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Posted By: 75DarkStar Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 21st 2017 9:44 pm
Here are the pics that we all like to see. First off, a shout out to any other females on this forum. I know the majority of you are males, but I hope there are some other females who have a vision and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty like me. This is the first van I have purchased. I finished restoring a 1946 Ford pickup last year and decided a more modern eye-catching vehicle would be fun to build. It will be another learning experience, but I think it's off to a good start. I have a 350 SBC and turbo 350 trans to put in. The van was in great shape except for the floor under the existing sunroof which was rotted out. It also came with almost all the parts, which is great because some of the stuff is hard to find, as I have been finding out. Anyway, I got it home from the body shop last week and I plan on getting the engine, trans and brakes done first. I want to put headers on it, but I'm not sure which to go with, block hugger or long. Anyone have an idea of which would be the least difficult to fit?



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Posted By: oldskool73 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 21st 2017 9:48 pm
Wow ! I'm hooked (and maybe in love).
Posted By: frscke1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 21st 2017 9:58 pm
Welcome to the site ... what a nice ride !
Posted By: Buff1974 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 22nd 2017 2:04 am
Welcome. Love the paint..
Posted By: lukester Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 22nd 2017 2:57 am
Amazing art work.
Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 22nd 2017 6:54 pm
Beautiful graphics. I love the deep dish wheels too.
Posted By: Lettercraft Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 22nd 2017 9:19 pm
This is a pretty deep tear down of a van.
Did you set a budget for the project or just let it progress as you see fit?

I'm always interested in the numbers side of things.
Yes, Parts are like a treasure hunt. Some great people here who helped me find signal lenses for an early grill. (thanks Bob!)

My '78 van body is in pretty good shape. It was a craigslist purchase for $500. I spent $2400 on a new motor and $1200 on the install/belts/hoses/radiator/heater core and altenator.
I spent about $1000 on used wheels/tires and captains chairs, ceiling & door panels, visor, and other various parts from a donor van to get me on the road and driving. I popped for an early grill and bumper for $400


At $5500, I have a really nice dependable driver with a 3 year warranty on the drive train (except the trans).

I'm up for paint, pipes, cragars/BFG's next. Then a hook up of the A/C. and maybe a sound system.

I'm hoping to be done for about 10K for a "new" van.
I wanted to make sure I could get a return if I needed to or consider a second van project.
I see values all over the place on ebay and craigslist. Some just throw caution to the wind.

Lastly, I've posed some youtube videos for a gauge install on my van.
Grab your camera and hit record. Photos are great. Vids are better!

Keep on Vannin'
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 25th 2017 5:49 pm
If you would like some pics of my headers I will be glad to take some. They are truck style headers. If you need anything just let me know. I am in the process of converting an 89 g30 into a 4x4. I will be using the parts from my current pathfinder 4x4. I'm attaching some pictures.

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Posted By: tuner4life Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 27th 2017 1:48 pm
Wow! That paint looks amazing! Welcome to the site!
Posted By: crazyvanman Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 27th 2017 3:25 pm
Welcome to the site! yes I do see a more girls picking up Vans.
Posted By: cbrociuos Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 27th 2017 6:02 pm
I like it!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 27th 2017 10:05 pm
Originally Posted by JNPerformance
If you would like some pics of my headers I will be glad to take some. They are truck style headers. If you need anything just let me know. I am in the process of converting an 89 g30 into a 4x4. I will be using the parts from my current pathfinder 4x4. I'm attaching some pictures.

Yes, I would like to see the header pics. I am a big fan of 4x4 vans! Good luck with your build.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 27th 2017 10:10 pm
Originally Posted by Lettercraft
This is a pretty deep tear down of a van.
Did you set a budget for the project or just let it progress as you see fit?

I am not taking budget into consideration. I just have to keep myself under control; it's so easy to go overboard once you get on a roll. You did great with your budget!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - December 28th 2017 1:15 am
As soon as it warms up here I'll get you a pic
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 03rd 2018 7:22 pm
So this past weekend, I got the new front brakes, lines and shocks put on. Nothing very exciting or picture worthy, but it is progress. I also had the rear drums cut and got the rear shocks off. Just waiting for the rear shocks to come in. Not far away from putting the engine and trans in. Happy New Year to all!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 22nd 2018 8:41 pm
Engine and trans are in!! Don't know what I will do if it needs to be removed for some reason; what a bugger to get in! Now I need to figure out if I have all the linkage parts for the 350 tranny. If anyone has a pic to share, that would be great. A picture is worth 1,000 words! Here are some shots of the engine.


