"simplevan" '65 GMC HANDI-BUS Custom

I intend to chronicle all progress. Pictures are paramount. So it begins...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67302673@N02/



simpleman

Ummmm...What color you painting that snazzzy roof rack.

Bet he's going to "Chrome" it!! [i]

can't wait to see progress on the van. in the mean time, what is the purpose of the rack? looks like it stands up into a raised platform toward the front, is that right?

cl350rr wrote:can't wait to see progress on the van. in the mean time, what is the purpose of the rack? looks like it stands up into a raised platform toward the front, is that right?

Yup, that's right. It's a scaffolding. The former owner fabbed it up. He used the truck to creep around buildings with the scaffold up working on soffetts, gutters and what not. He clamped and bolted the whole thing on, so no drilled holes. He asked me if he could have it, and I relented...but only after a second thought.

I need bumpers, turnsignals, wind shield, a solid disk-brake conversion to start off with.

The good: No door latch, window glass or serious electrical issues to speak of.

And, supposadly - Lord willing, no significant rust. I'm sure I have a gazillion dollar trip to the body shop foreboding on the horizon, but we're gonna use her for travel and utility for a while.

This is my first bus that's not an aircooled VW. "GMC HANDI-BUS Custom" That means it's still a bus right?

Looks like a very solid van

Very nice start....good luck
From the picture does not look like it lived its life in NY?

Big W wrote:Ummmm...What color you painting that snazzzy roof rack.

Thought it is wildly cool, the former owner asked if he could keep it. He fabbed it up. I figure he has artistic license to keep it. I do dig it though...

Donn wrote:Very nice start....good luck
From the picture does not look like it lived its life in NY?

Indeed, it has not. Always a plus.

Just spoke with the seller. He told me that he put a 1980 250" straight six in the van 15 years ago. He's supposed to email me more information tonight...his verbage..."I'll send you the feedin' and waterin' info this evnin'." I'm stoked.

feedin and waterin info??? Hahaha

kaboom. My van is getting loaded on a transporter right now in Bozeman, MT and is on it's way home to Central NY. I guess I need to find a 2nd Gen doghouse. I intend to do the small-block swap. One thing I love about these vans, as opposed to the VW Bus is that with relatively little modification these things can be screamers. The VW's are way underpowered, cool, but under powered.

big plans

Hey Simplevan,

That ain't no simple van you've got there. That's the top-of-the-line model GMC van! Looks like the HandiBus Custom is the equivalent to the Chevy Sportvan Deluxe, but I'm sure yours is much more rare. You've got the trim running around just under the windows and the vinyl interior. I bet it was originally red and white on the exterior. Two tone always looks nice with that trim. And you hardly ever see a dash pad! (Let me know if you want to know how to remove it. Mine was not easy. I'll send you photos.)

When is your van expected to arrive? That's always an exciting day!

You can buy brand new shiny blinkers from Brothers. They're having a sale right now. Looks like you could use the complete assemblies for the front and lenses and trim for the rear. I bought them and they are top notch. Order now so you'll be ready to bolt them on ASAP!

VANagain wrote:Hey Simplevan,

That ain't no simple van you've got there. That's the top-of-the-line model GMC van! Looks like the HandiBus Custom is the equivalent to the Chevy Sportvan Deluxe, but I'm sure yours is much more rare. You've got the trim running around just under the windows and the vinyl interior. I bet it was originally red and white on the exterior. Two tone always looks nice with that trim. And you hardly ever see a dash pad! (Let me know if you want to know how to remove it. Mine was not easy. I'll send you photos.)

When is your van expected to arrive? That's always an exciting day!

You can buy brand new shiny blinkers from Brothers. They're having a sale right now. Looks like you could use the complete assemblies for the front and lenses and trim for the rear. I bought them and they are top notch. Order now so you'll be ready to bolt them on ASAP!

Dude, Thanks for all the info! You're going on the Christmas card list! I'm ordering that trash tonight, as my van arrived last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH SNAP!!!!!!!!!I'm gonna shoot some pics tomorrow. She'll be on the road in no time.

It was the red and white interior and red/white paint scheme. Good eye. I love the trim. So little rust. The roof looks like a gaggle of leprechauns danced a jig up there, but the body isn't bad. I'm loving the straight six's potential.

Keep the info coming. I want it all.

BTW - She has safari windows too!

I am going to take pictures in mass tomorrow. I am a journalist by trade. A lot has transpired since she got here last week. Engine is uber-clean now. New cap, rotor, plugs etc. New front glass and rubbers on the way,No rust. Good brakes. Jetta seats are next. shapow.

Hey VANagain, I'm ordering that trash right now. Throwing some jetta seats up front. Already ripped out a bunch of shelves that were built in for construction stuff, previous owner use to use her for a work truck, hence the sweet scaffolding attached. It's gone now. The roof looks like a bunch of "little people" danced a jig on it, but it's not rust. That's good.

I can drive anything, as we all can I'm sure, but I have to say this will be my first rendezvous with a 3-on-the-tree. '74 250" straight-six. Single barrel Carter.

No idea how it's geared, but I'll have her on the road next week. Just in time to check the leaves out in the Adirondacks.