RESCUED! RARE 4x4 GMC ONE TON Van-Found Abandoned in Trailer Park 20 Years! The SNAGGIN' WAGON!

We discover this 1977 GMC Vandura g35 4x4 in a trailer park, full of suspicous goodies! Come along with us as we try to get it running. This is the future tow vehicle, shop truck, known as the SNAGGIN' WAGON.
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[@bladenrexroth2555]

That thing is trashed.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Compared to what's been done on this channel? Give me a break

[@bladenrexroth2555]

@@PoleBarnGarage the floors are really bad and I didn't see the frame. Find a cleaner van. Swap over the pathfinder parts and pathfinder identification tags. Can find low mileage rust free ex gov vans under $1500. Find a donor van for those parts. It'll cost you less in the long run. That van looks like it pushed snow and never got a under carriage bath.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

@Bladen Rexroth there's no frame, all Chevy vans are unibody. If you could find me a good shortie van shell for less than 2500 bucks I'd buy it. Otherwise, I'll just butch this up and send it. It's a freaking van, who cares if it's perfect

[@bladenrexroth2555]

@@PoleBarnGarage need an email, approximate location and the years of preference. If I find you a shorty with barn style side doors? Would you be interested?

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I'm near Kansas city, contact info is on the channel About section. [e-mail] or dm me on FB or IG!

[@ChipSpeednut]

Ludwig makes drums. This thing has to have a rock n roll heritage of some kind.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I hope so

[@jeffreymagyar3990]

Ludwig is a drum company that's definitely a old roadie van

[@corneliusnubston]

was literally to come comment this that's an old Ludwig drums logo

[@Darrin_Wyatt]

I can't believe that thing has been sitting that long and no one has inquired about it, very nice find sir.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

My thought is "no one has destroyed it?"

[@FriendlyRider88]

​@@jeffryblackmon4846don't be a hater, this van right here is worth over 20 grand in good condition

[@Blairreece]

Most 4x4 conversions are junk if they aren’t rusted most of the time they are just as unsafe the ford conversions have the front springs mounted in the crumple zone of the frames

[@oneyearoutproductions]

I can't offer much other than my support with thumbs up and sharing! Thanks to junkyard digs for turning me on to your channel...I've been watching all your content and enjoying it!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Hey man you're helping me out just by being here, I appreciate you!

[@chronicsrandommoments6823]

Same here junkyard digs brought me here with that beautiful step side chevy...love the videos

[@jacobchandler1260]

That’s how I got here too😂 both of them have become my two favorite KZbinrs. I discovered Kevin from donut media lol

[@MastaT_150]

*I think it’s about time we see start seeing more of this thing!!!* _(Assuming you still have it and it’s at all an option)_ There’s just something extra cool about 4x4 Van’s and if this one could talk I bet it’d have some wild stories! 😶‍🌫️

[@justingould7348]

I second this!

[@MDMcVay11462]

He's currently working on it

[@Atodaso-pg9kq]

Enough of all the other vehicles it’s this thing’s turn to get some love! 😎🤘

[@pauljohnson296]

JD has the neatest personality, clearly an intelligent young man!

[@TheRnorman33]

"You're not gonna actually drive on that street?" That would make me want to fire it up RIGHT NOW! Hold my beer, mama!

[@johnsheetz6639]

Ahhhahaha! I don't know you. but one thing I know is we're cut from the same cloth. I'd help you prime the carburetor from a old beer bottle if that's what it took!

[@FaTWizard]

Ludwig's is a type of drum set. Ludwig was Beethoven's first name but I don't think that's what the van is referring to.

[@BuffsGarage]

Need to make that Van GO!! Make sure you have the Monet to buy all Degas

[@dextermorgan4337]

I hope this van will be a badass

[@BuffsGarage]

@@dextermorgan4337 with Dalton building it, no doubt it will be

[@cobramike13bravo63]

Thanks Pole Barn Garage. Your content has cured my depression, glaucoma, gout, blue balls, crabs and seven year itch.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

PRAISE the LAWD

[@cobramike13bravo63]

@@PoleBarnGarage would love to see cheap rebuild on that 400, those are rare engines. How about poor man rebuild with cheap aluminum eBay heads and cam.

