Ep. 23 Van Life: The Funky Custom Van Craze of the 1970's

[@cammoguy2]

I'm an old guy and still drive a Chevy shaggin wagon. I had to update the bumper sticker. It now reads, "Don't Laugh. Your Grandmother Is In This Van." These days I need another one that reads, "If This Van Is Rockin', Call 911!" That porno fuzz tone guitar had me laffin'! Great job.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

And your comment made me laugh in turn. Thank you for that. Rock on!

[@redram5150]

My neighbor has a hot rod 87 Chevy G Van. Most interesting part is he’s paralyzed and it’s setup with hand controls for him.

[@derealized797]

I'd rather be old now and have been alive back in those days, than to be growing up these days. Things pretty much all suck now. These kids just don't know how much better things *were* back then. We're not old. They just got here far too late.

[@redram5150]

@@derealized797 everyone thinks the era they grew up in was better and easier. It’s because we were ignorant of the world around us, had little to no responsibility, and live in a first world country. If you ask an adult what it was like being an adult when you were a child they’d have a less rose-colored memory to share

[@derealized797]

@@redram5150 i grew up in the 80s and 90s, and even so, i used to wish i had seen decades before me. But I'm mostly referring to how things are now in comparison, or how the 50s are remembered in it's ways, the 60s have lava lamps and tie die (for example), 70s had it's own stuff going for it, the 80s had it's things. But the past couple decades now aren't really defined by anything much. Everyone has little things they're nostalgic about from growing up. But the decades don't have an identity anymore, like 70s disco balls, 80s had big hair and arcades (for example). Early 90s even had some style to it that can be identified in ways. But 2010s? I can't think of anything to remember the past couple decades for.

[@ralphb.3802]

I love this video. Brings me back to when I customize a 1977 GMC. Yes, shag carpet floor to celling, porthole windows, CB radio and all the other amenities. Drove it across the country and camped in it every free time we got. Sad day when I sold it. Now we are older and like to stand up to get dressed, so we got a conventional travel trailer RV. Times change.

[@MrJayrock620]

They used to sell bumper stickers that said “If this van’s rockin, don’t come a knockin” haven’t seen one of those in YEARS

[@myitbos1335]

Perfect for making out with your cousin in Central Park.

[@joenutss]

@@myitbos1335 bro?

[@myitbos1335]

@@joenutss kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ68YnecaLF6gaM&ab_channel=SeinfeldSeason

[@joenutss]

@@myitbos1335 oh okay thank you lol

[@lorddrayvon1426]

The best way to sum up American English is "ENGLISH MOTHERFUCKER! DO YOU SPEAK IT?!" Listening to Americans talk is like listening to Jar Jar Binks.

[@nlpnt]

"The minivan had everything the van did...except inexplicable stains." Yeah, the stains in the minivan are baby spit-up, along with peanut butter and jelly smeared by toddlers which were the result of what happened in the shaggin' wagon.

[@stejer211]

This is deep.

[@MrErichonda30]

@@stejer211 balls deep

[@martinw9425]

EXACTLY, THAT S WHY WE NEEDED THE MINIVAN.

[@stevenjlovelace]

One stain is a direct result of the other.

[@Tsotha]

@@stevenjlovelace this thread is hilarious

[@brokenursa9986]

Truly, no vehicle is complete without inexplicable stains.

[@moldyapples]

inexplicable, the best kind of stains!

[@davidenorth]

Don’t forget the burnt oregano aroma.

[@jamescheney5310]

Oh no, those stains are most definitely exsplicable…

[@ZEPRATGERNODT]

Hilarious!!! Damn, I almost spit out my water out of my mouth and damn near blew water out of my nose when I read this. I’m watching this after negotiating a deal on a worn but bone stock 77 Pinto Cruising Wagon. Exactly like the one in the video. *I’m not sure if I’ll stain it. I was better at that in my teens and twenty’s.

[@TJ-qz6hr]

Pecker tracks.

[@MB5rider81]

I'm 6 years old ... It's 1987 I'm heading back from the mall I'm sitting on a shaggy carpet bench trying to make out the words on the packaging of Castlevania 1 for Nintendo, the rope lighting being just a suggestion of illumination. The clickety clack of Normandy boulevard concrete in Jacksonville Florida as the street light gives me momentary glimpses of the Majesty that is the box of Castlevania. The gentle sway of a Chevy van converted into a dining room lounge.. I can still feel it to this day.

[@JacobBurkemusic]

Wow! Are you a writer? Such a beautiful description, felt like I was right there with ya!

[@marinertheraccoon]

My first "car" was a '76 van with a well endowed horse on one side and a nearly naked woman and sorcerer on the other. Triangular bubble windows on the rear framed it's brazen nameplate: "VANQUISHER!"

[@DeutschlandGuy]

I'm certain your tastes and sophistication have matured greatly since then.... or not. 🤨

[@nlpnt]

...in 1992?

[@brandonbentley5453]

Back when pipe dream ideas just ended up on vans...now they end up on your shoulder in the form of a tattoo!!!

