1978 Chevrolet G20 Van

Minivan/Van

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

CGL258U222036

Gasoline

Let me start by saying that I love this van, but have decided to sell because I am moving. My new house doesn't have a big enough garage, and I refuse to let it sit outside in the weather. Customized vans were extremely popular in the 1970s, but today you see very few because they all rusted away to nothing. This van is an exception. It's a 1978 Chevy G-20 (3/4 ton) that was originally done as a conversion van by EMC Van Creations, and then further customized in 1978 to the confuguration you see here. It was always used as a second or third vehicle, kept in a garage, and not subjected to the weather like so many others. It was also extensively undercoated when new - due to this level of care, this van has absolutely NO RUST. The 77,000 miles miles are actual, not turned over. I have some original paperwork from when the van was sold new in 1978. The yellow paint, as well as the custom striping, is all from 1978. The striping is painted on, not decals. This van has never had any paint work that I can detect. "Colonial Yellow" (code 53) is the factory hue. Apparently very few vans were painted this color, although you will occasionally see a Colonial Yellow pickup or Blazer. Look at the pictures of the undercarriage and you will see the 1978 undercoating still intact on the perfectly rust-free floors. I have also included pictures of the rocker panels and footwells, which are the first places these vans rust out - again, there is NO RUST. The body is in amazing condition. The only exterior flaws are a few paint chips and some typical paint cracking on the fiberglass parts, but they're not very obvious. The interior is also the original custom job from 1978, right down to the deep-pile carpeting that is still in excellent condition. The previous owners kept the carpet under a collection of clear plastic mats, which explains why it has held up so well. I still have all the mats and they will come with the van. Some of the custom interior features include: Real wood trim Two swivel captain's chairs (passenger reclines) Two swivel barrel chairs Rear bench that folds down into a bed Beverage table and matching sink top Icebox Sink (manual pump type, you store a container of water underneath) Custom-fitted seat covers Divider curtain for bed area Multi-colored incandescent "mood lighting" in rear area Reading lamps Pop-up vent Rear quarter windows open and have screens in them AM/FM cassette stereo (from the 1980s, still sounds good and I have the owner's manual for it). Upholstered overhead console with compass, digital clock, Cobra 40-channel CB radio, auxiliary switches Grant GT wood steering wheel (this is actually from the 1980s, not the 1970s) Dual 12-volt batteries with an AC inverter (you can plug in household appliances such as a television). The wild multi-colored upholstery that you see on the seats is actually custom-fitted seat covers that were put on in 1978. The seats themselves are upholstered in a more sedate brown vinyl and tan button-tufted velour and are in excellent condition. They have always been protected by the covers. One of the pictures below shows the seat material. I keep the covers on because they protect the seats and add to the 1970s feel of the van. Some of the custom exterior features include: Chrome push bar Quartz driving lights - two amber and two clear. These are the old style with glass lenses and metal housings, not plastic. Very high quality. Musical air horn (plays "Cavalry Charge") Fiberglass flares and front air dam Fiberglass sunvisor Fiberglass rear window louvers Functional side pipes (they sound great). Cragar S/S mags - 15 x 8 front and 15 x 10 rear - brand new last year and in perfect condition (I also have the 1978 aluminum wheels on BFG Radial T/As which are in fair condition). Cooper Cobra tires - brand new last year with less than 2,000 miles on them. 245/60 front and 295/50 rear - as close as I could get to the sizes they used back in the 1970s for the correct stance. The rear tires are over a foot wide! Original 1978 bias-ply spare tire on the back - never used I like my vehicles to be road-ready. The following has all been done within the last few years: New tires and wheels New front brakes New end link and front end alignment New water pump New fuel pump New radiator New heater hoses New shocks New spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor Transmission fluid and filter Everything on the van works, (including the factory cruise control!) with two exceptions: The CB radio works, but is not currently hooked up to an antenna. The van originally had a 7' CB whip antenna mounted on the rear bumper, which the previous owner removed so the van would fit in his garage. The CB connection is still there but the antenna is not. The air conditioning does not currently blow cold. It worked two years ago, but apparently lost its charge over the following winter's storage. It is still R-12. I have not looked into getting it repaired. Mechanically, the van is completely stock and runs like new. It has the original 350 4-barrel (Quadrajet) engine with turbo 350 trans. It always starts quickly, even after sitting in winter storage for 6 months. The choke and fast idle work perfectly. You can get in the van, start it up and drive it away just like a newer car. It runs cool - you can idle in traffic for hours and it never overheats. I would not hesitate to drive this van cross-country. I should point out that if you let it sit for months over winter storage, it will leak out some transmission fluid, but I think all old GM automatics do this. It's not a significant amount and I never have to add any fluid. If you drive it regularly (such as I do during the summer) you won't be bothered by it. I occasionally take this van to car shows and it always draws a crowd of admirers. I also drove it in a parade last year and got all kinds of waves and thumbs-up. Just turn on all four driving lights and hit the air horn, and watch the crowd response! You certainly shouldn't buy this van if you don't like being the center of attention. As you might have gathered, I am quite fond of this van and I would rather keep it than sell it. It won't fit in my new garage, but I would rather pay for an offsite storage unit for it than to give it away. So please, do not waste my time with lowball offers, and do not email asking me to end the auction early for you. If you want me to end the auction early, use the Buy-It-Now function. The reserve is less than the Buy-It-Now, so if you're not willing to pay the Buy-It-Now, bid what you think the van is worth and let the auction run its course. The title is clear and in my name; the mileage on the van is actual and the title is branded as such. THE LEGAL STUFF: If you win the auction, I will require a $500 PayPal deposit within 48 hours of auction's end. The balance is to be paid by cash or cashier's check ONLY - no exceptions. I will release the title and the vehicle to you once the money is in hand. I can hold the van for a couple weeks for you to pick up, but not longer because I am moving. Transportation is at your expense. If you want to fly in, I can pick you up at the Columbus, Ohio airport for you to drive the van home. I am not a dealer, so I cannot offer you financing - please make sure you have your finances in order and that you have permission from your wife, husband, parents, and/or parole officer before placing your bids. This is a real auction and you are bidding to win, not to mull it over and decide later if you want it. Ask all questions prior to bidding; I will be happy to answer them. The buyer will be responsible for paying taxes, licensing and title fees in their own area. While it's in excellent condition, this vehicle is 32 years old, so it's sold as-is and comes with no warranty. If you do not agree with these terms, do not bid. If you have zero or negative feedback, please do not bid. I reserve the right to cancel any bids. I have included a ton of pictures below, so you'll know exactly what you are getting. Check my seller feedback also and bid with confidence. Good luck bidding!