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Posted By: frscke1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 22nd 2018 8:46 pm
NICE !
Posted By: Sparkynm Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 23rd 2018 12:14 am
Such a cool van !!! Did you come up with the graphic designs? Love it.
From what I've gathered from the fine people here, if you are thinking about side pipes, shorty headers might be a better idea. Seems you might have to run an s-pipe if you have long-tube headers(that's me). Coated headers are the way to go, easier than re-painting every couple years.

Keep up the awesome work, looking forward to more pictures!
Posted By: Greenstreak Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 23rd 2018 2:37 am
The engine looks awesome. Super clean.
Posted By: jason159 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 23rd 2018 3:20 pm
Freaking sweet!
Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 24th 2018 1:10 am
Excellent!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 27th 2018 11:49 pm
Here is some pictures of the headers. I may be able to take the shift cable off of this van. If you want it, your welcome to it. That will solve your shifter linkage problems. I started tearing everything down yesterday. I'm going with the same headers but stainless steel this time.

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Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 29th 2018 6:39 pm
Originally Posted by JNPerformance
Here is some pictures of the headers. I may be able to take the shift cable off of this van. If you want it, your welcome to it. That will solve your shifter linkage problems. I started tearing everything down yesterday. I'm going with the same headers but stainless steel this time.

If the shift cable will work with the Turbo 350 auto trans, then I'm interested. Thanks for the header pics; they look like they fit well. Did you have any clearance issues? Do you know the brand/style of them? Thanks much!
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 31st 2018 5:59 pm
I've looked at the cable and it is specific to the steering column. You would have to get a steering column out of a 92 van to make it work. The headers are made by pace setter. Not really any clearance issues. They are in good shape but a little rusty. I will sell them to you for 50 bucks if your interested. I'm going with Stainless steel for my next ones.
Posted By: JNPerformance Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - February 14th 2018 8:11 pm
I have bought a set of these and they look great.

Manzo USA Chevrolet Chevy GMC SUV/Truck 4-1 Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N26DU0G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_CDjHAbKN3H99W

They are pretty much the same thing as in the pictures bur are stainless steel. Good price. The flange is mild steel but still better than all steel headers.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - February 15th 2018 4:55 pm
Originally Posted by JNPerformance
I have bought a set of these and they look great.

Manzo USA Chevrolet Chevy GMC SUV/Truck 4-1 Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N26DU0G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_CDjHAbKN3H99W

They are pretty much the same thing as in the pictures bur are stainless steel. Good price. The flange is mild steel but still better than all steel headers.


That is a great price; thanks for the info!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - April 01st 2018 11:19 pm
I decided on Hedman Hedders and installed them this weekend. They were a good fit. It is ready to fire up for the first time. Just have to get an oil pressure gauge hooked up before I try starting it. It cranks good and there was no smoke or fire when I hooked the battery up smile. I've attached some pics of the headers and engine with everything hooked up. I may put the side pipes on before I start it up.


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Posted By: lukester Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - April 02nd 2018 2:03 am
Sweet man.
Posted By: Rathbone Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 07th 2018 12:45 am
Originally Posted by 75DarkStar
Originally Posted by JNPerformance
I have bought a set of these and they look great.

Manzo USA Chevrolet Chevy GMC SUV/Truck 4-1 Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N26DU0G/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_CDjHAbKN3H99W

They are pretty much the same thing as in the pictures bur are stainless steel. Good price. The flange is mild steel but still better than all steel headers.


That is a great price; thanks for the info!

I bought a set of these and asked a shop to install them when they replaced my exhaust. They said they couldn't put them on because there wasn't enough room between the engine and the body on either side. I have a '76 with a SBC, so why would it be any different than yours?
Posted By: Rathbone Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 13th 2018 4:55 pm
Was the floor pan any different on vans that came with a 6 cylinder? I have a V8 but maybe someone swapped it in years ago.
Posted By: Wedgy Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 14th 2018 1:56 pm
I doubt it. But it does sound like a size problem to me. Ball size, composition. I don't think the Headers are too big, it just very well could be that worms...
Posted By: Lcpllunchbox Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 22nd 2018 7:39 pm
That looks amazing! Very cool.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - July 09th 2018 5:19 pm
Here are some more pics. Side pipes are on and exhaust is tack-welded. Dash is also in. I haven't ordered tires yet, but the rims are ready for a set!


