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Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
#772508 March 09th 2021 4:42 pm
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Hi everyone. I need a little advice on purchasing my first van.
I’ve been hunting for a 70s Chevy for around a year now. The only ones that have come up for sale near me were absolute rust buckets, running projects that the seller wanted >15k for, or gone 30 minutes after the ad went up. I finally found a 1977 G20 for sale in good shape and in my price range, but it’s about a 6 hour drive from me in New Mexico . I’m not bothered by the drive time, but the seller has stated that it is “having some carburetor trouble, but starts and drives fine”. Normally, given the distance I’d pass on dealing with it, but given how scarce they’ve been I really want to make this work. My plan was to bring an extra carburetor with me as well as fuel filter, oil, etc. to just change it out if need be. I don’t currently have access to a truck or trailer that would be able to tow something that big, otherwise I’d just do that. I guess my question really boils down to: is this a terrible idea and should I just wait for one closer to me?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772513 March 09th 2021 6:23 pm
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I rented a uhaul truck and uhaul car trailer, and towed mine 5 hours. With that said I told the first uhaul place I was towing a G20 Chevy van and they denied me. Said it was to much to haul, At the second uhaul I told em I was towing a G10 and it was ok. It barely fit but it fit, measure outside of front wheels and width of trailer, sizes may vary a little. If measurements work out for ya, tell em you are hauling an s10

I did have to use a couple 2x6 to get over the first edge and it fell down in between the rails, tires just rubbed all the way to the front. Running boards had to be removed also. Good luck, nonetheless you will be making memories in a van.


Welp....
Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772516 March 09th 2021 7:14 pm
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I'd do it, but that's just me. They are getting scarce, but deals can still be found, just have to be fast and have cash in your pocket.

It all depends on the actual situation. How much time you can take off work, how much money you have in case you break down and have to tow it. I mean the van could be immaculate and solid as can be with all sorts of new parts, but then blow a transmission up halfway home.

I'd go with the rental towing route like suggested above if you can. I had have a rollback drag mine home, and it's been sitting dormant in my driveway for a while, but it was in the next town over from us and I don't mind it sitting a bit.

Good luck on whatever you decide.


[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]
Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772520 March 09th 2021 7:35 pm
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Uncle Rust N Dents
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I agree with the above...

I wouldn't try to drive any unknown-to-me vehicle that far.

The rental idea sounds good to me, and I have a new 3/4-ton truck and car trailer to go grab stuff.
That's my hobby... I go grab junk, bring it home, get it running, fix it up, then never sell it.
lol

Whatever you decide to do, try to make it fun rather than a chore, and good luck.


[Linked Image from farm3.staticflickr.com]
Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Rusty Pancelode #772526 March 09th 2021 8:35 pm
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Originally Posted by Rusty_Pancelode
I wouldn't try to drive any unknown-to-me vehicle that far.

Drove from VA to San Antonio years ago, traded a NICE 1987 Toyota SR5 Turbo pickup for a turd 1957 VW Beetle, drove the beetle back to VA. Trip went fine, but buyers remorse set in soon after as I've missed that truck ever since.

If you do go that route, stop and grab spare belts and antifreeze soon after picking it up just to be on the safe side. I've patched radiators several times on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with that JB Weld two part putty and made it a good long while until I could get the new radiator. A few brake, tail, and headlight bulbs might be a good idea too. Tools and a first aid kit.


[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]
Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772559 March 10th 2021 11:21 am
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All sound advice. Go grab that van!

The rental path is safest and easiest, you and a buddy that likes this kind of stuff. Do what LOOKSLO says. Down and back in one long day.

Assuming you have an escort in the car you drove south in, the drive method will be way more stressful and fun and its only 6 hours even if your new van drops its load the minute you leave the driveway. Just plan for more time in case you have big problem. If you take the carb, tools and the kitchen sinks, you'll be fine. Remember, break-downs make for good stories. Consider it practice for when you drive to California or the NATS.

Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772739 March 12th 2021 9:06 pm
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Well, a sad update. After getting everything set to go pick it up tomorrow the seller just messaged me to let me know he sold it. Apparently a local buyer offered him double asking. I’m crushed, but the hunt continues. Thank you all for the great advice!

Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772747 March 12th 2021 10:46 pm
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In every van hunt I've had, I've been let down. The three that I ended up with over the years just kind of fell into my lap. It'll happen, but it takes patience.


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Re: Advice on purchasing a 77 G20
Aquabat #772759 March 13th 2021 2:56 am
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Uncle Rust N Dents
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Sorry to hear that.
Don't be too sad, though...
The hunt is half the fun.


[Linked Image from farm3.staticflickr.com]
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