Van Life - 1969 Chevy Cargo Van To Radical Custom Show Van - Blutopia Mo-Fo Utopia Customs Episode 1

Blutopia (formerly called Mofo): 1969 Chevy Cargo Van Conversion To Radical Custom Show Van - Meet 4 Time Van National Champions, Marty & Joyce Sooby of Utopia Customs! - Van Life - Custom Radical Van Builders, Mo-Fo built by Marty & Joyce Sooby of Utopia Customs, Episode 1
Joyce & Marty love vans. They love breaking the mold, literally, to create custom van creations that will blow you away. They chop & dice and whip up a whole new vision into reality of what a van can be. They're radical van builders. They dream it and then make it. It's truly remarkable.
They are what you'd call die-hard 2-percenters - the group of vanners around the country who are really, really into vans.. and vanning... and Van-Ins and Truck-Ins and especially, the Annual Van Nationals.
Marty has been customizing vans for over 40 years, starting with his first van in 1973. He attended his first van show in 1977 in Fisherville, Virginia and was hooked. Together, Joyce and Mary have been to more van shows and truck-ins than you can count... and they have the patches to prove it. They've won countless awards over the years and their enormous collection of trophies and plaques are proudly displayed throughout their shop and home. Their first radical van, Utopia, won Best In Show twice and their latest radical van named Mo-Fo won Best In Show at the 2014 Van Nationals and won again at the 43rd Annual Van Nationals in 2015 in Altamount, Illinois.
When they first started going to van shows, they weren't winning the top spots. They quickly learned that there is a point system that the judges use to decide the winners. When Joyce and Marty realized you'd get 20 points for chopping a van body, "radical" became their new favorite word. Learn how Marty and Joyce turn a normal cargo van into a radical show van!
Please visit us at www.backroadsvanner.com
If you'd like to get in touch with Utopia Customs, please reply in the comments below or contact us on www.backroadsvanner.com and we'll put you in touch with Marty & Joyce.
#VanLife #ShowVan
FIND US AT:
Web Site: backroadsvanner.com
KZbin: backroadsvanner.tv
Facebook GROUP: / backroadsvanner
JOIN US, FOLLOW US, SHARE US:
Facebook PAGE: / backroadsvanner
Instagram: / backroadsvanner
Twitter: / backroadsvanner
Pinterest: / backroadsvanner
Google+: plus.google.com/+BackroadsVanner
BACKROADS VANNER MERCHANDISE:
www.backroadsvanner.com/store/
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR KZbin CHANNEL!
THANK U!!
CREDITS:
Music used in this video:
All Good In The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Other music used in this video:
Staring At The Valley - Silent Partner
Sunflower - Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
Summer Nights - The 126ers
DC Love Go Go - Slient Partner
Hills - Riot

[@eianflanagan7767]

I love this van. You can tell they have a true passion for vans.

[@duantorruellas716]

Incredible old school van designs . Totally amazing work , and it's great to see they are still together doing it since the 70s. Really is badass.

[@barrywise2773]

Outstanding ! Thanks for this cool van video. What is really awesome is his wife likes and knows alot about all of it.

[@danequinlan2367]

Lookin back on old vids, these two are real gems...true hot rodders.Van life- for life!!

[@cudarocker]

Inspirational and badass! What a kickass bunch of people, all of ya!

[@BackroadsVanner]

Thanks Chris! Very nice comment! Thanks for watching.

[@cudarocker]

Thanks for your work, your tips, and of course, your fantastic videos! What you share is a pleasure to absorb.

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FOR GREAT DETAIL VIDEO AS GREAT SEE THAT CUSTOMS WORKSHIP ALL VAN WITH GREAT DEEP DETAIL

[@JohnRobinson-br4vh]

What a great custom job. I love the colors and the wood is sweet,

[@albertcassler8763]

I really loved these guys, they are a fun couple and great story too

[@OpenRoader]

That couple is every bit as cool as that van. Seeing all her knowledge and the way she supports him in this passion should be a lesson to every man, if you're with a woman that craps on your idea's and dreams, then your with the wrong woman!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+SoCal308GTSiQV You are so right! This couple is an example for us all. They are wonderful people and wonderful to each other. We are proud to call them our friends. Thank you so much for y our thoughtful comments and thanks for watching!

[@martinharris5017]

And vice versa?

[@NoProGoPronto]

Those two have some serious skills. To be able to take a concept and turn it into reality is awesome and magical. I'm sure they are very proud.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+NoProGoPronto They definitely have MAD skills. He is a true craftsman and artist. Thank you for the awesome comments and glad you're watching!

[@Mr-yl1px]

very very cool. Cool van and cool name... "mofo" haha gotta love it

[@Mr-yl1px]

this guy knows what I mean by "making sure everything is perfect" and set up just right to make sure that she's comfy no matter what.

