Vanner Cards
Description: Long before online colleges and distance learning were a thing, correspondence courses were the way people could get a degree or certification without having to ever set foot on a college campus. One such institution was Auto Upholstery Institute of Orange, California. In an attempt to ride the car and van customizing wave of the early '70s, A.U.I. set up several correspondence courses to teach auto upholstery and customization. Advertisements in automotive magazines and comic books advised readers to send in the included form for a free course catalog. Once registered, schools sent training materials, lesson worksheets, and the tools and supplies for the selected course. A.U.I. was even accredited by the California Department of Education.
Description: The Motocross Super Van was released in 1975 and is probably one of the coolest diecast vans Hot Wheels ever released. There were a few variations on the livery, including one that was branded for a Japanese motorcycle maker, but the colors and basic look were pretty consistent.
Description: Stan's Vans of Spanish Fork, Utah dealt in conversion vans almost exclusively, letting the big RV dealers have at the larger recreational vehicles. Stan's was a dealer for vans from several conversion firms, but eventually added their own manufacturing to make delivering whatever a custom might have in mind a reality.
Description: As the '80s approached, American Motors’ public relations people needed a marketing gimmick to engage with the public. They came up with a nationwide tour of concept vehicles designed to remind Americans of AMC’s strong suit - small cars that were domestically built, economical to operate, and designed to cater to their lifestyle. Calling it the “Concept 80” tour, AMC created seven different design concepts and at each stop on the tour, the public was asked to vote for their favorite of which, the AM Van the clear winner. The AM Van concept was built on their existing Pacer platform and aside from its wild styling, was to be turbocharged and 4WD, though the concept was never actually fitted with a powertrain or a finished interior.
Description: Car giveaways have been around for a long time, but in 1976, a cross-promotional sweepstakes took things up a notch when three different American companies got together to create a one of a kind ride. This wild, custom '76 Econoline van utilized elements from the three sponsors to create a truly unique custom van that was dubbed the 'Denimachine.' From its crazy custom flamed exterior to its wall-to-wall denim interior, the Denimachine made quite a splash as people sent in their bottle cap liners in droves for a chance to land one in their driveway. There were ten Denimachines given away in the U.S. and fifteen given away in Canada beginning in 1976 and through most of 1977.
Description: First-generation Chevy Van refers to the first G-10 half-ton production years 1964 through 1966. There was a market for a compact van based on a modified passenger car platform to compete with the already successful Econoline and A100 vans. The 1964 Chevy van had a cab-forward design with the engine placed in a “doghouse” between and behind the front seats. Engines and brakes were sourced from the Chevy II, a more conventional compact car than the Corvair which was used as the basis for the Chevy Greenbrier vans. The 1st Gen vans were available in only the short 90-inch wheelbase and with the standard 90 hp 153-cubic-inch straight-4 or straight-6 engine. A first-gen is quickly identified by its single-piece flat windshield glass.
Description: The "Caution Can Talk About Vans Forever" design is the perfect way to show your love for van life culture. With its bold typography and clever wordplay, this print is sure to turn heads and start conversations wherever you go. Order yours today and join the van life community!
Van Life Caution Can Talk About Vans Forever Card
by Van Life Travel Adventure
$5.00 $6.00
Description: During the custom van craze of the ’70s, there were plenty of local shops as well as larger builders that for some reason were almost all based in Elkhart, Indiana. Van Vinyl wasn't a full custom builder or conversion shop, but rather a manufacturer of custom interior components, many of which were used by the larger conversion shops, but also sold directly to consumers. So whether you want royal blue captains chairs and a matching sofa that folded out into a bad or just want new door panels and a customer matched dashboard cover, Van Vinyl was the go-to place!
Black Pinto Piebald Gypsy Vanner Draft Horse Trotting in Snow Card
by Forest Studios
$5.00 $6.00
Description: Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing Company (VEMCO) was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1976, when the company began performing 4x4 conversions on full size vans utilizing the Dana developed V-Drive 4x4 system. Built using a Twin I-Beam front suspension, V-Drive added the equivalent of a Dana 30 differential to each beam. Calling their conversions VX4, Vemco four-wheel drive vans had the plush suspension setup that was previously only afforded to passenger cars, and the 4x4 capability reserved for rugged off-roaders, but sadly, only 250 of these conversions were done, so they are rare to say the least.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: During the custom van craze of the ’70s, there were plenty of local shops as well as larger builders that for some reason were all based in the Midwest. Grand Systems was one of these larger builders that worked both consumer direct and with dealers to build the conversion van of their dreams. While they did full custom, they also offered several packages that were offered turn key or as starting points for further customization, including the 'Blue Diamond' package reflected here.
Description: Gerring Van Conversions of Elkhart, Indiana was at the forefront of the ’70s van craze, but as vanning began to slow, they adapted by offering custom truck conversions along the lines of The Warlock and Lil’ Red Express as well. In 1977, they rebranded as Conversions by Gerring, modifying their logo to include a step side pickup.
Description: Rollin’ Rooms Van and Custom of San Bernardino was a preeminent custom van builder that was on the front end of the custom street van craze of the '70s. From mild to wild, Rollin’ Rooms turned out some of the era’s most amazing vans, while also applying their trade to a few custom cars and motorcycles. This design celebrates a time when tricked out vans ruled the streets and includes a tricked out van and vanner girl on roller skates along with bitchin’ retro typography and simulated metal flake paintwork.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: In 1968, Costa Mesa, California boat maker Jensen Marine decided to apply their craftsmanship to the creation of a class B motorhome. Using their extensive fiberglass experience, Jensen built a modular cab over camper unit that could be adapted to any van cab chassis. Their unique approach and boat building expertise made for a high-end motorhome that was rock solid and tight as a drum, which made leaks, squeaks, and rattles nonexistent. They marketed these class B RVs under the name Balboa Motorhomes, promoting them as the best way to 'travel in style' to upmarket clientele. The initial models were built on second-generation Econolines, a few were made using third-generation G-series vans, and eventually, they were built on Tradesmans.
