General Motors van

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(Redirected from GMC Vandura)

Chevy Van/Sportvan/GMC Handi-Van<tr><td colspan=2> Image:IMG 1794.JPG </tr>
Manufacturer:	Chevrolet GMC<tr><th>Production:<td>1964-1970</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier</tr><tr><th>Successor:<td>Chevrolet G-series Chevy Van/GMC Vandura</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Compact van</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>3-door van</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Ford Econoline Dodge A100 Volkswagen Bus</tr>

GMC Vandura<tr><td colspan=2></tr>
Manufacturer:	General Motors<tr><th>Production:<td>1970–1996</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Chevrolet Sportvan/GMC Handi-Van</tr><tr><th>Successor:<td>Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Full-size van</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>3-door van 4-door van</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Chevrolet C/K/GMC Sierra Chevy II</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Volkswagen Vanagon Ford Econoline Dodge Ram Van Dodge A100 Volkswagen Bus</tr>

Chevrolet Express<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Chevy Express.JPG</tr> <tr><th>Also called:<td>GMC Savana</tr>
Manufacturer:	General Motors<tr><th>Production:<td>1997–present</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Chevrolet Van GMC Vandura</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Full-size van</tr><tr><th>Platform:<td>FR/AWD</tr>

General Motors has made many vans for North America, encompassing several platforms and nameplates. It has proven to be a popular truck, first released in 1964 on the Corvair platform, and still in production as the Express. Its strongest competition has been the Ford Econoline series of vans.

1 History
2 Updates
- 2.1 1970
- 2.2 1978
- 2.3 1980
- 2.4 1981
- 2.5 1982
- 2.6 1983
- 2.7 1985
- 2.8 1990
- 2.9 1992
- 2.10 1993
- 2.11 1994
- 2.12 1995
- 2.13 Third Generation (Current)
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] History

The first General Motors van was the Chevrolet Corvair-based Greenbiar van, which used a flat-6 opposed rear engine with air cooling, inspired by the Volkswagen bus.

The first generation (1964-1970) was commonly called "breadloaf" or "Scooby-Doo" ^{[citation needed]} due to its resemblance to the "Mystery Machine" van featured in Scooby-Doo cartoons. The Chevy van was, like the competing Ford Econoline and Dodge A100, a compact van based on a modified passenger car platform. The engine was placed between and behind the front seats with a flat nose. Both engines and brakes were sourced from the Chevy II, a more conventional compact car than Corvair.

Along with its Chevrolet twin – the second generation of G-series vans and GMC Vandura – the General Motors van was full-sized and produced by GMC from 1970 (introduced as 1971 models), to 1996. In 1996, the last model year, it co-existed with a new generation full-size van, the Savana, which did not fully replace the Vandura until 1997.

The second generation Vandura followed model of the full-size engine-forward Ford Econoline. The engine was placed forward of the driver with a short nose and hood. Suspension parts and engines came from the Chevrolet/GMC C-series pickups. The 3/4 ton Chevrolet and GMC vans used ball joints from the 3/4 ton 2500 series pickup, however the brakes are the HD version from the 1/2 ton pickup. Powerplants and transmission choices were the same as their truck counterparts.

The third generation Express and Savana of the 1990s adopted aerodynamic styling, without exposed hinges on the rear doors. Unusual taillights were placed high on the rear pillars. The extended 15 passenger version rode on a longer wheelbase, rather than just an extended body, and a left-side door was made available for the declining passenger van market.

[edit] Updates

[edit] 1970

The Vandura and sister Chevrolet G20 and related G series models replaced the earlier flat nosed Chevy Van. The GMCs were introduced in April 1970; interior components such as the steering column and steering wheel were sourced from their Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickups.

The base model sported a small block 262 4.3 liter engine, Using a SWB Body Type The short wheelbase vans measured 110 inches, while the long wheelbase was 125 inches (the previous generation had either a 90 or 108 inch wheelbase).

[edit] 1978

The front sheetmetal was updated with square or round headlights and a front plastic grille sourced from both Chevrolet and GMC light duty pickup trucks.

