What Was the Point of Conversion Vans?

The rise of the conversion van craze

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Van Conversion Range rose to incredible popularity in the United States. Young people especially were drawn to their versatility and customization potential. With their bulk cargo space that could be reconfigured, conversion vans offered an all-in-one vehicle suited for road trips, camping, and active lifestyles.

During this era, many American families purchased full-size passenger vans for their practicality. Models like the Dodge Sportsman and Chevrolet Van were frequent targets for creative conversions. Enthusiasts realized they could transform the drab interior spaces into personalized living quarters tailored to their needs and interests. This inspired the rise of a whole industry around professionally modifying vans.

As seen in the table above, conversion vans truly hit their stride in popularity during the 1970s decade of self-expression and exploration. Movies like "Vanishing Point" which came out in 1971 glamorized the roaming adventure lifestyle they enabled.[^1] Magazines routinely profiled innovative builds readers had done to their vehicles. The possibilities seemed endless for redesigning the dormant cargo bays.

By this time, some ambitious builders were experimenting with complex layouts like sleeper bunks, drop-down kitchenettes, and rear lounges. Others focused more on cosmetic changes like colorful murals or shag carpeting. No matter the approach, these visual modifications communicated something about the owner's personality and interests. It was the ultimate form of expressive transportation.

The do-it-yourself movement played a key role in the popularity of conversion vans. Owners saw them as a blank canvas and valued putting their own creative stamp on the interior design. Many enthusiasts eagerly dove into ambitious van builds as DIY projects.

Common novice conversions focused on basics like adding carpet, captain chairs, or a dinette booth. But more experienced owners eagerly took on complex layouts and custom cabinetry. Popular regional Sound Deadening Van life magazines routinely published step-by-step building guides. These inspired others and spread innovative ideas like removable room dividers or fold-out storage solutions.

Community support was strong, with experienced builders happily advising newcomers. Local lumber yards, upholsterers, and hardware stores often hosted weekend workshops on topics like electrical wiring or wall paneling techniques. Many areas even had conversion van clubs where members socialized and helped each other with projects.

While some owners hired professional installers, most took pride in self-performing conversions. Neighbors would often see vans parked for weeks outside homes as builds progressed. Evenings and weekends were spent meticulously crafting each system and detail. Many formed strong bonds over shared triumphs and troubleshooting sessions.

To this day, some of the most elaborate vintage conversions still turn heads at van shows. Their builders meticulously selected and hand-fabricated every material. The results blur the line between functionality and fine art. These pinnacle builds serve as a reminder of the dedication and artistry that drove the conversation van DIY culture in its heyday.

Despite their overwhelming popularity in the 1970s, conversion van sales began to fall off in the 1980s. Skyrocketing gas prices during that economic recession made their large size and weight increasingly impractical. As family vehicles, minivans also proved more versatile with easily removable seats.

Another factor was the declining counterculture movement as new musical tastes emerged. Younger generations no longer associated conversion vans with liberating travel or antipathy to mainstream culture. Automakers adapted by launching compact camper vans, but these failed to achieve the same mass fervor.

While new conversions slowed, devoted owners refused to quit the hobby. Many turned their vans into weekend project vehicles or inherited full-timers from their parents. Regional gatherings like the “Vans by the Ocean” festival in Southern California drew thousands annually through the 90s. Custom shops still thrived fulfilling specialized restoration and renovation jobs.

In recent years, conversion van enthusiasm has seen a nostalgia-fueled rebound. Vintage models in good shape have climbed greatly in collector value. Websites like ModVan.com provide online communities, events listings, and vendor marketplaces. Young fans rediscover the iconic vehicles through parents or pop culture references. Some envision them as mobile tiny homes or small businesses like food trucks.