[@joeyboedeker7205]

Sweet!!!

[@brianeastman3547]

The 8Track Tape stereo system

[@powellmountainmike8853]

I am very nearly 70, and I remember the whole van craze very well. This was a very witty coverage of the subject. Thanks for the memories and the chuckles.

[@luvr381]

"Ass, grass, or gas, nobody rides for free!"

[@christopherconard2831]

My friends gave me that license plate for my 16th birthday. Great opening it front of my Mom.

[@bobdillaber1195]

@@christopherconard2831 Mom said, hmmm. Grandmom said, Lordy. Great Grandmom said, Nothing cause she was dead. Good thing cause she woulda beat you with her flat iron.

[@deirdre108]

"If this van is rock'n don't come knock'n"!

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

NO FAT CHICKS

[@shalomsister]

Yep we said that for sure!

[@davidlundy5007]

I was a proud owner of a 1975 Dodge van with a 318 cubic inch V-8 engine. I built a bed in the back with 2 round smoked windows in the back. A vent in the roof over the bed. The 2 rear door windows popped out at the bottoms for good air flow at night. I also put in new captain chairs that swiveled and reclined . The chromed exhaust side pipes were awesome. Loved that van.

[@walnutsandbeastiality866]

,,Hey man! Your tow truck drove mah van off da road. I wanna know who was drivin' it!" ,,Hey man! You better fix mah' van!!! Rod bearings, gaskets, the works. I checked the engine, looks real bad." (Mr. T, The A-Team)

[@derealized797]

My parents were living out of a 1972 ford econoline van, in Santa Cruz. Until about the end of 79... i was going to be born. So they made their way back to the east coast where family was. I vaguely remember being in that same van when i was really young. One of my earliest memories was sitting on a bench seat in the back.

[@blogo1111]

Proud owner of a 65 dodge van in ‘77. Split front window. Mechanic friend helped me and my brother put a barracuda V8 273 in it to replace the slant 6. I surfed, camped, took a dirt bike out to the desert and lastly lost something in it….

[@theviolator793]

You def did a ton of bush whackin in there.

[@1rewd133]

I had a 1977 Dodge Street Van until 1997. Pretty much same set-up. Miss that thing.

[@dieterjaehn8886]

I was in tears laughing so hard at your comments about the "shaggin' wagon" priceless video. Just priceless!

[@bartricky5894]

Often said.. If the vans' a rockin', don't come a knockin'..

[@dieterjaehn8886]

@@bartricky5894 omg - exactly. I learned to drive a 73 ltd country squire wagon . That was my car. Fold down rear seats...ahemmm

[@friendlypiranha774]

It was even known as that in South Africa at that time. Or a Fu.. Truck.

[@shalomsister]

@@bartricky5894 Yep we said that for sure!

[@mr.bnatural3700]

Yeah; I had a Sin Bin.

[@hellbilly6532]

I had a “77” Chevy beuville back in the 80’s .miles of smiles

[@Euorgos]

These were frequently called "sin bins" by the cool kids of that time period.

[@MrCenturion13]

College kids from the '20s called their cars 'struggle buggies'.

[@crtv9727]

@@MrCenturion13 hahaha

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Or roach coaches.

[@PureFred]

HAHAHA!!

[@AtomicReverend]

My buddies and I always called them "Stabbin' cabins" 25-30 years ago And now "boogie vans" as they seem to be making a resurgence here in Commiefornia in the classic car scene, the last few years I have been seeing them everywhere and not just beat originals but really nice retro vanski's full if the 1970s sleazy Apparel. Well that is until Slow Joe AKA Brandon started pushing gas prices higher.

[@moebro38]

Wow, this sounds incredibly similar to the Dekotora(decoration truck) subculture of Japan. Truck drivers in the 60s and 70s started customizing their trucks with flashy lights, chrome, and murals as well as interiors with shagged carpets and even chandeliers. It even spawned it's own film subgenre exactly like Vansploitation films starting with the Truck Yarou series in the early 70s. The parallels are really remarkable.

[@bee4472]

I’ve seen videos of Asian custom semi’s they are the most hideous things I’ve ever seen. They barely look drivable

[@jimandvalstravelchannel]

If I remember right, The 1976 NSVA National in Bowling Green had 20,000 people at it on Saturday night. One thing you are probably not aware of is that we could leave our vans wide open all weekend and no one would steal a thing. The vans were left open so people could stop by and take pictures of the interiors. Oh, one more thing. My CB handle at the time was - wait for it - Waterbed.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

I'd love to see a return to the van craze of the 1970s! Truly some unique works of automotive art came out of that era.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Agreed, but I suspect these days the young lads and lasses are too obsessed with all kinds of technical gadgets and with not offending anyone, rather than living their life as they see fit. Gosh i feel old now... Scary to realize i have become another of "those grumpy people who complain about kids" - although I actually don't have much of an issue with kids. It more is the parenting they received (or lack thereof) that i take issues with. And ironically enough, those 'parents' are roughly my age, so there's that.