[@whitebison66]

So for next year's Gambler 500 you have a new vehicle AND a free hotel room??? Winning!!! I 100% agree with you, this thing is so unique and bad-ass that I am very glad someone saved it.

[@S0REN_]

If I remember correctly, Gambler requires some proof of ownership and insurance. If this thing was truly abandoned, I'd assume there's no title, so it would be uninsurable.

[@timothyballinger6280]

Dude the cool factor is 10 out of 10! Awesome find! Not to mention it's a 4x4 as well👍 you always find the cool stuff, way to go!

[@rsprockets7846]

we had a 73 SWB g30 back in mid 70s they wanted 800 buckes for it with a zillion miles and blown motor i passed

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

JD: "How come everything you buy has to be stuck?" That made me laugh! That's a good one, JD!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

He's right ya know

[@jamesdamron2065]

Damn. Locker & a 400. That van is rare

[@bornesavage22]

Love this van bro! Not to mention, y'all are the best!!!!

[@hendo337]

That van is incredible. I had no idea they made 1 ton shorty vans. I was born in far upstate NY where it snows feet at a time and my stepdad always needed a van because he did flooring, he always wanted a 4x4 van and he was a diehard Chevy guy, the only 4x4 vans we typically saw were the super weird V drive vans that kept the IFS in the front and used twin differentials from a dual output T case which were fragile, difficult even in the 80s to get parts for and even in rusted out high mileage condition relatively expensive. That is an incredible find. Very cool options, it must be one of a low double digit number produced. If you stuck with the 16.5" wheels, you could do what I did on my '75 F250 years ago and find used HMMWV tires for it, that's a GM so you might even be able to use the factory beadlock wheels too, she probably has a 14 bolt rear and D60 front, it might require a lift though because they are 36-37" tall but they look mean and will make that sucker go great off road. Shame the 400 is junk, any SBC or BBC would work great, a Vortec 7400 converted to a 4bbl with a little work could work really well, minor porting, mill the heads down then slap some thinner head gaskets in there to get that compression up and 454ci will be plenty.

[@3rdworldgarage450]

Wow! It's kinda like an American UAZ 452, only with much more engine displacement!

[@Memry-dq7ug]

I can’t wait to see you get back to work on this one, it’s glorious!

[@jasonbose3507]

Wow, you found the unicorn 🦄 of all vans!!! Good job lucky one!

[@ThomasthEEngineR]

I love mom’s comments

[@jamespepper2541]

Dude, I hope you kept that van it's one of the coolest vans, I've seen in a while!!! 😎

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Yes! Stepside gets finished first, but then it's van time

[@mjc8248]

Is this still around? I saw one on the road earlier, and I instantly thought of yours.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Yep

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Super rare a guy named tombense had one of those brand new he special ordered it he ran a parking lot cleaning service has giant vacuum unit on the middle underneath with tanks inside vacuum big shopping centers not very many of those were made that's great glad you're going to rescue that it's worth it

[@terryeustice5399]

Ludwig was a music company.I understand not wanting to pull the engine from a van. It’s a real pain. And all your treasures found are cool. Hope it will break loose for you. The floor in back is pretty rusted. You and JD are very entertaining. Thanks for sharing!

[@mightymikethebear]

The bed of a Chevy truck from the same time period would come close to fitting the floor space in the van.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

This says Ludwigs.

[@drewdane40]

Definitely not the same company. The drum maker is Ludwig, not Ludwigs. Also that was not their logo.

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

4WD on Tons = Very cool. Like button energized.

