New-to-me '73 G-30 Chevy Van: Where do I start?

[chevysupercoach]

Hello,

This is my first post and I am not familiar with forums, please forgive me if I am not doing this correctly. I just need help and I am not sure where to start.

I just purchased a van. It is a 1973 Chevrolet G-30 and is widened and made into a camper by a company called Superior Coach Company. They named it the Superior 61, or so I've been told. From what I've read, it was mostly used as an ambulance, so few of the RV/camper types were made. Mine is in rough shape and is mostly stock, but it drives and I'm eager to get working on it. At this time, my heart is torn between keeping this as original as possible or just gutting the thing and doing whatever I want. These vans are rare which means so is the interior. What should I do? Try to restore it or is it not worth the effort? I want to get it mechanically sound and reliable, then livable. This will be my full-time home soon. You all have vans, what is your opinion?

I do not know if I should start looking at the engine, fixing the electrical system, or trying to clean out the interior. The cabinets are in rough shape, and ugly. The shower/bathroom combo is dated and I doubt any of it works. I am not sure if the vehicle still has water tanks. How can I check? It has a 350 engine with a carburetor... and many questions to go with it. I don't want to keep rambling in this post. So far I've watched many YouTube videos and have been searching through a few posts. There is good information once I determine a direction, but could someone help get me started?

The vehicle and I are in Arizona, near the Phoenix metro area. I'll be able to add pictures after 7/14 when the van is delivered to me. I have a very low budget and aim to have the vehicle livable in 8 months. I mostly need a place to sleep and not overheat. The gym and laundry mat will serve my showering and clothes-washing needs. Any wisdom you can impart is greatly appreciated.

[slantflat]

I'd get it running first and then make it safe to drive. Brakes, tires, etc. As for the interior, if it's in bad shape no need to keep it. Remember, rare does not always equal valuable. People with vintage Airstreams will completely gut the interior and build back custom. Do what's comfortable for you.

I've read about these widened Superior vans. They look incredibly cool. Be sure and post up some pictures when you get it home.

[chevysupercoach]

Awesome! This is great advice, I really appreciate it. I can't wait to get under the hood, or I guess it's called a doghouse..
Thank you

I'd get it running first and then make it safe to drive. Brakes, tires, etc. As for the interior, if it's in bad shape no need to keep it. Remember, rare does not always equal valuable. People with vintage Airstreams will completely gut the interior and build back custom. Do what's comfortable for you.

I've read about these widened Superior vans. They look incredibly cool. Be sure and post up some pictures when you get it home.

[MountainManJoe]

hood is still the hood. you don't take off the doghouse unless you absolutely have to

[WoodButcher]

Welcome!
After she runs and drives then gut the interior. Careful of the wiring until you identify every circuit. You can be sure what the up-fitter or a previous owner tapped into for power.
After gutting you'll need to get a garden hose and check everything for leaks. Start at the bottom underneath and work your way up 6" or a foot at a time going around every penetration or seam. Have a helper inside with tape or paint to mark them all as they are found.
Nothing worse than tearing into your own work to fix a leak.
Good luck.

[chevysupercoach]

I finally got it delivered! It struggles to start, dies if you don't give it gas and rev it for a minute and then it seems to idle but it started smoking up front and we turned the truck off. So this is my starting point. Under the hood has spiderwebs and is very dirty. I didn't take a picture of the interior or anything else.

[WoodButcher]

Wow!

I've never seen a van widened.

[MountainManJoe]

wow quite the Frankenvan