Burried Treasure

[hotLAVA]

My dad is a collector of crap...(eh hum) I Mean, My dad is a collector...... As it goes, he has the space to store lots and lots of it. Sometimes, for fun, I go out on a treasure hunt. I creep through the weeds and delapidated old buildings, machinery, and "stuff" hoping to find something exciting. Recently, on one of my adventures in dad's backyard, I stumbled upon an old step van filled with things. So I managed to get to the door despite the stickers and tall weeds and pried the door open to explore. Nothing to speak of - on to the old chicken coop.......that is until I went to close the door and noticed the the side of the van. There it was, "Another quality product...blah blah blah...Airstream!" EUREEKA!

I already have plans to renovate this big aluminum, square beauty into our new tow vehicle (getting way ahead of myself, my abilities and my finances). Does anyone know anything about Airstream lending their name for step vans?

Imagine, me, hubby, our boys......towing our Minuet with a big giant box cube van. Oh, and love windows.....it will need love windows and funky shag carpeting on the walls......and mirrors.....beads....(still babbling, stopped typing)

[canny_banjo_man]

Hot Lava...
Go 4 it my dear, Go 4 it, wether it B a DREAM or 4 real...as long as U R Happy....don't B put off, listen 2 Yr Heart...it's bn with U a long time, it kinda knws wots goin on inside Yr head...U gotta have the wind chimes & the funny fins U lite & they smell the place out Man, hey U kn wot I mean...Yea go4it...& don't 4get the Candy striped cotton sheets...LOL, Oh & the lttl black cat with a green eye, LOL...Wish U well...Chris.....

[thenewkid64]

For a while Airstream did build an Aluminum bodied step van. It is on the same P30 chassis as the Argosy Motorhomes were.

I have no idea how many were built or what years they were produced, but other than custom formed corners and such most of the parts should be available in a good parts store.


Pics????

[Stefrobrts]

Can anyone post a pic of one? That's a new beast to me!

[Minnie's Mate]

I'd like to see a picture of one myself. Especially a restored picture.

[Inland RV Center, In]

That Van was called a "B-Van".

They were made for Snap-on tools.

That's sort of where the name came from for the B-190 Van.

Andy

[Excella3287]

Andy are you sure? I worked for Sanp-On and don't reall this.

[Anon]

I recall something like this.
I don't remember if it was Snap-On or Mac Tools.
It was something like that though.
If it is what I think it is, then it is EXTREMELY rare!

[hotLAVA]

Originally Posted by pattersontoo

I recall something like this.
I don't remember if it was Snap-On or Mac Tools.
It was something like that though.
If it is what I think it is, then it is EXTREMELY rare!

[wrinkled brow......dollar signs on pupils.......rubbing hands together]

I'll go snap a picture some time soon and post it in the thread. It's in rough condition - but it's not rusty! Thanks everyone for your help.

[87MH]

Originally Posted by HOT LAVA

...Does anyone know anything about Airstream lending their name for step vans?

Imagine, me, hubby, our boys......towing our Minuet with a big giant box cube van.

When I took the "Factory" tour earlier this year tour conductor Don Ambos mentioned that during the "lean years" the factory turned out what he described as "Postal type trucks" - wonder if this could be one of them or a variant.

[Inland RV Center, In]

The old vans made by Airstream for Snap-on tools was called an "A-Van".

Andy

[hotLAVA]

Andy, do you know if the A-Van was made available to the general public?

I'm pretty certain my father purchased this van new for his business. And if I am to guess the year....hmmm......I remember we kids were sleeping in the back on a big piece of shag carpeting and taking a family trip to a giant flea market in Wisconsin (treasure hunting - no doubt). I recall mostly that it started on fire on the way home. Those were good times: good quality family time spent perfecting our "stop - drop - and roll." I'd have to say I was around 12-13 (just a guess) at the time......(giving away my age) that was around 1982-1983 maybe? I'll find out for sure and get back to you.