Greetings !

[1DogRescuer]

Hello All !
I’m a HUGE Fan of Forums / online ‘communities’ such as this. I Love the “Think Tank” collaboration, and collective genius. Forums have been invaluable in numerous projects.

My current ‘adventure’ is to find a sound AWD V8 Express / Safari Cargo van. I will be building it as I transition to “VanLife”. I’m scouring various online boards to find the best Bang4theBuck base to start my build.

I look forward to the constant learning curve that these groups provide, and hope that, at some point, I will also be making valued contributions.

Thanks in advance !
Stan
Southern California (until I finish my mobile residence), then .... ?

 

[marret]

Welcome. You will be in the minority with a GM van.

Are you on expedition portal yet?

 

[1DogRescuer]

Thanks. Yes, I’m on ExPo. On the other mention, it does seem like my (enthusiasm) got the best of me .... ? I didn’t check very thoroughly, otherwise I would’ve recognized that this is fundamentally a Ford site ... :~(

Nothing wrong with Fords. I come from a “Ford Family”; however, based upon my data crunching, it seems that the GM platform better suits my Checklist.

I can at least gain added inspiration on Possibility, from looking at Build Threads. If someone is aware of a more ‘GM-biased’ equivalent site, do tell ...

Thanks !

 

[WhitH]

Don't leave, there are some GM vans here! Kidding...mostly...but truly there is more info regarding the AWD GM platform over there and how to modify it. A good buddy of mine has one and absolutely loves it. Rockbender here on this forum did a sweet build out of one so you should definitely check it out. They are great riding vans with reliable power trains.

 

[BeeDub-ClassB]

Good luck finding an AWD GM van. I agree they are very nice, but most seem to have been sold in salt states and used extensively in winter as tradesman vehicles.

 

[marret]

Most of the AWD versions are lighter weight too. I'd look for a Quigley GM van instead.

Also, since you are in SOCAL, you can always get Weldtec Designs to do a 4x4 conversion. Ain't cheap though.

As WhitH said, there are a few of us GM guys around. Don't know of a GM focused site.

My signature doesn't always show up when using a mobile platform, but I have a Quigley GMC. Lot's of good info here even for us non-Ford guys.

If you aren't familiar, check out: https://weldtecdesigns.com/

Gratuitous photo:

 

[WhitH]

2nd what Marret said. You could find a cheap 2500 or 3500 with a 6.0 and get a Weldtec torsion bar conversion as well. I mean look how awesome that van is! And another gratuitous photo.....

 

[1DogRescuer]

Agreed on the observation of Scarcity for AWD 1500s on w. Coast. Everything that I’ve been finding has been in Rust Belt eastward .... Hard Pass on vehicle with near-certain rust (lurking).

I guess since weather is “nicer” on w. coast, fewer were allocated to dealers when new.

Anyway, regarding Quigley & Weldtec .... WAAAY out of my Build Budget. I will likely start skimming Govt &. Commercial Auctions, though I’ve never been to one. I suppose, for comparison sake, I’m looking to do a much more ... “Entry Level” project. Not cutting corners; but not farming out work to expensive (established) shops.

I’m realizing more & more that finding The van will be the toughest Task. Even Astro/Safari AWDs are more “plentiful” on this coast ....

 

[marret]

Good luck. If I come across one I'll post it up. Quigleys do come up every once in a while for reasonable money.

 

[marret]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Chevrolet-Express-3500-6-0-Quigley-van-4x4-4WD/333225698440?hash=item4d95cca488%3Ag%3AZqoAAOSw2bhc-flf&LH_ItemCondition=3000%7C2500

Doesn't look bad, maybe a little high on miles at 165k, in San Diego.

 

[marret]

Another one in Austin:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-Chevrolet-Express-Quigley-4x4-Van-NO-RESERVE/183916492612?hash=item2ad246f744%3Ag%3AJT4AAOSw8uFcsliO&LH_ItemCondition=3000%7C2500

 

[marret]

One more a long way away in PA. Can't tell about rust:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-GMC-Savana-1500-AWD/193025851951?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180816085401%26meid%3D9fc1e152699446948d9a0fc06b8f0ef6%26pid%3D100970%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D193025851951%26itm%3D193025851951%26pg%3D2481888&_trksid=p2481888.c100970.m5481&_trkparms=pageci%3Afe2b4a7e-be7d-11e9-a2db-74dbd180cb4c%7Cparentrq%3A8faa419d16c0abd8ec52ab7afffc14c9%7Ciid%3A1

 

[mikracer]

Heres an interesting build... AWD Savana with a Westy top and interior grafted in.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/whitefish-awd-gmc-savana-camper-van/6955652658.html

 

[1DogRescuer]

Saw All of them. PA one has rusted out rockers. Seattle one ... WAY outta my Budget. San Diego one ... Sold. There was a conversion AWD bubble top Savana locally on OfferUp. Messaged him less than 30mins after post went up asking for interior pics. It was sold two hours later, no interior pic request response.

These F’ing vans are selling IN A MATTER OF HOURS !!

While I APPRECIATE the Leads, I’m Not a player at $16k-25k .... I’m building my rig Myself, starting with a much lower ‘entry’ point. I don’t buy other people’s work/ideas ... just needs to be “Mine”.

The one that sold in two hours ‘08, 46k mi., clean title, bubble top conversion .... $7650

 

[wish41]

Given the explosion of “vanlife” in recent years, I think finding an AWD at a reasonable price is going to be a challenge. It is already a needle in a haystack adventure, and it makes it even more so if you shy away from ones that might have rust. Even if you do find one, it inevitably will be out of state requiring some further expense to get it back to CA.

Why not go with a 2wd and maybe add a locker if you really think you need it? This will save you money and will be easier to source.

 

[1DogRescuer]

It has Definitely crossed my mind. Only challenge there is that I’m limited to where I can wrench. I can do all of my finish carpentry, no prob; but doing Major mechanical is a hurdle.
I Have been looking at 2WDs though.
Interestingly, I got in to an email dialogue with a Reseller. Asking questions about ‘market’, insuring, etc. He said with the hoards flocking to (VanLife), the market isn’t really quantifiable. I used to use NADAGuide, Edmunds, and KBB to establish a “Market Value” prior to negotiations. He made it clear that I can just throw that notion right out the window. There will be someone (let’s just say millennial) right behind me, willing to bid the price Up.
Like the housing market Pre-2007 ...

 

[wish41]

Some 2wd already have limited slip in the rear, so maybe that could suffice to begin with and then add locker later if really needed.

 

[mikracer]

Some 2wd already have limited slip in the rear, so maybe that could suffice to begin with and then add locker later if really needed.

Yup, look for the G80 RPO code.

 

[1DogRescuer]

MikRacer, you answered my question without me having to go to RPO Code Page ! Thanks

 

[ShadetreeTim]

Good luck on your search 1Dog. As far as having a Chevy on a Ford site. Build it, we will watch. Other than drive train, you can see a lot of mods here that will translate to your Chevy.