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| | | Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 journeyman | OP journeyman Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 | It may be opening up a can of worms but...
I'm keeping my eyes open for a "new" van to replace my 98 Dodge 3500 15 passenger van. This was my 1st van, purchased for $600 at a govt auction. But roof rust is getting worse by the minute. I think the roof is more tape than metal at this point! I like the handling of the Ram Van and it has great power. However peeling paint and roof rust seem to plague this era dodge van. I'd like to lower it, but there are no off the shelf solutions for the 3500 and suspension does not appear to swap over from the truck.
I like the look of the 3rd gen Ford vans, but they are scarce here in South TX. I'd like to swap to the round headlights if it is a later model. Is it possible? Also the twin beam front end is tough to lower, since none of the truck stuff is a direct fit. What are the major issues? Rust prone areas? Parts availability?
The Chevy/ GMC 3rd gen 71-95 G-series vans have been catching my attention lately. The body basically stayed the same over the years, so I could have all the modern safety features, fuel injection, etc., and the more classic styling. I need a window version 12 or 15 passenger. Do the 12 passenger come as G20 or G30? All the truck suspension stuff swaps over too. Huge aftermarket for everything Chevy.
From what I've seen, the Chevy probably has the edge due to parts availability, both OEM and aftermarket. What are the benefits and pitfalls of either Ford or Chevy 3rd Gen Vans? | | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 559 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 559 | The Chevy/ GMC 3rd gen 71-95 G-series .... WINNER ! ! The 12 is a G30 ...the difference is the wheel base.
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: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,397 Likes: 64 veteran | veteran Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,397 Likes: 64 | The g series is my fave..followed by 71-92 b Dodge van..then econoline..Chevy has style and a great big block.
When in doubt..get the sawzall out..
| | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3,692 Likes: 32 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3,692 Likes: 32 | Dodge/Plymouth B van would be my first choice. Chevy/GMC 71-95 a very close second. | | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 2,290 Likes: 137 veteran | veteran Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 2,290 Likes: 137 | I prefer Chevy since they were in production from 1971 through 1995, but I also love Mopar and Ford. I think if you're trying to compare all the aspects of every van, outweigh the pros and cons, and pinpoint an exact fit for "best ever van" you may be overthinking the matter. Simply put, the "Best Van Ever" is the best deal you can find on the van that you fall in love with. For me they are a 1982 G10 and a 2000 Astro, but for the next guy it might be a 1975 Dodge or a 1998 Ford Windstar (don't even know if they were made in 98, beside the point here). Just find one you are happy with and roll it. | | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 32,696 Likes: 172 Old Timer | Old Timer Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 32,696 Likes: 172 | l love the chevy's from 1964 and till present. We have 6 of them now (lol)
Jim & Lucy Newkirk 1965 Chevy Bad Influence 1981 Chevy-the Love Shack 2012 Chevy Van , 2020 chevy van 2020 Chevy van Sapphire Sweet. Club Vannerz. vanninvanner@comcast.net | | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 1,015 Likes: 19 old hand | old hand Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 1,015 Likes: 19 | I'm an import guy so I was very impartial going into my search.. I liked the aggressive looks of the 70s Dodges, but after driving one, I was very disappointed with the legroom for the front passengers. Don't get me wrong, none of them are great, but the Dodges were extremely cramped. On he plus side, the engine cover is huge so you can put anything you want in it..
Then I looked at the 3rd gen fords and almost ended up with one. I liked everything about them. The longer hood for (slightly) better access, more legroom, handsome looks, usually better optioned, etc.. I would still own the right Ford with no regrets whatsoever
But in the end the Chevy won for a number of reasons. The best looks (imo), ease and cost of obtaining parts, large production year span, and coming across mine with a manual and good condition when I did sealed the deal..
If you don't know what you want, go find each and try them out. That's the only way to know for sure for yourself.
Last edited by tuner4life; May 08th 2019 1:44 pm.
| | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 | For me, I love the look of Dodge vans, but they just don't have enough leg room for me and the door is awkward to get in and out of. My favorite is Fords. From the mid Ford in the late 60s to the end to the third gen Fords. I am just not a GM or Chevy person, although parts would be much cheaper and easier to get if I did like GM products.
Windows- they're what make a van worth owning! | | | Re: Best Classic Van & Why? | Joined: Apr 2016 Posts: 132 member | member Joined: Apr 2016 Posts: 132 | Don't rule out models on the basis of just one test drive, options and maintenance can make a different driving experience. I had a cherry 1974 G10, it was a base model with three on the column, no power brakes or steering. Its gone. It drove a lot worse than my 1995 G30 with power brakes and steering even though the basic platform is almost the same. It also had cruddy leg room because someone mounted aftermarket seats closer to the wheel. | | |
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