[edit] 1980

All 1980 vans were given new rear view mirrors on the drivers and passenger doors.

[edit] 1981

Updated with new grille and styling similar to that of the new 1981 model year Chevy/GMC trucks.

[edit] 1982

Locking steering column introduced. Last model year for a three speed manual transmission on the column.

[edit] 1983

Stacked headlights introduced, alongside with a flatter front grille similar to the one used on Chevrolet C/K trucks, replacing the previous year's 1980 vintage eggcrate design (last used on the 1980 Chevrolet C/K pickup). The shifter for all manual transmissions are now on the floor and the steering column is now of the same tilt as the C/K series pickups. A tilt steering column is now available with a manual transmission. All vans now have square headlamps.

This was also the model year of the black and red van on the popular television show "The A-Team."

Image:OldChevyVan.jpg

Image:64Greenbrier.jpg

[edit] 1985

The taillight lenses were redesigned, along with the introduction of traditional swing-out side doors alongside the standard sliding door (the previous generation had 50/50 split doors). The swing-out doors were a 60/40 split. All grilles on GMC vans have a blackened treatment to them.

Image:GMCRally.jpg

[edit] 1990

Unlike the Dodge Ram and Ford Econoline vans which had a welded-on body extension, a 133-inch wheelbase was introduced (about the same length as a Chevrolet/GMC crewcab truck).

[edit] 1992

Facelift using the front grille from the former Chevrolet/GMC R/V series pickups and SUVs (Blazer, Suburban, Crew Cab/Dually), previously phased out of production in 1991.

[edit] 1993

4L60E automatic transmission introduced, replacing the 4L60/700R4.

[edit] 1994

A driver's side airbag was made standard.

[edit] 1995

A new longer nose and four head light design was introduced, a very popular school bus conversion.The engine Also received a facelift now labeled a "Vortec" and sporting a throttle body, ABS Barkes with hydroboost, Catalytic converter, Cruise control. Enigine sizes remained fairly the same e.g. 4.3L, 5.4L, 7.4L "Vortec" engines. Several versions of the van were available for purchase depending on the buyers needs. Base model was basically a stripped down model no thrills very limited interior and no rear seats. The "Sportvan" Had all the features of a full conversion van, But no rear seats, And no fiberglass roof extension. Then finally the "Conversion", These models were sent from the factory bare bones to have the interior and exterior upgrades added by third party companies such as "Mark III, Tiara, Coach, Etc."

[edit] Third Generation (Current)

The GM G-Series (Rear wheel drive) and H-Series (All Wheel Drive) vans, the Chevrolet Express and its twin the GMC Savana, are full-size vans from General Motors. They replaced the GMC Vandura and Chevrolet Van in 1997. The Express and Savana currently hold 44.8% of the full-size van market in the United States, just behind rival Ford's E-Series. The Express outsells the Savana by more than 3 to 1.

Image:Chevrolet-Express.jpg

After 2003, the Express and Savana had updated sheetmetal similar to the GMT800 light trucks and SUVs, and at the same time, fitted with the LS engines.

The cargo variety of the Express/Savana is popular as a work vehicle, often used by electricians, plumbers, and others needing to haul a variety of large items. In this way, it is the North American equivalent of the ubiquitous white vans in the UK.

The Express/Savana is also available as a passenger van, seating 8 to 15 passengers (depending on the model), and is often used as a very capable tow vehicle, ambulance or as a shuttle bus.

Both the cargo and passenger models, as well as cutaway versions often serve as the basis for conversion vans and motorhomes.

Image:06Express.jpg

There was a limited edition model of the Chevy Express passenger variety, named the LT. This type was a GM factory made conversion that included a Bose sound system, two flip down flat panel television monitors, a VCR, leather seats, aluminum wheels, extra trim, and an advanced GM stereo system with CD and cassette. This model was discontinued around the year 2003 and was meant as a trail sale.

The main competitors for this model are the Ford E-Series, the Dodge Ram Van, and its successor, the Dodge Sprinter.