Chevrolet Van

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Chevrolet/GMC Van

Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1964-1996
Predecessor	Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier
Successor	Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana
Body style(s)	van

This page talks about the 1964-1996 Chevrolet Van and GMC Vandura. For the post-1996 successor, see Chevrolet Express.

The Chevrolet and GMC G-Series vans were made by General Motors for North America. They are in the same vehicle class as the Ford Econoline van and the Dodge Ram Van.

The term "Chevrolet van" also refers to the entire series of vans sold by Chevrolet. The first Chevrolet van was released in 1961 on the Corvair platform, and the latest Chevrolet van in production is the Chevrolet Express.

Contents 1 First generation (1964-1966) 1.1 Updates 1.1.1 1964 1.1.2 1965 1.1.3 1966 2 Second generation (1967-1970) 2.1 Updates 2.1.1 1967 2.1.2 1968 2.1.3 1969 2.1.4 1970 3 Third generation (1971-1995) 3.1 Engines 3.2 Updates 3.2.1 1971 3.2.2 1978 3.2.3 1980 3.2.4 1982 3.2.5 1983 3.2.6 1984 3.2.7 1985 3.2.8 1986/87 3.2.9 1990 3.2.10 1992 3.2.11 1993 3.2.12 1994 3.2.13 1995 4 In popular culture 5 References 6 External links

[edit] First generation (1964-1966)

First Generation

Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Sportvan GMC Handi-Van
Production	1964-1970
Class	Compact van
Body style(s)	van
Layout	FMR layout
Wheelbase	SWB: 2286 mm (90 in) LWB: 2743 mm (108 in)

The first General Motors van was the Chevrolet Corvair-based Chevrolet Greenbrier van, or CorVan introduced for 1961, which used a flat-6 opposed rear engine with air cooling, inspired by the Volkswagen bus. Production of the Chevrolet Greenbrier ended after the 1964 model year.

The 1st generation ChevyVan refers to the first Chevrolet G-Series vans G-10 1/2 ton production years 1964 through 1966. General Motors saw a market for a compact van based on a modified passenger car platform to compete with the already successful Ford Econoline and Dodge A100. The 1964 ChevyVan had a cab forward design with the engine was placed in a "doghouse" between and behind the front seats. Engines and brakes were sourced from the Chevy II, a more conventional compact car than Chevrolet Corvair. The forward engine design allowed a flat rear floor with low deck heights in the rear of the van for loading/unloading cargo. This model was also sold by GMC as Handi-Van. The 1st Gen vans were available in only the short 90 inch wheelbase and were only sold with the standard 90hp 153 cubic inch straight-4 or Chevrolet Straight-6 engine. A first gen is quickly identified by its single piece flat windshield glass. The first 1964 ChevyVan was originally marketed and sold as a panel van for purely utilitarian purposes. Windows were available as an option, but were simply cut into the sides from the factory. In 1965, Chevy added Sportvan which featured windows actually integrated into he body. GMC marketed their window van as Handi-Bus.

[edit] Updates

[edit] 1964

The original "classic" flat windshield van. The 90 hp (67 kW) 153 cu in (2.51 L) four-cylinder engine was standard equipment with optional 120 hp (89 kW) 194 cu in (3.18 L)Chevrolet Straight-6 engine engines available. The straightforward construction and a boxy design was ideal for economically hauling cargo, tools and equipment around town. The base cargo model was the ChevyVan, available with or without windows and side doors in the rear. Even the heater and right front passenger seat were optional. The Saginaw 3 speed manual transmission was standard with column shift. A 2 speed Powerglideautomatic transmission was available as an option.

[edit] 1965

For 1965, the van remained largely unchanged. The grille received one additional slot just above the bumper to increase cooling. Seat belts were added. The exciting news for the 1965 model year was the introduction of the Chevy Sportvan and GMC Handi-Bus. Sportvan was a passenger friendly van with windows molded into the van body. A retractable rear courtesy step for the passenger side doors was used on the Sportvan. The 194 6 cylinder engine was now standard equipment, with an available 'Hi-Torque' 140 hp (100 kW) 230 cu in (3.8 L) six-cylinder

[edit] 1966

This was the last year of the Flat glass front end on the Chevy Vans. Changes for 1966 include the addition of back-up lights, the side ChevyVan emblems were moved forward and now mounted on the front doors, and the antennae location was moved from passenger side to driver side. The base model "Sportvan" now had two additional trim packages available: Sportvan Custom and Sportvan Deluxe. These featured available upgrades such as Chrome bumpers, two tone paint, rear passenger seats, interior paneling, padded dash, chrome horn ring.

