Chevrolet van
| GMC Vandura | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1970–1996 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size van |
| Body style | 3-door van 4-door van |
| Related | Chevrolet C/K/GMC Sierra |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Sportvan/GMC Handi-Van |
| Successor | Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana |
The GMC Vandura, also sold as the Chevy Van, was a full-size van produced by GMC from 1970 (introduced in April 1970 as 1971 models), up until 1996. In 1996, in its last model year, it co-existed with a new generation full-size van, the Savana, which did not fully replace the Vandura until, of course, 1997. Along with its Chevrolet twin - the second-generation G-series vans replaced the "breadloaf" (also known as Scooby-Doo) 1964-70 generation. The previous generation was a modified passenger car platform (using components sourced from the Chevy II - primarily the powerplants and brakes), and the second generation Vandura used suspension parts from the Chevrolet/GMC C-series pickups. The 3/4 ton Chevrolet and GMC vans used ball joints from the 3/4 ton 2500 series pickup, however the brakes are the HD version from the 1/2 ton pickup. Powerplants and transmission choices were the same as their truck counterparts.
1970
The Vandura (and sister Chevrolet Chevyvan) replaced the earlier GMC Handi-Van (and sister Chevrolet Sportvan). The GMCs were introduced in April 1970; interior components such as the steering column and steering wheel were sourced from their Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickups.
The short wheelbase vans measured 110 inches, while the long wheelbase was 125 inches (the previous generation had either a 90 or 108 inch wheelbase).
1978
The front sheetmetal was updated with square or round headlights and a front plastic grille sourced from both Chevrolet and GMC light duty pickup trucks.
1980
All 1980 vans were complemented new rear view mirrors on the drivers and passenger doors.
1982
Locking steering column introduced..The last model year for a three speed manual on the column.
1983
Stacked headlights introduced, alongside with a flatter front grille similar to the one used on Chevrolet C/K trucks replacing the previous year's 1980 vintage eggcrate design (last used on the 1980 Chevrolet C/K pickup).The shifter for all manual transmissions are now on the floor and the steering column is now of the same tilt as the C/K series pickups.A tilt steering column is now available with a manual transmission. All vans now have square headlamps.
This was also the model year that debuted on the popular television show "The A-Team." The famous black and red van.
1985
New taillight lenses were redesigned, along with the introduction of traditional swing-out side doors alongside the standard sliding door (the previous generation had split doors - they were a 50/50 split). The swing-out doors were a 60/40 split.all grilles on GMC vans have a blackened treatment to them
1990
Unlike the Dodge Ram and Ford Econoline vans which had a welded-on body extension, a 133 inch wheelbase was introduced (about the same length as a Chevrolet/GMC crewcab truck).
1992
Facelift using the front grille from the former Chevrolet/GMC R/V series pickups and SUVs (Blazer, Suburban, Crew Cab/Dually), previously phased out of production in 1991.
1993
4L60E automatic transmission introduced, replacing the 4L60/700R4.
1994
A driver's side airbag is now Standard.
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