1977 Dodge Custom Street Van and Here's Why I'll Never Customize Another Van

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A few years ago I took a really nice original survivor 1971 Dodge van and added some customized features to it. I later sold that van and was luck to break-even on the $9200 I had into her. This time I decided to tackle a custom restoration on a '77 Dodge van and got way over my head in costs and issues. So in this video I detail what it took and what it cost to take a blank-canvas van and customize it into a street worthy 1970's era street van.

[@techevar]

you're crazy! I would have kept it! Sure you might not get your money back but you'll have a unique gorgeous van that no one has.

[@DirtyMikeHoncho]

Right my van will die with me

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

That was the most honest, straight forward and interesting video that I have seen in a while. Thanks for sharing my friend. Best wishes to you, peace to Paul's family and friends and good luck to the new owner.

[@dewaynemiguel3349]

I bought a brand new 1979 chevy van in 79 I customized it show quality best personal vehicle I ever owned I put over 400k miles on it never broke anything never even had a flat on it sold it in 2009 regretted it ever since it was still in great shape motor was tired but not a dent and no rust.

[@JohnEngel]

I was wondering what all came about with this build and the sad course of events that happened. I’m glad that everything worked out and I have to say that I was diggin that van. Great video as always.

[@DoogieVans]

Budget always seems to get away from me too but its such a blast to do and drive. Hope you do another!

[@pmr413]

Chris, I happy that you nearly broke even on the deal and hope we get to see updates on the van. It does stink for you that you won't be the one finishing it, but the reason for that is the real lost here. RIP Paul...

[@hullinger]

Pat-413 That’s Pat and you’re right about Paul. The van was getting way more pricier than I had planned too and I felt lucky to have gotten as much $$ as I did. More cash for the next project though.

[@kennethwhite9797]

The van looked good. You guys did a great job on it! I’ve lost the passion before on a project that my father and I were working on, due to him passing. So understand completely.

[@hullinger]

Hey man, thanks for checking out my van video and for your comment and for understanding. Just as you know, it's lousy when you lose someone and that project that you've been working on just isn't as important anymore. Anyways, thanks again! -Chris

[@TheChaos98]

Sorry to hear about your Friend....God bless you all and that was a great video.thank you

[@bartricky5894]

I bought a new "77 200. It had all the goodies 360ci, AC, auto, cruise, captains chairs.etc. with the interior stripped and ready to be customized. I had a great time finishing it and was a great van.

[@BusinessmanRich]

At least it will have a good home and you came out very close to breaking even.

[@charlessanders1342]

My first ride was a 77 tradesman 200 reg length. 318/727 trans Conversion. I loved it.

[@donovanhowardmusic]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@yoboi01]

Exactly like my old van that we sold to a guy in Newark de. Bright orange with custom paint aluminum slot rims , that drove perfectly. I wish I knew this was for sale

[@AmericaBumpertoBumper]

She's a sweet heart. Sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@ratj4715]

Should’ve kept her. And just took your time with it. I love these vans. So many memories in the one I had almost that same color but had 2 more colors with it was a beautiful custom paint on it and it got a lot of looks. Still miss that van until this day and that was like 30 yrs ago. Sold it and got a GTX with the money.

[@21Piloteer]

Sorry about your friend, but customizing a van is not for those who think they're going to recoup their investment...that's muscle car territory. You have to do it for the love of the van. I have a '93 Chevy G20 conversion van that I bought for $2800 and I have way more than that invested just doing some mechanical upgrades and a few exterior upgrades. I'm nowhere near where I want to be with it. I know I'll never get my money back out of it, but that's okay.

[@rdtservicesconcrete]

A dream van for sure, New York very lucky and blessed

[@hugavet3049]

Right ON! Had these bands in my 20's. PARTY TIME

[@rong9554]

unfortunate about the circumstances, sorry for your loss. on these projects, it's not about the money. you build it because you want it and you are willing to pay the cost. -peace

[@turbofiat]

I watched this video a year or so ago. Sort of forgot about it. Then spotted a van just like this here in East Tennessee outside a repair shop the other day . Pulled up in my 2001 Dodge shorty and snapped some photos and posted them on a Facebook group. I was told it's the same van. It's got blue fuzzy interior. Very nice. Still has a gap between the driver's door and body like it won't shut all the way. Looks like that would have been corrected during the restoration. Unless it's an optical illusion.

