This book came out in 1976, when "street vans" were cool and mini pickups were just starting to take off. You'll see profiles of customized vehicles, descriptions of aftermarket accessories, and instructions for customizing your own vehicle. The book begins by reviewing the new 1976 models of vans and pickups, detailing models and options available. You'll also learn tips for buying a used van, including specific problems to look for in each brand.
Find out what the hot aftermarket accessories were to trick out your van or mini truck. Learn the tricks to installing popular vanner accessories, like fender extensions to accommodate fat tires, front bumper spoiler, running boards, over-the-windshield console, insulation, sliding door extender, custom grille, interior customizations, hide-a-spare, portholes, airbrush murals, gold leaf, diffraction tape, sun roof, and alarms. You'll see an in-depth 12-page article on choosing front exterior accessory lighting - headlights, fog lamps, and other lights up front.For Japanese pickups, you'll learn about using a Holley 5200 carburetor to up the power of Japanese-built mini pickups, installing mini truck custom exhaust, budget customization, converting to a step-side bed, 68-76 Datsun 4WD conversion kit, sun roof, and a Datsun dump bed.
You'll see profiles of customized vans, for example: the "Gladiator," a Ford Econoline with Alpha Jewel flake paint, a bordello-inspired interior, and a verandah; the "Red Onion," a '75 Econoline with a red velvet interior and a waterfall; the "Vandal Van," a '73 Econoline with a red shag interior, and tasteful murals; the "African Queen," a '74 Dodge Tradesman, with a leopard-print interior, vinyl roof, icebox, and CB; "Old Glory," a '71 Trademsan with performance engine, a hood scoop, sunroof, wine rack, nude print concealing a fridge, and a patriotic motif; the "Freedom Rider" a '76 Chevy Van decked out with stars and stripes paint and upholstery, along with a mirrored ceiling; the "Japvan," a 1969 GMC converted to a driveable Japanese tea house; and "Lil' Blue 62," a 1962 Econoline with a bar, lounge, and tv. You'll also see custom minis as well as a some other customs, including a Datsun pickup fitted with a stepside bed, a Cadillac made into an El Camino-style pickup, a '74 Pontiac Astre station wagon converted to a pickup, VW beetle pickup/van conversion kits, giving a Pinto station wagon a custom van feel, and a '73 Datsun pickup with a camper shell and the back made into full blue crushed-velvet glory.
Mostly black and white with some color pages. Buy now to open a window into the shag-carpeted red-velvet custom culture of the 1970s.
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