Full Size Vans

[HarleyEarl]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/tw/vans.htm

2006 GMC Savana
Edited September 2, 2005 by HarleyEarl

[Variance]

I don't think I've ever read a full-size van evalution before.

[pow]

I don't think I've ever read a full-size van evalution before.

[post="8018"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Or one being driven around the Nurburgring...

http://www.racingflix.com/getvideo.asp?v=1181

[ocnblu]

I'm sad. That's a GMC Savana. The Chevrolet is an Express. They're totally different!

[HarleyEarl]

Edited September 2, 2005 by HarleyEarl

[rkmdogs]

HarleyEarl..... shame on you!

You didn't illustrate one of the unique features of the GM full-size vans,
passenger doors on BOTH sides. Nobody else has this in full-size vans.
Also, on work vans, there are lift-up access tool-box panels on the sides, behind the doors.

[HarleyEarl]

Hey rkm.....thanks for hilighting the doors on both sides. It makes so much sense for tradesmen. Edited September 3, 2005 by HarleyEarl

[2005 EquinoxLS]

I got the chance to drive a long wheelbase 2500 Express 3 times while moving stuff out of my Grandmas house. It was nice for a cargo van. It rode well despite what it was and if you didnt look back whil;e driving you wouldnt have known the lack of interior fitments. It was quiet and thankfully this one had A/C in the 90 degree heat we used it in. The 6.0 liter V8 accelarated it VERY well.

[rkmdogs]

Here's the last full-size van that I had. It was built as a 15 pass., but we did not get the very last seat when we bought it used, and then took out another seat row
to fit our dog crates in it.
It had the L31, 350 V-8 in it, and gave very good mileage for a vehicle this big.
Road very well, too. It was a loaded LS that had been a program vehicle somewhere.
Regretted having to sell it when we moved South, but only had so much room at the new digs. Try to find running boards for a vehicle with a 120" wheelbase! :rolleyes:

[HarleyEarl]

Now that's a big one. There is something so appealing about vehicles like this...when you need to carry something in a covered, dry environment, this can't be beat. Well, other than a semi-trailer:).

[LosAngeles]

Figured I'd add something to the proceedings (apologies for the size issues):

They don't hook them up like they used to....






One located in Australia:

[LosAngeles]

More:

Here's a cool British one:










Ok, that's enough.

Edited September 4, 2005 by LosAngeles

[HarleyEarl]

LMAO...those are outrageous!....especially that Pontiac front grated van conversion one...hilarious what people do. And the interiors!...omg.

[LosAngeles]

Imagine what these could look like with modern customizing ideas applied and those corny Auto Zone tack-ons removed. I wanted to build an 80s SWB Econoline panel with 20s and a proper lowering job, with all the modern entertainment crap inside, just for kicks...no running boards, no tack-ons, no murals. But that would be more like a fourth vehicle or something, as I have too many car dreams to fulfill first.

[HarleyEarl]

Maybe it's time for the boogie van to make a come back. I had a panel Chevy van once and had it in black and just shiny chrome big wheels...it look very good and could haul a couch. I mean people used to have covered wagons for moving stuff.....this is just an extension of it. They are infinitely practical...and can be cool too. Edited September 4, 2005 by HarleyEarl

[LosAngeles]

Of course they can....you can load then in the back with so many gadgets, from stereos to computers to game systems to coolers/fridges, plus really plush seating and bedding....you basically can have a personal limo of sorts. I could just imagine if 310 or West Coast Customs (while not thinking in the Pimp My Ride manner, that is) took one and went nuts. There's a local brother who's probably in his early 40s or something with a green GM conversion (the 96-02, you know, the one with the nose that ISN'T ugly?)...blinds on all the rear windows, and nice big dub spinners (not the gaudy kind, just some simple fluted style dish wheels)....I know that man lounges lovely in that thing....if he's single. edit/add on I forgot to make: Everyone has this image of vans these days that has basically been formed by the minivan and the marketing thereof as being for no one but frumpy mothers who have no interest in fun or style, just taking the kids to school and their activities. Absolute appliance of surrender. If these minivans were panel versions or at least conversions (anything but rigidly six-seven seat front-drive peoplemovers painted in pedestrian colors), you could see the full potential. And full-size vans have it even worse, having been relegated to the working man crowd and kidnappers. TV and its power of influence have really held the imaginations of the people hostage, making one think you don't have a vehicle you can hang your hat on if it isn't a four-door sedan, four-door pickup, or four-door SUV. Edited September 4, 2005 by LosAngeles

[HarleyEarl]

...and for many of the public that turn up their noses at vehicles like this....aren't they the first people asking for assistance from the owner of a truck or van, when they need something hauled. Or at the very least renting one. There is something comforting about a vehicle that you can sleep in and can pull the trailer with your hot 2 seater on it.

[HarleyEarl]

Here's that drivers side opening on the new GMC Savana, makes so much sense: