Step Van Conversion - Grumliner

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Hi grummy,</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">&nbsp;That a great truck there.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I enjoyed your website on the build, some great ideas there. Thanks for posting it up.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[sassypickins]

I like what you have done to your van. I would love to see a photo of the ambient led rope lighting at night when you have it turned down so it doesn't interfere with the TV but you can see just fine to get around.&nbsp; The work counter/bed is genius.&nbsp; When you get the hinge on it and lift it up there will be so much room you can have a Superbowl party in there or a hoe-down or something!&nbsp; Where is the popcorn machine?

 

[ccbreder]

Great truck. Thanks for all the photos and information. As; Rocket Stoves. There is another type, they need some one to work on the design, but they burn twigs and stuff very hot and clean. Usually called wood gas stoves.

 

[Ballenxj]

WOW Grummy! A "lot" of COOL information here. Lately I've been looking at the possibility of either a Step Van or a Box Truck. <br>I really like what you have done with yours. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Hi Grummy good&nbsp;job,&nbsp;I am also a fan of the kurbmaster mine is a 1986 10 foot box, I use a dickenson propane heater it is vented out the chimney. It has a built in fan,&nbsp;wall mounted. The chimney takes air in and exhaust it as well there are two layers to it.&nbsp;They are made for boats very classy looking unit, all stainless. &nbsp;you can also get them in diesel models, there is a window on them so you&nbsp;can watch the flame. The exterior part is quite aero sticks up about 3 inches and is round topped. I haven't posted much on this site so not sure how you get pictures up, I really like your bed idea. cheers<br><br>I just loaded some pics in an album I assume you can access them

 

[Telcobilly]

grummy, awesome website and information on Stepvans. you have a really nice, well laid out rig. I totally agree about diesels vs gas engines for normal folks. I had a brand new 2006 Dodge Ram Cummins truck that I dumped at a huge loss 9 months later. I'm pm my 2nd &nbsp;Toyota Tacoma and have never looked back. While they aren't perfect, with the right mods, I have been able to achieve my goals with great reliability.<br>Watching your site for your progress.

 

[grummy]

Greetings all and thanks for all the comments !<br><br>I had been stumbling around wondering just what I would do for "upholstery material" to cover the inside with. Having been in that business for 10 years about 20 years ago, I was SHOCKED to see what kind of money places wanted for material !<br><br>Well, I took a little trip down to a place in Chicago called "Textile Discount Outlet". WOW !!!!!! The place left my wife and I speechless ! 3 floors in an old factory building filled wall to wall with thousands upon thousands upon THOUSANDS of yards of every kind of material you could imagine, along with buttons, buckles, and frilly stuff.... unreal place. They even had 108" wide stuff !<br><br>The great news was I was able to pick out some materials that will eventually make the inside look more "homey". I bought about 40 yards worth of stuff..... Most of which was $6.50 per yard and less.<br><br>That WILL be a place I will return to yet before this year is over. Just way too much to see if you've ever been in the textile biz. They had about 10 people at cutting tables servicing buyers all the while I was there. Busy, busy place.<br><br>grummy

 

[Ballenxj]

Hey Grummy, Tomorrow is the day. With any luck I will own one of these Step Vans as well. <br>Thanks for all the information and encouragement. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[Grumman85]

<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Any updates on your step can Grummy? &nbsp;My husband and I bought a 1985 Grumman step van and are converting it into a motorhome to travel Canada in! &nbsp;It was really nice seeing your process and pics of your conversion <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></span><br><br><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I hope all is well!</span>

 

[grummy]

Yep,<br>All "good" here other than what seems to be the longest cold and sunless spring ever. Because of that, I have done little to the truck other than a Carb rebuild. I hope to get some foam and adhesive coming soon so I can get some of that material I bought stuck to the walls and ceiling, then I will dig out my old Upholstery machine and take care of the cushions.<br><br>I've got plenty of indoor hobbies, but if it finally turns the corner and gets above 50 degrees around here, I will get the ITCH to get out there. But, the first step is to take a quick pass on polishing the wheels so she looks good going down the road. <br><br>Then, I have my Solar panels and charge controller standing here just waiting to feed a battery bank. I already built a framework to mount them on the roof. The framework should allow me to tilt the pair either left or right, or one panel tilted from front to back (can't do both front to back because one would make a shadow on the other). Plus, the whole deal has to look like a rack of some sort AND be removable if and when I want to remove it.<br><br>After that, I intend to build a floating mount for my Honda EU2k under the hood on the drivers side. It fits in there like a glove, but I will have to make ducting for inbound cool air and ducting to remove hot air and the exhaust without cutting unnecessary holes. The "floating" mount will simply be a panel that sits on rubber mounts to isolate as much noise as possible.<br><br>Once mounted, I want to explore making a simple "plug-in" (to existing harness) remote control device that would let me to switch between power modes and also to shut the thing down without having to go out under the hood to do it. The second step to that would be to route a pull cord "extension" into the truck (under the dash on drivers side) in order to start it, along with a remote choke control.<br><br>I've had it under the hood running already and it is really quiet when in economy mode even without the future isolation. Getting this right now will make for a more pleasurable ordeal down the road.<br><br>There is no end to the dreams.... I have PLENTY of ideas.... I need to wrap up/build/make:<br><br>My hot water system for showers..... (might even add a solar collector for this)...<br><br>Two vertically "powered" storage compartments behind the duals... (lots of space under there)<br><br>An "add a room" canvas system for when the "rear deck" is deployed (poor mans pull out?)<br><br>Engine driven compressed air system.... for....<br>Air bag suspension mods (front and rear)<br><br>Some minor body modifications..... Chrome front bumper.....<br><br>Just need the time and energy now to bring this thing to where I want it !<br><br>Send the group some photos of YOUR Step van !!!!

