"DEATHSTAR" 1977 Custom Tandem Dodge Van.

[@celestialscripture]

In my grandparents' neighborhood, when I was a kid, right after the first Star Wars came out, there was this dude who lived there who we kids called "Van Man", because he had a 70's van covered in Star Wars iconography. It was so bad ass. Every time he'd go up and down the street we'd go nuts.

[@JuicyFruityify]

With the current live in a van craze I'm surprised many of these dormant 70's hippy vans haven't been brought back into repurposed service. I'd love to see that one like that brought up to date. It would be cool.

[@carriesimons]

Most rusted and we're crushed

[@SucceedStrategically]

That van is as old as I am.. And it's in way better shape!

[@vincemcham7233]

Very cool.

[@73gmiller]

It's not the year it's the miles, my brother

[@GhostHunterWV]

Me too! lol

[@toddstewart9070]

Me too. I was born in 77 and all of my hairs are turning grey.

[@John-tg5vn]

do any of you old vans have any advice for ababy van pulling out of the lot?

[@blackc1479]

Really awesome build, and extra respect for keeping it this long and running. My only bitch would be (and I can't believe no one else has pointed it out), that the quote on the hoods wrong. For all the attention to detail, that's kind of glaring. But everything else is top line. Plus props for the cleanliness of the fabricated parts. They totally flow with the rest of the build. And that art is on point. Too often photo realistic doesn't come off that well.

[@davidr4332]

Am not a star war fan but I definitely love your van man .

[@TC-es6qb]

Cool Van.... Kinda get the feeling he’s really not that into Star Wars...just kinda picked the theme

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

T C should have gone with Barbarella and airbrushed Jane Fonda on the side.

[@Datanditto]

Remember- it was his buddy’s idea; he was talked into it.

[@TheTruthKiwi]

Haha Yeah I felt that too. Still cool af though

[@crunchb3rry]

Can't be, there's prequel trilogy art on the van.

[@Hellichibi]

@@crunchb3rry Prequel trilogy is a masterpiece compared to sequel trilogy, just saying.

[@LigerTigerOP]

That's beautiful. It looks amazing. Very clean bodywork and paint.

[@wesleyswaters8643]

This is my first time seeing a van limo, but I am a huge fan of comfort, and vehicles of all makes. But vans have a special spot in my heart . Ever since I was a young'n my friends dad had a old school decked out van , with a small bar table, a bed, a Lil fridge and I remember having many fun nights literally filled with laughter. I swear I went in a fat kid came out with a hardened sixpack abs. Thank you for the post

[@Irish-Bear]

I saw this van in Champaign, IL. about 2 weeks ago.

[@ryandavis930]

I own three vans. Nothing but vans. You sir have outdone yourself. Thanks for keeping old iron on the road.

[@Robocoppat]

I loved the van craze back in the 70's. I went to as many shows as I could. No 2 we're alike.

[@DaveRyan1974]

My dad's had a 77 Chevy shorty van that's a badass hot rod for 40 years! So with that said I love Vans at one time we had three Chevy van shorty vans in our driveway I had a 77 my dad's had his 77 for many years and then he had a 76! And with that said I'm not really into super custom bands but that van that you've got I give you unlimited thumbs up I know that took tons of work and it looks pretty cool and Star wars rules!!!!!!

[@user-ii4vn8hw7z]

This is the van Vader gave Lando for selling out Han. The bumper sticker says "I Operate This One Solo".

[@Roesch03WRX]

The artist is my uncle. My mother just sent this to me lol. I saw this van just finished in G. Coops shop one day visiting home from the service and we had the family get together there. Love them folk.

[@fcburgner35]

Remarkable craftsmanship . I do find one thing curious though - RV'ers are always careful about excess weight and he has a water bed that probably weighs 600 - 900 lbs, which would take a toll on gas mileage and stopping distance.

