New to our family. 1968 Chevy G 10 108 panel

robe352 wrote:Hey Kaypee, I purchased a 68 GMC yesterday. I live not too far from your location, I am in Hopewell. I am hoping to pick up the van Saturday. I wanted to ask, especially since you used to own one of these in the past, Could you direct me somewhere to look for a windshield?
So far, that is the only original part I know of that has to be replaced, it is cracked. I do NOT think it leaks, so I am not in a hurry.
I also wanted to ask, does your 68 have 5 or six lug wheels? The one I picked up has 6, and I thought it was odd. I will try to search around to see if this is an upgrade or something. Thanks, Bobby Gambill.

I did price a windshield last year at around $600.00. I need one as well. I'd like to see yours. Have you posted any pics? Two of my sons live in Hopewell.

I'm going to be stuck at the airport all week. Maybe we can get together. My old buddies had V8 converted 108's. I am a Ford guy but any van is cool to me. I'm sending a PM.

Quite a find on many levels. Congratulations. Curtis Chevrolet used to be (sadly went under a few years before the GM bailout) just a couple or three miles me. They were a really good dealership in what grew to be a rough neighborhood--even being next to a police station didn't help them. In fact, the police station itself was burglarized a year or two ago. If I find any Curtis Chevy memorabilia in the area I'll allert you.

I did some Googling around on Curtis Chevrolet. There we plans for loft apartments and some shops but that fell through with the down turn .

I just retired from my job of 35 years. I'm building a second home on the bay and working on my van. Life is sweet!

After a long winter off and projects around the house, I'm back!
I just got all of the brake system components done. WE HAVE BRAKES!!! The accelerator pump in the carb screwed up. Cheap kit. Going to the local NAPA to get another. My NAPA is also the regional warehouse. They almost always have everything I ask for. Thank you NAPA.
Speaking of parts and suppliers, Autozone and Advance both list front wheel cylinders for early G10 vans. They are NOT the correct parts. Even in their pictures, they are shown incorrect. NAPA and Raybestos due list and carry the correct ones.
Now I have not done the body work yet, but going to shoot it with primer just to protect it for the days I might have to use the garage for other things.

Keep in mind, primer does not protect. If it is on bare metal it will hold moisture and rust the metal worse than if you had left the old paint on it. JMHO

I did not know that, thanks. It is over old paint though. Could you suggest something to spray it with until I can get to body work time?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQYXhixS394
Here is a link to see a video of my van.

Wow, KP!,that van is in great shape. Some rust repair and maybe replace that side door, if you can find one, and you will have a great ride. Nice vid and the engine sounds good too! Keep us posted.
As far as primer, I am not an expert, so any painters out there, feel free to jump in. I have been told that, two part, epoxy primer sealer is best. Rattle can primer is crap and used only as a last resort and must be painted over within 15-30 days. It will soak up water and form rust under your new paint.
Where, on the bay, are you moving?

Burgess, Va

Thanks for the primer tips and the kind words.

I'm ready for winter to get out of here. One of my sons gave me new tail light housings and lenses, along with some other goodies, for Christmas! I put some new mirrors on the doors. They look pretty good, but are temporary. My Jr West coast mirrors are at the powder coaters getting blasted and repainted. I kind of like the modern ones I put on now, but if I change my mind I can switch them out.
While at the glass shop "Ace Glass", I asked as a joke if they had a windsheild for my van. They looked at the inventory. Lo and behold, they had one! I snapped it up for $148.00.
I'm still looking for the fan switch with knob and cable for the heater. Not reproduced by anyone and no NOS to be found anywhere.

Heater fan speed switch that can't be found just happens to be the same one used on 1962 through 1964 Chevy II. Knobs are different, but can be changed. Found a complete set at ATS auto salvage in Texas. Rare, but another source.