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Posted By: jason159 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - July 11th 2018 1:47 am
Originally Posted by 75DarkStar
Here are some more pics. Side pipes are on and exhaust is tack-welded. Dash is also in. I haven't ordered tires yet, but the rims are ready for a set!

freaking awesome!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - July 30th 2018 9:38 pm
Lots of progress this weekend. Bumpers are on, grille is on, windshield is in, brakes are bled, headlights, parking lights and side markers are in and working in front. Still have to work on fixing the tail light sockets/wiring. It should be able to drive under it's own power with the next week or two. Have to decide on some captains chairs very soon. Here are some more pics.

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Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - August 28th 2018 8:34 pm
Tires are on. Slowly starting on the interior now. I cut some flooring mats to fill in the ribs on the floor; still need to glue them down but I got them all cut. A couple of progress pics are attached.

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Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - August 29th 2018 1:48 pm
Coming along nicely. Keep up the hard work.
Posted By: Rusty Pancelode Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - August 29th 2018 8:05 pm
That looks awesome!
Posted By: Scrojira Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - August 30th 2018 4:05 am
Originally Posted by 75DarkStar
Tires are on. Slowly starting on the interior now. I cut some flooring mats to fill in the ribs on the floor; still need to glue them down but I got them all cut. A couple of progress pics are attached.


Looks great!

Do you have a link to the mats you used to fill in the ribs? I'm having a tough time finding something that is the right thickness.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - August 30th 2018 8:44 pm
Originally Posted by Scrojira
Originally Posted by 75DarkStar
Tires are on. Slowly starting on the interior now. I cut some flooring mats to fill in the ribs on the floor; still need to glue them down but I got them all cut. A couple of progress pics are attached.


Looks great!

Do you have a link to the mats you used to fill in the ribs? I'm having a tough time finding something that is the right thickness.

Sure; They were from Home Depot. I think this is them:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ottoman...e-Tile-Mat-6-Pack-EFM-24-Black/302692940

They are a tiny bit higher in some spots, but they will compress with the plywood on top of them.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - October 23rd 2018 6:31 pm
Work continues on the interior. I put sound deadening on the roof, furring strips, reflectix between the strips and finally luan panels. I just have the front section left which will be the most difficult with the sunroof. My arms are getting tired from all the work above my head cry

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Posted By: JNPerformance Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - October 25th 2018 12:42 pm
Looking really good!
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - October 25th 2018 9:27 pm
Look great. keep the pics commimg.
Posted By: kursed Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - October 26th 2018 2:23 am
HUBBA HUBBA HUBBA!
😍
Posted By: Astrocreep66 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - October 29th 2018 11:56 pm
Great looking work.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 12th 2018 6:12 pm
I finished putting the luan on the ceiling and got the headliner foam layer glued up. Fabric layer will be next. I also made the back door shag panels. I am a bit worried about gluing the fabric to the foam; there is no room for error during that process. I think I need to invest in 3M based on the amount of spray glue I am buying crazy

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Posted By: frscke1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 12th 2018 6:15 pm
When I had my headliner done they glued the fabric to the luan before they mounted it in the over head.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 12th 2018 6:56 pm
Originally Posted by frscke1
When I had my headliner done they glued the fabric to the luan before they mounted it in the over head.


I waffled between doing panels or a continuous seamless headliner. If I had done panels, I definitely would have done it that way. Doing it this way, I won't have any visible screws or seams. I may end up regretting my decision in the next week or so! I always have to figure out the best way to get things done by myself with very little assistance.
Posted By: frscke1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 12th 2018 7:03 pm
My EXT has a 15 ft headliner done all in one pc.... it took 3 of them to put it up till they got the cross slats put in.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 19th 2018 3:47 pm
Big weekend project - The headliner fabric is up! It's not perfect but I'm pretty happy with it. If you can't tell in the pics, it's a velour upholstery fabric with a galaxy/stars theme.

