71-72 Chevy vans? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

biglump67 · 01-11-2005, 06:25 PM

Anyone else like old vans? Does anyone know if the 71-72 chevy vans are unique or would the 73, and up parts fit. I know engines/trannies are the same but am mostly concerned with body parts, doors, glass ect. I like the metal grills on these years, they just look tuff. Also the newer you go you get more wiring,vacuum and other excess baggage. I dont need power steering,brakes,air conditioning, its just more stuff to leak or break. Are 71-72 bastids or just plain jane dime a dozen, easy to find parts for old workhorses?
I have a 65 econoline, had it for 10 years. Some parts are getting harder to find, but most stuff can be found. The 3 speed clutch has always chattered, 3 clutches over the years.They work great for a year or so, than the same old song/dance.
I was playing with the idea of an early 70's van with an automatic. On Ebay there was a 72 Chevy,250, 6 cyl,auto, and I dont think the guy even got his reserve. There is a 68 Econoline,302 auto, and not much bidding there either. Notice I say Econoline, and not the "F" word, wouldnt want to annoy anyone

Originally I was going to get a panel truck, but you pay up the wazoo for one that is road worthy.
Any vanners have any info?

Longhorn Man · 01-11-2005, 09:11 PM

72 - 81 vans only had minor chainges. Then in 82 there were some slightly more drastic chainges, but still remained the same basic van.
They may have started before 72....I am uncertian of the begining.

biglump67 · 01-12-2005, 03:24 AM

Hey thanks for the info. Seems like vans are the redheaded stepchild. I know they are the pain to work on the engines as they are buried, but they sure are a useable vehicle. I am kind of glad they are not "cool" as you can find nice oldies for under $2k.

stllookn · 01-12-2005, 03:44 AM

I have owned 5 of them and hated every one when I had to work on them. They were great for hauling everything from my race bikes to a bunch of drunken friends. I have owned only one panel truck and would consider that as an alternative. The sedan deliveries are cool too. The nice thing about the vans is that they are dirt cheap. I just sold a 70 GMC with a great running 4-bolt 350 for $300...I got it for free!

mrwilmoth · 01-21-2005, 03:40 PM

any pictures?

Dick Dale · 01-21-2005, 08:02 PM

Go to www.vcvc.org. That is the vintage chevy van club so they can answer all of your questions, i"m sure.

01-11-2005, 06:25 PM	#1
biglump67 biglump67 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Muskegon Militiagan US of A Posts: 75	71-72 Chevy vans? Anyone else like old vans? Does anyone know if the 71-72 chevy vans are unique or would the 73, and up parts fit. I know engines/trannies are the same but am mostly concerned with body parts, doors, glass ect. I like the metal grills on these years, they just look tuff. Also the newer you go you get more wiring,vacuum and other excess baggage. I dont need power steering,brakes,air conditioning, its just more stuff to leak or break. Are 71-72 bastids or just plain jane dime a dozen, easy to find parts for old workhorses? I have a 65 econoline, had it for 10 years. Some parts are getting harder to find, but most stuff can be found. The 3 speed clutch has always chattered, 3 clutches over the years.They work great for a year or so, than the same old song/dance. I was playing with the idea of an early 70's van with an automatic. On Ebay there was a 72 Chevy,250, 6 cyl,auto, and I dont think the guy even got his reserve. There is a 68 Econoline,302 auto, and not much bidding there either. Notice I say Econoline, and not the "F" word, wouldnt want to annoy anyone Originally I was going to get a panel truck, but you pay up the wazoo for one that is road worthy. Any vanners have any info?

01-12-2005, 03:44 AM	#4
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	I have owned 5 of them and hated every one when I had to work on them. They were great for hauling everything from my race bikes to a bunch of drunken friends. I have owned only one panel truck and would consider that as an alternative. The sedan deliveries are cool too. The nice thing about the vans is that they are dirt cheap. I just sold a 70 GMC with a great running 4-bolt 350 for $300...I got it for free! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

01-21-2005, 08:02 PM	#6
Dick Dale Excelsior, You Fathead. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Valparaiso, In Posts: 937	Go to www.vcvc.org. That is the vintage chevy van club so they can answer all of your questions, i"m sure. __________________ Go Navy. The Sea Is Ours. Budget 350 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...38#post2264638 Last edited by Dick Dale; 01-21-2005 at 08:05 PM. Reason: Wrong URL

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01-11-2005, 09:11 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	72 - 81 vans only had minor chainges. Then in 82 there were some slightly more drastic chainges, but still remained the same basic van. They may have started before 72....I am uncertian of the begining.

01-12-2005, 03:24 AM	#3
biglump67 biglump67 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Muskegon Militiagan US of A Posts: 75	Hey thanks for the info. Seems like vans are the redheaded stepchild. I know they are the pain to work on the engines as they are buried, but they sure are a useable vehicle. I am kind of glad they are not "cool" as you can find nice oldies for under $2k.

01-21-2005, 03:40 PM	#5
mrwilmoth Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: san bernardino, ca Posts: 240	any pictures?



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