What can I use from an '87 G20 van? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

closer9 · 03-03-2010, 09:35 PM

Hey, guys...

Kinda new. Been a member a while looking for answers for a friend, but recently worked a deal with my dad to acquire my grandpa's old truck. It's a '64 LWB, SBW 283, 3-spd, 2WD... I think other than the ralley's and HEI it's all original... even has the underdash A/C. We'll be swapping in a freshly built 283 in a few weeks.

I have the full suspension, brakes and steering from an '87 Chevy G20 van (still attached to the "frame"). I would like to convert the '64 to power steering and brakes, but I know for sure the steering box is different. Dad says he has everything to mount the steering pump, including the pump. Just wondering if anyone is familiar with van parts. Just a quick glance and they appear to be the same...

Might also try to use the van gas tank to mount under the bed.

In the future I would like to go 4WD, but haven't had the chance to investigate this...

My goal is to have modern safety, but keep the original look.

**Captainfab** · 03-04-2010, 01:56 AM

Welcome to the forum

The spindles and all attached parts are the same as a pickup, but I think the control arms are longer (wider) than pickup control arms. I'm not positive on that though, I would have to verify that tomorow. I believe the van gas tanks will work with a little trimming of the frame flange. Post some pics of your truck

Let me know if I can help you with the power steering and brake conversions.

cliffy · 03-04-2010, 02:47 PM

the cigarette lighter...(snicker)

jchav62 · 03-04-2010, 02:59 PM

I've heard of guys using van steering columns on these trucks. Also the brake booster/master.

closer9 · 03-05-2010, 12:39 AM

Thanks guys, I would just be swapping spindles (and outboard parts) for now. That was my big concern. Bushings are good on the A-arms, so no need to mess with them just yet.

Captainfab, I am interested in your steering box plate, and will probably get one from you. I need to do a little more reading up on the brakes. I'm thinking I can probably use the booster/MC, front discs, and prop valve from the van, then just bend up some new lines. For the back I may just take my axles to work, and see if the maintenance guys will let me use the machine shop to get 5 lugs... I'm not in any real hurry there. My biggest concern at this point is power steering.

I'm also trying to figure out where I want to put the new fuel filler. I have the fuel and the sheet metal around it from the van. Might try to graft it into the side of the bed, or see if I can go behind the license plate.

I don't have any digital pix of the truck. Dad (who is a few hours away) is supposed to be sending me some. I'm going to go down to his place in two weeks, and swap out the 283. Then go back in another two weeks to bring it home. I'll post pix as soon as I can.

1962k20 · 03-05-2010, 12:51 AM

Ahhh, Mabee the bucket seats?

03-03-2010, 09:35 PM	#1
closer9 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pineveille, MO Posts: 92	What can I use from an '87 G20 van? Hey, guys... Kinda new. Been a member a while looking for answers for a friend, but recently worked a deal with my dad to acquire my grandpa's old truck. It's a '64 LWB, SBW 283, 3-spd, 2WD... I think other than the ralley's and HEI it's all original... even has the underdash A/C. We'll be swapping in a freshly built 283 in a few weeks. I have the full suspension, brakes and steering from an '87 Chevy G20 van (still attached to the "frame"). I would like to convert the '64 to power steering and brakes, but I know for sure the steering box is different. Dad says he has everything to mount the steering pump, including the pump. Just wondering if anyone is familiar with van parts. Just a quick glance and they appear to be the same... Might also try to use the van gas tank to mount under the bed. In the future I would like to go 4WD, but haven't had the chance to investigate this... My goal is to have modern safety, but keep the original look.

03-04-2010, 01:56 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: What can I use from an '87 G20 van? Welcome to the forum The spindles and all attached parts are the same as a pickup, but I think the control arms are longer (wider) than pickup control arms. I'm not positive on that though, I would have to verify that tomorow. I believe the van gas tanks will work with a little trimming of the frame flange. Post some pics of your truck Let me know if I can help you with the power steering and brake conversions. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

03-04-2010, 02:47 PM	#3
cliffy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 60	Re: What can I use from an '87 G20 van? the cigarette lighter...(snicker) __________________ my o/l says the truck has a vibration at 65 mph..I said its ok, it goes away at 90.

03-04-2010, 02:59 PM	#4
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: What can I use from an '87 G20 van? I've heard of guys using van steering columns on these trucks. Also the brake booster/master. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

03-05-2010, 12:39 AM	#5
closer9 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pineveille, MO Posts: 92	Re: What can I use from an '87 G20 van? Thanks guys, I would just be swapping spindles (and outboard parts) for now. That was my big concern. Bushings are good on the A-arms, so no need to mess with them just yet. Captainfab, I am interested in your steering box plate, and will probably get one from you. I need to do a little more reading up on the brakes. I'm thinking I can probably use the booster/MC, front discs, and prop valve from the van, then just bend up some new lines. For the back I may just take my axles to work, and see if the maintenance guys will let me use the machine shop to get 5 lugs... I'm not in any real hurry there. My biggest concern at this point is power steering. I'm also trying to figure out where I want to put the new fuel filler. I have the fuel and the sheet metal around it from the van. Might try to graft it into the side of the bed, or see if I can go behind the license plate. I don't have any digital pix of the truck. Dad (who is a few hours away) is supposed to be sending me some. I'm going to go down to his place in two weeks, and swap out the 283. Then go back in another two weeks to bring it home. I'll post pix as soon as I can. Last edited by closer9; 03-05-2010 at 12:40 AM.

03-05-2010, 12:51 AM	#6
1962k20 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: broken dreams CT Posts: 37	Re: What can I use from an '87 G20 van? Ahhh, Mabee the bucket seats?

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