Classic VanLife: A Cool Custom 1967 Chevy Fan

1976 was a year of change. There was a new president; the country celebrated its bicentennial; and the 1976 Chevy van had new powertrain options. After replacing the 307 with a 350 V8 in the half-ton vans in 1974, GM expanded the powertrain options to include the following for 1976:

• 292 inline 6 standard in the ¾-ton and 1-ton vans
• 305 V8 replaced the 350 2-barrel in the ½-ton vans, which later became an option in the ½-ton and ¾-ton 1981 models
• 400 cubic-inch V8 was offered in the ¾-ton and 1-ton vans

This unibody van was offered in three wheelbase lengths: 110-inches, 125-inches, and 146-inches with the 146-inch wheelbase being used on the cutaway chassis. The front suspension went from a leaf-spring to independent front suspension with coil springs, as well as a brake upgrade to front disc brakes from brake drums.

Chevy VanLife

While the G-series vans were designed for work, they enjoyed a very special place on the cultural scene that inspired songs like “Chevy Van” by Sammy Johns and were frequently seen in movies, including Scooby’s Mystery Machine and the A-Team Van.

It’s from this background that Dominic Wadle is keeping the tradition of the 1976 Chevy van alive with the one he inherited from his grandfather, Rudy.

Rudy’s “Shaggin’ Wagon” is a custom ride completely personalized by his hand and primarily used to carry supplies from stores like Sam’s to a restaurant he owned. According to Dominic, all the work done to the inside of the van was a product of his grandfather’s handiwork. It has a custom-paneled ceiling, leather upholstery, and shag carpet on the inside panels, making it the quintessential Chevy van of lore.

The only outside work on the van was done by someone who saw Rudy at a car wash once. The stranger asked if they could do a little freestyle pin striping on the side and back of the van that included faces and swirls.

One of the times I actually drove in this was when I was getting my learner’s permit, I will always cherish those memories.

Dominic Wadle

Custom Chevy Work From Karl Kustoms

Rudy and Dominic used to do a lot of riding around together in this van. Now Dominic is on a quest to add new adventures and stories of his own to go with the ones he cherishes from his time with his grandfather.

The idea of keeping nostalgia alive through custom vans is nothing new. The crew at Karl Kustoms have years of experience in doing restoration, custom upholstery, custom painting, bodywork, and installing accessories in classic cars. Karl Kustoms is ready to help you find new memories in a treasured classic like Dominic’s 1976 Chevy Van. Contact us today for more information.