'67-'72 Truck & Van interchangability

[Chevyboy1962]

Hi Guys,
My Bro-in-law & Sis had me tow there parts van(1970 C30) home for them today up in the hills. Talk about a scary ride on some narrow roads, and some with drop offs loaded down.

After taking a good look over the van there is a some parts right off the bat I know is a direct bolt into a truck. They plan on using the 350 & turbo hydramatic trans (P-N-R-D1-D2), powerglide?? and install it into my Sis's '68 swb fleetside that has no engine, trans or radiator.

What other interior parts, under hood parts, electrical could they use?
I get first crack at everything else on the van(minus radiator, engine, trans, or driveline). I'm going to snag the auto steering column, which has hazards built in, electrical harness, and pretty much everything else in the dash. Also the guage cluster resembles the '48-'53 chevy truck guages, but with the same font as found on the '67-'72 trucks. What about window regulators, inner door panels, door latches, etc?

Thursday i'm going back up there to help tear it apart, the van will be gone about a week later(home association), and sent to be recycled. I'm going to snag what I can that's good off of it for payment for towing it for them using my '77 suburban.
TIA,
David

[Bob Moore]

The steering column should work just fine. You should modify it just like installing a van tilt - collapse the intermediate column, move the NS/reverse switch, install the 2 rubber grometts and mounting ring, and if needed use the turn signal wiring adapter. Depending on the year of the van it may a fiber optic to light the PRNDLL or if newer the light bulb. The radio if original to the van should interchange. I don't know what year they changed but early vans have the same defrost vents in the dash.

8-lug rotors,calipers, spindles will work with disc brake front ends.

The wiring harness may work. Due to the body style differences the routing (and therefore the length) may cause problems.

The door parts do not interchange.

Have fun - Bob

[454_72_4X4]

Does it have the C30 emblems on it? Could ya post pics of 'em if they're on it?

[Chevyboy1962]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the replies.
The emblems says "Chevy_Van_30", like a script emblem. It's not like the typical badges found on the trucks. Thursday I went back to strip what I could off of it for my 2 trucks, and a few other parts I hate to see get crushed that I had saved too.

I did pick up the steering column. I noticed that the shaft stops abruptly going into the rubber piece that clamps to the steering box. Can I swap this out for a shaft out of a non tilt trucks steering column?

The one I need to use has a bell shaped piece that has rubber on the lower end, before it goes down another 1 1/2 feet into the rubber piece that clamps to the steering box. Or can I get away with using the one currently in it?

Also what year(s) can I get a turn signal handle to use with the 1970 non tilt van column? It is the only thing missing, I won't be installing it right now, but I will be doing it soon (few months from now).
Thanks again,
David

[Bob Moore]

Chevyboy - If you look at the FAQ you will see how to collapse the intermediate shaft you already have. Any turn signal lever from 67-72 PU will work. A lever from a newer truck will have a rubber knob but will work just fine - it just won't match the gear knob.