CHEVYVAN 1976 G20
By Verified user
Chevyvan 1976 G20, needing a mild restoration and general tidy. U.S. Import R.V. Camper minus original camper interior, otherwise in solid condition.
This 1976 G20 Chevyvan was imported into New Zealand in 2018. It sat for some years with the owner having good intentions of restoring the vehicle, but as many of these projects go - it languished instead for a number of years. The bodywork, although looking well used is actually in very solid condition for its age with no sign of any major repairs having been done to it. The story goes.........that it had sat in a barn for 17 years in the U.S. before arriving on New Zealand shores but there is no written history of this.
The floors are all solid and original with only minor cut-outs around the engine bay - to more easily access the spark plugs ( American ingenuity ), not from rust issues. All of the swage lines and gutterings etc are original metal. There are some minor rust holes on the right hand lower guard area and the right hand door has been tweaked at some time.
It was originally an R.V. Camper but all of the camping equipment/interior is long gone !! The original skylights are leaking and need replacing. Most probably it will receive a roof paint and other touch-ups, but otherwise will be left as is. The 350 Chev motor has received a new Holley carb and the brakes are having a birthday with new cylinders, lines etc. A basic camping interior will be fitted...........then it will be Driven.
Work has now begun, with most of the drivetrain removed from the Van which has resulted in finding some small issues......broken engine mounts and the like. With its initial Compliance Check completed, It has transpired that all of the floors both on top and underneath will need to be sand blasted and repainted. As will the firewall, inner roof and outer roof.......all receiving the same treatment. All of the old inner linings have now been removed and old seamseal putty has been dug out also. Ceder roof lining frames have been removed and are being refurbished. A possibly small retro style roof rack is being weighed up ! All of the underside of the vehicle has now been blasted , welded and repainted, including the firewall and front suspension. Work has commenced on welding patches into minor rusted areas of the front guards.
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