 

[trekallover]

hey guys great thread you've got going and great work on the grumliner. <br><br>&nbsp;a little about me and my project. i fell into a 78 p30 a year ago on a work trade. i got a killer deal for what it is. fresh swapped 4bt, turbo+intercooled, well insulated and sturdy ply wrap on the inside. beefed up trans and a 14,000 lb rear end all recentley put in.(30k aprox on drivetrain!!!!) i actually have found the 4bt to be underpowered a little but the economy is great i am getting around 18 or so. you can see the project at chiptruck.blogspot.com or something like that.&nbsp; 1 year later and all i have done is tear out all the closets shelves and cabinets that paula put in. i am about to start with 2 shallow benches front to back for speakers and storage. am trying to leave as much floor open as possible with the least amount of unnecessary weight so i can haul the generator and all my other equip.&nbsp; the factors that i want to work with are pretty much as goes 1. loud sound system (bass dumpin) 2. beautiful interior flat walls big windows sitting and standing room for 10-15. and 3. rugged durable mechanical stability.<br><br>right now i am working on the mechanics of the steering and front end i am getting a redhead gearbox and control arms yahdahyadah , dampeners , new rubber bumpes and swapping my coil spring ssplit front end to a straight axle. this&nbsp; is where i am at a crossroads. i need to find a browne lipe overdrive /gear splitter and change the ring and pinion for a larger set (if i can) for better range. i would never need to use the granny gear really but if i jumped the ratios up i would still have granny with the splitter in low-granny then something like 1st and a half gear in granny-high . potentially raising top speed to around 65 70. and with a really solid and stable front end setup. i am contemplating getting a dana 80 or 70 front drive axle and a t case to go with all of it but it might get wild. my drive train would go like this&nbsp; 4bt-muncie3spd/pto overdrive-out to t case to drive front and back. i have alot of space down there but that is one hell of a drivetrain. for now i'll probably go with leaf spring&nbsp; straight front axle and dampeners that way if i ever get deeper into it i won't have to weld just bolt on the front wheel drive to the leafs. <br><br>this rig came with everything else and pretty soon, as soon as i make places to put it all i will have a really awsome&nbsp; interior all running off a smart phone app with a little micro controller for the lights sound, generator and hopefully remote start and all that stuff.&nbsp; some picks to come as soon as i get building<br><br><br>

 

[cygvan]

that. is. awesome!<br><br>

 

[Patrick46]

Hey Grummy!!!<BR><BR>(twin brothers from different mothers???)<BR><BR>I too am a stepvan junkee!! I'm now onto my 8th one...except my stepvan of choice has always been the stylish Union City models. (NOT Chevys!!!) (Chevy did NOT build their own stepvans contrary to popular beleif!) I've had 5 Union Citys, and 2 older International Metros. (real gas hogs!!)<BR>&nbsp;<BR><IMG class=bbc_img src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/1600336" rel="lightbox"><BR><BR>this was my 4th Union City ^^^, and my all time&nbsp;favorite! All aluminum with a 350 and a 4 speed.<BR><BR>I don't get people who say these things are hard to drive, as I could hammer this thing through these twisty coastal mountain roads we have out here...chasing little cars all the way!!<BR><BR>Unit #7 was a sweetheart too. It too was aluminum, straight as an arrow, also with a 350 x 4 speed...but it ran on Propane! It also had a lift gate on the back...I miss that!!<BR> <BR>it got about 13 mpg's....but my propane only cost me $2.50 a gallon!!!<BR>Unfortunately, I hit a deer last fall with it, but after settling with the insurance co, and then selling it, I came out way ahead!!! (so that was cool!) <IMG class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif"><BR><BR>Well....my time has come to move to the Dark Side....I'ma gettin' me a Grumman!!!!<BR><BR>it looks identical to yours, has a 350 with an automatic 400 in it (so my wife kin drive this one)...and I believe it's 16' long, so I'll have lotsa room to work.<BR>I'll convert it into another one of my hybred camper/mobile shop rigs (like I usually do to 'em)...but this one will be my Masterpiece!!! (I'll post pics when the deal is done)<BR><BR>btw....I love your rig!!!