[@boothbuster]

F C Burgner excellent traction though... could probably get through any icy roads if all four wheels have power going to them.

[@danawoodall8106]

Awesome. So glad this van is still around

[@djstanstillmke]

the cabinetry looks out of place...but i love it all the same..

[@friendlypiranha774]

I grew up in the era of vans. They were way nicer than today's SUVs. And this one is awesome.

[@downswingplayer9712]

And the picture on the side here showing all 47 films.

[@mtrethowan]

As I recall, Kenny (?) of Pacific Vans on South Vermont in/near Gardenia specialized in creating Dodge Dualies. I worked for Fiber Van at the time, 77/78, just a few miles from his shop. One that I remember Kenny built had a hot tub and crystal chandelier. His work was premium and ahead of its time. I was doing Pass-Thrus on mini trucks as well as full van conversions at the time.

[@batvette]

Mini trucks... lol gone with the dodo just like california vws

[@tallglider8349]

cool van man! lots of blood, sweat and tears there for sure...much respect!

[@anx1]

I'm just glad that Van's like this still exist customed out to the max😎

[@GTLees]

Cool, innovative, unique and I dig it! There are some way cool custom features that make it stand out without taking away from it's usability. Even on my laptop that paint looks fantastic in quality and artistry. I'm not a Star Wars fan but I appreciate what went into this creation and I'm a fan of the van. Excellent execution of a far out vision!

[@nancysmith9487]

Dark side is powerful, but we've seen which one stands out everytime... Great van,craftsmanship, scenery, amazing paint and murals... sir, May the force be with yous!!!

[@SVTsupercharged]

When a complete nerd builds something cool. Love that super clean and simple interior, very well done.

[@timmclaughlin2316]

Oh man! The AC vents at the snack tray! A water bed?!! Cooooool!

[@toamataafa4647]

Kool paint job...thanks for sharing.

[@Jetsetfastfood]

I watched this in delight as I ate 1/2 a pecan pie! The best 9 minutes of my life!

[@KORUN666]

When the late 70's was cool, man, look at Leia and luke, the paint, airbrush masterwork here. When I was young I was offered a book about the Van culture, how they'll probably become the new limo etc… With pics of some of the most coolest custom vans in it, I can't recall if this one was in, but I remember a 6 wheel exactly as this one called 'Harem', all candy red with a 'boudoir' interior, all sofas and beds, custom engraved mirrors and the airbrush was stunning as well. It's cool to see this one 'live' on video.

[@johnnyquestt3132]

vintage & spectacular time capsule 🍺✌

[@ratj4715]

Johnny Questt agree

[@HamBonEz]

Mopar baby!!!!! Don't judge me because I have a E350 I come from a family of Hard core Mopar heads!!! What a beautiful piece of Americana heck yeah!!!! Cheers n God bless

[@naterally1]

Luke, I am your father.....or.... No...I am your father...

[@thinktank8389]

naterally1 ha ha, Mandela effects. It's Luke, I am your father. Lol. Nice

[@SpaceTrucker91]

It’s “No, I am your father.”

[@painkillerjones6232]

And this is where it happened.....

[@theogdirkdiggler]

It depends on what era you were born in. When I was a kid (in the 70's) I remember talking into a fan and distinctly remember saying "LUKE .....I AM YOUR FATHER"

[@cindysue5474]

Its no iam not your Father now get out of here Kid and go find your real Father!

[@yellowbelly8402]

Just found your channel.... great looking old school vans..All the best from UK🙂

[@ianhumphry1]

Buddy of mine had a tradesman 200 when I was in high school. Spent a lot of lunches in it in the parking lot. Had one of those pop up vents on top to let all the smoke out. Nice interior too. Popular customs in the 70's

[@siktaho83]

Probably the sweetest van out there, just wow!

