1978 Chevy G30 4×4 Camper Van: A Fully Upgraded Vintage Van Conversion

Tiny Houses For Sale, Van Conversions For Sale, Van Dwelling, Van Life, Vans, Vehicles

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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.

1978 Chevy G30 4x4 camper van conversion with new motor and 4x4 in Asheville NC
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.

1978 Chevy G30 exterior in near-perfect condition with no rust
Images via Van Life Trader
Chevy G30 4x4 side view showing upgraded tires and wheels
Images via Van Life Trader
Brand new 350ci BluePrint motor under the hood
Images via Van Life Trader

Interior and Living Space

Interior with new moonroof installed in the Chevy G30
Images via Van Life Trader
Interior view of the camper van living space
Images via Van Life Trader
Cozy couch that converts to a bed in the G30 camper
Images via Van Life Trader
Second moonroof and ceiling detail inside the van
Images via Van Life Trader
Rear storage area of the 1978 Chevy G30 camper
Images via Van Life Trader
Modern CarPlay system and backup camera in the vintage van
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

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.

5 comments

  1. 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.

    1. 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…

  2. 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).

  3. 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

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