[@hullinger]

That's cool that you saw the Dodge van. The guy that bought it from me, Mark, lives there and restores cars for a living. He redid the van, both inside and out, for his wife and they've been enjoying it since. Thanks for sharing!

[@kurtvanstead5761]

Nice Job on what you did with the van! It was looking sweet

[@hullinger]

Hey man, thanks for checking out my '77 Dodge van video. I really wanted to finish this van since I was in the assembly phase. Side pipes were ready to go on and than start planning the interior. But really, man, I just didn't have the desire anymore without my buddy Paul with me. Just lot the passion, you know. I figure there'll be another time and another van at some point but just not right now. Thanks again! -Chris

[@adanvaldcontreras4283]

I would have driven it as is... badass van. 🤘

[@Muscle_Pussy]

Bro i wish I could make something look like that after 6 months, iv had my 64 coronet for 3 years now and its still barley drivable smdh. Nice video, love the way it turned out!

[@radstorm]

I got an 88 b-250..wish my looked even close to as nice as yours. Mine looks like crap, but it's old and I'm old..we have a bond.. :o)

[@erkbzr]

Sad story, sweet van though.

[@keithlavigne978]

Sorry about the loss of your friend , excellent work ,I have a 1973 b200 maxi wagon that I've been working on it has windows & has the extended back plus a pop up top camper conversion it's blue &egg shell white , what was the size of your tire &wheels ? I would like too put the same size on my van

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

How often do you rebuild the carburetor? I had a 77 200 factory reject sold commercially to Honeywell.

[@treznev5145]

Just started my '97 dodge van build with my brother. I know I may lose out, But the memory will have bulging it will be forever.

[@brianrussell1565]

At least ten thousand in mine before even paying it off.will never get what I put into it. But noone does

[@ratj4715]

I had one over 30 years ago and lost on it. I sold that van for 35 hundred and that was a lot at that time for that van and it was really nice the paint alone was 16 hundred and I put probably all together not counting what I pays for it 3 thousand more on top of the paint. And their was a lot done to it when I got it. And let me tell you it was really sharp looking van. It was a 75 dodge got a lot of looks in that van love it and still miss it. I just knew I was just going to keep losing money on it and ended up selling it and bought a GTX with the money and built that car. I must say I did a lot better when I sold the car than the van but than that way I did it at the time knowing it. But I must say I probably had more fun in that van than I ever did in that car. The van rallies were a blast probably when to 15 to 20 of them what memories I had in that van.

[@donrowe8022]

If it was my van i would have finished it as a tribute to my lost friend but on the other hand i know why you didn’t and i understand those emotions

[@leonleon2239]

Nice.. wer u get your wheel fender spoilers

[@shtfvan8084]

Cool lookin van you had there. Twiddling my fingers on the idea of selling mine, but don’t want to regret it one day

[@hullinger]

Hey man, thanks for checking out my van video. I love these vans and I had a bunch of ideas and plans that were starting to come together, but got cut short on this one. I'm finding the van market and prices are moving upwards, but I'm sure as you know already, fixing up a van is getting more expensive too. If or when you're ready to sell, I found the winter to be the hardest time while spring the easiest. Either way though, best of luck to you! -Chris

[@chickenfeverbeaver2251]

Where did you buy the flare kits

[@that_VAN_Guy]

Did you Ever here Any Update on the Van or Get Pics of it Finished?

[@d-cynic6460]

I have a hot wheel version of this van. Cool video

[@milliemitchell5476]

Great van . My late brother had one .

[@kiwivanman9035]

Luv your van,

[@randyneugent]

I definitely wouldn't be whining over a measly $ 300.00 on this van. You could have EASILY lost your ass BIG-TIME on this old clunker. I love your videos Chris & I'd like to meet you one of these days. I really did think you bit off way too much on this one. You're definitely too smart Chris to get caught up on a clunker like this one. I've watched basically all of your videos & I see how exact you are in calculating & bean-counting stuff...honestly, NO WAY I'd have ever thought you'd get caught up on a grand-clunker like this one my friend !!!

[@MarkTitus420]

What was the purpose of the van - what were they made for? Utility vehicle or something?

