Interchangeable Parts

So I'm restoring my 65 Chevy Panel van and am wondering what parts are interchangeable from the Chevy Trucks. There are a ton of sites devoted to restoring trucks to factory condition and beyond, not so much for the vans. I know that there are many parts that interchange and even more that are just different enough to not work. So what I am asking is to tap into your collective experiences and see what parts will be easy to get (interchangeable truck parts) and what parts I will have to hunt for (early van only parts).

Here is a list of some of the parts I am thinking of replacing. Maybe you guys can comment on what's interchangeable.

- Window regulators
- Inside door handle and window handle gaskets/bushings
- Windshield wiper arms
- Windshield wiper switch
- Horn Relay
- Gas tank
- Headlights and wiring harness
- Outside door handles and gaskets
- Anything else you can think of that I will need for a restoration

Thanks for helping out a fellow vanner.

- Charlie

I forgot to add radiators and electric fans to the list.

Like that fan idea = pulling air from engine area-nice!!

window regulators= van only
inside handles and bushing=same year truck
wiper arms, second gens=67/72 chevy truck not sure bout the firsts
not sure about the wiper switch
horn relay should be the same year truck or car
gas tank=van only, 1st and 2nd gens are different
wiring harness=vans only, universals are not that tough to install
keep asking I will do my best at answering

outside door handle and gaskets and rear chevrolet script and wiper switch see Clark's Corvair on line for many 1st gen parts came from the Corvan.

All the door rubbers and window gaskets come through steel rubber products I belive, or is it restoration specialties?

See Wookee for glove box insert and window fuzzies

you will have to get a little more specific about your engine and trans before
talking rads and fans.

front turn signal lights are availible complete new from earlier PU trucks
insade door arm rests same year pu truck.

M1D

What isn't interchangeable is drum brake parts... such as backing plates. They seem to be unique to the early vans.

True; but they can be replaced with disc brakes

M1D

Just as a reminder, there are books for this, although they are not easily found or cheap.
You will need a parts book for your specific vehicle and a Hollander interchange manual.

Thanks for all the replies, they definitely help. The engine is the 6 cyl 230 with the 3 on the tree manual. I do have the van and truck shop manuals, but they don't really have part #'s just service descriptions.

$60 for the 12" fan, relay, thermal switch and wiring....

Originally had a 210-90 degree thermal stat but swapped it out for a 180-160 degree and put in a 190-170 degree switch for the electric fan and wired the fan independently so when you park and walk away and the engine heats up the fan will kick on and shut off on it's own.... One of the best investments I ever made for the van!

Dan

Having one of these comes in handy from time to time.....

Dan, where would I go to get a fan setup like that? It looks clean, powerful and efficient. So I would need the fan, the thermostat and where to splice in to make it work.

cculellam,

https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t20685-electric-fan-install#81220

Dan

m1dadio wrote:True; but they can be replaced with disc brakes

M1D

Yah huh, for a few hundred or even thousand bucks and a LOT of work, lol.

The drum brakes actually work pretty good, now, at least the front ones. The rears are acting up, a bit grabby, which makes panic stops ... interesting ... will have to figure out why at some point sooner than later. Esp after some dingbat jumped out of a lane of stopped traffic, on a freeway split, over the solid white line, and then slammed on her brakes to re-enter the lane she just exited. The 108 started its rear end skid routine but fortunately she'd pulled back in before contact. Idiot!