So I've finally had a couple of days to evaluate my new pride and joy. Its been.... errm.....interesting.
So far:
Checked the lights. Headlights don't work on low beam, but work fine on high beam. Turned the lights off and the selector switch disappeared into the dash. Found the switch housing retaining thread was stripped out so replaced it with a new switch. Stays in place now but the headlights still aren't working correctly. Tried a spare dimmer switch I had lying around, no dice. Need to work out if the lights are powered directly from the dimmer or if theres a relay somewhere I haven't found yet. Failing that, its checking the ground connections at the light assemblies.
The tailights/indicators/brake lights were all mixed up on the left side. Rewired the lot to get it working correctly. Still need to sort the reverse lights (haven't found the power wire yet from the front). I may just end up gutting the lot and starting again.
Removed about 5 kgs of unneccesary wiring/plumbing from under the car. It must've had an auxillary fuel tank in a previous life as the pluming and wiring for the second fuel system was still there (including fuel pump!).
The dash vents have been butchered to destruction. I'm trying to decide whether I make new ones in aluminium or carbon fibre. Furthermore, the plastic dash fascia is pretty cracked and damaged. I'm scouting around for a new one, but failing that, I'll be plastic welding the old one back together.
Underneath, it has a Gear Vendors overdrive unit. Which is leaking like a sieve. Trying to find where I can get seals/parts for it but not having much luck so far. It appears to be coming from the actuating solenoid but I'll have to wash it down and check to be sure.
The diff is pretty well knackered too. I've ordered a Trutrak centre for it and a Richmond gear set in 3.73 (down from 4.11 on the factory setup) and will throw new seals, bearing and axles at it just to be sure.
So thats it for now. I'll post up some photos when I've got a bit of time.
Hello Mr. Slidey, Welcome to the site Mate! D8g the Van 400/400 Score! So, here is the Gear Vendors website, you can contact them direct. I'm sure they would enjoy hearing from you. As do We here at Vanning.com
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Well its been a while, but I finally have my van back with healthy new diff internals. Still clunks when I ease off the accelerator which I'm hoping is something as simple as throwing some bushes in the rear end.
Was one hell of a hassle getting it done though. First shop bent the running boards (and then promptly shut the doors leaving me with busted car with a gutted diff) then the second shop ran the right rear quarter into something and bent it. They repaired it, but of course the paint doesn't match and the pin striping is two different colours now! Luckily I have planned a respray for early next year, so I'll be able to address the issue then.
Been pulling the miles of extra unnecessary wiring out and discovered that at some point a previous owner has done a real hatchet (or should I say angle grinder) job on the front end to get the later model grill and lights to fit. The front guards and the radiator support panels on both sides are wrecked. So guess whos on the hunt for a complete front end for a 76 Chev now???
If anyone knows where I can find boths guards, the support panels, a OEM style grill and front steel bumper, I'd be very grateful.
Anyway, I've attached a pic of the old girl, hopefully it works....
A RV yard will have what you need, the whole front clip, as they made RV's out of G30 vans ...
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