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Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789279 March 09th 2022 2:30 am
Joined: Apr 2007
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Finally got up to date on this build again. Damn this thing turned out awesome!. Just an idea for later on down the line in terms of engine. What about the idea of throwing in a newer Vortec from a GMT400 series truck such as an L31 350. Another idea to toss around would be a TBI conversion on your existing 305 with an intake to bump up the power a bit.


1980 Chevy G20 conversion van
1991 Toyota Previa LE
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Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789364 March 10th 2022 9:34 pm
Joined: Mar 2021
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Awesome video! It was just a matter of time with the level you put into that Van! Congratulations!

Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
OutlawZ #789951 March 31st 2022 9:54 am
Joined: Sep 2013
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Thank you guys so much!

Originally Posted by OutlawZ
Finally got up to date on this build again. Damn this thing turned out awesome!. Just an idea for later on down the line in terms of engine. What about the idea of throwing in a newer Vortec from a GMT400 series truck such as an L31 350. Another idea to toss around would be a TBI conversion on your existing 305 with an intake to bump up the power a bit.

I've thought about this, but if I'm going to go through the effort of a swap with all the fixings, I want to use the best option I can find. The LS just has so much support and power vs cost vs reliability really just blows the older options out of the water. On top of that, I really want to put some trip/vacation miles on this thing and the idea of getting a bit better gas mileage is appealing as well.

Last edited by tuner4life; March 31st 2022 9:55 am.

[Linked Image]
Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789961 March 31st 2022 10:58 am
Joined: Jul 2019
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Good luck my friend. Your van is so Primo chevy

1 member likes this: tuner4life
Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789962 March 31st 2022 11:16 am
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I realized that it's been way too long since I updated this thread. It's been a much more laid back winter build season than the last several years, but I still managed to make several improvements.

The first thing I did is revamp the electrical system, the deep cycle batteries are now on their own dual bank charger, and the start battery has it's own on-board charger/maintainer. So now I simply isolate the batteries when charging, and all the batteries get charged correctly. The previous setup was less than ideal as the start battery is a lead acid and the house batteries are AGM. This just works so much better. all around, and with the current charging setup, I can leave the van lit up, open, with the interior and exterior stereo, fridge, etc all on indefinitely and the charging system will keep up as long as I'm plugged in. Then obviously I can un-isolate everything and charge all the batteries with the alternator when driving.

The other nice feature I added is house style 110v outlets that are live whenever the van is plugged in. That is going to enable me to make coffee, or the girlfriend to be able to straighten her hair, etc without having to leave the van when camping. Should be so much more convenient.

It all tucks nicely in this little compartment

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]

I also added this little volt meter so I can keep an eye on both batteries while camping or at shows..

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


The next thing to address was the radiator. it still had the original single pass radiator with some cheap electric fans zip-tied to it with no shroud. It worked decent, but wasn't up to the task when towing up larger hills. The straw that broke the camel's back was that one of the end tanks started leaking. I got the dual core aluminum from Rock auto, the shroud came from Summit, and the fans are basic 12" fans from Amazon. They are controlled by the Flex-a-lite controller that was already in the van. This setup works amazing! IO haven't had a chance to really push it yet, but the fans really pull a ton of heat out of the radiator and I actually had to turn up the temp on the controller a little bit because they were doing too good of a job.. Good stuff.

Anyways, eye candy:

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


The biggest project of the winter was to replace the rear conversion van bench/bed with an actual bed. While it looked amazing and worked for the purpose of having extra passenger seating, and also a bed.. It was extremely uncomfortable and was actually causing me some back pain and whatnot. Definitely not ideal for a situation where you are supposed to be enjoying the experience.. Also, I've decided that it's really not a "family oriented" vehicle so the rear seating really isn't necessary as I rarely carry more than 2 people.. So I built a new bed. I'll outline the whole project here:


The old setup, it looked great, but just wasn't working like I needed it to.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Out with the old:

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here is some of the puzzle that was the electrical project:

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


After literal days of nothing but measuring and making notes, I started building a frame out of steel 1" tubing.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here is the finished main frame: (There is another shelf piece that extends further to the rear and hinges up)