[@denn606]

First off Congratulations on an incredible build, and all the hard work, I can certainly relate, back in the day I built a 66 Dodge show van, but I didn't come here to brag, just want say l love it, always had my eye out for a 69 Chev,(my fav), so no criticism here and no crude comments about your awesome lady, you really got me reinterested in the old cab forwards again, keep on trucking!

[@daddyos50]

that guy is one hellofa cleaver designer, I'm sooooo impressed!!! very stylish love the blue LEDs great choice of color

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

I don't know how I ended up here but glad I did. He is very talented and she's a car guys dream girl. Thanks for posting this and If I ever see them at a show I will say hi.

[@BUTTERFLY-ty3ie]

Wow! Totally love the vans that they have done! Marty and Joyce I would imagine that you are an inspiration to many in and out of the vanner world/community. Beautiful and awesome work you guys have done, keep up the great work! 2%!!! ✌

[@techevar]

cool story - Awsome couple. We need to bring back Vanning like in the old days. :)

[@moparman2303]

Absolutely awesome Utopia i really love

[@glenrosenberg4300]

one awesome van

[@Who.is.Clinton]

WOW, with a capital "W"!!!

[@apacheredwolfe]

beautiful imagination. great craftsmanship. definitely worth every cussword come out. living a very creative and meaningful life. God's speed to them, and you. thank you for the interview.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+apacheredwolfe Thank you for your thoughtful comments and for watching. We appreciate you.

[@andrewilliams7499]

great video, great couple,great van,but better builders hehe,love em.

[@lessstuffmorefreedom-livin6886]

right after I asked you the question I saw the link to your website. I went ahead and purchased a couple stickers I appreciate it thank you very much I love to get a couple shirts but money's tight right now and all I have is 25 bucks and I need 2 of them for my wife and I

[@azspeedbuggy]

the van is way cool, but that couple is amazing...great video...

[@nikkogutierrez5393]

Love your creation that is a dream vehicle

[@terrancel1786]

amazing!

[@MrMarkw36]

that was bad ass!

[@yannkitson116]

Impressive, thanks for sharing :)

[@NabilElJaouhari]

What great stories these people have, so much love and adventures. Awesome video :)

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Nabil El Jaouhari Thanks Nabil, yes, they are awesome and full of great stories and even greater ideas. Thanks for your comments.

[@NomadicGearhead]

So, this is absolutely beautiful work. The interior manages to be luxurious, but stay efficient/practical and minimal. The medicine cabinet-TV-heat/AC is WILD. Myself, I don't understand the doorless hinged front entry (looks like a PITA) but you can't argue it's a fine piece of modification and just gorgeous. Wow.

[@joycesooby1226]

It has a keyless remote entry. Ty.

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

This thing is beautiful!

[@Patriot4America1]

It's a piece of Art

[@felicetanka]

4 kids and a radical van...a great family.

[@aquamarinebarbie]

one of the coolest designs i love the creativity and gorgeous blue 💙 o

[@albertcassler8763]

I got inspired to borrow their design to use on my 77 GMC motor home.... look cooool

[@maxheadroom3946]

WOW BRO! JUST WOW!!!!

[@BobJones-hf7bt]

very well designed and built ride.

[@polynesia160]

OMG! I'm in love with the UTOPIA van!!!

[@telboy0077]

Great Video ,beautiful people thank you

[@pdarling6812]

That’s awesome, awesome van🌺🐞

[@coldcoldrain13]

very cool, crafty use of space.

[@TanTan-zw7wb]

Wow I have seen Utopia And Badass never seen the owners . And never in detail . Thank you so much to take the time and do this video ! Keep up the videos I like them very much !

[@GeorgeLienemann]

Vantastic video ..

[@CEOkiller]

Amazing van! Very creative!

[@CarlottaART]

WOW! Beautiful!

[@2000talon]

WOWEY ZOWEY :) Marty your very talented:) my first van was a 77 chevy boogie van...loved it.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+2000talon Thank you for your comments! We agree, Marty is so very talented! We are looking forward to doing another video featuring Marty's amazing skills - so stay tuned!

[@MrMoore-sp6by]

So Cool.Reminds me of 1977 : )

[@dirkayala5812]

That thing is amazing!...subbed

[@bertju100]

great story great builds

[@ofamilyonthemove1238]

Would stink having to jump in in a downpour. Absolutely AWESOME, though!

[@joycesooby1226]

No problem, we can pop open the side gullwing door. And climb in.....

[@tylerconklin9000]

wow, that is amazing work. super cool

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Tyler Conklin Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching.

[@MrBlackbamboo]

man what a van hello from scotland

[@alexlaverty8564]

God damn that van is amazing...