[@christophersmith859]

I wish I could have a dodge van from that era here in middle Tennessee on the rare occasion they are available a rolling chase sells for 3 to 5 grand

[@prior8t2000]

Say, I jus had to leave a quick message. I had to do sort of the something to a car several years ago that I had. I had a similar dealings with a great fellow, he had promised me the whole time weekly updates on my old 72 Sportsmen.. Well, it never happened I did my darnist at trying to find, including even to locate him. But I found out later that wasn't happy enough with why the had chopped up the Van and sold it for parts.. This was a very aggressive way to get rid of perfectly running Classic Van.. I jus pray to the Gods of Earth, Wind, and Fire, plus that God of Rain to help you and certainly to be at your side with updates on your Van.. So may the Gods be with you...

[@jamesalfiero7289]

OH Hell no.I would not have sold that.

[@lordllewellynofdarkdelight2613]

How did you coordinate purchase and transport from Texas? I see vehicles I want in other states and want to do what you did.

[@bushwhacker4075]

With prices on everything now days i would never expect to make money on any car

[@toddische2952]

Can you tell me what Blue you chose? Very nice!!!

[@23ofSeptember]

Have you seen the Wild Cherry van?

[@thedunnz1680]

So cool man , R.I.P also to Paul man that’s wild /:

[@hullinger]

Hey man, thanks so much for checking out my van video and for the condolences on my buddy Paul. I really do appreciate that! -Chris

[@oliverdelgado6952]

Sorry about your friend Paul. Been there myself . But glad the van went to a good home. She was sweet

[@hullinger]

Thanks 👍 man and I appreciate it. Thanks for watching too!

[@JH-lz4ky]

Another great video! Hey I’m wondering if a classic truck would be a good match for me. I want to escape the proprietary manufacturer software and forced dealership maintenance of today’s newer cars but I’m not sure how to calculate the carrying cost of maintaining a classic vehicle or how far back in time I have to go to avoid over complicated vehicles with mandated over engineered features. Got any advice?

[@Spurs19921993]

@JH: I'm leaning towards the Dodge van 1980. Do it, get into that investment and be happy.

[@michaellee6294]

hay nice van , so i do have a 1979 dodge van b200 i pimpet it inside and out but i cant find weather steipping for all the doors do you no were i can find them and i want to put a custom GRILL on the front can u help me

[@ericfisher1203]

Hello, How do I get hold of Mark to paint my 69 Charger?

[@thatchbuster]

Losing only $300 on the trade is good. Selling a resto half way through could cost you a couple of thousand if you`re not careful. Nice looking van.

[@pablopineda1673]

Cool man 👍

[@teknowil]

why did they remove the bumper/grille?

[@missionron]

Idkw he changed those super cool wheelz!

[@shtfvan8084]

Wheels and tires specs?

[@BooLee01]

Hey, any update on this van? Maybe a link to the finished product by Mark?

[@hullinger]

Thanks for checking out the Dodge van video. The new owner Mark has been very kind to share updates and pics with me on the van over the past two years or so. The latest is that the van is all complete with new paint and interior, side pipes, chrome bumpers and so on. In fact Mark said it just recently made the cover of Mopar Magazine and so I'm anxious to check it out. I don't know if the issue is out yet or came out recently but I'm gonna look for it the next time I'm at the book store.

[@BooLee01]

@@hullinger Thanks for the reply. If he happens to share any videos or photos with you, please pass them on to us.

[@stanaaron1949]

You know, I just saw a mid 70's van that was customized very similar to what you were planning to do. the sell price was 77K, so I'm not sure why you thought you were upside down. You could of rebuilt the whole drivetrain, customized the interior and still been half into the market value.

[@donrowe8022]

Stan Aaron i am guessing there was way more to it than being upside down. Since the van was at his friends house and his friend passed away at home there might be a chance the guy passed while working on the van. When he says he lost passion for the project i think that weighs more on his heart and soul than the money

[@patrickwayne3701]

I have an original 'StreetVan' in F8 green with the little red express wheels (chrome 15 x 8's with kidney bean slots), a 440 four barrel and a 727 automatic. It has 89k miles and about one hand sized rust hole in each rear quarter ahead of the rear wheels. I'll replace the rockers with clean steel if someone is willing to give $77k for it. And I will deliver it as far as Kansas City.