[@andrieslingenfelder293]

Came here from junkyard digs. Loving the content

[@tycoonspaceman]

for some reason i keep hearing Mr T when i look at this Van :D , can't wait to see where you go with it

[@codymentzer2052]

Ludwig is one of the largest brands of drums from back in the day when this van woulda been in its prime

[@pcbullets8726]

That is pretty kick ass! You just don't see many of those vans. My brother had a 72 GMC van that had a 454 in it(motor swap). The transmission had a weird overdrive gear that kicked in at 80 mph, great highway cruiser. Of course, the motor was a nightmare to work on, just like this one. Can't wait to see how this one turns out!

[@allenm00]

I remember seeing 4wd vans when I was younger that were owned by the county emergency squad. They were really neat looking to me.

[@jesterr7133]

Lol. All the good stuff you found in it paid for the van, so it's a win whether it runs or not. I did the same thing when I worked at a junkyard. I overpaid for a panel van in an online auction. I shit myself when it was delivered. It was a cable contractor's van that must have been a repo. It was full of tools, coax, connectors, ohm meters, and all kinds of cool stuff. Everyone that was working that day walked away with at least a box of stuff, and the rolls of coax paid for the van. I got a tool that is used for testing outdoor cable lines that is worth about $500 by itself. It's cool when you find stuff like that in a vehicle.

[@trolleybarn2614]

I really like the sliding windows. Tell your mom the creepy white vans are longer and don't have cool windows.😂😂 Great video as always.

[@InnocentMiscreant]

Fix the 400 you won't regret it there practically worth their weight in gold now a days

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I'm going big block I decided, but I'll keep the 400 you better believe it

[@youngdenzel9574]

I love this guy just flat out says by merch 😆

[@WorkinWithWiley]

What an awesome buy!! She is a little rusty but hey it's a 1ton 4x4 Van!!!😲😲

[@blodhemn413]

Damn, man. You now have 3 projects I'm anxious to see more on. Great stuff.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thankfully Roadrunner is nearing it's conclusion, eagle is an easy fix, then it's on to this baby

[@philh9238]

What’s the roadrunner worth?

[@DeflatedMeatball]

​@philh9238 a wet pack of cigarettes and a half eaten moldy bagel.

[@jamesmcknight6812]

So I have one of these vans. Not a conversion though. They were made from 71-95 with some variation on grilles and engines and such. Anyway - I’ve (heard) you can get a big block in one. But it’s TIGHT. Like way tighter than they are already. But then again I haven’t done it so take that as you will. Excited to see this continue though!

[@stevechilders2624]

It’s cool your son and you hang out…JD seems like a good kid…

[@HamptonBallance]

Hoping there’s another video of this soon!! That thing is bad to the bone!!

[@josiahkierstead1499]

Dude I absolutely love this van… who cares if you replace the floor pans and things with the rooooooof of a van😂😂😂. And you can find a beat up big block Chevy suburban or long bed chevy from the 90s for cheap with a perfectly fine 454 tbh. This is certainly a keeper and I can’t wait to see the next content on this animal!!!!

[@stevenvalentine9810]

One heck of a find there! My dad and I have always talked about fixing up a short van. Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@crustyjox]

You got a better wash than the damn van! 😛

[@trevorlahey3863]

completely dead serious, this may be my favorite vehicle in your collection.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Don't blame you

[@trevorlahey3863]

@@PoleBarnGarage hoping to see it get a heart soon

[@timenfinger41]

I have never liked vans, but I LOVE 4x4 VANS!! They look so tough and have endless possibilities, I hope you can fix it up and keep it! Great find and I can't wait to see more on this one!

[@matthempel198]

That thing has so much potential!!! I can’t wait to see which route you take with it ! As always I’m sure you brand of automotive brilliance mechanic fortitude will make it better than it never was lol

[@brracing7861]

Rare Find and worth some money now.

