As for me, my next door neighbor retired from landscaping using the '87 G20 I have now. So he left it sitting for a year with yard equipment and shelves inside. He was an older gentleman so he decided to sell his house. So I asked him about the van. He said $300. We shook hands and I told him I'll have the money tomorrow. Tomorrow came and his other next door neighbor offered $500 but said it was on hold for me. So my neighbor asked me to help sell his '66 Chevelle which I did. He gave me the $300 back for helping to sell the Chevelle. He said I can keep whatever yard equipment was inside. Drove it to my house, knocked out the shelves, removed the 2 front seats, stripped the interior to metal, built it up to become the family vacation van. DMV inspected it to change registration from commercial to passenger vehicle. Now it's been 5 years as the family van. From camping to road trips.
Last edited by chevydude1987; March 03rd 2023 6:25 am.
That's epic. Good Karma. Had my 1st van back in 1972; a 1967; then a 1971 & 1974 ; All Chevy Shortys ; back in the day ( Graduated in 1974 ) . Awesome times. had to sell my 1974 in 1982.
38 years later after my BIG scare in 2019 ( stroke ) . Started my Quest. In October of 2020 found my 1974 G10 Shorty. Started complete powertrain and suspension build in February this year. " Hope" to have it done in September is the goal. Will have to learn to post pics for sure . Charlie ( 99909 ) was kind enough to post my pics when I brought it home.
My timing and money flow couldn't of been worse; however like my daddy use to say: " Do something for yourself before it's to late ; remember : you never see a U-Haul behind a hearse "
Ours has been in the family since it was purchased in 1986. My folks offered it to the kids when it was seeming too small and unreliable for them. We gladly took it and camped/cruised for about 10 years and then it was time to scrap it or fix up the engine. A used, running, 2005 5.3 LS Vortec with 4L60E was purchased and installed over last winter. Runs great now - craploads of get up and go!
1986 G20 'GetAway' conversion van, family purchased new 2005 LS 5.3 from Avalanche donor 4L60E Overdrive Transmission Donor Fuel Module (PWM retained) in new 33 gal tank 'MeterMatch' module converts new fuel module to old gas gauge 'CableX' cable transmission adapter to old speedometer
I was looking to do the same install. Removing the complete drivetrain from the donor, wiring, computer, everything. California requires everything from the donor vehicle...even the OBD II. Was the install pretty easy??
Chevydude 1987-It was not easy for me, I am not a mechanic but I enjoy solving problems. I got lucky and the exhaust manifolds I ordered fit well. I modified the trans crossmember, fabricated several brackets for ECM, shift cable(from donor), used donor fuel module in a new tank, modified donor gas pedal. Harness came with OBDII. I have mixed feelings about using the Painless harness unless you had them extend the wiring for van use. I had the donor harness and went to it many times for connectors and info. Main thing is get everything from the donor- ECM, TAC, pedal assembly, MAF. Once done, you have an incredible improved rig. I am seeing much improved mileage and more power than I thought I would get. It is hard to keep my foot out of it as it runs so strong and sounds so good.
Last edited by 1986LSVAN; July 04th 2022 12:50 pm. Reason: correction
1986 G20 'GetAway' conversion van, family purchased new 2005 LS 5.3 from Avalanche donor 4L60E Overdrive Transmission Donor Fuel Module (PWM retained) in new 33 gal tank 'MeterMatch' module converts new fuel module to old gas gauge 'CableX' cable transmission adapter to old speedometer
My Red 4X I got in a govt auction and my white was 2200 miles away in Iowa I flew there and drove it 2200 miles home...
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