The history and evolution of 70s Boogie Vans
About this episode
Exploring the vibrant world of 70s boogie vans, this episode dives into the nostalgia and culture surrounding these iconic vehicles. Hosts John and Jason share personal stories, detailing how these vans became symbols of freedom and creativity, often adorned with psychedelic murals and shag carpets. They discuss the DIY spirit of van customization, the evolution from hippie vans to family haulers, and the resurgence of interest in vintage vans today. The conversation is filled with humor and insights into the unique subculture that defined an era.
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In this episode the guys talk about the birth, evolution and resurgence of 70s era Boogie Vans.
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Auto Metal Direct
"Auto Metal Direct is a premier manufacturer of high quality restoration parts for classic American cars and trucks. AMD offers a wide range of components, including body panels, trim, glass, weather stripping, and much more."
Auto Metal Direct makes replacement parts for older American cars and trucks, helping people restore them to their original condition.
Auto Metal Direct is a manufacturer specializing in restoration parts for classic American cars and trucks, providing components that meet or exceed original equipment specifications.
body panels
"AMD offers a wide range of components, including body panels, trim, glass, weather stripping, and much more."
Body panels are the metal parts that make up the outside of a car, like doors and hoods. They can be replaced if they're damaged or rusted.
Body panels are the outer parts of a vehicle's body, including doors, hoods, and fenders, which can be replaced during restoration to maintain or enhance the car's appearance and structural integrity.
weather stripping
"AMD offers a wide range of components, including body panels, trim, glass, weather stripping, and much more."
Weather stripping is the rubber or foam that seals the edges of doors and windows on a car, keeping out rain and noise.
Weather stripping is a material used to seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent water, air, and noise from entering the vehicle, essential for maintaining comfort and preventing damage.
Chevy van
"I learned to walk in a crib on the floor of a 74 Chevy van. Wow. I don't remember it."
The 1974 Chevy van is a large vehicle made by Chevrolet, often used for transporting families or cargo. It was common in the 70s and has a lot of space inside.
The 1974 Chevy van is part of Chevrolet's line of full-size vans, known for their spacious interiors and versatility. These vans were popular for family use and as utility vehicles during the 1970s.
sixty series tires
"...big, wide, sixty series tires on it. Right."
Sixty series tires are a way to describe how tall the side of the tire is compared to its width. A lower number means a shorter sidewall, which usually helps with better handling but can make the ride feel harsher.
Sixty series tires refer to tires where the aspect ratio is 60%, meaning the height of the tire's sidewall is 60% of its width. This designation affects the tire's performance, handling, and comfort.
Cupra Born
"..., you know, that thing was a seventy four. I was born in seventy five and you know, learning to walk. ..."
The Cupra Born is a new electric car that looks sporty and is made to be eco-friendly. It’s designed to be fun to drive while also being good for the environment, showing that you can have a cool car that doesn’t use gas.
The Cupra Born is an all-electric hatchback developed by the Spanish performance brand Cupra, a subsidiary of SEAT. Launched in 2021, it represents a shift towards sustainable performance vehicles, combining sporty design with electric efficiency.
suspension companies
"We didn't have all these suspension companies. So if you wanted to lower the front end of your G van, what did you do?"
Suspension companies make parts that help cars ride better and handle turns more smoothly. They create things like springs and shock absorbers that support the car's weight and control how it moves on the road.
Suspension companies specialize in designing and manufacturing components that improve a vehicle's ride quality, handling, and overall performance. These components can include shock absorbers, springs, and control arms.
fender well
"...that wasn't going to clear the fender well. You had to cut it out, weld something else on."
The fender well is the space around the wheel where the tire sits. If you want to put bigger tires on your car, you might need to change this area to make them fit.
The fender well is the area of a vehicle where the wheel and tire are located, often covered by the fender. Modifications may be necessary to accommodate larger tires.
rat rods
"...we've always talked about rat rods and how rat rotting, you know, kind of became a thing."
Rat rods are cars that people build themselves using old parts, making them look rough and unique. They are often made for fun and don't need to look perfect.
Rat rods are custom cars that emphasize a rough, unfinished look, often built from salvaged parts. They reflect a DIY spirit and are typically created with minimal budget.
hot rod
"...if you wanted a hot rod, you went to the junkyard, you stole parts off of one car, you made it fit another."
A hot rod is a car that has been changed to go faster and look cooler, usually based on older cars. People modify them to make them special and unique.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance and speed. They often feature powerful engines and custom designs.
muscle cars
"...came in, muscle cars and stuff, all the custom cars,..."
Muscle cars are fast cars that were popular in the 60s and 70s. They usually have big engines and are designed for speed and power.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American, known for their powerful engines and aggressive styling. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, often featuring large V8 engines and a focus on straight-line speed.
ISCA
"...you can look at any ISCA, you know, International Steel Car Association,..."
ISCA stands for the International Steel Car Association, which is a group that organizes car shows for custom cars made of steel. They help people show off their unique car designs.
The International Steel Car Association (ISCA) is an organization that promotes custom car shows and events, focusing on steel-bodied vehicles. They help showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of car builders.
boogie van
"Yeah, I did build my own boogie van and it's been quite popular, copied quite a lot, built originally again because I like Hot Wheels."
A boogie van is a custom-designed van that looks cool and often has bright colors and special features. They were really popular a long time ago and are often seen as fun vehicles.
A boogie van is a type of custom van that often features unique styling, vibrant paint jobs, and modifications that emphasize a fun or flashy appearance. These vans were particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s, often associated with a laid-back, adventurous lifestyle.
Hot Wheels
"It was built off of the Hot Wheels Super Van and it checks all the boxes."
Hot Wheels are small toy cars that come in many different designs and colors. They are very popular among kids and collectors, and some people even build real cars inspired by them.