[@chronicawareness9986]

dude this is the coolest thing ive seen for along time... a built 360 with 400 hp? i wonder if the power goes to the back 4 wheels or what.. but damn thats cool the [paintjob is sick

[@andrewking9761]

Chronic Awareness. I love how the different shades of blue mix with the pink. For me this is one of the best presented vans around very few like that model still around I'd say. I'm from Brisbane Australia.

[@timquinn9036]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL VAN KEEPER I N THE SHADE SAVE THAT PAINT JOB

[@derricklogan2058]

BEAUTIFUL VAN!!! I miss vans of the 1970's!!! This is what a van should look like! Customized and Murals!!! After the 2003 Dodge Conversion, Hi-top Vans were discontinued, Vans now, have no personality!!! MiniVans, Cross Overs all look basically the same!!!

[@joelgalvan8358]

A masterpiece ,in the world of vans, not an overnight, sensation ,thought and time.

[@rajnbull]

**I live In A Van Down By The River**

[@raybustos4987]

R.i.p Chris Farley

[@3rdcoastghost]

RIP Chris Farley

[@timothydornan6517]

F

[@AllTheBestCO]

@ 3:47 This air cooled snak tray is over-the-top. Pure NASA innovative stuff. Right out of a science fiction movie. Nice

[@cfcreative1]

Remove the water bed and replace with foam and you would probably lose lots of dead weight. I would also do it all out in LED.

[@stickboslightning]

While true, waterbeds were huge in the 70s and it fits the theme.

[@tinycat06]

Thanks for building the van May the force be with you!

[@pancudowny]

Wait... Was this the van that appeared on "The Ray Raynor Show", back in the day?

[@knuttsackjones3094]

Man I bet LoneStar and Barf would go apeshit over this sweet ride!!👍🏻 Also I’m pretty sure Dethklok would tour in this😂😂

[@TheJamesLamb]

my 1978 Dodge MaxiVan with a 496 v8 and a 2:73 gear was a blast! I wish I still had it.... Cool van. I like the tandem axle idea. I want to build one with snowcat tracks, ultimate bug out van!

[@Fine-tuned-Ferrari]

Hey Tom, good to see you. Long live Primo Vans!

[@ironeagle2526]

Very nice love the waterbed and paint job what a head turner

[@jaxxkane7255]

I never get tired of watching this such a great van

[@joannasarcamedes8191]

so many creative people...they give us hope...

[@norcaldigger348]

Beautiful van, Tom. Hopefully I will see it in person some day.

[@megataurus7779]

the force is with you tom

[@380Banshee]

these are enormous had the same 77 with extended cab & 70 series turbine 15" wheels w/road hugger tread from discount tire, it was cool

[@JosephMichaelLima]

You have a cool van man! Class of “74 Tucson, Arizona had a Dodge Van I loved too back in the day! God bless you for your choice of paint jobs!

[@MrGrey-dx5sb]

Buddy also not just the bumper your bumper but the whole van is one of a kind

[@rhill2663]

Awesome job, Tom. The paint work and attention to detail is very impressive. I bet you got a ton of trophies at home.

[@lumpy368]

Great looking art on the van.

[@lookingthroughice7843]

Im not a fan of Star Wars but that van is amazing, beautiful art work and outstanding customization. 👍👍👍👍👍👍🍻

[@drummerdude0314]

Hells yes I love star trek

[@delbert359]

Oh the way Dr Smith and the Robot would argue.

[@AWARHERO]

Man... That paint job is awesome!

[@the.porter.productions]

Now that is some cool van! Quite pleasing to look at!

[@twocentproductions5326]

Nice van but you should of done all barbarella!

[@Imintune...]

