My dad bought one of these in 1965. It got passed on to my older brother in the 70s, and eventually, when the rust got too bad for it to be on the road, it got moved to my place where it peacefully resides in my backyard slowly returning to the Earth! I don't have the heart to scrap it.
People who never drove one of these forward control vans don't realize you had adjust your driving skillset. Beacuse you're sitting on top of the steering axle ya need to take wide corners, or ELSE the back wheels WILL hit the curb! Different than driving the usual car or pick-up truck.
Hey Steve, just watched you on high octane classics and you're looking good buddy. Just keep on pushing and it will all get better, this coming from personal experience. Always loved those Chevy vans!
Another day closer for you to be back in the yard. I just got back from a cruise of New England and eastern Canada, so I'm playing catch up. As stated last time: Yes, the 1968 Sport Van with the 108" wheelbase is an internal model of "GS11006", and most were made either in London Ontario Canada (VIN code "5"), Scarborough, Ontario Canada (VIN code "4") or Pontiac, MI (VIN code "P"). No VIN, can't win, but might be something like: G for G Series van, E for V8 gas engine equipped, possible 15 for 1/2 ton/1500 load capacity, 8 for 1968 model year, P for Pontiac, MI assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Pontiac, MI assembly plant complex was very vast with the automotive assembly plant closing in 1988 after the last "G" body RWD cars and Fieros were assembled. The Pontiac West/Truck and Bus part of the plant would have some buildings demolished by 1981 and by 2008, most of anything in Pontiac, MI related to the plant would have been closed and has been subsequently razed. The Scarborough Ontario plant would operate from 1974 to 1993 as an assembly plant and prior to that it was a Frigidaire refrigerator plant from about 1952 onward. GM's London, Ontario Canada plant would operate from about 1950 to 1979 and then various other concerns have owned it since that time. You can buy a "topper" for many Delco batteries that lets you use a modern battery with a vintage look. No tag, can't brag, but possible code 503 or 537 Light Blue exterior paint (originally). Looks like it was customized many years ago and it was probably a sharp van in its day, maybe circa 1974-1975. Maybe it last played "Saturday Night Special" by Lynyrd Skynyrd or "Jackie Blue" by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils on the radio as its "last song". An interesting read is the saga of the 1975 Chevrolet van "Wild Cherry" that was restored by Chris Carter, but after it was removed from a property in CA, the owners of that property wanted it back. Mr. Carter asserts that the van was abandoned and that he had permission to remove it. A court battle ensued with Mr. Carter getting arrested, but I believe something was eventually worked out where he kept the van and has since restored it or is in the process of doing so. He now has T-shirts with a drawing of the van that read, "Wild Cherry. Drive It Like You Stole It". The van was featured in the 1979 movie "Van Nuys Boulevard." The story was that the owner of the time, Nick Massalas named the van Wild Cherry because he was picking up his girlfriend at the time at school and she was drinking Canada Dry "Wild Cherry" soda and the name stuck. He used to cruise Van Nuys Blvd in LA which was popular to do at the time and the producers of the movie asked him if he wanted to have the van for a short segment, which he agreed to. He sold the van in the summer of 1980.
Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️😎👍. Good evening to all Mags ! 🍎✏️📓🎓📐. Sorry late to class Professor Steve , yard work ! To bad when this vehicle was sent to the , just think a LS 1 or 2 in it ! Still love these videos !
My mom picked up prescool kids and brought them to school in ome of these . She was also in charge of the matainence of the fleet which included having them repainted olive green in the mid to late 70s... get well steve !!.
My dad had a 67 with a 283 and powerglide. Blue and white. Long wheel base, strong brakes, hated the battery hole ( lots of problems with corrosion on terminals), top speed about 60 mph, and loved gas.
The fire department I was on back in the 1980's used a 1971 Chevy van for an equipment truck until it was replaced with a Ford cube van. I hated to drive it because it felt like you were hanging out in front and being the seating position was in front of axle hitting bumps in the road exaggerated the bouncing.
Lots of cool pcs there yet, if you get to Arkansas area, i got few better ones to look at, 64 thru 70, i got roughly 14 now, and collecting more when i can,
Why didn't you mention Chevy's first forward control light trucks: the Corvair 95 series? You implied that Chevrolet only came into the market in 1965, while the Corvan/Greenbrier Sport Wagon, and the innovative Rampside pickup all debuted in 1961. Very misleading. The Corvair 95 series were more versatile than the Falcon Econoline and D-100 Tradesman with a lower load floor, and there was just no comparison at all with the pickups - the Rampside's iconic ramp built right into the bed side made it so much more practical than any other pickup truck on the market, right up until today. And while appearance don't really count for anything when it comes to trucks, the 95s were head and shoulders above the Ford, Dodge, and VW offerings in that department, too. So I ask again: why no mention of the trucks that were clearly the best available in the class?
