This 1978 Chevy G30 4×4 camper van out of Asheville, North Carolina is a classic that has been thoroughly upgraded — new 350ci BluePrint motor with under 1,000 miles, rebuilt transmission, 4×4 drivetrain, two moonroofs, a couch that converts to a bed, CarPlay, backup camera, and 35-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires on American Racing wheels. It is the kind of vintage van conversion that proves the best builds start with solid bones.
Images via Van Life Trader
Exterior and Drivetrain
No rust, no body damage, and a brand new engine under the hood. The 4×4 system and 35-inch off-road tires make this van capable of getting well off the beaten path.
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Interior and Living Space
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Images via Van Life Trader
Highlights
- 1978 Chevy G30 with 4×4
- New 350ci BluePrint motor with under 1,000 miles
- Rebuilt transmission with shift kit
- No rust, no body damage
- New compressor, alternator, steering pump, water pump, fuel pump, batteries, shocks
- 35-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires on 17-inch American Racing wheels
- Two new moonroofs
- 2000W power inverter
- CarPlay and backup camera
- Couch converts to bed
Note: This van was previously listed for sale and is no longer available. It is featured here as inspiration for vintage van conversion enthusiasts.
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Alex
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Pretty interior but not a camper unless you are talking just sleeping. Best parts of it are its a 4X4, no rust. It needs a further conversion to add the essentials. But a good start.
Actually, just about anything you can go camping in can be called a camper. Mind, actual camping ranges from bush-craft survivalists who can go out with nothing but some basic tools and use what they find along the way to luxury expedition vehicles with all the comforts of a modern home.
Campers really just need space to store gear, which doesn’t have to be built in and permanent, and a way to sleep… Beyond that it’s just preference and the type of camping you’re intending to do…
Besides, there’s more flexibility when you don’t have everything permanent as you can optimize it for different types of camping per trip or just be able to use it for other things besides camping… Unless you need a lot, then an expedition vehicle might be more what you’re looking for… But even some commercial RV campers can be this basic…
Very nice 44 year old 4wd $35K van. But as someone said “you can put lipstick on a pig. but …..” It you want 4wd to get you into primitive areas, then you might want to bring a few amenities; Ice Box, Propane Cookstove, Awning, a roof rack on which to carry your kayaks or bikes? If you want too stay at Parks or campgrounds, then a pull-behind trailer might better serve your needs (for 1/10th the money).
Hello,
Can you tell me about the 4X4 set up and also I need more pictures of the under carriage. I am located in Colorado so this would be very helpful.
Thanks,
Bob
For reference, it was listed for $35K in 2021.