Some guidance needed...

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a 67 GMC Handi Bus to use as a parts runner for my hot rod and Harley parts. I have never had a van and decided to go with an early van. Prices have climbed and they seem to be getting hard to find very quickly. The other day one popped up on Craigslist and I went and snagged it up. I was hoping someone could offer some pointers and clarification on them.

Its a long wheel base 1967 GMC Handi Bus window van. I must admit that I was after a swb cargo van but took what i found. It has what I was told is a 250 straight six. It starts and runs with some pedal persuasion. It has rust in the rockers and drivers floor. Drivers door has some dents and is missing the drivers door glass.

I need to replace the hinge pins for the front doors. What is a good source or are they compatible with the truck or any car hinges?

What is the difference between a Handi Van and Bus?

Is there a good source for repair panels or am I stuck making my own?

I need to replace window regulators and door latch handle mechanisms because someone stripped the splines bare. Is there a good source for these?

Thanks everyone.

Travis

welcome to the world of early vans.
the hinges are van only and can be rebuilt, there is a thread somewhere on here
that will show you what parts and where to get them and how to do it.
Handi Van is a panel van Handi Bus is a window van  both of course made by GMC
as far as repair panels, there are some out there, check out ebay motors for the year
of van  you have, you can get side door bottoms, rockers, the rear corners and some
side panels with the wheel opening, but only for the rear.
as for the window regulators they can be rebuilt, there are several chevy truck stores
on line that sell parts that will fit your van, brothers trucks, lmc trucks and classic parts
all cater to chevy trucks, many of those parts will fit your van.
the 67 year regulator is the same one as the 64/67, 68/70 uses a different one, but a
shaft kit from a 66 chevy truck should work on yours. hope this helps.

Welcome..comfirm the engine size by finding casting number on the side of the block and google for GM/Chevy casting numbers for 6 cyl. engines, you will find many lists. It will be good to know for getting parts in the future. There is a wealth of resources here for getting parts, finding parts vans, the doors are interchangeable for many years, my fronts are '67's a on a '64. There are a few companies like this: http://www.mill-truck-body.com/chevrolet-truck-panels.html that makes the repair panels as mentioned for the lower rockers and rear quarters. There is an episode of Gas Monkey Garage where they bought an early Ford Econoline van for your same purpose, running parts for their hot rod shop!

Welcome to VV..!!!..  ..Good Luck on Your Project....Plenty of info Here..  ...

Welcome and "enjoy the ride"

I appreciate the help guys. I have put the van in storage until I find all the little parts I need. I have a Harley on the lift and a 68 Cutlass I need to get to pretty soon and finish up then I should be able to tear in to the van. My plan is a vintage Gasser type van only not really a race set up. I just want the style and to be able to keep it safe for the family.

Might I suggest contacting M1Dadio about his front disc brake brackets, if you want to update to more modern stopping ability.