Unconventional Garage

[CoreyVanDine]

Here's my 1963 Chevy StepVan 1/2 ton. This is the start to my mobile auto service and repair truck. The plan is a semi fully stocked tool box, on board air, generator. Basically the capability to preform simple minor repairs roadside or at someones house. Saving them a tow bill. Or just a cool way to haul my triumph around.

 

[AlbertaGuy]

Very cool. And in the summer you can sell ice cream cones.

 

[Bib Overalls]

A real treasure. I'd like to have one set up so I could tow one of my hot rods to shows and also have a place to keep spares, lawn chairs, and bunk. Your idea for a mobile garage is innovative. I'll bet the parts stores will deliver what you need were ever you are in town if you have a commercial account.

 

[kb2tha]

Very cool. I love the older GM trucks and vans.
Ken

 

[930dreamer]

Very nice setup, more pic please.

 

[robertgreen79]

Thats going to be awesome. I can't wait to see progress on this. SUBSCRIBED!

 

[SMLDONZI]

Yeah, slammed with a set of 22's and it will really grab some attention (I think). Terrific project!

 

[jktruck150]

Sweet! Are you going to paint it? Of leave the historic accents and colors?

 

[Cryptic1911]

LOL.. looks like it caught on fire once. I'd leave it as is and just clear over the top of it to keep the patina. It looks like the ice cream truck from hell or something

 

[3bay]

I had one of those back in the day, then I bought a 77 1 ton that was all aluminum that I ran a seamless guttering business out of on the side.

 

[ZRX61]

a semi fully stocked tool box..

eh?

 

[xJoey Dubsx]

If you are going to buy on board air from a company like Viair, or someone, let me know. I work at Stylintrucks.com and I'll hook you up!

 

[CoreyVanDine]

I say semi fully stocked because I won't have room to have every tool imaginable on the truck. All nessesary and tools and impacts but not every specialtly tool i would liike. I thought about doing a belt drive compressor but I think I've decided against it. Having the engine running and a gas powered generator might get over whelming so I'll just run a 110 compressor instead. This thing sat on a bit of an incline for twenty years so my theory on how the front looks is a steady stream of water running off the roof everytime it rained. Although in the picture it does look a bit like a fire. The body is coming off tomorrow so many more pics to come. Also when i have a little more time to post I'll give you guys some of the "alleged" history of this van.

 

[CoreyVanDine]

Correction: after much deliberationtion and a lot of tecate the body came of tonight!!!!!

 

[irishtom]

There are some step vans and Divco builds on the HAMB site. Cool stuff. Good luck.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=155789&highlight=littlemans+divco

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282902

http://heritagesonline.homestead.com/374Resto.html

 

[CoreyVanDine]

Well drinking took hold and got me motivated last night. Got the body off about 1 A.M.

 

[hoarder1212]

Have you thought about putting a wheel lift on the back like a tow truck, just in case you have to work on something that is too difficult to do in someones driveway? It would also be handy to use as a mobile jack. And if it is set up right you could use it as a ramp support to load your triumph!

 

[nhmercracer]

Subscribed.

 

[UltimatE]

This is going to be awesome. Definitely subscribed.

 

[bww_mnm]

Subscribed.

what's the benefit of subscribing to a thread?

 

[UltimatE]

what's the benefit of subscribing to a thread?

Allows you to be notified when there is a new reply to the thread. Good for following threads you are highly interested in.

 

[CoreyVanDine]

Have you thought about putting a wheel lift on the back like a tow truck, just in case you have to work on something that is too difficult to do in someones driveway? It would also be handy to use as a mobile jack. And if it is set up right you could use it as a ramp support to load your triumph!

The plan on the back door is a flip down ramp similar to one you would see in a race car trailer. I thought about the capability to tow vehicles but that might have to be down the road. If there was a clean low profile way system I would consider that. For now I think a two wheel dolly will have to do. Now for more pics. I got the body off last night. Today I got the frame pressure washed (twenty years of dust dirt and grime) and I built the cart for the body to roll around on. These vans had a straight six and a three on the tree originally but someone was kind enough to swap in a 327 mated to a powerglide for me!!!! The way it's mounted in there you couldn't get the trans pan off without pulling the body.

 

[legendman]

This is gonna be a cool build....

 

[flatheadguy]

eh?

Double, "EH?"
Other than not grasping the intent of that statement,
I wish you all the very best in business. Keep us updated.

 

[CoreyVanDine]

This is where it sat for twenty years. It's a shame those front wheels got buried the are pretty cool Chrome reverse style wheels. You can see the 12 inch plus wide wheels in the rear. The rear fender openings have been hacked out to clear the wheels.

First thing I did was cut off the front spare tire carrier covering up the beautiful grill.

This ones for you vintage snap on lovers.

 

[Scout Driver]

Looking forward to your project, Corey.

Scott

 

[el-poocho]

gotta say i think this is my 1st post, and this project is right up my alley. keep it rollin cause this'll be awesome!!

 

[A_Pmech]

Looks like a fun project! Not too many "vintage" step vans running around. I wouldn't mind one eventually to fuel my need for motorcycle track time.

 

[gasgas17]

How solid is the body? Around my parts there would be nothing left of a van like this one. I have always liked these old box vans. There has been one around here for years painted a deep blue with matching steel wheels and nice center caps and trim rings. It looks nice but it is a newer aluminm body version.

 

[JMisora]

Freakin Awesome!

 

[chief ben]

for you guys that want a truck like CoreyvanDine,
I have one for sale for $ 5,000.oo Dollars, it is a 1963 GMC 3/4 ton.
All Aluminum Body, 6 cyc engine, 4 speed trans,
has bath room and holding tank,
I am the second owner, it was a bread truck from Calif. I have owned her for 30 years, for more info. [email protected] or 501-525-5892

 

[jmh21586]

Is that authentic faux paneling?

 

[chief ben]

I don't know what Faux paneling is, I put it in the truck in 1980, it is about 3/16 inch or so. I liked it because it made it look like an old sailing ship inside.
the old girl has only been behine a tow truck two times in 30 years I have owned her, She's a good old truck, I just don't use her that much anymore
and i know some one can get a lot of use out of her.
Oh tell me what Faux paneling is

 

[UltimatE]

Faux means fake in french, faux paneling is fake wood paneling.

 

[JMisora]

is that authentic faux paneling?

sketchy!

 

[chief ben]

Ok I Got it now, It is Wood paneling, in old Sliver as I call her.
and after 30 years it still looks good.

 

[CoreyVanDine]

This will be hanging on the inside wall of the van one day.

 

[kbkna]

Corey. Ok, we were all wondering what was inside.... YOU ****! great score. What are you going to finish the inside walls with?

 

[6SpeedBowtie]

Very cool!!! The possibilities are literally endless.

A vehicle like this would make a great vehicle for tailgating.

 

[Haywood]

These vans had a straight six and a three on the tree originally but someone was kind enough to swap in a 327 mated to a powerglide for me!!!!

Too bad it doesn't have the original transmission in it, that would've only added to the cool factor. Plus then you'd never have to worry about anyone stealing it because very few people would know how to drive it