[@texaswunderkind]

@@ranekeisenkralle8265 The young lads and lasses are living their lives as they see fit. Just not as _you_ see fit.

[@undresss_b]

I want one so bad!!!

[@jerryleroy9187]

@@undresss_b I just saw a beautiful customized van like this a couple of days ago. I was at a stop light and looked at all the people in their cars and all their mouths were hanging open. I remember the 70's and I had one of my own when I was 25. This is what we need to bring back.

[@stejer211]

@@ranekeisenkralle8265 With the difference that the youth back then wanted more freedom and more progress, while todays youth advocates limiting freedoms and regression, and checks and corrects each other via social media.

[@adrianwilliamson6861]

A popular bumper sticker from the time. " Don't go knockin' if this vans rockin' " Oh and...."Don't laugh! It could be your daughter inside" . Wonderful times!!!

[@DocVonBraunChannel]

Classic ones! 😂

[@tolfan4438]

Grass gas or ass nobody rides for free

[@nickelvan]

I bought my first van from my parents when I was 19 and customized it and I was hooked. I joined a van club in 1981 and we are still attending Van-ins across the US and Canada. The events are smaller but we have some younger generations getting in involved. I currently own 3 custom vans 1965 Econoline, 1975 Chevy and 2017 Chevy Express

[@mobius-1503]

Holy shet your still living the 70s dream. Nice

[@altoncrane9714]

Love the Econoline. Had a 63, put in a 289, etc,,,wow. What days those were.

[@ptonpc]

Nice :)

[@NathanTarantlawriter]

I grew up in the 70s. We ALL wanted custom vans. I took my Datsun B210 and carpeted the whole inside, put in a massive stereo system and inflatable mattress. Me and my girlfriend and others spent weekends smoking down and camping just about anywhere we could go where the police hadn't caught on yet. At night we fire up spliffs and cruise the main street of the little Michigan town. Put the joint down when you get to an intersection, kids! That's a bust zone! Led Zep. Kiss. The Who. My god how we partied.

[@4thdoctor284]

I have to hand it to you man. This video brought back sooo many memories to me of those wonderful days of the mid 70-early 80's. And I am not afraid to say that it brought a few tears to my eyes of what a wonderful period of time it was to experience. I had a best friend back in high school in the mid 70's to 1980's whose mother and stepfather were into the Vanning lifestyle It was about June 77 that I went with him and his parent's 2 vans to a huge van inn at what I think was Watkins Glen NY or Clyde Savanna NY when we were 14. What a weekend, John Valby aka Dr Dirty emceed the event and what contests on stage went on! At the end of the weekend we had zero doubt about what women's "intimate regions" were. Prizes like chrome header/pipes/cb's/stereos.mudflaps custom portholes ect were all prizes for women shedding their modesty on stage. If anyone remembers this particular event please post it here!

[@MichaelOKeefe2009]

Here's a fun fact: Even school bus makers in the 1970s were making personal versions of their smallest bus offerings. Take the Wayne Corporation for example, they made a personal version of their Busette minibus called...the Plushette!

[@brandbryce]

love this, did not know!

[@audvidgeek]

Wayne busette = Lil Wayne! LOL!

[@williamdixon8961]

Suzanne Plushette?

[@MichaelOKeefe2009]

@@williamdixon8961 No.

[@MichaelOKeefe2009]

@@audvidgeek No.

[@jamesm4992]

Chicago still has a pretty strong custom van culture. More modern though with Forgi rims, fully decked out living room interior, and a sound system that will knock your pictures off the wall. Love to see them rolling around.

[@slackdaddy1912]

In the late seventies, weekend cruising in Marquette Park was the best thing that could ever happen to a young man.

[@marcarturi2137]

I was with Midwest Vans back then, I'm on my 4th truck now a 1965 Ford Econoline. Keep On Truckin' baby!

[@robertsmith9397]

Love Ed's writing & narration. I want him to read my obituary.

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

Yeah - I wish he'll read your obituary too

[@CogentConsult]

You, sir, are hilarious! Love your humor! If you ever visit the United States, my wife and I will be happy to offer you our house to stay in while you are here in the U.S. keep up the good work!

[@brooksrownd2275]

In 1977 my dad got a new Econoline, and we immediately started fixing it up - posh reclining velvety 360 swivel seats, thick carpet on both floor and ceiling, wood panelling on the walls, and a big bed in the back. We road-tripped in that van for about 20 years. When I was a kid I thought that was how everyone's van was set up. :D

[@michaelburke5907]

Hey, my prime ride is a 1991 Chevrolet conversion, a "Gladiator". A true cruise mobile, a joy to drive long distances on the open highway. The rear bench seat folds down to a double bed, comfortable enough for my needs. I travel and camp in it every summer, with a canoe and a kayak on a rack on the top. I carry a screen shelter, a shade/rain shelter for my kitchen, and a large dome tent as well. A true nomadic vehicle. Love it.

