consider a second van project. I see values all over the place on ebay and craigslist. Some just throw caution to the wind.
Lastly, I've posed some youtube videos for a gauge install on my van. Grab your camera and hit record. Photos are great. Vids are better!
If you would like some pics of my headers I will be glad to take some. They are truck style headers. If you need anything just let me know. I am in the process of converting an 89 g30 into a 4x4. I will be using the parts from my current pathfinder 4x4. I'm attaching some pictures.