I need to upgrade the rear end of my 1965 Chevy Deluxe Sportvan Help

Thank You donivan65!

Thanks To Donivan65 for fixing my Photo Gallery for me.  It's not very pretty right now, but it has potential. I like the original interior. I plan to clean it up nice after the mechanical stuff is done and she's painted. Right now I know fersure the rear end needs replaced/rebuilt and the automatic transmission probably needs overhauled. It's leaking pretty bad and Kchunks when it slows down to 5mph. It has it's quirks, but has potential. Thanks to my new friends for caring! You can vist my Sportvans 1965 Chevy Sportvan Deluxe Gallery. Cya!


http://vintage-vans.smugmug.com/Vans/SportVans-1965-Chevy-SportVan/30092496_BCnWxc#!i=2589488796&k=zqvg8WG

You got some rare parts on that van,,,,,,can you see the road when you lift up the front floor mat?

Great looking little van! Love the interior! Most definitely a lot of Rare Parts on it! Get all of the mechanical issues fixed & paint it & you will be on your way.

SportVan, I can see why you fell in love with it! Interior is Superior! Undercarriage looks solid. Once the panels have been replaced and it's running smooth, that's gonna be one Really Sharp looking ride. Congrats and welcome. There is a great knowledge base here that is more than willing to assist with advice!

Very nice van, interior almost new looking

Hey DonniVan65, Thak You for the compliments. Aside from exterior rust you see and some minor holes behind each wheelwell (mostly driver rear by fuel tube) there's limited rust andno holes anywhere else. I appreciate your assistance on the powerglide. I see you have a couple powerglides, NICE! I have a friend in Baraboo, WI that sold his 64 Malibu and has 2 powerglides he's gonna GIVE me. I understand they are quite popular/sought after with/by Racers.

Hey HandivanMan, Thanks for the Compliments. As far as the rust and paint. I have a bid from "Fine Rides" for $1625 to fix dents in side doors, cut out rust and weld new metal (guy has a sheet metal bender), body work, mask and prep, prime and single stage gray or silver Urathan paint. Although repaining it original would be nice, I think Gray/Silver will match interior and will "POP" better. I still have time to make that decision. I'll probably pay another $125 to spray door jams and buff. Nice price huh? What does anyone think about medium gray or silver?

Hey G-Man and Vanny. Thanks for the compliments and aside from it's issues I DO LOVE THIS VAN! I also love that I can get been there, done that, good, reliable info from my new Friends. Thanks, you're appreciated!

I posted a photo in my Gallery of what I'd like it to look like when I'm Finished. It will more than likely have Crager SSs and Michelins

With the dash being kinda a light gold color I would think that maybe it was maybe that color from the factory. I think that someone repainted it the blue & white combo.

Donivan65, I sure appreciate your knowledge/insight and photos. I ASSumed one powerglide fit all. Thanks for the color info too. Yer appreciated buddy!

Thanks HandiVanMan, Good Insight and Correct! Got to looking at it, and saw overspray on the chrome and on the rubber around the door hinges. I guess someone wanted it to look like the van on a factory brochure. The paint on the front is pretty thin and looks almost a rust color. Took a razor blade and romoved some paint, but couldn't find anything other than a rust/red color. If you looked at my "Gallery" photos, I'm sure I'll paint it gray like photo 13. Someone described the interior as a "Fawn" color sorta tan, but yet it goes well with gray too. To be decided....

HEY Sportsvan that Van in photo #13 is SUPER SHARP and is one of my favorite Van's. I think Your VAN would look AWESOME that Grey/Silver and would match the interior also......

Thanks Joe Van, that's what Ima Thinkin too. Your's looks pretty sharp! Nice Lookin Ride. Do you see many of those where you live?

THANKS Sportsvan There is only 6 Earleys in my area Including mine 2- A100 pickups 1- A100 van 1-64 GMC panel my 66 GMC panel and a 65 Chevy sports van that a local Air Brusher owns and he is in the process of getting it on the road.There also is 2-2nd GEN Chevys also but are for sale so I did not count them I have also seen a 60's Ford van twice at some of the bigger car shows that is set up as a gasser.but never got to talk to the owner.....JOE...

Wow, that's alot of em. Except for the Names, I'm guessing a 66 GMC HandiVan is basically identical to a 66 Chevy SortVan, right? Do you (OR ANYONE ELSE) know if you can tow an automatic in neutral, or do you have to disconnect the drive shaft to keep from screwing stuff up?

THE bodys are the same one is a panel van and one is a window van and one is Chevy and the other GMC. Just to be safe I would take the driveshaft out unless you are only towing it down the street.

Figured that was the answer on both counts,  Just wanted to make sure. Thanks!