Though the research I've done I found out they also put these bodies on 53-66? chevrolet chassis. I'm not 100% on that the few i found could be conversions too.

 

Sweet! My father had one of those when I was growing up. He bought it at a government auction for something like $100 without a carb. I remember a friend of his telling the story of them towing the truck home behind his ranchero. His started out as a deep blue and he had it painted white. He (and I) loved that truck but my mother hated having it parked out front of our house. Well, she won. It seems like it was 4 on the floor (I was around 8 years old at the time) and the only seat was the drivers seat. I don't know how we ever got a Christmas Tree or firewood after he sold it. It seems like his had squared off windshield rails instead of the wrap around windshield yours has. I distinctly remember the ~10" x ~12" Hood (spring loaded flap) on the front.

Thanks for the memories.

 

MAN! Could I use a Van like that at the WWII (& later Naval) museum I work at. I have to screw around with an 80s "Brand X" (Choke,- Gag.- Puke! ) wanna be van. That Aerovan is what we really need. . . .

FBp

 

Thanks for the comments. I do not plan to modify it in anyway irreversible. I want to mount a tablet pc in it for my customer database and so I can get manuals from the internet when I need them on site. As far as a museum I like that idea maybe when I retire I'll retire the van as well it sure is unique. It has an interesting manufacturer "Grumman" .Still today they makes the states war machines e.g. stealth fighters and bombers, submarines, space probes and satellites and are currently work on the new aircraft carrier the g w bush. They are by far the world's best metal fabricators when it comes to machines.

 

Oughtsix, Do you happen to have any photos of your dads old van you can post?

 

The only modification I can find to the power train was an electric fuel instead of a mechanical. The only modification to the body in the wooden bumper and mirrors but the chassis looks untouched besides things like shocks and steering parts that are newer. If any of you remember which companies used this van or ones like it back in the day write a post please. jowilker has all ready mentioned Merita bread corp. I’m curious to know who else these vans worked for.

 

I posted the Grumman on Cardomain with links to my other vehicles

Cardomain post.

 

I found another person with the same van and comfrimed they also put these bodies of chevy chassis. While searching, I found this post at a chevy website. Maxx's Step Van
I have not had any luck getting my emails returned so I'm going to wait till the end of week and will be resending them all expect the only 2 that were returned. Hopeful maxx will join this forum and stir thing up abit about this van.

Thanks for all the replies and views

Lance

 

I think you could have a specialty glass company copy the damaged piece. There is a company in Paducah Ky. that does windshields for top chop vehicles and they are interested in hot rods and specialty vehicles. They also go the Ford Nationals every year. Try a google search for "Paducah Glass". In fact you could have a one piece glass made from your pattern. Use card board for the window opening shape and cover that with fiberglass to get the shape and contours right.

 

Thanks William! After work today I'll try to contact them.
Lance

 

I found a picture of this van as a bread van in an old ad.
Gallery Picture
Also I found two other people with the same style vans
Stovebolt Website "Big Bar"
Stovebolt Website "James"
But these people also had a hard time finding the corner curved wildshield piece.

 

Check out this chevy ad. Look at the middle vehicle its an rv version of the P350.

RV Version

 

Check out my Gallery
A fire truck
4x4
Ad's
RV

 

Since this vehicle is being put back to light duty work do any of you have some bright ideas on how to mount some of these things in the van without drilling holes?:

-41" wide 21" deep 60 tall tool chest which is now on casters.
-Shevling
-Short ladder stoage brackets
-Ladder rack for long ladders on the roof
-My Oxy/Ace blazing setup on a hand cart
-Manuals and books storage
-Tools boxes medium sized
-Tie-down points
-Fold down bench with sheet metal storage(5 sheets max 3 x 8)
-Small hand brake 42"
-Vise
-And it alway must have room for Heat pump comdensers and wood stoves and furnaces. (Max foot print/Area 42"x54"x42")
-worklight
-And All brackets and shevling to be aluminum

Thanks I look forward to hearing your thoughts

 

I found two more of these beasts for sale and one getting ready for its date at the crusher. Also I have a promising lead on glass so I'll keep you posted on that if it comes through.