Samvans '66 handibus

So after a slow and uncertain start, I've finally started to get moving on my '66 build. Since I first joined this club and laid out my plans, there's been this voice in the back of my head saying "you could have had a =V8!!!". Well Twin Pilot, you will be happy to know that I sold my S-10 donor and bought a TBI 350. The 2nd gen doghouse is in and the motor will go in this week. I'm looking for a 200r4 to put behind it so here we go! Here's some pic's and there will be a lot to come...

Nice start on a major upgrade

Been thinking about going this route myself. Keep the pic's rolling!!! Very interested in what's involved to get the TBI up and running.

Moving right along Nicely..!!!..That 350 should wake that Van Up.. I have the same motor in my 91 Chevy Van Plenty of pulling power......"Great Job" on the tunnel I may have to come visit some day to get some help with mine..!!!.. ..You should not have any problem coming up with a trans check some local transmission shops and see if they have one ready to go...Keep Us Posted....

That's a great looking doghouse and tunnel you have there and a great looking motor to boot as well. With that motor and trans in there you should be able boogy along nicely.

Friday, I left the shop to go to the junkyard to pull all the brackets and pullies for the serpentine belt. Fun stuff. When I went there this morning, this is what I saw!



It sure is purty in there, aint it??!!!

Gotta Admit it looks "Great" Sitting in there did you get all the pullys and brackets for it any updates..???. ..

Great =samsvan!! Nice to see u do that. Just curious - why the tbi?? after fuel economy or?? My only thought now is ----

U couldda had a ---"TURBO"!!!!!!!!!

Hey, guys. Yes, I got all the brackets and pullies off a '91 g-20 conversion van. The brackets are steel and the pullies seem tight and smooth. I also ordered some shorty headers and the electric power steering parts. I'm still dealing with getting a tranny and radiator installed and then it's time for wiring. I'll just stay out of the way for that part though. I went with the TBI because it was the best built motor for the money that I could find at the time. I did want a clean, efficient and reliable motor with some power for when I need it. But Christ, now I have to turbocharge it???!!! Your killing me!! More photo's to come. See ya!

Got a little bit done since my last post. Headers are in...

So I guess all my pictures are going to be sideways. Well, getting started on the front discs - Thanks Dadio

And the tranny. I went with the 700r4 instead of the 200 and my buddy Buddy made the crossmember. He C notched the old crossmember instead of dropping the motor to clear it.


I'll try to remember to hold the phone camera flat ways next time...

Great choice on the 700r!!

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Sorry, it was killing my neck! Had to rotate them...

How'd you do that???!!!

I just opened the pics in Paint application and there's a menu choice to rotate the pic Right or left 90 degrees and then you can just save it right side up. I think paint.net has a free download available as well. It came preloaded on our pc.

Thanks, Vanny

samsvan wrote:
So I guess all my pictures are going to be sideways. Well, getting started on the front discs - Thanks Dadio

"Great Job" its coming along really nice..!!!. .Question do those brackets take the Hat Style rotor set up where you use your old hubs.???...Or does it take the one piece 11 inch Nova / Camaro front rotor..???..

Joe, these are the M1D80TA brackets that take the hat style rotors. I will get you a measurement from the center of the axle to the outside of the caliper. Take that times 2 and you should then be able to measure the inside of your rims to see if this system will fit.

I just got back from the junkyard. Got a clutch fan and a shifter out of a '95 Camaro for $45.00. I need to order some more parts too. The only place I see king pin sets with bronze bushings is from Rare Parts, Inc. but they're $124.00. Is there anywhere else I should check or just go with the nylon bushings? I need a gas tank too. There's one from Tanks, Inc., part #53-cgx that holds 18 gallons, will fit with the front x-member moved and is only 9 1/4" deep. Just to be sure, if I'm using my stock gas gauge, I should get the 30 ohm sender? Also, there's a site called ls1wiringharness.com that looks like they have the wiring harness I need for the '92 TBI 350 and 700R4 for $275.00. Seems like a good deal??? I really appreciate any help with this stuff. Thanks, Sam

Do you have the stock harness from where ever you got the motor? if so you can just modify it your self. If not $275 is cheap for a new harness

The construction biz is on fire again here in sunny Fla. and we've been doing a ton of really nice work. So... I decided to give myself (and my van) a treat. I couldn't blast the underside but we did do the whole outside, the door jambs, the dash and floor. I can't believe how rust free this 50 year old van is. There's a few holes in the areas you would expect but not many. The shop is going to put epoxy primer on tomorrow then Rhino Line the floor and DH.

heres  a kingpin set =rock auto 1970 -should be same as 66-Now a thought?? If you cant get the brass sleves in a king pin set?? why not take the plastic sleves to a wholesale bearing house & see if the dont have the brass sleves in that id/od?? bet they will!!


Years ago =MANY!! I redid thye kingpins on a 1940 ford coupe. I got that set from jc whitney then!! actually came with a reamer to fit !! still have that reamer too!!

Moving right along Sam and doing it the wright way looking "Real Good" nice solid / straight body thats gonna be one "Sweet Ride"  when its finished..!!!...Have you decided on a color yet.???..I like this color combo the best on the Sportsvan / Handibus...My floor was Rino Lined also you will like the results and benefits from it makes a "BIG" difference nice job on the cross member also.. ...

Epoxy primer is on and so are the doors.

Looking Great Sam! Keep the pics coming Please! Have you decided on a color yet?