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


here is the front fascia in progress. I made that out of MDF. There you can see the 2 drawer cut-outs and the smaller compartment to the right (can't put a drawer there due to the minibar)

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here you can see the rear shelf as well as the front piece of plywood decking that the mattress will sit on.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here you can see the entire platform is test-fit and the drawers are built and installed.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here you can see some of the layout under the decking: The drawers and compartment towards the front, and the access from the rear which includes a special spot for a large double camping chair as well as other items such as storage for the porta-potty, tools, etc.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


The finished fascia panel with drawers and door installed. Looks almost seamless and matched the minibar as well. The gloss black is 3M vinyl wrap, the top part is wrapped in black vinyl to match the rest of the interior, and the chrome trim is Cloyes trim same as used on the bar. The 3 buttons are poppers for the drawers and storage compartment

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


And here is the entire unit mounted in the van. The platform has marine grade carpeting on it as well as some tie downs in case I need to actually haul something.. Or whatever else they may be needed for ;)

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here is some of the aluminum panel work under the rear of the bed. Lots of storage for jack, tools, and a bunch of other stuff. I also added lights under there and a prop rod.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Here is what the inside of the small compartment looks like, the drawers are finished similar inside. I forgot to take a picture of them. There are blue lights in all of them which make it really nice at night

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r401/tuner4life2/PXL_20220208_230612253.jpg

And here is the entire project complete. It's finished off with a set of black satin sheets, a fleece blanket, and the furry comforter on top, also the random array of pillows. The mattress is a 4" thick custom sized piece from "The Foam Factory" It's nice and firm and super comfy. I couldn't be happier!

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


The last thing I did was to add to the JDM VIP styling of the interior as well as solve the problem of having windows lol. These are custom curtains from Influenced VIP. They make lots of cool stuff for VIP styled cars and they make custom sized curtains to order. I wasn't confident that they would get it right, but they knocked it out of the park per my measurements. They fit great, look great, and when closed, they actually cover extremely well. They are very close to full blackout. Anyways, I'm super happy with them, I have them on all windows except the windshield.

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]

First test fit on the front doors. I need to add a snap at the front lower corner, but I love it! (Yes, I still need to make some front door panels)

[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]
[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]


Anyways, that's about all of it for this build season. I need to give the carb a little tune up once the weather gets warmer, but besides that it's good to go! I plan on going to several different shows and events this year including the Nats, and Vanfest in Ontario.

It's just about Vannin season!!

cheers


[Linked Image]
1 member likes this: frscke1
Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789965 March 31st 2022 4:33 pm
Joined: Feb 2013
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Likes: 14
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Wow. You do some amazing work, sir! It's been a pleasure following your build. BTW, the 8" rally wheels you sold me off of this van are still doing outstanding duty on my '93 G20. Cheers!

Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789968 March 31st 2022 5:21 pm
Joined: Jul 2019
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Ditto the thought. I'm upgrading the powertrain and most likely the suspension on my 1974 G10 currently ( $$$$$ I don't have ) . It'll be awhile before I can tackle body and paint and interior. When I get ready to tackle the interior I'd like to pick your brain. Your build is a motivation to us all. I wish I had your skills .Fellow Bow Tie Guy chevy

Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
tuner4life #789998 April 01st 2022 4:30 pm
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 51
veteran
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Very thorough and professional work there. I am going to be doing a similar electrical set up with batteries on my van except with 240V outlets (I'm in Ireland). If you did a wiring diagram for yours as I suspect you did judging by your sano work, would you mind PMing it to me or posting it here? Cheers Bro.


79 chevy G30 cobra camper conversion.
[Linked Image]
Re: Tuner4life's 1985 Chevy G20 4 Speed Build Thread
Seattle Van Dude #790175 April 05th 2022 3:11 pm
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 19
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Originally Posted by SeattleVanDude
Wow. You do some amazing work, sir! It's been a pleasure following your build. BTW, the 8" rally wheels you sold me off of this van are still doing outstanding duty on my '93 G20. Cheers!

Thank you so much! That's also great to hear! Those are some of the best OEM wheels for a van!


[Linked Image]
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