[@1980bwc]

Chew you up a handful of the stuff in the bucket, and you'll have the engine rebuilt, all the rust repaired and a new paintjob done before daylight!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

😂😂😂

[@coolcat7918]

Growing up there was a dealership in tucker ga.that in smokie and the bandit he drove the trans am through the plate glass window that had a bunch of them,all convertions,decked out, fireplaces shag carpet,70's style.they even drove a couple of the to the top of stone mountain which no one had done because it's to steep and took pics.brings back memories.

[@eightfooter88]

We need a new van update video!!

[@user-GETTINGITDONE]

I know from my highSchool days " LUDWIG " was ( is ) a major ( percussion ) designer builder, but I'm pretty sure there are other companies named Ludwig, Ludwigs , I love your creativity and choice vehicles stay strong and keep up the great videos !!!!

[@Greatday68]

While I haven't put a 454 in a van, I helped but a big block chevy 396 in a 1971 chevy van way back when I was in 9th grade. For one it's a real tight fit, We had to widen the floor around the engine with a hammer. We had to use that same hammer to clearance the doghouse or engine cover (whatever you want to call it). I made the new throttle linkage and shift linkage in shop, You may not have to make a shift linkage for yours. since we also swapped in a different trans with overdrive, It was so tight we could not use headers. And it was a real pain to change spark plugs in. But it really wasn't that bad to but in the big block. We did it in the back yard Pulled the old engine after removing the front clip and slid the new one in with the trans attached, you won't have very much room to go up or down with the engine hoist I don't remember having to do anything special with the motor mounts. I believe they just bolted right in.

[@Mr49Studebaker]

That thing would be a perfect hauling rig/shop truck. Find an old bed floor from a truck box to fix the floor and I'd say fix the 400 that's in it. Love seeing your low buck engine refreshes.

[@angryyank]

Ludwigs is a brand name of drums... I went & looked at some old band pics and for sure its a early 80's Ludwigs drums decal

[@tri5garage544]

Got to love the school bus rub rails 😂. Awesome van.

[@kentclegg4776]

My grandson and I just received our Holey Goat hoodies. Really nice quality thick material, got to try them out last night and they are super warm!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I love the hoodies!

[@rdbrnr86gt]

Not normally a van guy, but I like this one. It seems like this thing could be a sweet classic camping/survival rig.

[@danadribnenki8774]

I think that’s a fantastic idea! Maybe he could paint it olive drab and do a semi Mad Max on it! Yeah, and a mondo winch on the front……. Wow, now we’re cooking with gas!!🤗🤔🤓

[@MultiHotrod74]

20 years ago I helped a guy strip one of these out, only 2wd. He was a machinist, and had built a healthy small block for it he was going to keep, but the body was shot. We pulled the grille and radiator, put a carb plate on it and he had a forklift with a slot in the fork, he was able to slip it in, drop it just enough to get a bolt through it, pick it up and come out the front with it. So that can be done. I've seen hints since you filmed this that you picked up a 454 van to use as a donor, I don't know if you can squeeze out a big block the same way

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Yeah that seems to be the idea on either one. Probably not fun but doable

[@scottschooling4354]

Love your channel, your work ethic, and the family involvement. I enjoy every video

[@vicmabus1532]

With the slowly dissolving floor, you should have plenty of room to put a big-block in.

[@tornadojones7429]

In the UK we had the extremely similar Bedford CF/Opel Blitz which vied with the Ford Transit for numbers on the road (my dad had 3 over the years) a popular conversion in rodding circles was the Buick V8 that Rover UK bought in the late 60s, (the Rover V8 is a household name here and powered everything from big sedans to vans to trucks to boats to sports cars so its a cheap and plentiful engine) these slotted straight in on a Borg Warner type 45 transmission and turned a dull Van into a fire breathing behemoth!... There were 4x4 versions of the Bedford CF as well as an Electric EV version from the mid 80s, many of which survive...

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Very cool.

[@smallblockfuelie]

That’s a great find. Not many of them out there

[@garyansell9735]

Can't wait to see more on this van.