[@highwatercircutrider]

Very cool couple, love this latest van. I am working on a 1967 chevy window van (runs and drives ). Gary in Michigan

[@polynesia160]

Holey FK! That toilet and shower and odor fan got me fascinated! I would love to buy one of their vans one day!

[@mrgbeck11]

Great interview!! 👍🏻

[@oscbell8038]

surprised the shit out of me seeing that cool shower/toilet combo

[@Ambroshea03]

Very, very cool! Wish to see it in person someday to really appreciate it! =-)

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Christine Ray They might bring it to the Van Nationals this year in Florida.

[@joycesooby6395]

+Backroads Vanner Yes, will be in Lakeland ,Florida on July 6th-10th 2016 for the 44th Van Nationals with MO FO!!! GOD WILLING !!!!!!

[@Ambroshea03]

+Backroads Vanner I live in Kansas. Maybe someday though!

[@CycleCruza]

Awesome builds.

[@dtoy1809]

got some ideas for yours? lol

[@TheDoveNestMansion]

What a Awesome Sauce video! Tell Marty & Joyce that their next door should be like a split barn door type. Almost like one found on a private jet where the bottom half of the door has the steps welded inside and the top half lambo style! That would be crazy sick. Makes me want to do that to my side door on my cargo van! That was one of the best video's i have seen yet! Made me feel like a kid again! Wow, i could go on and on how much i really enjoyed that.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+The Dove Nest Vansion WOW, thank you so much for the AWESOME comments. Glad you enjoyed the video. The door idea is GREAT! Will pass that on to Marty and Joyce. THANK YOU for watching - more coming so stay tuned!

[@barrysnider635]

She's so proud of him!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Barry Snider Yes, she really, truly is! And it's so awesome!

[@michaelanderson8464]

this is rolling art!

[@joycesooby1226]

Michael Anderson thanks so much. That's how we view it.

[@consaka1]

Man I wish I had half that skill and half the time and money necessary to do that. I'd be happy with a good paint job and new marker lights.

[@michaelmccoy2698]

Another great video. Thank you. What a nice couple. Take care. O. P. ( Olde Phart )

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Michael Mccoy Thank you Michael. They really are awesome people and a great couple. Glad that showed through in the video. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@norbertgonzalez8539]

Amazing

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Love the dedication to this Very cool vans. Left a Like

[@wildmongoose7037]

Unreal,makes me want to buy a van and start customizing it,great video..

[@BackroadsVanner]

+merlin helgeson Go for it!!! Then share photos with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/backroadsvanner/

[@CycleCruza]

You need a A LOT of time and money!

[@newdogatplay]

and thats one radical video,

[@gerlandkent6377]

nice, looking van. thank, you for you're video. Random vanners. east coast of virginia. 2%

[@samzuvich6726]

what a life ,, good work mike

[@moomman89]

WOW!

[@slohand4you835]

gr8 work yall !!!

[@ChrisPage68]

That brings a new meaning to "en-suite".

[@BackroadsVanner]

+PageMonster LOL, yes, it does!

[@Bayward]

that was awesome

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Bayward Thanks for watching and for the great comment!

[@donnahowell8674]

Bayward I can agree

[@aileenefields337]

New Subcriber&Love these. Video's&Awesome&interesting people😁

[@teleroi]

Cool story right out of the movie "Van Nuys Blvd".

[@BackroadsVanner]

+teleroi Thanks!

[@joycesooby6395]

+Backroads Vanner We love that old Van Nuys Blvd. Movie !!

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

LOL....1:37....(hug)...awkward silence...."yep"...."yep". That guy didn't seem to fully enjoy THAT moment....I dunno. "Joyyyyyce......I'm hoooooommeee! Joyce? Joyce?? Honey??" Awww crap...LMAO!!

[@aaardvarkkk]

I remember a van called "Utopia" before that from about 1975. I was turned on to vans and vanning when I was 12 during its 70's heyday. This video is a treat. Some great history. Highest championship placing for a van in the ISCA was 2nd place from 1978 called "Stardust". I saw it in about 1982 rusting away in a junk yard. How does that happen?

[@RoboticNomadd]

at 10:50 that blue van in the background of the picture was offered to me for 10k its called the WildSide i never seen it in any videos until now looks just as good as she did back in the day! just wish it was a tad bit cheaper lol

[@3crows68]

I have a request for anyone who owns a 1967-69 Chevy Van. You may have noticed the utter lack of models, Hot Wheels, etc. These vanishing("VAN"ishing, huh, huh) classics need to be brought back to life! I have owned and loved all three of these model years at one time or another, all the 108 wheel base. Unfortunately my home state of Oregon has all but crushed all the pre 1970's vans into extinction! Well I recently downloaded "123D" and discovered how easy it was to take a series of photos around an object at various angles, upload the pictures, and after a short wait, your images come back as a surprisingly accurate 3D model that can then be sent to a 3D printer! The 3D model can then be saved and shared to a public database for everyone's benefit.(you can even do people and get custom "mini-me's" made!) Anyways, if you find yourself to be one of the truly fortunate to still own any of these classics, I would urge you to take the time to either upload your van images into "123D" or send them to me and I'll do it for you! Let's preserve the design we all love for future generations to enjoy. Thanks, and KEEP ON VANNIN'!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+3crows68 3D printers sound interesting. Keep up the movement to preserve the van history! Awesome. We love the earlies!