Just caught your first new video at High Octane Classics - it was great seeing you again sir! Now, onto this video and a double shot of Magnante today ~ Chuck
The early 307 ci were a cheap way to get a under bored 327 most in trucks or vans were thick wall until 70 and had a 3 25 crank same as 327 . Bought several for way less than one hundred and was a great little motor when it had better heads a cam. And bored to 4. In or still have one last 307 thin wall swap large journal 3.25 crank into 350 4 bolt block for backyard 327 4 bolt.
> Please support Steve's go fund me that he set up so he doesn't have to sell his house and cars he built. His go fund me video is on 5/28, it's not letting me post the link...
My dad bought one of these in 1965. It got passed on to my older brother in the 70s, and eventually, when the rust got too bad for it to be on the road, it got moved to my place where it peacefully resides in my backyard slowly returning to the Earth! I don't have the heart to scrap it.
We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you back in the Junkyard soon
That dog must be in the witness protection programme! 😂
4:25 PARKING brake printed in the manual.
E brake.... pffftttt
Update on your health would be greatly appreciated my brother!! All of us are pulling and praying for you Steve!!!!
Steve is back at High Octane Classics. Just watched his new video
@@garyslentzii2796 Awesome sauce, spread the word!!! Thank goodness he pulled thru!!!! Still looks a little weak in the knees, but he BACK!!!!!!!
Guess the dog didn't sign the release...
283ci with that oil filler tube.
We hope you are on the road to a complete recovery Mags.
🙏
...and no balancer bolt...
People who never drove one of these forward control vans don't realize you had adjust your driving skillset. Beacuse you're sitting on top of the steering axle ya need to take wide corners, or ELSE the back wheels WILL hit the curb! Different than driving the usual car or pick-up truck.
Thank you Steve!👍
👌😂👍lmfaooo! The days of going to Woodstock is over! Now is just stuckinwood! Good one Steve! Hope to see you soon brother!🙏❤️🩹
Wow, Big hair back in? Good to see you up and about Steve! I love obfuscating the dog's head, protecting the pups identity...
Cool van! One of my fellow classmates redid one of those in our vocational autobody class in 1980, I can never see one now without that great memory!👍
Good to see you Steve!! Great video!
looking great steve.
Great video Steve!
Don’t forget the corvair van
🏆Steve 🏆 you're the 🍀man 👀✌️
Hey Steve, just watched you on high octane classics and you're looking good buddy. Just keep on pushing and it will all get better, this coming from personal experience. Always loved those Chevy vans!
Get well soon Steve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A buddy had a 108 panel van back in the 70s. It had a 6 cylinder and we pulled it an put in a 350. It also came with a 4 speed on the column.
Another day closer for you to be back in the yard. I just got back from a cruise of New England and eastern Canada, so I'm playing catch up. As stated last time:
Yes, the 1968 Sport Van with the 108" wheelbase is an internal model of "GS11006", and most were made either in London Ontario Canada (VIN code "5"), Scarborough, Ontario Canada (VIN code "4") or Pontiac, MI (VIN code "P").
No VIN, can't win, but might be something like: G for G Series van, E for V8 gas engine equipped, possible 15 for 1/2 ton/1500 load capacity, 8 for 1968 model year, P for Pontiac, MI assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Pontiac, MI assembly plant complex was very vast with the automotive assembly plant closing in 1988 after the last "G" body RWD cars and Fieros were assembled.
The Pontiac West/Truck and Bus part of the plant would have some buildings demolished by 1981 and by 2008, most of anything in Pontiac, MI related to the plant would have been closed and has been subsequently razed. The Scarborough Ontario plant would operate from 1974 to 1993 as an assembly plant and prior to that it was a Frigidaire refrigerator plant from about 1952 onward. GM's London, Ontario Canada plant would operate from about 1950 to 1979 and then various other concerns have owned it since that time.
You can buy a "topper" for many Delco batteries that lets you use a modern battery with a vintage look. No tag, can't brag, but possible code 503 or 537 Light Blue exterior paint (originally). Looks like it was customized many years ago and it was probably a sharp van in its day, maybe circa 1974-1975. Maybe it last played "Saturday Night Special" by Lynyrd Skynyrd or "Jackie Blue" by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils on the radio as its "last song".
An interesting read is the saga of the 1975 Chevrolet van "Wild Cherry" that was restored by Chris Carter, but after it was removed from a property in CA, the owners of that property wanted it back. Mr. Carter asserts that the van was abandoned and that he had permission to remove it. A court battle ensued with Mr. Carter getting arrested, but I believe something was eventually worked out where he kept the van and has since restored it or is in the process of doing so. He now has T-shirts with a drawing of the van that read, "Wild Cherry. Drive It Like You Stole It". The van was featured in the 1979 movie "Van Nuys Boulevard." The story was that the owner of the time, Nick Massalas named the van Wild Cherry because he was picking up his girlfriend at the time at school and she was drinking Canada Dry "Wild Cherry" soda and the name stuck. He used to cruise Van Nuys Blvd in LA which was popular to do at the time and the producers of the movie asked him if he wanted to have the van for a short segment, which he agreed to. He sold the van in the summer of 1980.
Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️😎👍. Good evening to all Mags ! 🍎✏️📓🎓📐. Sorry late to class Professor Steve , yard work ! To bad when this vehicle was sent to the , just think a LS 1 or 2 in it ! Still love these videos !
Anxious to see you back on the block Steve. Hope it’s soon.
Let's go Mags!!
My mom picked up prescool kids and brought them to school in ome of these . She was also in charge of the matainence of the fleet which included having them repainted olive green in the mid to late 70s... get well steve !!.
My dad had a 67 with a 283 and powerglide. Blue and white. Long wheel base, strong brakes, hated the battery hole ( lots of problems with corrosion on terminals), top speed about 60 mph, and loved gas.
Still a lot of goodies in the woods there. Looks like more exploration is needed.
That dog didn't want his face on camera. 😁
Great to see your new video today…welcome back!
Yes sir, Steve!
Gonna love me in my Chevy Van and that makes me a wanted man .❤
Welcome back
The fire department I was on back in the 1980's used a 1971 Chevy van for an equipment truck until it was replaced with a Ford cube van. I hated to drive it because it felt like you were hanging out in front and being the seating position was in front of axle hitting bumps in the road exaggerated the bouncing.
Great to see you back!!!
Love the vans! Good stuff!
My dad had a 1960's Chevy van.
Plow truck probably hit it. It's common in the north. Happened to one of my pickups.
Nice van. Be well.😎❤️
These make great wheelie machines
Scooby-Doo van!!!! 🚙
2:54
Woof woof 🐶
Steve is back at High Octane Classics. Subscribe immediately to that channel to show support!!!!!!!
67 is the last year they made a 283
Great video as usual! Is that dog part of the witness protection plan?
DanE!! Where are you??
Who's DanE?
'Dan E's not here, man...' 🧲🧭 and Bacon, Kiwifruit and the Deuce is Baaaaaack!
@@deanstevenson6527
🥓🥝🧃
They. We’re. Rare. When. They. Came. Out. Used. Mainly. For. Delivery s in town.
Wagons Ho 🤓🇺🇲❤️
Lots of cool pcs there yet, if you get to Arkansas area, i got few better ones to look at, 64 thru 70, i got roughly 14 now, and collecting more when i can,
❤jyd 🦊❤
There was a song called chevy van. Do you remember it ?
Probably more than likely a Chevy 307sbc
👊🏼⛽️
How is your car doing steve?
Kait÷eeeeeeeeeeeeee
Hello.
Why didn't you mention Chevy's first forward control light trucks: the Corvair 95 series? You implied that Chevrolet only came into the market in 1965, while the Corvan/Greenbrier Sport Wagon, and the innovative Rampside pickup all debuted in 1961. Very misleading. The Corvair 95 series were more versatile than the Falcon Econoline and D-100 Tradesman with a lower load floor, and there was just no comparison at all with the pickups - the Rampside's iconic ramp built right into the bed side made it so much more practical than any other pickup truck on the market, right up until today. And while appearance don't really count for anything when it comes to trucks, the 95s were head and shoulders above the Ford, Dodge, and VW offerings in that department, too. So I ask again: why no mention of the trucks that were clearly the best available in the class?
Just caught your first new video at High Octane Classics - it was great seeing you again sir! Now, onto this video and a double shot of Magnante today ~ Chuck
I got to check that out. 👍
Thanks for the High Octane mention as I had not seen that. Good to see Steve back!
High octane classics
Great too see you again Steve
Hope you're feeling better 🙏
Yup owned one of those too. A Cousin had one of the earlier for moving his rock band to gigs including Woodstock (the town, not the Concert)
Cool name
Steve, was so happy to see you back on High Octane Classics You look and sound great!
I love these. I'd love to get one I can fit in.
I remember the first time this was posted. Echoes of Sammy Johns' song "Chevy Van".
That blue and green paint on the front make me think that van may have done some time as a Mystery Machine clone.
Cool old van.
~
Steve is back on High Octane Classics!
90” shorty wheelbase
I LOVE Steve Magnante. JS :)
Flat front bowtie
Welcome Back Mr Mags!! You have been missed
I'm 999
In the summers, you sure could feel the heat off of that motor.
Oh my God this looks new. Is this new? This is new but...snow?! Great to see you Steve!
If this van is a 68 that's a 307
The early 307 ci were a cheap way to get a under bored 327 most in trucks or vans were thick wall until 70 and had a 3 25 crank same as 327 . Bought several for way less than one hundred and was a great little motor when it had better heads a cam. And bored to 4. In or still have one last 307 thin wall swap large journal 3.25 crank into 350 4 bolt block for backyard 327 4 bolt.
Thank you Steve
So happy to see new video from you Steve! You look like you didn't miss a beat So glad! Missed you buddy!
I had a '67 sportvan 90 in highschool. 327, automatic and trick paint job. I loved that old shoe box!!......
> Please support Steve's go fund me that he set up so he doesn't have to sell his house and cars he built. His go fund me video is on 5/28, it's not letting me post the link...
Thanks for sharing this video with us
👍🏻🇦🇺
🖖
😎👍
Did you find any lonely rich older ladies in the home?