The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Need info on old Chevy step van

Hi, new here...
This site looks like an excellent resource!

My husband and I have an old Chevy step van, and are trying to I.D. the year & model.

I bought it in '87.
It had a '67 rebuilt motor and the shop owner said the body was older. The title says '67. Also, he said it was a former UPS van.

So far all I can find, after a lot of searching is this die cast toy from UPS.
(seen here)
http://www.motormint.com/browseproducts/1957-UPS--153;-Package-Car---1-28-Scale.html

It looks a great deal like our truck. (practically the same body)

Some differences are:
The UPS truck has what appears to be a wrap around windshield.
Ours does not, it has separate triangle windows on the side.
UPS has square skylights, ours are round.
UPS has a different grill, ours is a flat mesh-type grill.

Any help identifying the year and model would be much appreciated.

Thank you!
Marg B.

With UPS vans it's really hard to tell it is very rare that anyone would get there hands on an old UPS van as they were built specifically for UPS and they would dismantle and recycle them they were not to get out to the general public. Notice that they look different from all others and there were literally millions made but you never see an old one.

Chevrolet introduced step-van chassis in 1948. Several different manufacturers made bodies for them so you might find ten or twelve vans all built the same year but might all look a little different from the rest. Try to find a manufacturer's ID plate somewhere on the van. Maybe on a door edge or a door jamb. If you can find the VIN number it will be much easier to determine when the van was built. Maybe someone else can tell you specifically where to find the ID plate.

Millions made, but you never see an old one...

You are right!

I've been having a heck of a time trying to find even a photo of one like it.

This one was painted blue.
You can see the UPS brown underneath where the paint has faded in some places, especially the roof.
It is all aluminum, like many other step vans.

The very nice elderly mechanic I bought it from had a small town shop. Now that I think of it, I believe he did repair work for UPS in our area. (he may have passed away by now).

Would the VIN reveal any info?

I am going to look up photos or take some a.s.a.p.
If anyone is interested in seeing the "Blue Goose" as we call it :o)

Thanks!
Marg B.

I do have the VIN, it is located on the bar that holds the steering wheel.

PS327F172054

I will look for the ID plate tomorrow.

Thanks!
MB

At a minimum, the VIN should reveal the place of manufacture and the year; maybe the engine size.

Grumman-Olson (Olson Kurb-Side) was the most popular manufacturer of these stepvans, used by General Motors. Montpelier Manufacturing, Utility Truck Distributors, Herman Body Company, Dekalb Commercial Body Corp., Universal"Carovan", & Boyertown "Better-Built". Were just a few other manufacturers. Post a few pictures, & I may be able to take a guess at it.

Thanks for the info!
I will get some pics. up soon.
From the old school, don't have a digital camera as of yet.
But, will see what I can come up with.
Surely have something after 21 yrs. :o)

Catch you later...
MB