Hey from the UK

[RebelRX8]

Hi

My names jeff and I am from England UK

I have just got the van of my dreams, a Chevy G20 Day Van and don’t know where to start with the rebuild I plan to undertake,

I have always wanted one of these since my early teenage years and was approached with a great deal so I jumped in with both feet and now feeling knee deep in the ——t.
I know all the front Bearings, ball joints and bushes etc need to be done.

Any ideas or help would be welcome and grateful.

 

[1der]

Welcome. First issue I see is the steering wheel is on the wrong side

We had a Pathfinder converted Chevy G30. Lots of fun.

Just start with the basics making everything work. A/C and heating issues can be very expensive, so it is s good place to start to determine if the rest is worth the investment of time and $$. Get it sorted out to be safe to drive and watertight. If there are no records of fluid changes, hen I usually do complete fluids change to establish s baseline (unless of course the fluids are all very clean).

:d8:

 

[RebelRX8]

Thanks for responding
Even befor I turn it over I plan to drain and change all fluids them see where to go from there, what I have seen of the underneath is pretty solid but all ball joints have gone bad.
I was wondering what I can do to get a boost in power from that old V8, space look very limited.

 

[DrewMoto]

Very cool to see you here. I'm guessing this is how your van made it across the Atlantic:

[youtube]7yJ-LAXJofw[/youtube]

I wouldn't drive that on A roads without putting on new tyres. One tread lets go and flap-wheels around at 60 mph and you'll be doing body work, too.

I agree with Ray that you should replace fluids: Engine, transmission, differential, brakes, power steering, coolant.

Then check brake pads and replace if the friction material is not thicker than the steel backing plate. At that age you'll probably need to replace most of the rubber hoses under the hood, and make sure you have no vacuum leaks.

Once it's road worthy and you know you'll be happy driving it, you can invest in paint, interior and accessories with confidence.

 

[simplesez]

Is that acid rain residue or does moss just grow on everything in the UK?

 

[RebelRX8]

Thanks

Jeremy Clarkson has aged, the good weather has done nothing for him.
I have a pic I found on another forum and it looked pristine.
The dude who gave me the deal has just left it sitting for over 10yrs without ever taking her for a decent drive.

I feel a little out of my depth with the project I am about to undertake, always played with little drift Jap cars.

This is her on English soil.

 

[RebelRX8]

Bit of both

The S—T in the UK stains bad,

Just been left to rot for 10yrs, never washed, never even left to idle for long.

 

[RebelRX8]

I find the parts cheap enough for USA sellers but the postage is always as much as the item��

 

[Twoxentrix]

Hi

My names jeff and I am from England UK
I have always wanted one of these since my early teenage years and was approached with a great deal so I jumped in with both feet and now feeling knee deep in the ——t.
I know all the front Bearings, ball joints and bushes etc need to be done.

Any ideas or help would be welcome and grateful.

Welcome Jeff,
Chasing a dream is honorable. You obviously are the type of individual that see's the "potential" in things...a creative mind is a great thing.
A quick look at the photo's suggests you certainly have a project in front of you. Can only assume you're motivated to use the van as soon a possible, so I would recommend you prioritize your funds by addressing projects that will get the Van to a point that its safe to make trips in. Once you get out and use it you'll quickly discover your real "needs" & "wants".
A mobile "man cave" can be therapeutic!

 

[86Scotty]

Welcome, start a thread in the homebuild section when you get started and keep us posted. Not too many Chevys or older Chevys here but there are fans. You'll also find lots of info and help on the Expedition Portal van thread. Many guys there are building older rigs of various types.

:b5:

 

[RebelRX8]

Thanks for the welcome

I will do and keep it updated with what I do.

I am having huge trouble with finding parts here in the UK so don’t know how long this builds going to take��

 

[RebelRX8]

LoL
Thanks for the welcome

The main part is getting it in a road legal state and it’s able to pass the MOT here in the UK.

I have to buy my parts from US EBay sellers and get them shipped but my bigger parts are going to be a issue.
Every consumable part has eroded or corroded and this will be my first true American V8 and can’t wait to dig in and shape up.