[edit] Second generation (1967-1970)

Second generation

Manufacturer	General Motors
Class	Van
Body style(s)	van
Layout	FMR layout
Wheelbase	SWB: 2286 mm (90 in) LWB: 2743 mm (108 in)

In 1967, ChevyVan got a facelift, including moving the headlights down to a new grille, different tail lights and a rounded glass windshield. The forward control cab design was retained, but the doghouse was widened and slightly relocated in order to fit an optional Chevrolet Small-Block engine. Engine cooling was improved with the addition of a larger cross-flow type radiator and a redesigned front floor allowed more fresh air to the radiator. The 2nd gen vans were available in either the 90" or the longer 108" wheelbase.

[edit] Updates

[edit] 1967

1967 begins the "Second Generation", ChevyVan with a whole new look to the van and offering long wheelbase and v8 power to buyers for the first time. GM designers moved the headlights down to a new grille, added longer, rectangular tail lights and a rounded glass windshield. The forward control cab design was retained, but the doghouse was widened and slightly relocated in order to fit the optional V8 Chevrolet Small-Block engine. Engine cooling was improved with the addition of a larger cross-flow type radiator and a redesigned front floor allowed more fresh air to the radiator. The 2nd gen G-10 vans were available in the original short wheelbase 90 inches (2,286 mm) or the new optional long wheelbase 108-inch (2,743 mm). Another exciting feature in 1967 was the availability of a new G-20 heavy duty 3/4 ton van. The G-20 featured heavier suspension, a 12 bolt rear axle and increased hauling capability. The G-20 model was available only on the 108 long wheelbase. For 1967, the 140 hp (100 kW) 230 cu in (3.8 L) six-cylinder was now standard, with the optional 155 hp (116 kW) 250 cu in (4.1 L) six-cylinder or the 195 hp (145 kW) 283 cu in (4.64 L) V8 Brakes were now upgraded to a safer split system including a dual reservoir master cylinder.

[edit] 1968

This was the first year that Chevy Vans had side-marker lights. The front lights were located towards the front in the middle of the front doors, while the rear marker lights were located about a foot inward of the very back edge just below the vertical middle of the van.

The 283 V8 engine was now replaced with the larger, more powerful 307 V8.

The column operated Warner T10 4 speed transmission was now available as an option.

[edit] 1969

For the 1969 model year, the van remained relatively static.

The TH-350 Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission was now available

[edit] 1970

1970 was the last year of the square styling, front drum brakes, and I-beam front axle. The 250 CID 6 cylinder was now standard equipment, with the new 350 CID V8 engine available as an option for the first time in 1970.

[edit] Third generation (1971-1995)

Third generation

Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Beauville Chevrolet G-Series Chevrolet Sport Van GMC Rally Wagon GMC Vandura
Production	1971–1996
Assembly	Lordstown, Ohio, United States Flint, Michigan, United States Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Class	Full-size van
Body style(s)	3-door van 4-door van
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	4.1L I6 4.3L V6 5.7L V8 7.4L V8 6.2L diesel V8 (1982-93) 6.5L diesel V8 (1994-95)
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Wheelbase	110 in (2794 mm) (SWB) 125 in (3175 mm) (LWB)
Length	178.2 in (4526 mm) (SWB) 202.2 in (5136 mm) (LWB)
Width	79.5 in (2019 mm)
Height	79.4 in (2017 mm) (SWB) 79.2 in (2012 mm) (LWB) 79.8 in (2027 mm) (SWB) 81.9 in (2080 mm) (LWB)
Related	Chevrolet/GMC C/K

In 1971, ChevyVan received a major redesign, moving the engine forward of the driver with a short nose and hood. The van body was bolted to a full length truck style frame. and employed stronger truck style hubs and brakes with dual A-Arm independent front suspension. The major restyle followed the engine-forward design of the competing 1968 Ford Econoline. The engine was placed forward of the driver with a short nose and hood. Suspension and steering parts came from the Chevrolet/GMC C-series pickup trucks. GMC now marketed their vans under the VanDura name.

For 1996, the Chevrolet and GMC vans were replaced with the next-generation Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. They adopted aerodynamic styling, and the extended 15 passenger version rode on a longer wheelbase, rather than just an extended body. A left-side door was made available for the declining passenger van market.

[edit] Engines

The G20 passenger van came standard with a 4.3 liter V6 (165 hp (123 kW) and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) @2400 rpm). The G20 could also have a 5.7 liter V8 (200 hp (149 kW), 310 lb·ft (420 N·m) @2400 rpm). A 7.4 liter V8 (230 hp (172 kW), 385 lb·ft (522 N·m) @2400 rpm) was exclusive to the G30. The transmission choices were a four speed automatic or a five speed manual. Chevrolet also offered, in 1995, a pair of 6.5 liter naturally aspirated diesels.

[edit] Updates

[edit] 1971

All new bodystyle was introduced this year, which continued until the end of the 1995 model year.

The Vandura and sister ChevyVan replaced the earlier flat nosed model. The GMCs were introduced in April 1970; interior components such as the steering column and steering wheel were sourced from the Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickups. The short wheelbase vans measured 110 inches (2,794 mm), while the long wheelbase was 125-inch (3,175 mm) wheelbase). Clear blinker housings were used on early models, along with blue grille ornaments on Chevrolet models.

