Vans are a strange subject for me. I understand that they make for an excellent work vehicle, especially if you need to crate around a ton of tools, rolls of carpet, or about fifteen people who probably shouldn’t drive themselves to work. But outside of that…I don’t get it. Foot room for the front passengers that splits the difference between “narrow” and “Spanish Inquisition torture”, a nearly-inaccesible engine, aerodynamics that are in-line with a brick, and of course the reputation that the late 1970s gave vans give me enough reason to avoid them like the plague. But every time I see a van that has been customized like this, in-line with a Centurion or Cabriolet fifth-wheel hauler, I reconsider my biases.
Think about it: this is the perfect kind of setup to haul a fifth-wheel trailer with. Yes, I know this particular Chevy G20 is missing the fifth-wheel part of the equation, but there is more than enough floor space above the rear axle to make installation a simple endeavor. You might not even have to give up the room needed for the rear doors of the sectioned body to open up, which allows access to storage space inside of the cab. One thing that might need to be addressed: the claimed six-cylinder. If that’s accurate, that means this G20 is running a 250ci six-cylinder. It’s not a bad little mill, except when you get to the point of needing to haul anything around at speed.
The interior looks like a nice place to sit for hours on end, with updated seating and some custom touches in line with a conversion van. One look in here makes us wonder who, really, needs a medium-duty truck to haul an RV trailer around. Wouldn’t a custom van like this make more sense?
eBay Link: 1981 Chevrolet G20
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquistion!
Our two main weapons are fear,surprise and a devilish sense of cunning…
Usually the 20 series van were heavy duty so I would be surprise to see a six in it. What’s the deal with the back doors?
Cool in my book. Got the wheels turning in my head about an unfinished (botched chopped) panel truck of mine. Too many projects are before that one though. Oh well, the van is still cool in my book.
inaccesible engine?? no tarp required for a downpour tuneup, looks like a lot of hours went into that, way cool!
I like it.. drop a duramax in it. and tow your fave toy