[@redram5150]

My dad had a funky van during the seventies. It was burgundy and purple, airbrushed in a crazy scheme with the words"Perpetual Change" hand lettered by my great uncle. He was a sign painter and artist who also did the early Hurst Hemi Under Glass cars, as well as "Goldenrod", which had four Hemi engines and held the land speed record for a time.

[@gretchenlittle6817]

Very cool! I take it your dad was a Yes fan?

[@dominiclapinta8537]

Gotta say, I really love this small documentary. Being somebody who has recently customized my van with a mr heater, thermo fridge, and bottle opener, along with a 12 volt inverter. Oh yeah, I have never had to use the company refrigerator and risked my lunch and food getting stolen, since then. I always have cold drinks and sandwiches,, and I can go as far as I want and even keep ice-cream from melting on a hot summer day because of van refrigerator. Nothing too expensive, because I live on a small budget because rent is high and I make only 260 dollars a week. Still, I began to slowly get the idea to customize or add to my van, as I can remove all the seats in my van from the middle compartment to the back. Started imagining and here I am today. I even have a bottle opener in my van. People at work have poked fun but I'm the one with a lot of space and they have to squeeze themselves into their cramped cars.

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

My parents bought a plain jane maroon Dodge cargo van when I was in kindergarten. Over the course of the next 18 months, they turned it into a conversion van complete with funky stripes and a bench seat in the back that folded into a bed. It was in the family until I after I graduated.

[@AnthonyT50]

The picture of the van with Bert and Ernie on the back doors was from Johnson Co Kansas. In the 70's it was one of the top three wealthiest counties in the country. I lived there at the time and worked with a guy who bought a bright orange Dodge van that he lined the inside walls with plywood then used carpet scraps to piece together a large "sun" pattern. It seemed very cool in 1974!

[@jakethreesixty]

One hand holding a doob, the other hand cranking up the Led Zeppelin 8-track tape, and steering with their knees; this how I imagine the average 70s van guy lol

[@jamesslick4790]

Your not at all far off! 😊

[@WizzRacing]

You left out the CB radio and TV...Not that legal to drink and drive helped..You got to drunk or high. Just pull over and watch TV. While you talk to your friends. About how high you was... And the girls. You can't leave out the girls...

[@jamesslick4790]

@@WizzRacing It wasn't LEGAL to drink and drive. Even in the 70s lol.

[@WizzRacing]

@@jamesslick4790 Wrong.l. It was illegal to be drunk and caught driving... You could still have an open container and drink a beer..As long as you could maintain control of a Vehicle... That was the law... Till the Federal and State Government seen all the revenue they could make off it...

[@jamesslick4790]

@@WizzRacing Dude, at least in New York (and I have to think elsewhere not too long later) It's been illegal since 1910. That's WAY before the 1970s. I have been driving since the 1970s BTW.

[@tjonesauto]

That "wakka-woomp" guitar tho!!! Priceless!!!

[@kevinbarry71]

In case you didn't know, those porthole windows that were in the size of cargo vans were there because that way they could qualify as non-commercial vehicles and be driven on highways that did not allow commercial vehicles. They could also get non-commercial registrations

[@kendallsmith1458]

And they had to a permanent seat or bed in back.

[@jimurrata6785]

Not highways, Parkways. The interstate highway system was developed specifically for large freight trucking.

[@formulajuan6038]

Dude, far out! Thank you for bringing back lost memories. I was a kid in the 70s but I lived the whole hype of the customized vans. They were the shit man!

[@fu705]

Please consider making a video on the history of lowriders

[@MisterMikeTexas]

I'm sure Cheech & Chong will make an appearance.

[@holdenfan8532]

Oh hell yes

[@dano9421]

I started with muscle cars, then went to the van, I loved customizing it, it was great for camping and cruises

[@Tomikos995]

I love old american vans, especially these 70s and 80 customized ones :)

[@mrblond750]

I love vans! My father owned a van my whole life, I bought one after high school and drove across country in it and man do I miss it.

[@currentsitguy]

I remember the ubiquitous bumper sticker: "If this van's a rockin', don't come a knockin'"

[@postmodernrecycler]

"Just come on in!"

[@jamesslick4790]

That one and also THIS one: "Don't laugh, Your sister may be inside!" 🤣

[@seamusburke9101]

There was another that said"Gas Grass or Ass no one rides for free"

[@davenelms68]

In 74 I bought a new Dodge Van, 318 V8 with 3 on the tree. Put on Hedman headers, Thrush sidepipes, ET mags, red shag carpet,bed in back, good times in that ride,really miss it.

[@gsxrJOE92]

Hell ya brotha!!! 😎👍🏼 Did you have that "gas, grass, or azz, nobody rides for free" sticker?

[@davenelms68]

@@gsxrJOE92 No, but if I had one would have slapped it on there fo sure !