[@NomadicGearhead]

Wow! That is a great idea. Wish everyone would take the time to do this with old/rare vehicles.

[@VantasticOdyssey]

nice, wow

[@cdnairn3367]

... HMMM ... VERY ! GOOD

[@Mr-yl1px]

after welding, stained glass is the next thing I want to learn.

[@fit4life83]

More customs please:)

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Fit4 Life You got it! More in the works so please stay tuned! Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@juniorvinsonhill1898]

That blue jean jacket has metal buttons on it. The blue jeans have a metal button . He was not working on the van when he walked in.

[@consaka1]

I think Utopia is my fav though.

[@joycesooby6395]

+consaka1 Utopia was my fav too !!!!! Joyce Many Many Memories !!!!!!!

[@BackroadsVanner]

Thanks for checking out our videos, we appreciate you watching and commenting! Please SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Also, join our NEW Facebook "GROUP" where YOU can share your photos and stories at: facebook.com/groups/backroadsvanner Backroads Vanner links and merchandise available at our web site at: www.backroadsvanner.com

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

WOW! WHAT AN INTERESTING AND EXCITING VIDEO! SUCH A LOVELY COUPLE!...AND, THE GENIUS OF THIS MAN IS JUST OUTSTANDING! WHERE IN TEXAS DO THEY LIVE? GREAT INTERVIEW, MIKE...ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS SO MUCH!...JIM (AKA TXRODEHOG)

[@BackroadsVanner]

+JIM BRIDGES Thanks for your comments Jim! They live in North Texas and we will pass on your awesome comments to them. We have more videos featuring Marty & Joyce / Utopia Customs in the works... so please stay tuned. Thanks for watching!

[@joycesooby6395]

+JIM BRIDGES Jim thanks for your great comment. people like you keep us modivatived!!!!

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Well, ya'll have earned it! Have a great day!

[@newdogatplay]

have the front doors slide forward or backwards would be cool sliding back and out of sight completely,

[@lylemeckem5176]

Why didn't you look at everything up front ? Just the quick look, it looked like it was made with the same quality as what the back area was done. It's a wonderful van, how much would something like that cost?

[@liamcollier2]

Thank you for sharing the build story. 11 roofs! How do you get the paint and body lines looking so straight?

[@bobferguson1144]

mike, you can get remote mike that doesn't have to hand held. kinda old school there.

[@guyazbell8169]

rebuilt utopia thats true 💘

[@thecruiser2010]

AWWWEEEE its to short lol Nice Vid yaaa alll

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Ivan Benic Thanks Ivan! Lol, we figured 32 minutes was long enough for "episode 1." More on this awesome couple coming soon though - so stay tuned!

[@thecruiser2010]

Yep I know the awesome couple

[@shahadalnuaimi8749]

I WANT THE VAN

[@SP330Y]

@Backroads Vanner Hi when you did the paintowork, when you took it back to bare metal, what was the first coat product that you put on the bare steel to prevent rust coming back? What was the DTM product you used, was it etch or epoxy?? I am stripping my van back to bare metal steel and need to know what to use on the bare steel metal to protect it as i dont want any rust coming back. I am thinking either etch or zinc phospate primer or epoxy, what do you recommend or what did you use on this beauty?, thanks

[@BackroadsVanner]

Hey there, we will send your question to Marty and Joyce and see if they can reply on this for you!

[@SP330Y]

thanks from UK :)

[@ChrisPage68]

Those trophy shelves are an accident waiting to happen!

[@etoiledor3416]

LOURD 💨🏅🥇🏆💎🏆🥇🏅👍👏✊👏 très très LOURD 💨🏅🥇🏆💎🏆🥇🏅👍👏✊👏✊👏

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Go Pennsbury.

[@lessstuffmorefreedom-livin6886]

hello I just had a question for you, do you have any decals or stickers?

[@BackroadsVanner]

Hey, thanks for the question. Yes, we do have decals / stickers! We also have t-shirts and ball caps. We actually just made our store live and are adding women's v-neck shirts this week, as well. Please see www.backroadsvanner.com/store/ for products and details. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@richardhutto8636]

+Backroads Vanner are there any custom van sites you know of?