 

[Ballenxj]

Looking forward to seeing it Patrick. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[grummy]

I buckled down and updated my page a bit. Been difficult getting things done this year, but I am still at it. I did not get to proof read this next page much.... hopefully it makes sense ! http://www.data-cut.com/grumliner4.htm

 

[cygvan]

grummy...not only do you have some great ideas but your craftsmanship and execution is excellent.<br><br>i especially like the cover for the leading edge of the solar panels.&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>bookmarked your page.

 

[Patrick46]

WOW....fantastic job with those solar panels!! I LOVE the cover over the front. It not only cleans up the looks and hides the panels from theives eyes, but it also has a bit of an aerodynamic quality to it. A nice smooth airflow right over all of it. Actually, this whole middle panel is turning out awesome!!<BR>(I may just hafta steal this idea for mine!!!) <IMG class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"><BR><BR>This is one fine touring machine you've got right here sir!! Keep up the great work!

 

[rokguy]

<em><strong><span style="color: #888888;">Great trucks guys.</span></strong></em><br><em><strong><span style="color: #888888;">I can't understand why these were never used here in Australia, seems like the perfect conversion vehicle to me.</span></strong></em><br><br><em><strong><span style="color: #888888;">Good stuff Keep posting, can't get enough.</span></strong></em><br><em><strong><span style="color: #888888;">Geoff&nbsp;</span></strong></em>

 

[grummy]

<a href="/file?id=1620754" rel="lightbox" target="_blank"><img src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/thumb/1620754" class="bbc_img" alt="patiomodel.jpg"></a>&nbsp;<br><br>Thanks for the kind words guys !&nbsp; Patrick46, indeed you got what I got... the big van fever ! I know for a fact that my love of the grumman body can be laid right back to playing with the Hot wheels wonder bread truck as a little kid. I grabbed it FIRST just like some people had their favorite Monopoly game pieces. Id didn't have 8 of them yet, but I did have plenty of Chevy vans... I bet darn near 100 of them over the years. I'd buy one, put an interior in it, sell it and buy another and sell it. Ah, the good old days of van conversions.......<br><br>I'm curious if you came across the link for the International I had some years back? I owned it twice. Kind of a rare little bird for its age, but in the end, it was too small, too slow... too... well, ok, not a Grumman ! I do not recall how, but a fellow in California contacted me and just had to have it. Now he is a true commercial truck lover when you see how far he was taking his build. You can see my photos here: (and find a link to his continued work on the second page) http://www.data-cut.com/sm122.htm<br><br>A few months back, I cut up my 12 footer... it was truly too far gone to be worth any fixing up. Previous owners had pulled nearly 200 carriage bolts into the side aluminum to hold racks inside. The thing was a screen door. I mostly wanted it for the driveline spares. Its got a decent engine and tranny in it, and the PO had put all new springs and suspension components in it before he sold it. I have to get the frt springs off of it soon because my truck is a little too low up front right now. I cut a full turn off the coils last year and its a bit much. So, I will take a half turn off the other springs and try them, hopefully this year yet.<br><br>Be sure to send us some photos to look at of your 16 footer !<br><br>Ill try to attach a photo of my "patio model" grumman. These rascals are so strong that even with all three sides cut out in the back, the cantilever roof was still strong enough for a guy to hang on in the back ! It was a hot day when I was chopping her up, so when I got it this far, I threw some lawn chairs up in it and took a break !<br><br>By the way, if your going to cut one of these up, the job would be 4 times more difficult without a plasma cutter.... I believe that might be one of the best tools I ever purchased !

 

[Patrick46]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: large">O M G.......</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><BR>Your old Metro looks EXACTALLY like my old one, and another crazy funny thing is that&nbsp;I had mine when I lived in <EM><STRONG>WISCONSIN!!!</STRONG> </EM>(seriously!) Same tired old red paintjob too.<BR><BR>I gave mine to a buddy who used it for a storage shed up near Shiocton.<BR><BR>altho, once again, I think mine may have been alittle bit&nbsp;longer than yours. (Gawd...does that sound bad!!) <IMG class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif"><BR><BR>The new owner of your old Metro from California sure is doing a through job buttoning it up!! Looks&nbsp;super nice!