[edit] 1978

The front sheetmetal was updated. Changes include: a new, built-out plastic grilles with integrated blinkers, different fenders, round headlamps on lower-end models and square headlamps on higher-end models, new steering wheel similar to the 1973-87 pickups, and new dash. Front and rear bumpers were enlarged.

[edit] 1980

All 1980 vans were given new rear view mirrors on the drivers and passenger doors.

[edit] 1982

For 1982, the locking steering column was introduced, along with a new column mounted ignition switch. It was the last model year for a 3-speed manual transmission on the column, and round headlamps. A 4-speed automatic transmission was also introduced.

[edit] 1983

Stacked 4-headlights introduced, alongside with a revised grille. Base models continued with 2 headlights. All vans models now have square headlamps. From this model year on, tilt steering was available with a manual transmission because the steering column was retilted to be similar to the C/K trucks. New steering wheels were introduced as well to be similar to the cars for that time.

This version was made famous by the American television series The A-Team.

[edit] 1984

New swing out side doors were introduced to go with the standard sliding side door. The doors were a 60/40 split.

[edit] 1985

The taillight and side marker lenses were redesigned. New Grille Treatment similar to the pickups.

[edit] 1986/87

Most engines are fuel injected and a 4.3 litre V6 replaces the old 4.1 liter inline six. Diesel engine is available. A carbureted 5.0 liter 180 hp V8 engine (option LE9) was also available in the 49-state version, with fuel injection for California-emission vehicles.

[edit] 1990

Unlike the Dodge Ram and Ford Econoline vans which had a welded-on body extension, a 155-inch (3,937 mm) wheelbase was introduced (about the same length as a Chevrolet/GMC crewcab truck).

[edit] 1992

Facelift using the front grille from the former Chevrolet/GMC R/V series pickups and SUVs (Blazer, Suburban, Crew Cab/Dually), previously phased out of production in 1991.

[edit] 1993

4L60E automatic transmission introduced, replacing the 4L60/700R4.

[edit] 1994

A driver's side airbag was made standard.

[edit] 1995

A new longer nose and four head light design was introduced, a very popular school bus conversion.The engine also received a facelift, with the 4.3L V6 now labeled the "Vortec". Engine sizes remained fairly the same e.g. 4.3L, 5.7L, 7.4L engines. Several versions of the van were available for purchase depending on the buyer's needs. Base model was basically a stripped down model - no thrills, very limited interior and no rear seats. The "Sportvan" Had all the features of a full conversion van, but no rear seats and no fiberglass roof extension. Then finally, the "Conversion". These models were sent from the factory bare-bones, to have the interior and exterior upgrades added by third party companies such as "Mark III, Tiara, Coach, Starcraft, etc."

[edit] In popular culture

The Chevy Van became a favorite of vanners and the custom van movement in the 70's, even inspiring the 1975 song Chevy Van by singer Sammy Johns.

A 1966 1st Gen Chevy Van appears in the 2001 movie Josie and the Pussycats (film). In the film, the van is driven by Tara Reid

A 1983 GMC G-15 Van appears in the popular 80's NBC TV show The A-Team. The van is driven by B. A. Baracus, played by Mr. T.

[edit] References

Mellon, Thomas A.: Chevrolet, GMC 1/2, 3/4, 1 Ton Van Repair & Service Manual 1967-1986, Chilton's manual

Hall, Douglas Kent: VAN PEOPLE: THE GREAT AMERICAN RAINBOW BOOGIE New York, T.Y. Crowell, 1977

Car Directory: History of Chevy Van

Chevyvanonline:Chevy Van History

[edit] External links

• The first fuel cell vehicle was built from a Chevrolet Van in 1966
• The A-Team Van

v • d • e Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, light truck timeline, United States market, 1950s–1970s — next »
Type	1950s										1960s										1970s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
SUV																			K5 Blazer					K5 Blazer
	Suburban					Suburban					Suburban							Suburban						Suburban
Pickup																							LUV
	Advance Design					Task Force					C/K							C/K						C/K
										El Camino					El Camino				El Camino					El Camino					El Camino
Van															Van							Van
																					Beauville

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Compact crossover																										HHR
Mid-size crossover																										Equinox					Equinox
Full-size crossover																														Traverse
Compact SUV										Tracker										Tracker
Mid-size SUV				S-10 Blazer												Blazer
																							TrailBlazer
Full-size SUV	K5 Blazer												Blazer			Tahoe					Tahoe							Tahoe
	Suburban												Suburban								Suburban							Suburban
SUT																							Avalanche					Avalanche
Coupe utility	El Camino
Sports pickup																								SSR
Compact pickup	LUV		S-10												S-10
Mid-size pickup																									Colorado
Full-size pickup	C/K								C/K											Silverado								Silverado
Minivan											Lumina APV							Venture								Uplander
Van						Astro										Astro
	Van																Express
	Beauville