[@gsxrJOE92]

@@davenelms68 WOOOOOOOOO

[@gsxrJOE92]

@@davenelms68 🤘🏼😎👍🏼

[@Gemer9094]

One time in the 70s, a man pulled up to a store parking lot with a custom van with a beautifully naked woman painted on the side. An old woman was so disgusted by this sight, she started to scratch the painting. The man tried to stop the woman but she broke off the van's antenna and started whipping the man. He was so injured, that he was sent to the hospital. Later, we heard on the news that the man died. He had died of ...........van areal disease. Peace

[@md_vandenberg]

Take my thumbs up and get out!

[@rodferguson3515]

.... Keep on truck'in

[@vinnydaq13]

Ba dum dum…tsshh!!

[@fredherfst8148]

Bwahh

[@nigel-Rollercam-channel]

I'll take Dad jokes for a $1000 Alex....

[@WideWorldofTrains]

I used to buy custom Van magazines in the mid-late 70's and read the ads for custom parts. Bought a 67 Dodge van exactly like the one as shown at 4:07 for 50 bucks in 79. I might still have a few of those magazines

[@tkm3rd]

When you find your van, you can go live "down by the river!" Great episode dude.

[@allergyahead8128]

A motivational speaker who lived in a van down by the river .lol classic. Gone too soon.

[@awildslapnuts513]

Don't forget if you smoke pot and have sex you'll be here 🤪

[@awildslapnuts513]

@@allergyahead8128 love your name fav by the stones

[@pmag3200]

I grew up in those crazy fun days...my dad did a custom van for us to travel in..then i drove it in high school times ...the good old 70s and 80s... now i have my own here in 2021..full circle 😎🍺🍺🍺 by the way good video🍷🍷🍷

[@adamclarke7394]

Thank you for another brilliant video. The best sticker I ever saw on one of these mobile massage parlors was, "Microwave Sin Bin. Pop your chick in. Done in 10 minutes." I've never forgotten that one.

[@jamesslick4790]

"If this van's a rockin' don't come a knockin'" and "Don't laugh, Your sister may be inside!" are 2 of my faves of the era!

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Thank you for making me laught today. That Microwave Sin Bin thing is glorious!

[@kendallsmith1458]

"Conversion vans" mainly from Elkhart IN continued to be popular through the 20th century. Yes we still hold 'Truck Ins' through out the summer months - van shows, live music, camping, & LOTS OF PARTYING! 2%

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

Fuck if you still remember the whole 2% thing, you're a true party van veteran. *salute*

[@nathanjoseph4284]

Thanks for another great video Ed! Love those old vans and the fact that you can do almost anything with them because they are basically a big art canvas :)

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

I agree Nathan!

[@thembanjoko2844]

"Chevy Van" by Sammy Johns is the song that best describes the 1970s American vans, particularly the Chevrolet G20 van. '70s nostalgia at its best.

[@1945tigers]

Seen one with the Naserath hair of the dog album cover painted on it totally bad ass.

[@jeffhayes630]

Very entertaining video. I was laughing all the way through!

[@gerardleary1885]

This channel should have a million subs. What a great series!

[@arkady714]

Standard bumper sticker: "If you see this van a-rockin', please don't come a knockin'."

[@MrJommins]

I haven’t even watched this video yet and I already love it!

[@alfredo-ferreira]

Ya me too. I knew it would be great

[@martinw9425]

Very well done , you did understand the van thing, and explained it well ( specially for a European ). I still have my 1966 a-100 dodge van. Big part of my life. Thank you "kid" , you did a great job.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Custom vans actually continued into the 80s. My parents traded their 77 Ford Supercab for a new 86 Dodge Ram van conversion. They later had an 89 Dodge van conversion with dual air conditioning, one unit in the back.

[@drg5352]

My grandmother bought a '92 GMC conversion van, for hauling grandkids around. Of course, there was only four of us at the time, with her oldest grandkid being grown, but still. Not really a shaggin' wagon, though it did have a bed in the back if you laid down the third and fourth rows. Many four letter words were heard by many whenever it was worked on, which was quite often. The AC went out annually, as did the alternator, and the motors for the electric windows died at least a dozen times before she sold it.

[@jamesslick4790]

True, Sadly the pro builders of 1980s conversion vans dashed my late 70s dream of starting my own local van customizing shop, LOL!

[@k.b.tidwell]

B.A. Baracus says, "I pity the fool who touches my van!"

[@bigpesa6166]

Early 90's as well...we partied in class 🍻

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@jamesslick4790 my brother worked at a shop called "Vans West" way back when. Never forgot the name

[@iandominics8642]

I definitely didn't expect to laugh as hard as I did watching this masterpiece..you sir, are hilarious 🤣

[@OneDullMan]

Thank you ever so much for this. Growing up in the 70's, the van culture was huge. I never succumbed to it, so never had to explain stains. Almost bought one once, but thought better of it.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

Damn I miss the '70s! I had a '76 Dodge California Custom with waterbed, brown shag carpet, mini bar, 8 track, dual moon roofs, CB, Cragar mags & the big 360 4bbl & actually owned it until 10 years ago! In the '80s I bought a factory stock '87 Chevy hightop conversion van but it was stolen in 1994 & never seen again! Thanks for bringing back some great vannin' memories - PEACE LOVE n HIPPYNESS!

