Custom 1970s Shorty Vans Are Still Groovy

These days, auto enthusiasts following an alternative lifestyle use social media. They tag posts with #vanlife to celebrate these groovy, modded rides. But social media wasn’t a thing in the 1970s. Folks were content to experience their wildly modded vans just for kicks.

These eras are now converging. The classic shorty van—a full-size van with a short wheelbase—is back in vogue.

Cruisin’ In Style

No two custom vans are alike, although there are common themes. Wide custom wheels like Cragars, Keystones, or slotted mag wheels were ubiquitous. Some vans use side pipes like the old-school hot rods. Other owners tweak engines for maximum performance.

1967 Ford E-Series Van

Pure cosmetic enhancements, inside and out, dominated the custom shorty van trend. Many are based on panel vans that didn’t have side windows, so owners often added windows on those broad flat sides. Some were round, but heart-shaped windows were also popular.

Those massive panels also offered a canvas for custom paintwork. In 1977, Time reported that a custom mural for a van could cost $3,000 or more.

This 1977 Chevrolet G20 Van sports a mighty mural.

Van owners used interiors for even more elaborate self-expression.

• Custom seating like couches and loveseats made the personal space a bit more personal.
• A pounding sound system played all the best eight-track tapes.
• Custom lighting helped set the mood for a party.

Detroit Gets Involved

All three major American automakers had a full-sized van that appealed to the vanning culture.

1977 Dodge B200 Tradesman van

• Dodge offered a “Street Van” version of their Tradesman van that appeared as part of its “Adult Toys” lineup in 1976.
• Ford’s “Cruising Van” and a custom Pinto Cruising Wagon with matching stripes appeared around the same time.
• Chevrolet didn’t go quite as wild, but the G10 short-wheelbase van proved popular for personalization, like the one recently for sale on eBay Motors, shown below.

1977 Chevrolet G10 shorty van

Of course, we can’t forget the Volkswagen Microbus. It was perhaps the first to see the custom van treatment. The Vdub bus, an emblem of the 1960s hippie movement, remained popular in the 1970s and beyond.

Vanning Today

These days, there are plenty of vans to customize for the open road. Cargo vans from Detroit automakers and Mercedes-Benz dominate the #vanlife movement for digital nomads living on the road.

Is the Mystery Machine the most famous shorty van of all time?

But classic shorty vans still hold appeal. Older vans, which are less complicated mechanically, are simple to work on. They often cost less than a new van. And whether you start with a blank slate or an already customized shorty from back in the day, you can apply special touches to make it the suitable shaggin’ wagon for your lifestyle.