Hot Wheels is a brand of die-cast toy cars created by American toy maker Mattel, known for their high-speed designs and vibrant colors. They have a large following among collectors and car enthusiasts, often inspiring real-life custom builds.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...want to show up with another orange and white 69 Camaro pace car. You want to show up with some kind of ..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It was first made in the late 1960s and has a strong connection to car racing, especially the bright orange and white version from 1969 that is famous for being a pace car at races.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1966. Known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling, the Camaro has become an iconic symbol of American automotive culture, particularly the 1969 model which is often celebrated for its design and racing heritage.
conversion van
"...when you started getting into conversion vans that were not just people haulers, but they were also campers. So, you know, when you kind of transition from the sport van..."
A conversion van is a regular van that has been changed to make it more comfortable and useful, often with nicer seats and extra features for traveling or camping.
A conversion van is a type of van that has been modified from its original design to include additional features for comfort and utility, such as luxury seating, entertainment systems, and sometimes even sleeping accommodations. They are often used for recreational purposes or as family vehicles.
Sprinter van
"...like you go and you buy yourself a sprinter van that's got like four seats in it..."
The Sprinter van is a large van made by Mercedes-Benz that can be used for many purposes, like transporting people or cargo. It's known for being roomy and flexible in how it's set up inside.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a versatile van known for its spacious interior and various configurations, making it popular for both commercial and recreational use. It can be equipped with different seating arrangements and features, catering to a wide range of needs.
small block Chevy
"...with their small block chevies, boards, 318 Dodge, and they just saw the world."
A small block Chevy is a type of engine made by Chevrolet that is smaller and lighter than other V8 engines. It's commonly used in many cars and trucks and is famous for being powerful and easy to modify.
The term 'small block Chevy' refers to a family of V8 engines produced by Chevrolet, known for their compact design and versatility. They are popular in various applications, including muscle cars and trucks, and are known for their performance and aftermarket support.
Dodge 318
"...with their small block chevies, boards, 318 Dodge, and they just saw the world."
The Dodge 318 is a type of engine made by Dodge that is known for being strong and reliable. It was used in many of their cars and trucks for several decades.
The Dodge 318 refers to a 5.2-liter V8 engine produced by Dodge, known for its reliability and use in various Dodge vehicles, particularly trucks and vans. It was popular from the 1960s through the 1990s.
Volkswagen Bus
"...that's how that trend has transformed from VW bus..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a famous van that many people used for traveling and living in, especially during the 1960s. It’s known for its roomy interior and distinctive look.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Bus, is a classic vehicle that became an icon of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. Its spacious interior and unique design made it popular for road trips and as a mobile living space.
Ford
"We want American made, America, and we can drive our Dodge Ford and our Chevy's."
Ford is another well-known American car brand that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. They are famous for models like the Mustang.
Ford is a major American automaker known for its trucks, SUVs, and performance cars. The Ford Mustang is particularly famous in the muscle car category.
Dodge
"We want American made, America, and we can drive our Dodge Ford and our Chevy's."
Dodge is a car brand from the United States that makes a variety of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They are known for their powerful and sporty models.
Dodge is an American automotive brand known for its performance vehicles and trucks. It has a rich history in the muscle car segment, particularly with models like the Dodge Charger and Challenger.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...they said, you know what, it's time. We're going to call it something. We're going to call it a Silverado..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular pickup truck that can be used for many purposes, not just for farming. It was first introduced in 1999 and is known for being strong and reliable.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. It was introduced in 1999 as a successor to the C/K series and has become one of the best-selling trucks in the United States.
Chevrolet C10
"...rado. We're not going to call it the 1500 or the C10. We're going to, we're going to give it a name."
The Chevrolet C10 is a type of pickup truck that was made for many years, starting in the 1960s. People like these trucks because they are tough and can be easily fixed up or customized, making them a favorite for those who enjoy working on cars.
The Chevrolet C10 is a series of pickup trucks produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1987, known for their durability and classic styling. The C10 models are particularly popular among collectors and restorers due to their simple mechanics and the wide availability of aftermarket parts.
pavement princess
"...into the pavement princess that has a giant winch on the front of it that still has a tag on it. And that's a whole another topic talking about Jeeps and Jeep people."
A 'pavement princess' is a vehicle that looks tough and is built for off-roading but is mostly driven on regular roads. It's like a show car for off-road enthusiasts.
The term 'pavement princess' refers to off-road vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs, that are primarily used for show rather than actual off-road driving. These vehicles often have modifications like large tires and winches but are rarely taken off-road.
self-driving feature
"...and they're promoting their self-driving feature. Because if you want to cut your kid's hair or eat a bowl of soup..."
A self-driving feature means the car can drive itself without you having to control it, using special technology to see and understand the road.
A self-driving feature refers to technology in vehicles that allows them to operate without human intervention, using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate.
EV
"my cute little EV car drives itself by finding the little lines on"
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it doesn't produce exhaust fumes, making it better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
torque
"...EVs and especially Teslas in general generally have a lot of torque. You've got direct drive, which auto enthusiast in me thinks that's pretty amazing to have..."
Torque is a force that helps a car move. In electric cars, it helps them speed up quickly, which is why they feel fast when you press the pedal.
Torque is a measure of rotational force and is crucial for a vehicle's acceleration. In electric vehicles, torque is delivered instantly, providing quick acceleration from a standstill.
traction control
"But we all know what traction control, well, maybe John doesn't, but we all know what traction control does when you start spinning in the snow."
Traction control helps your car maintain grip on the road by stopping the wheels from spinning too much when you accelerate, especially in bad weather like snow.
Traction control is a system in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. This is particularly useful in slippery conditions like snow or ice.
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