[@garyansell9735]

Hotdang! I feel special.

[@jessekaija7657]

Very cool van. Great content as always. Very interested in the g35, the sx4, and the rolledrunner. 454 in the van would be my vote. You'll probably never see anything else like it!

[@rsprockets7846]

got a pickup K next to the van

[@Cam-sm1iz]

Good lesson guys! Two thumbs 👍! Put a 454 in it and ditch the 400. Just my opinion.

[@raymondcollyear4773]

Just do as usual rebirth it. JD was having a blast going threw it. When I go to the salvage yard looking for parts my oldest boy was about JDS age and he'd go threw the cars while I was getting parts and he loved always wanted to go with me. Cant wait to see what you do with it. Don't forget to give mom a ride . She'd love it .

[@craigmiller7063]

I absolutely love it. I daily drive a 1980 gmc shorty school bus and I'm trying to give away a free 1976 gmc motor home in Oregon but I don't have a title and it's basically just good for the whole front clip from the doors forward and no one wants it's even when it's free.

[@4x4VANMAN]

Great find! I have a mint condition quigley g3500 extended van with a 454 and a dana 60 up front! It was a air force base van outa Great Falls Montana. Love your channel! Keep it up!!

[@SWEET-2381]

Man it came with all the goodies too!! what lol The van is badass dude

[@PoleBarnGarage]

There was like $200 of crap in there!

[@chasebh89]

this thing hauling the holey goat or rolledrunner will be a sight for the record books

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Exactly

[@rikiwakwak]

Cool find. The possibilities of coolness with the van are numerous. Cant wait to hear the plan : )

[@richhaytonNZ]

A fantastic watch as always, keep up the good work :).

[@power2thepeople53]

Dang bud. I feel like it's worth a full tear down and rebuild. It's a sweet rig. And who knows what Ludwigg is but I'd keep that too. You don't see things Like that much anymore. A gem

[@PoleBarnGarage]

It'll get one, after the stepside

[@power2thepeople53]

@Pole Barn Garage yeah that step side is also a Dimond in the really rough.

[@kennynelson2269]

Ludwigg is a drum company, but I don't know if this is Related

[@robertfinnerty7201]

Adding lubricant to a cylinder can be difficult but here is how to make it easy. Pick up a suction tool that you can then dispense the fluid from. Add a hose to the suction tool and push the fluid directly into the cylinder. You can work around all obstacles this way and it is fairly clean. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@bradleeherbert1986]

I wanna see another video on this beast. I hate vans but this is a 4wd van so that’s sick!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I'm one guy.. I'm trying lol

[@bradleeherbert1986]

@@PoleBarnGarage I know man hahah, and I bet you are! But me being me it would be a bloody pain trynna pull that motor out so I’d give up and don’t blame you if you do hahah, just best of luck for you!

[@mikedefalco7791]

Ludwig Engineering is a land surveying company based in California. They've been in business since 1964. Might make sense being that van was custom ordered and is double badass... Make that triple.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I think you might have nailed it! But is it Ludwigs with an S

[@mikedefalco7791]

@@PoleBarnGarage back in the day there were a gaggle of Ludwig's working for the company I'm guessing. You could always ask one of your viewers to run a Carfax or contact GM. Another SWAG...

[@anthonyblacker8471]

What a SCORE! Edit: Man I must have missed you talking about it, not sure but I haven't watched your entire collection of videos as of yet, I AM working on it though, trying my best to get you trending!! Anyway I wonder, have you given up on this beauty or she's on the back burner or you've secretly been working on her? This is a VERY rare find I think and it would be SUPER SWEET to see a revival (or something) on it!! Thanks Dalton for all the great videos man, you're an awesome creator and a really great dad!!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

It's in line, after the stepside. I'll never let this one go! (Famous last words)

[@anthonyblacker8471]

@@PoleBarnGarage awesome to hear, we had an old 3/4 ton GMC, factory gold with a 400 in it, my dad got rid of it when i was younger i was SO sad to see it go but he had his reasons. Awesome

[@gregoryowen6693]

Ludwig drum kit’s Rock’n’Roll Scooby doo van.

