Vanner Tapestries
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: 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.
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 1976 a line of trucks and vans dubbed ‘Adult Toys’ was launched. Don’t be gross, these ‘Adult Toys’ were a series of factory vehicles that included the Street Van, which rolled off the assembly line outlandishly customized in what would become a staple of late '70s automotive culture – custom mag wheels, wild paint schemes, and plenty of shag carpeting among others. Despite the rich host of custom options the Street Van rolled off the line with, the true intention was for it to serve as an enticing platform for even more customization. To get buyers headed in the right direction, every Street Van came with a customization kit that included detailed instructions and plans to further style their van to their individual tastes.
Description: The oddly named HeadRest Van Conversions was a line of custom vans produced by Gerring Van Conversions of Elkhart, Indiana during the ’70s van craze. As legend has it, Gerring used the word ‘head’ in the name as it was common for hippie types to refer to themselves as heads, so HeadRest was an idea where these cool vannin’ hippies could crash out and rest.
Description: The '80s were a great time for over the top custom four-wheel drive vehicles and while there were plenty of shops in the greater SoCal area to get your ride tricked out, there were none greater than El Centro's Ultimate Off Road. While other guys were just adding lift kits and chrome bits, UOR was building rigs that actually performed off road as well as they looked, so if you were rolling in a UOR build, you were doing so with confidence as they were as bulletproof as they come.
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: Based in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Oshawa Cylinder Head was a machine shop that focused on the manufacturing and machining of cylinder heads. In addition to walk in projects, they maintained contracts with several manufacturers to provide them with custom spec cylinder heads, supplying them to their Ontario engine plants for final assembly.
Description: California's Martin Specialty Products started out as a manufacturer of RV products in the early '60s, but changed direction to focus on the burgeoning custom van market in 1972. Initially reworking any of the applicable RV products from their existing line for van use, they quickly caught up with an entire line of new custom van accessories which included everything from body kits and spoilers to sunroofs and porthole windows - everything a vanner could ever want to trick out their ride.
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 on of these larger builders that worked both consumer direct and with dealers to build the conversion van of their dreams.
Description: Kyuss: The Legendary Desert Rock Pioneers Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss became one of the most influential desert rock bands of all time. Known for their scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and an unhurried, hypnotic sound, Kyuss crafted music that truly embodied the vast and untamed landscapes of the California desert. Their unique blend of heavy stoner rock, psychedelic influences, and deep, resonant bass tones earned them a dedicated cult following—one that continues to grow decades after their dissolution. From underground acclaim to shaping the future of stoner metal, Kyuss remains a cornerstone in rock history.