[@mobius-1503]

Shoot you need to share some of those memories 👀

[@strawberryhellcat4738]

1. I have always loved the funky custom van look. Yeah, I like disco too...and I'm a Dodge owner. 😈 2. There is a visual which should be inserted between hippie and yuppie, and should involve wide collars, plenty of polyester, and possibly male perms. 3. Of course you need a V8 in your van, how else would you escape the scary monster who is really a guy in a rubber mask? 4. The porthole windows were also known as "perv windows". 5. I'd like mine hot pink with a life-like version of "Verosika Mayday" spray-painted on the side and with heart-shaped windows - just to completely freak the locals. 💖

[@kellingtonlink956]

I don’t know what the hell you mean... but Brother! It sounds Cooool!

[@strawberryhellcat4738]

@@kellingtonlink956 Helluva Boss reference. Verosika is a succubus - so, perfect for a "Shaggin' Wagon".

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

You're a sick man. I like it.

[@galeaiken3841]

Proudly admitting your a Dodge owner ? Al Bundy has entered the chat lol

[@strawberryhellcat4738]

​@@galeaiken3841 Well, my Daytona Ram can do 105 mph while weaving through traffic on the freeway, and haul a full-sized freezer from Home Depot - plus my other Dodge is an old school '71 Demon I saved from the boneyard and turned into a resto-mod...so, yeah - guess I'll take the Al Bundy label. 🤣

[@StephaneLacroix-jo3tw]

Hilarious episode. Good job! Greetings from Canada.

[@ShanGamer1981]

In a van, down by the river!

[@davidtucker3729]

I live in a van.well really a class C motorhome but based on a dually E 350 Ford chassis and sine it is a 1984, the shag carpet is end to end. Groovy

[@akoporc]

I still have my 77 chevy van and Ford van AFX slot cars! Groovy, Baby! I was just a kid back then but the 20 somethings in my neighborhood that had custom vans were like Gods.

[@bigdaddy7119]

I was a kid in the 70’s (born in ‘71) and remember these well. There were also magazines like “1001 Van Ideas” dedicated just to the custom van craze.

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

So funny. I love it. The simplest explanation is they were a big bed on wheels! The rest of the stuff was just a distraction. weeee!!! 😋

[@christopherkraft1327]

Ahh yes, I remember the shag wagons very well!!! Thanks for showcasing them!! 👍👍😁

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Shag as in shag carpeting, or shag as in "getting it on"?

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@MisterMikeTexas getting it on!!

[@bee4472]

I loved this video !!! I know where a pinto wagon exactly like the one in here is, it’s in a junkyard close to the KY TN border, stripes, and porthole window and all.

[@61rampy65]

Ed, your videos just get better and better! I was a van guy in the 70's, but I had Corvair Greenbriers. They were not as "cool" as the others, but I didn't care. I did also have a 67 VW van, but it was the "family" van with windows all around. Wish I knew that their values would shoot to the sky one day, I would have held onto it. Still, I LOVE vans (old ones).

[@jlennon784]

Most underrated KZbin channel. Period.

[@ladylandr]

Awesome video. Bring the classy 70s style back. I missed them.

[@claudiaandthomasruhl7753]

What a great great vid ! I am 61 Years old and still drive a Van since 40 years...

[@marylandrcboatmarina]

Jeez, I remember those days. Now I feel like getting one myself!

[@marklennox2151]

Very nice video. I just picked up a 2000 AWD Chevy Astro van and converted it into basically my new home. I'm old and have rented my whole life and realize I will never have house. I am not totally stoked about it but it's necessary. Thanks for posting this interesting documentary.

[@geebs76]

Great job on this video Ed! I was a young man during the 70's but I was always anti-van. I preferred personal luxury cars and muscle cars. But I'll admit some of the vans were pretty cool. But wouldn't you count the 1938 International Metro Van as being the first forward control type van, well ahead of the VW bus? It was only a work truck though.

[@bigpesa6166]

AGREED

[@razoreyes45k]

One of the best modern narrative videos on 1970's Custom Vans. Good 👍 job.

[@kellingtonlink956]

One of your Best! Very well thought out, edited and exceptionally entertaining. Thanks so much for the video.

