1978 Chevrolet G20 Van

-

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

CGL2580108103

Gasoline

This is a mechanically tip-top van I acquired a couple years ago in Arizona. Its an AZ van from Prescott, so it has very little rust. Some rust on roof and front hood but it with a good rubbing and waxing it should preserve fine. I bought it from the second owner, who had put only 18,000 miles on it since it was rebuilt. He had hardly ever used it and kept it as a spare vehicle. The odometer reads 80,000 miles since it was rebuilt at 49,000 miles in 1992 (have receipt), but may have 180,000 depending on how much the first owner used it--putting approx. either 3,000 or 9,000 miles a year on it. I've tried to contact the first owner but no reply. I've put the last 12,000 miles on it and it has been a pleasure to drive and own. It passed CA smog and I have receipts for work done. Runs great. Has minor leak of transmission fluid near front, but not enough to warrant work--level has always been fine, and gets checked at oil changes. May be due to small (2 inch) hose that needs replacing, clearly visible and accessible at front lower end. No auto shop or oil change facility has ever told me that there was a transmission fluid problem. I've invested in over $4,000 of improvements on it from professional auto shops of good repute with receipts, including: NEW STEEL RADIATOR, LOWER HOSE 5 NEW $120 HANKOOK HEAVY DUTY TIRES, 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEW FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS NEW UPPER TRANSMISSION MOUNT NEW DISTRIBUTOR NEW STARTER REPAIR OF VACUUM LEAK NEW MISC. HOSES NEW IGNITION SWITCH NEW RADIO/CD PLAYER/USB PLAYER WITH NEW SPEAKERS FRONT AND BACK (note: rear speakers were installed behind original covers, so they still look original) NEW BELTS REGULAR OIL CHANGES IGNITION TIMING ADJUSTMENT (to pass CA smog) The interior is very clean and comfy, with clean whitish shag carpeting all around and two very comfortable bunks in great shape with storage space underneath them. The table is easily removable. It needs a new radio antenna, which is a very easy repair. One can be purchased from many auto parts stores, and installed easily and inexpensively, or an Al and Ed's can do it. There is a standard connection easily accessible beneath the new radio. Old antenna sheared off, leaving cord in place. The AC used to be strong and cold but I think the blower fan that circulates the air inside hot or cold (not the AC system itself) slowly went out. The blower motor is easily accessible in the exterior, upper engine compartment on the passenger side. I have seen blower fans like it for sale for $40 on the internet but this is probably an easy repair at an AC specialist shop for around $150. The connections behind the in-dash AC/heater control panel may need some tuning up or just lubrication--it sticks when I try to put it into "defrost" for some reason. There are dents in the rear corners and front right corner, and right front yellow marking light does not work. I got an estimate at MAACO for a decent paint job in the $2,000 range, including all dent repairs. The cover to the doghouse is held up with a bungee cord, actually making it much easier to access it. This van is great for a camper or surfer, but also for someone who needs a good, solid, reliable work van with a lot of space and towing capacity, with a totally retro look, without spending a fortune on a newer vehicle. I got an estimate at UHAUL for a new towing hitch installed for only $240 total! It could also used by a small businessperson or entrepreneur looking for that edge. Its still got a lot of years left in it and not a single CPU. I'm including the jump starter and ice scraper (shown in photo) with the van, as well as a Haynes Repair Manual.