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Posted By: CatFish Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 19th 2018 7:49 pm
Good looking job! Looks perfect to me.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 19th 2018 11:34 pm
Nice work , looks great!
Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 20th 2018 4:52 am
Cool fabric choice!
Posted By: lukester Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - November 22nd 2018 3:26 pm
Looks awesome. Its really coming along.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 31st 2019 9:36 pm
I finally got my flooring in. It's glue-down vinyl plank (very messy job). I also got my stereo head unit put in the dash and am working on running the wires for the amps, subwoofer and speakers. I am also working on making the base for the platform bed. Lots of projects started but I have to get the wires ran before anything else. Was not able to do any work on it this week with the -30 to -50 wind chills. Hopefully more progress will be made this weekend.

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Posted By: frscke1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 31st 2019 9:55 pm
Whoa way nice !
Posted By: 67Econo Guy Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - January 31st 2019 11:14 pm
be ready for nats. van show in july ????
Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - February 01st 2019 12:23 am
Handsome!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - February 20th 2019 6:56 pm
I put in the aux battery, stereo, amps, sub, and speakers. I made a plywood panel for the speakers, covered it in foam and leather-looking vinyl. Got all the wires ran and connected. It sounds awesome! Can't wait to drive it with the tunes cranking. Next step is carpet panels for the front and front doors. It will be ready in time for the nats, but it's too far away for me this year.

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Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - February 20th 2019 11:51 pm
Looking sweet.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - March 14th 2019 6:48 pm
Got most of the shag on the walls; few pieces left to cut/secure. I have to decide what kind of material/panel to put on the bottom of the driver and passenger doors. Guess that will be next on the list. Here's some shag pics.

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Posted By: lukester Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - March 16th 2019 2:32 am
Very nice.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - March 16th 2019 12:47 pm
Love the shag and looking good!
Posted By: James_Black Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - April 17th 2019 12:53 am
What a good looking van. Clean and fresh. Good job!!

Any updates sir? smile
Posted By: tuner4life Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - April 17th 2019 12:05 pm
That shag looks great!!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - April 18th 2019 9:48 pm
Here are a few more updates; seats, carpet, doghouse, seat belts are in! Almost ready to take it out for a spin!

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Posted By: kursed Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - April 19th 2019 1:04 am
Man this thing is sooooo clean. Loving it.
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 03rd 2019 9:38 pm
Had it outside for the first time in 2.5 years! It was sooo dusty and dirty so I got it cleaned up a bit; still a lot more buffing, polishing, and waxing to do. I drove it around the block a few times and think I need to rebuild the carb or buy a new one. It falls on its face when under a load; when idling it sounds great. It's an older carb that has been sitting for a while. Once I get that done, it should be ready for longer drives. I'm including some pics of it after the initial clean up.

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Posted By: Dyno_Dave Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 04th 2019 12:24 am
Glad it's out and about!
Posted By: Seattle Van Dude Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 07th 2019 8:36 pm
That looks fantastic. You do great work! Not sure who did your paint/artwork but they are a true artist!
Posted By: DontComeKnocken Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 07th 2019 11:08 pm
Coming along nice on the inside and looking damn good on the outside
Posted By: tuner4life Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - June 08th 2019 12:37 pm
Those murals are outstanding! Very nice!!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - September 09th 2019 5:59 pm
Let there be lights!

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Posted By: Just4fun1991 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - September 09th 2019 7:13 pm
Looking nice!

That isn't a black light is it?

Do your lights at all change color?
Posted By: Reed Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - September 09th 2019 7:23 pm
I'm not a Chevy guy, but this van looks great!
Posted By: 75DarkStar Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - September 09th 2019 10:06 pm
Originally Posted by Just4fun1991
Looking nice!

That isn't a black light is it?

Do your lights at all change color?


Kind of looks like a black light in the picture with the black headliner, but no. Just blue LED. I didn't want color-changing. I have a couple more to install in the front under the dash.
Posted By: newkirkinc1 Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - September 10th 2019 11:30 am
Very nice. Great work your doing on it.
Posted By: Rene Re: Dark Star 75 Chevy G10 - September 13th 2019 2:09 pm
Excellent Job!!! You should be proud!!
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