Whatever Happened To Custom Vans?

According to published reports, conversion van sales have gone from 181,000 in 1994 to less than 23,000 in 2004. Has the adventure gone along with the hippie generation? Are we soon to say goodbye to the once-loved (or made-loved in) custom van?

Some don't think so. Gary Miller, known as the Van Guru, has a company called Personalized Vans and Trucks in San Jose, CA. You can clearly see from their website that the custom van is still popular and ever evolving.

Custom vans today are nothing like that 70s hippie love bus. Everyone from hobby enthusiasts to business professionals have found a wide variety of uses for a customized van or truck.

Hippie Van by museinthecity via Creative Commons.

Traveling landscape and garden photographer Griffith Bryan had his van customized by Gary Miller of Personalized Vans. "I never lack for comfort or functionality while on a shoot, all due to your conversion of my simple van into my fabulous Photomobile," Griffith says. That's what you get when your van has a large bed, TV and DVD entertainment, equipment space as well as a counter for cooking and eating, among other features.

Another great van conversion feature is the capability of becoming handicapped-accessible. Wheelchair-accessible vans are very convenient for our handicapped loved ones.

Even surfers and windsurfers have their custom vans with a lot of space, comfort, and customization. The sports van gives you room to transport your gear, be it surf boards, scuba tanks, or other sports supplies. You can transport everything you need for all your sports-related getaways. If your custom van also gets an appropriate paint job it will feel like you're on the beach even when you're still on the road!

Other outdoor activities like camping and fishing require space for gear and supplies. The camper van just fits right into the picture for a camping weekend out of town or any close-to-nature experience.

Now let's talk dogs and pets! Mobile dog groomer vans can come straight to anyone's house to give their pets the royal treatment. Dog groomers now use custom vans because of the space it provides for all the tools and grooming kits they need to tend to your pet without having to compromise the comfort and ease of travel.

While the hippie generation is slowly fading, the custom van is still around. Mention any type of van you have on the top of your mind - Aerostar, Vanagon, Eurovan, or even the Sprinter Van - they all can be customized into a special van that will serve your purpose.

Don't forget to pay respects history behind the custom van! Insert a KISS or Led Zeppelin disk and rock on down the highway in your very own special customized mobile van.

Orange Van Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

Gary Miller of Personalized Vans and Trucks has over 25 years of experience in custom van conversions. His fully-equipped custom van shop is centrally located near the International Airport in San Jose, California.

Get in touch with Gary through his website or give him a call at +1-408-436-8244.

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