[@O-cDxA]

🤣 A relative of mine pimped out his van with shag carpet, new mag wheels and fat tires. He slammed on the brakes at a red light, and the waterbed that he dad just installed flew foward and burst. The momentum of the water also burst all four tires, and buckets of water poured out as he opened the door. Can you imagine that ? 🤣

[@Wayne_155]

Not one word

[@jennifersman7990]

Sounds like something out of a Pink Panther movie

[@marqbarq5977]

My dad had like a 1978 or so Ford Econovan. Shag carpet and a bed in the back. He loved it. He called it the “fish bowl” because he would smoke a bowl with all the windows rolled up…

[@donswier]

For a young guy from the Netherlands, you have almost perfectly captured a short but distinct era from the American 70's. I was just a kid in the 70's, but watched this scene on the West Coast with my brother from the windows of our family's VW camper vans (all stock). Our folks were just slightly older than these long-haired hippies, and we were just kids. Funny how a decade later, vans became distinctly un-hip as uptfitters from Elkhart, Indiana made turn-key "touring vans" for rotund families heading to theme parks in Florida.

[@kukko83]

Your take on the subject is hilarious! Informative but mainly very funny. I've been fascinated by the 70s van culture, ever since I first listened to Fu Manchu some twenty years ago. I would have never thought, that I would find a video on the subject on your channel though. That's what I like about your channel, shining the light on the left field stuff.

[@toejam503]

I was a part of the Van crowd in 74-78. Got rid of mine for a mini truck w topper, then a 4x4. It was just a faze or fad for me and a lot of fun and adventure. Personal Custom Vans are making a comeback.

[@kevinbarry71]

My parents had a 1977 E150 Château club wagon. This is factory. It wasn't outrageous, just a full-size van with a better interior and more seats.

[@DocVonBraunChannel]

We had one of those at the farm, great for drive-in movies!

[@don4298]

I found a magazine about Vans when I was in Nam. Bought one when I got back, Joined a Club, went on the Runs, Really cool memories still bring smiles.

[@arielshtern4125]

Amzing video! The jokes, the music, the history, narration and editing - on point. Keep it up!

[@arthursousa2805]

Lost my virginity in my old man's pride n joy..his custom van complete with the..if this Van's a rockin don't come a knockin bumper sticker...awesome video brought back memories seeing these Van's

[@RadekPogoda]

Another epic from EAR. Nice!

[@neilouellette3004]

My father and I customized a few vans from mid 70's-80's. My first owned vehicle when I was a kid was our first customized, a 73 Chevy. Next 2 were both 76 Chevy vans and my last was a 1989 Ford E-150. They were mint. We did waterbeds w/beefing the suspension and a glass "plexiglass" roof over the bed. With dual Blaupunkt cassette decks, one over the bed pillows and the other over the front dash. Chrome side pipes etc. etc.. All the bells and whistles in all of them. Dad would take his King Salmon fishing, upper New York state. Me? I made every teenage girl's fathers pissed at me. My own fishing. Great memories and the old Worcester County Van Club. Shaggin and taggin!!

[@keithbailey6610]

huge fan, having said that, the one thing that always gets lost when Europeans talk about American vehicles, is that the distances are enormous, and the vehicles are built with this in mind.

[@shalomsister]

I do not know how your video came up in my feed but I was a teenager and I remember those days and those vans. We could smoke weed in there without being seen. When you opened the back doors the smoke just poured out. You could fit several people in there! Thank you for the memory of "the good old days." God bless you and everyone in Jesus's mighty name!😊🕊🔥💝✝️💕❣

[@drewdederer8965]

The microbus wasn't hit with the "chicken tax" (too many seats), the Pick-up version was (and was withdrawn from the market). VW campers were kinda popular in those days, but making a type 2 into a custom ran into.. Issues. Mainly, that they were so slow as is and not really made to take THAT much extra weight. The other theme for custom van art, album covers (preferably Prog Rock ones). 2:22 I KNOW that script. That shot just about has to be from Columbus OH. Schmidts, is still around, and still on the South end of German Village, but they have food trucks now. It's probably for the best that UV lights were pretty hard-to get in the 70s, otherwise.. Well those "inexplicable stains" would have given them a whole 'nother look.

[@currentsitguy]

I went to college in the mid 80's. Knew a guy who had the camper version of the VW. He made a lot of money renting it out to students who acted up a bit too much and got thrown off campus for a few days.

[@danc1197]

The VW van has a rear engine and high rear deck which limits rear space for customization. Domestics had front engines and wide open space in back. However, VW's were still popular at the beaches.

[@amentco8445]

Perhaps not then but inevitably worthless overregulation would be lobbied for. The 25 year rule, increased emmissions regulations blocked these cars off by the 90s.

[@sandwm]

My search for a '74 Econoline to funky customize is back on! Thanks Ed.

[@Mr.EricMBlack]

Check out what the Japanese are doing with Dajiban. Racing [drifting] full size Dodge Vans. Crazy stuff.

[@virtualvanner]

Well done and very entertaining! The van craze of the 70s slowed down a bit going into the mid 80s but it is still going today. There were over 600 vans at the 2021 Nationals and over 700 vans at the 2 previous years' Nationals.

[@nickelvan]

I figured there had to be another Vanner that found this video, I wasn't even searching for van videos. Happy Holidays to you!

[@budlesage3358]

you tell 'em, Doug!!

[@redram5150]

Watching this, I'm reminded of the Simpson's "Second Base Mobile" with a mattress and strobe light

[@DTD110865]

Not to mention a quadro-phonic sound system.