[@MrBlaze256]

I've got a 2002 shorty. wondering if I could put a 70s front end on it. body is the same till 2003

[@hullinger]

Dude, a B series front-end on a later model Dodge van would be bad-ass. All the comforts of more modern drivetrain, A/C, electronics... with the look of a '70's Dodge. Love it! -Chris

[@streetvan1997]

God I wish I had money. Being poor sucks. I would of killed to have had that van even with the unfinished interior. I had an 85 dodge B2500 that had wheel flares and engine work done to it and much much more. I loved that thing. But it was a New York van and by the mid 00’s the rust was becoming too much underneath so I sold it. Always wanted a 77 Streetvan as my KZbin username shows how much I love them. I got a never used streetvan emblem in like 2001 off eBay for around $50. It’s worth least 10x that. I was hoping one day to do a project like this and put that perfect condition NOS streetvan emblem on it when it was finished. Also was hoping to find another emblem for the other side. They are so much more rare now then when I searched for them on eBay back In the early 00’s. I never see them anymore for sale. There used to be really beat up ones at least that could be refurbished. But don’t see any originals anymore for sale. Doesn’t matter anyways. Disabled and living on next to nothing. So even having another full size nice van is out of the question. 😢

[@bambihargrove6499]

You did good

[@joesmith-fi1sx]

Sweet van !! I have a 77 rv do you know a good place for parts ? I need the front small light covers Also I’m working on removing the ac from up front and fixing a wiring issue

[@joesmith-fi1sx]

@Jeff Greenspon wow cool ! Well it’s been a lot of work due to water damage in the rear wall and front over head sleeper. And I’m sure a bunch in the other walls. A lot of rotted wood. I’m using now while I work out in the woods in a property. The furnace works and toilet and water system. All so so Engine runs. Just put a new fuel pump it had been setup with electric pump I did new filter and then the pump went out so did that and another filter before the pump the gauge cluster is out so no gauges at the moment. It’s a big project haha. I don’t have time for it really. If I get it sealed up on the outside this summer and maybe tarter for next winter. Maybe I’ll continue. Or maybe I’ll sell it now my focus is fixing up a bigger trailer I’m making into a cabin. And that’s a lot of work too but about ten years newer and more important I wish this thing had been sealed up kite like the guy said it was but it’s just been leaking as soon as there was weather and I started tearing out wets spots It’s got a 440 though that I like haha maybe I’ll make a flatbread out of it

[@mattwalker5129]

Is that(music) The Meters?

[@1984redcloud]

Another cool story.... You are lucky to have almost broke even. Only out $300. Not bad at all.

[@billbranch1403]

So how much u sell it fir

[@DAR.from1761]

I love the old wheels

[@erica-lillycrider1088]

You should of kept it dude I love old Dodge vans

[@freedomfighter69]

I would have put the new wheels on and driven it :)

[@slackdaddy1912]

Yep, I would have kept it as a tribute to your friend Paul.

[@Anlushac11]

I have a 1995 Dodge B2500. I am looking at getting mine repainted. The color you repainted your Van is the color I want to repaint mine. Love that color. Sorry you had to sell your Van, was a good looking van.

[@davefletch3063]

Sweet van

[@QBNTO1]

lets talk about that strange Chrysler limo on that street!

[@Lvatopesado]

Break even? What is that?

[@HeavyMetal50]

The American Dodge van b 200 was beautiful .2019 the dodge sells that horrendous dodge fiat promaster

[@briand6413]

Nice

[@fatharold1788]

Ive had several and dodge made the best 70's van by far.

[@jamessanders6788]

RIP to Paul.

[@hullinger]

Thanks bud. I was thinking about Paul today and how I miss him and seeing your comment on my Dodge van video today was a great reminder of him. Thanks!

[@jamessanders6788]

@@hullinger You're welcome. Humans and humanity first.

[@catloverincali2569]

She is beautiful

[@sheldonm3535]

This van is fckn badass!!! I want one!!