[@mikejames7013]

Ludwig (written that way) are a drum company. Ringo Starr and many others use Ludwig drums.

[@brandaneakright6082]

That’s actually a pretty rare van being a factory 4x4, but cool project though. Pulling a motor on a van isn’t any fun or putting one in, but I’d keep it a sbc to help ease getting the motor back in.

[@hendo337]

It's an aftermarket conversion. It wasn't until the 2000s that factory AWD full-sized vans were made. Most newer 4wd conversions are Quigley vans.

[@chazzimoto1]

Excellent find!

[@paulestyle4561]

Never had a fancy van but did my fair share of snaggin back in the day.

[@TLSFC5050]

I don't know what Ludwigs is but that logo is so oldschool cool. You should fully restore that thing logo and all

[@nobodynoone2500]

Nice van. a lot of work to do, but a great starting point.

[@ruwithlee1970]

Take the front wheels off and go through the wheel Wells to get the spark plugs for the 1st 2 cylinders, One Hint If you have to change the engine take the front off the truck and use a forklift it's easier.

[@dr.shorty8765]

I really like your channel! I bought a 05 dodge out of a junk yard and redid it, put a flat bed on it. you have given me great ideas with your hood cutting replacing missing floors

[@jamesdamron2065]

That's a pretty rare van. More likely special ordered!!!✌

[@barbqpope1970]

The longer you want to draw the series out with many multiple vids, the happier ill be! This beast is straight up your alley...congrats!

[@barbqpope1970]

P.S....We've always called pimped out custom vans stabbin cabins...picked up some merch, maybe it'll pay for crushed velvet panels...Thanks so much for the entertainment and knowledge...All hail the self tapper!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thank you!

[@twinkie27271]

Too many videos of the same thing has a negative effect on the algorithm.

[@smokmup6098]

Welp. At least this one is still in its original shape! (Mostly) lol you never cease to impress

[@jeffsnyder5456]

You're great man doing videos with your son. I got damned with 3 daughters with no interest in learning anything lol.

[@NJRangerGeorge]

Neons inside side pipes KC lights lifted rear with some cool chrome rims.

[@Ghandisgarage]

That van is friggin sweet.

[@benfield6889]

Love watching your videos from England keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks!

[@John-yu6kw]

I'm guessing here but maybe it belonged to Charles David Ludwigs. The kitty litter fits and the car being from Cali also fits. He died in 2011 but was quite the trooper. He got MS but didn't let that slow him down as he got a Segway. Those could be Segway mounts on the rear door. Also he had 3 different types of cancer but kept on going. Amazing. I just read all this on his obit.

[@stevechilders2624]

Now that, is a cool van! You found it. One GM vehicle I like!

[@bigDbigDbigD]

What a find. Congratulations!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks! Can't wait to get started

[@goofybigfoot]

Awesome find, one of my bucket list cars, if you decide to get rid of it, let me know!!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Mine too! That makes us strange, just so you know

[@goofybigfoot]

@@PoleBarnGarage I'm one of those blessed folks that's never been accused of being normal!! Looking forward to the videos of the progress on the new rig.

[@EReznok]

OH YEAHHHH! The ole Stabin' Cabin.

[@jeremyramsey5779]

Yet again awesome video as usual I watch your channel everyday!! Good for you the way you have your son with you he'll be better off because of what you do. And his sense of humor will benefit greatly!! Dont get discouraged keep it up!!

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

There used to be a record store called Ludwig's going to change to Ludwig von ear it'd be interesting to find out if that was the old Ludwig van could be a long shot but hey you never know thanks for doing this keeps me inspired

[@PoleBarnGarage]

That's what I heard, I tried looking into it but no dice?

[@auteurfiddler8706]

I thought it made musical instruments.