[@klfrostmediallc334]

I totally thought of that while watching this!

[@timwolters3286]

As a driver of the thumbnail van- the Silver and Black with orange, yellow and purple stripes, 77 Ford Cruisin' Van, I enjoyed this video and seeing several clips of the old van in its glory brought back many good memories. I do miss that van, having to move on through the mini van era... We did have a pair of matching Pintos and another van in the area also...

[@Stevie_B_0828]

I absolutely love ur channel, you offer up a very informative video with humor and style. I've watched every episode and some multiple times. Great work, my friend, looking forward to ur next clip. 😉👍

[@mitchbanner4094]

My cousin Buck had a 71 Econoline, school bus yellow, in 76.I was 11 years old and feel in love with it. Portholes, shag carpet, and a bed in the back. I miss the 70's! Mitch Banner Linville NC aka Captain Caveman.

[@Madness832]

And remember: if the van's a'rockin', don't bother knockin'!

[@seiph80]

Nice!

[@allergyahead8128]

We were still selling a lot of dodge conversion vans throughout the 90s.We got a lot of conversions done in Elkhart Indiana. Ford and Chevy did too.

[@Cammi_Rosalie]

My family likes to take day trips. Go see the changing leaves. Go to a park. Go out to eat. Go... wherever. With me, my parents, and my sisters two kids and my brothers kid, The family GMC Envoy that seats 5 was not enough. It seats 5 if the 3 in the back are crammed in shoulder-to-shoulder, and nobody wanted that so I'll just say it seats 4. There were 6 of us... The solution: Mom, Dad, and the two youngest kids in the Envoy. My oldest Nephew and I followed along in my Dads truck. We had been looking for something like a Suburban or an Excursion or some other three-row family hauler.. So one day, my Dad come home with this huge 1990 B250 Dodge Ram van. High top conversion, graphics paint job. Leather swiveling reclining captains chairs. Big couch-like rear seat that folded out into a full bed at the push of a button. Wood cabinetry and trim galore. Plush, pillow-like red velour. TV. Aircraft style interior lamps. The curtains on the windows.. The whole damn ten yards! All but the "Shag" carpet. Deep-pile carpet, yes. But not shag. We took about two trips in it. Both of which I drove. My Dad didn't like driving it. My Mom is too short to drive it. The seats pretty much swallow you up in the plush-ness! But me? I LOVED IT! Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to have one of these vans in the family.. Now In my 40's, we finally got one! But it had a few mechanical gremlins.. It was very low on power and could barely go uphill.. So.. it sat as a hunk of lawn-art for about a year. The kids played in it. Camped out in it. Pretended to drive it etc. Me and my Dad threw parts and money at it trying to find the "bug" that was making it so weak. One day Dad calls me and says he might have a buyer to come get it. I. Was. PISSED! I told him that I want to try one more thing to fix it.. If it didn't work, I wouldn't complain if he sold it. He told me that he didn't care, to do what I wanted.. So I went out grabbed a sawzall and chopped the exhaust off at the cat, and left it open-piped. Fired it up and took it down the road... Like a BAT OUT OF HELL! Licketty-split up the hills and haulin' ass on the straights. I came home, and said "Cat's plugged!" We went in and bought a new cat, and a new muffler to boot. I put it all together, and it was awesome. A week later, He says he found the title to the van and I had to go with him to the notaries. I was fuming mad, but figured that it's his van, he can do what he wants, I guess. We got there and he signed it over to ... ME!.. Yeah. It's MY van now! I have driven that sumbitch from PA, To the Badlands, across Montana, down to Yellowstone, Back through Sturgis and home again. 70 to 75 MPH on the highways the whole way. The only issue that cropped up was the oil-pressure sensor pooped out. I changed that in Laurel MT, and did an oil & filter change for shits & giggles. I still drive it. And now it's finally the family day-tripper it was meant to be. And. it's my camper, my RV. my daily. It's my Van.

[@thecianinator]

That might be the best van story I've ever read, not that I've read a lot but the point is I about shed a tear. Beautiful.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

It's good to hear a story with a happy ending for once. Happy Trails to you.

[@mafcodesigns]

Great video! I was a kid in the 70's and remember all of this! I am currently restoring a 1979 VW bus and will be doing some customizing on the interior!

[@91_C4_FL]

It’s interesting how vans became spartan “off the grid” vehicles while Jeeps are now the personalized social art pieces in the US.

[@texaswunderkind]

The computerized and emissions-controlled engines of today stymie the driveway gearheads. Individualized seating compartments and wrap-around consoles may aide in driving comfort, but leave little interior room for interior customization. Things like wicker seats I'm sure are totally illegal today. The more safety legislation that comes along, the less personalities cars have. That's not all bad - we've had two cars totaled in accidents with not a scratch on us - but the fun factor has gone to zero.

[@correctpolitically4784]

​@@texaswunderkind that's kinda the challenge.