Late 70s i gotta work on them in my teens in high school working pt at a body shop. Those were the days.😊

[@mattschwensen9562]

Sick van ! I would have loved to have this van when I was a teenager...... But could never of afforded it till I was an old man

[@virtuaguyverify]

That's life aye? I use to see old guys in very nice cars and make fun of them. Now I'm the old guy in one lol

[@felixfischer312]

Rhis is real deal what a van you got to love 70's how they deck them out. Great work! This is one to travel in. Oh yes got to have waterbed for 70's to be true van.!😎

[@sethwolfe4555]

We had a 1978 Dodge van growing up as a kid. There were eight of us kids and my dad needed something bigger. But it would have been cool if you got a custom van like this one. But he did end up buying a bus and customize that to go on tour with our band in the 80s

[@0BRAINS0]

Black Eagle? Lol

[@snugggggg]

best hood I've honestly ever seen. beautiful.

[@paulsuprono7225]

I can only say one thing . . . SWEET ! The VAN of my dreams !

[@jasonsaeli75]

Beautiful paint work

[@BenDabber]

The portraits are amazing!!

[@MUNDITO1974]

Imagine pulling up 2 the club in this !Heck id make sure id put some serious sounds in there

[@UseThe4orce]

Amazing but I don’t condone the Phantom Menace side.

[@flypaperset]

Artist did a kick ass job

[@fierousa4387]

Cool van, thumbs up!

[@jasonjoncas5998]

Waterbed definitely 70s vintage that thing ROCKS!

[@jiakabery3550]

This van is DOPE! I say dope because it takes me back to the mini truck shows of the late 80s early 90s. And dope is what we said back then. Hahahaha

[@Darth_Wafer]

Better get that trailer going. The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi

[@calvincooley1074]

I remember this van from when I was a kid.

[@landofthefree1804]

The sickest van ever!

[@Prestonesfpv]

Nice van !! I would love a van like that, paint it gunmetal, a giant roof rack and belfast curtains on the windows and it would become the battlestar.

[@GameofLife44]

Super cool. Is there a bathroom onboard?

[@CEOkiller]

No, but there is a airlock...

[@msrautowerks7223]

the owner Is who I imagined and pictured in my mind when I saw the caption image of the van before clicking 😂😂

[@lickdacat2]

Incredible job, you are extremely talented.

[@lastonanisland1111]

That is one badass van!!!!

[@jeffhall1393]

There were 2 of these in Bakersfield, Ca. back in the lat 70’s and early 80’s.

[@corinnerobinson4949]

I like it...so it's from the 70s...very original,,,I remember when these style of vans were coming out,,,,they use to trick them nice,,,back then they were chick magnets...very Californian to take to the beach...it brings back memories esp. when star wars came out..very awesome,,,they don't make vans like this anymore....

[@546people]

Making the van life look classy.

[@holmgrown]

I saw an extended van with tandem axles like that going down Western ave in St. Paul MN. in the 80s Wasn't painted yet , could see the welds. Any chance it could be the same van

[@bryanm7953]

Incredible paint job. I'm not a fan of the van but that paint job is top notch.

[@stevepoythress4678]

Incredible van! Love it

[@kirksway1]

I love the interior.

[@stevemehan7276]

Totally awesome van! 👍🏼

[@ctbully]

absolutely beautiful

[@josephjakubec3171]

Incredible work performed. I just don't understand why so many idiots dislike. What's to dislike?

[@snowwhite7677]

Burn the tires by driving around corners!

[@shakengandulf]

Thats my thought too.. wheels look too far apart for tight corners. Would pull on corners.

[@heyyo51]

Love that most won't understand lol!

[@ceezvelasquez932]

I had one of these in the 80s i crashed in Colorado with my wife while being on acid, the best trip i ever had becuase i almost died and had a near death experience while on 2 tabs of acid, i was in a coma for 5 days. If you guys could even being to imagine that trip i wrote book but never published.

[@ricusserfontein1086]

Amazing van work of art.

[@nicksothep8472]

This thing has AWESOME written all over it. I just, sincerely hope, it doesn't have "earth day" written somewhere

[@anothersettlementneedsyour9628]

Beautiful galaxy beast

[@bluesharp59]

Nice Van and Thumbs Up !