[@doyrayburn2668]

No. Its always a labor of love.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

Grew up with a 78 B200 127" wheelbase window van. It was the main hauler from 85 until last year pretty much, doesn't get used much anymore. Been on a lot of trips with it. It's had about one of everything replaced on it in 158K miles, including an engine and trans at 30K. It's gotta be one of the cheapest built vehicles I've ever seen. There are spot welds showing all down the bottom sides of the vehicle the whole way and along the back behind the bumpers from the factory. Some indented, and some bulging outwards! Two tone blue, and the tape job the factory did in the door jambs is seriously laughable. It's also gotta be about the scariest thing to keep in the lane I've ever driven, and I've driven some pretty poorly driving vehicles both personal and for work. I wouldn't put much into these things sorry to say, there's much better vans to put money into. It's also leaked rain water from every body seam and window since my dad got it in 85. Nice....... Has a bit of rust, but never once seen salt! Gotta love the speedometer head. The needle broke off in 1999, and it's always stuck in spots and it's just about useless below 55 MPH. Tough times then for Chrysler.

[@Spurs19921993]

@Matts: I read your comment. What do you think of the Dodge van 1980?

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

@@Spurs19921993 Even more cheaply made than the 1978 model year.

[@26tm9999]

Oh I wouldnt have let it go, think of the cheap holidays with it.

[@Spurs19921993]

@eastcoast: Me gusta, cuídala mucho, ponla bonita.

[@WJHandyDad]

I'm thumbs up #13... Texas!

[@hullinger]

From San Angelo, TX, to Wilmington, DE and then, via video, direct to you!

[@WJHandyDad]

it started out about 200 miles west of me!

[@Y0GGchikagovannin]

You did what thought you needed to do financially i guess...but why loose passion for a project you claim to love because a teammate died? You had a Very nice Van mayne! Im a 18 YEAR VANNER..with 2 waggons 06 E250 & 2017 Chevy Express 3500! Fa me Vannin Fa Lyfe!!!

[@stevefielden3514]

Yes I thought this is 77 dodge van no windows back doors has windows and yucky bubble windows my van only has a windshield and the 2 front door glass and 2 very nice vent windows I love vent windows

[@StinkyBeans]

This guy has to somehow be related to Jeff Bezos

[@100aceswid]

Mopar or no car.

[@NicholasMaietta]

We pay big money for stuff like this in California.

[@willtodd7743]

No you do....I don't in cali

[@michaeladamo1188]

I was thinking the same thing that van is worth $10,000 all day long probably a little more after what he and Paul did to it

[@saltpepper1894]

shuda kept it....they are super popular....

[@HotWheelsATL]

Does Mark have a KZbin channel?

[@hullinger]

HotWheelsAtl Gre gory Hey man, he posts his Mopar restoration stuff on Facebook at ABM Restorations.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Is that the same mark that has the mopar restoration tv show. I think the tv guy is in Tennessee also. Mark knoppfler, maybe ? I cant remember his name for sure

[@hullinger]

I don't remember Mark's last name but he did say something about a TV show. He's a pretty reserved guy so I didn't pry as he was sharing that. I've been through his FB page and the cars that have gone through his shop are simply amazing. Restored to original, including the flaws in the chrome and paint too. Incredible detail everywhere. He mentioned some high profile clients and top-flight Barrett-Jackson cars. Even though we were only together for a few hours that day I found him to be a genuinely good guy and he was very courteous and respectful. -Chris

[@staceydavis2061]

HotWheelsAtl Gre gory heard him say San Diego area upholstery shop if not pls pardon me

[@staceydavis2061]

tenessee

[@jamesbond9873]

To bad would have been nice. And a sad story. Put the money into the greenbrier.

[@markjohnson9495]

Mark Coates bought it lol

[@yankeydoodoodoo]

Nice van,,,Jut needs another 10 grand and it be worth 25

[@79tazman]

Customizing anything is not cheap it's too bad you lost interest in the van because it looks like a sweet van

[@craighorner6427]

sad day

[@104jewels.]

♡♡♡♡

[@hullinger]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching too.

[@punisher8455]

Sad nice van ,,

[@RDAUGIRD]

Please, please, PLEASE! Tell me he lowered it down at least six inches to fill those wheelwells, that is a sweet STREET van not a Jeep!

[@michaelroecker2649]

What?

[@missionron]

Was your friend a SADS VICTIM?

[@twentyfoursixteen]

Fudge it.... Do burnouts and have fun