1976 camper van

Just got a call. Guy has a 1976 camper conversion van with a 350 so I assume its a GMC. Wondering about on the weight of one of these. Anyone have experience with one of these?
I am to see it tomorrow morning after I leave the yard. He says its drivable and plated. Asked me what my price was, I said I'd be topped out at 400$ without seeing it. Said ok I won't call anyone eles see you tomorrow morning.



I'm assuming it must weigh 6000-7000 lbs or more. But if its drivable maybe I could flip it...sounds like its rough though. But running and plated!!

I have a friend that has one of these they are dually one ton rearend, his is totally redone, haven't spoken to him about it yet.

Any thoughts?

well if is 11,000 GVW, sounds like payday. I'm gonna talk to the manager at the yard tomorrow and see if they will take it whole. Too heavy for my trailer.

If it's drive-able (I realize this leaves a lot open to interpretation) then would it possibly be a good idea to list it as-is on CL or something? I have a hard time imagining not being able to at the very least double your money.

a 76 without a doubt will outclass (weightwise) an 86, a 96, or an 06. The 350 motor really gives no indication of the chassis it'll have, 100s were 1/2 ton, 200s-3/4, and 300s=1ton(or with chevy's I think it was 10s, 20s, and 30s ?) Same basic difference tho, as well with the 150s=1/2T+, 250+3/4T+ etc. (which i'll guess the heavier class=a heavier chassis. If you have time and the inclination might wanna check for a market on that engine(the 350 Chevys are great engines), for the chassis(depending on it's class), or even the whole package. Would a camping version be the ones with a roof that popped up sorta ?

Actually, most of the GM chassis class A's use the same 1 ton as that class c, just has extra c-channel extended frames welded on back of the main chassis. GM's RV chassis is called the P30. Now the specific class A in the picture was a special breed of motorhome that never quite took off but has some collector value. It is a front wheel drive chassis with the big block front wheel drive Oldsmobile engine. I don't know what actual chassis its based on. The rear tandems used torsion bars and airbags for suspension and some (maybe all?) aired up when starting for driving comfort and lowered when stopped for easy egress from the motorhome - off topic. Anyway, your Ford and Chevy (and Dodge) chassis are most all based on the 1 ton chassis of each respective brand. Even the big 35+ footers (they use a tag axle to support the extended back and provide much needed stability while driving). Bus chassis are MUCH stouter than a typical RV chassis. John Deere made/makes an RV chassis that is a little stouter than the typical 1 ton chassis. Then you have Spartan and Freightliner chassis, usually with the diesel pushers (and early diesel PULLERS). There is a newer chassis that is pretty common called the Workhorse chassis, which I think might be a gm subsid? It is a specific light and medium truck chassis and is a little improved over the P30 (incidentally, gm calls the P30 a truck chassis, but it is not beefier than their 1 ton pickup, just longer for some applications).

Camper van's are far different then a class C. Usually much smaller, you know..van size. Lack most of the stuff a Class C does ( Bathroom, kitchen stuff sometimes,the newer ones do have some of this, less living space, shorter hence the pop top on a lot of the older ones, etc.) I forgive anyone who mixes the two up tho, being one who is intent on full-time rv'ing a in a few years, I've read a lot on the subject an various rv's over the last 10 years. LOL. They can also be known as Class B rv's.

Here's a pic or two of what I call a camper van as does most in the RV community..



What I an others call a class B..these are newer models an usually have the stuff I mentioned the older camper van's lacked.



If anyone would like more info on the differences in Class types for RVing..a wonderful site is RV.Net RV and Camping Forum ? RV, Trailer, Camper, Motorhome, Camping and Campground Information

Class A's are like 28ft to 40ft Class C's 20 to 28ft an Class B's basically Van size with RV stuff added in. The newer ones are basically smaller Class C's with all the same amenities but less living space. Then of course of you have your travel trailers, 5th wheels, tear drops, A-frames, etc. The link I posted to Rvnet has a section dedicated to each of these types, an tons of info on them. Great resource for any one who uses an RV, or just in general enjoys camping. From tent camping to high living rv camping.

Your welcome for the dose of RV nerd 101.

Sirscrapalot - Will not only have the traveling cooler, but the vehicle to go with it someday.