The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot BC Bolters 64 GMC Fire Command Van project

So since I had to sell off all my truck stuff, still have some parts left but not much, and we're moving I figured I best go buy a grumman or a classic van to store all my tools/car stuff and for when we move so I don't have to pay for a uhaul truck anymore than needed.

So I'm picking up this beast of a van this week hopefully since I have to clear out the garage. It's a '64 GMC "Commercial" van. Originally a command van for Vancouver back in the day, then shipped up to 100 Mile to be used by Search & Rescue. Hasn't been in service for years now and needs some work. Not sure on the body specs but it's a 1.5t+/283/4spd. Luckily it's a manual on the floor. It does run and did drive, might need a little work to get it safely down the road now lol Needs some cosmetic work and a new windshield which'll be the hardest part to find or expensive to have made.

Haven't decided if I'll paint it Fire engine red like original or black the whole thing out. Keeping the spot lights and big red fire lights on it.

The idea is to use it for storage/moving and business (ice cream/vending truck).


[IMG]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd364/otservice/IMG_9332.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd364/otservice/IMG_9334.jpg[/IMG]

Nate

Wow, now that thing looks like a mobile command centre!

Yeah, it's pretty cool with the amount of storage on both sides and inside. I'm planning on cutting the inside out though so the storage will be half as much, that way I have more interior room. Has a bench area along with a desk area. Hopefully the siren/speak still work so I can bug our neighbours at night time when they are drunk and partying late.

I need to get it into the shop as soon as possible though so I can fix the roof, has a small hole (it's all fiber glass) and paint the whole thing.

HOW COOL IS THAT!!!

Where in the world did you find that van? You come up with the best stuff I swear!

m

It was online a few months ago and I was interested, but no time to check it out. The guy put it back up recently and I had some work up North so checked it out on my way back. Interesting van and custom made up here I think. Has "Commercial - Vancouver, BC" chrome logo on the frontend. Must have been a builder out here, but unfortunately the V is missing from the logo.

Was looking for an 80s crew cab 1 ton but a van will work better for my needs anyways.

We haven't found another house yet, but haven't even had a chance to finish all the house work either. I've been away the last few wks in and out of town, so time's is lacking now and lots to do. Having a garage sale this wknd or next so I'll probably put all my spare truck parts out lol Gotta move the '64 Caddy out of the drive way though and my '49 cab.

The guy who bought my '49 is having us put it on a S10 chassis for him. Go figure, I sell the truck and end up helping build it for somebody else haha.

Nate

SWEEEET!

My buddy and I did a red-eye run last night. Left at 5:30pm and got home at 5am this morning after towing this beast all night. I backed it down my street into my driveway without brakes...that was a little scary. Thought I was going to take out everybodies cars haha

We've got big plans for it though. Gotta fix the brakes asap then start on the body. Lots to do by July to get it on the road selling stuff

Nate

I can't wait to see more pics. I'd be happy to look at like a million pictures of that thing, inside and out!

Yeah, it's pretty cool. I'm very pleased with this unique old bread van/fire truck. Gonna take a few pics today, then I'll be taking out all the wood pieces (extra seating/desk/cabinets) and cleaning the roof pant off while is pealing. The fiber glass roof needs lots of work, so I'll patch the big holes, throw some resin across the small holes and then rhino line the entire roof so it's leak proof forever

First I have to clean out the garage and load up all the storage compartments with "stuff" lol.

Let us know when you plan on the garage sale as it'll get us a chance to view the tank

*L*...quite the beast !!!
I recall there was a company in Vancouver called Commercial Truck Body. Maybe they built the body on a GM chassis ??

The body was built by Commercial Body Builders Ltd out in Vancouver, now in Delta. I'm going to see if they can hook me up with their glass guys so I can get new glass for it. I've looked all over and haven't seen another van like this and I know everything was custom built as it's a Fire Dept special order.

Nate

Wow.. that truck looks cool. Too bad about that window. Some kid must have hit a home run out of the park.

let me know when you get tired of it Nate, keep it local.

Even if I didn't turn this thing into a vending truck I'd keep it as a storage moving van lol This thing is deff too cool to ever see go. I'm glad I got it back down here since now I can show my FD buddies when it's all done and take it back to North Van for pics with the new fire trucks.

I had a couple guys ask me already if it was for sale. Just guys who drive by all the time, but I get that a fair bit being on the corner of 216th. Lots of people see what I have and stop in to talk randomly.

If it wasn't used for vending, I'd set it up to store a 20-30s car. There's enough length for it and width

i'll have to take a m/c ride over the bridge and check it out if it ever stops (*&^%$ raining!

Just got back from Oregon with the lil woman and we had all sunny days except one. Luckily when we came back it was sunny Sunday and should be the next few days. But I see rain is coming this week.

Maybe we'll have a summer in July or August if we're lucky lol