But for many attendees, the biggest draw is the custom vehicles section (cars, trucks, conversion vans, etc.). While seeing the latest that the big car companies have to offer can be exhilarating, the cars are still mass-produced vehicles, designed by committee and turned out by the thousands.

Custom vehicles, including conversion vans, are one-of-a-kind machines which formerly existed only in the creator’s mind but were made real by hard work and imagination. It’s been that way since the beginning of the conversion van craze in the ‘60s and 70’s, when individuals, not corporations, designed a vehicle that not only fit their needs but their way of life. These were vehicles of self-expression, not focus groups.

From those humble beginnings, the conversion van industry has become a worldwide phenomenon, resulting in thousands of specialized shows just for customized vehicles only. Though they all may have the same origin as those assembly line vehicles at the car manufacturer-sponsored shows, the similarity ends there.

The idea of converting or customizing a vehicle has been around since the first days of the automobile. Drivers with a need for speed improved the engine and became the first auto racers. Owners who wanted to stand out from the crowd added specialized paint jobs or chrome trim to make their vehicle special. Still others made alterations to the interior, whether it was fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror or special seat covers.

Owners of vans in the ‘60s and ‘70s were no different. Owing in large part to the spirit of freedom and unconventionality that existed at the time, van owners sought to personalize their vehicles, both inside and out, to express their individuality. Hippies and other counterculture followers desired to break away from the stifling conformity of the city and hit the road in converted vans that included beds, improved sound systems, mini kitchens (stoves and sinks) and wild paint jobs that expressed their view on the world (peace, love, anti-war, etc.).

Similar anti-conformists who wanted to return to the land outfitted their vans with gear suitable for a life under the stars: built-in tents, skylights that looked to the heavens (as well as the necessary gear like stoves, etc.).

When the ‘70s got into full swing, this viewpoint of the world appeared to move inward, as owners of conversion vans began to express how they felt about themselves, rather than the world, in the work they did on their vans. In his book, “Vans: A Book of Rolling Rooms”, author Baron Wolman describes vans with “Coors barrels for seats…a fireplace…upholstered naugahyde with stained glass windows…a Japanese tea room, complete with samurai swords on the bamboo wall.” All of this was in addition to the “traditional” shag carpet interior and outside paintings of gladiators, menacing panthers and, of course, nude women.

This creativity, of course, drew admirers, first from the community of conversion van creators and then from the outside world itself. It wasn’t (and still isn’t) unusual to see a group of conversion van creators gathered in a park on the weekend to admire each other’s work or to lend tips for improvement.

While custom car shows had already had a long history (perhaps reaching their peak in the 1950s thank to custom car designers like the Barris brothers), conversion vans were beginning to be accepted into the custom world as well. Custom car shows frequently included prizes for the best car customization and vans (as well as trucks and motorcycles) began to have their own category to reward the hard work of the designers.

There would, perhaps, be categories for best exterior design, best interior design, best restoration of an older model van, best features, etc. Like any “beauty contest”, the determination is at the whim of the judges but as the organizers at the Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame near Tulsa, Oklahoma put it, “The main consideration will be how well the builder, designer and owner accomplished modifying or rebuilding the vehicle being judged. Design, engineering, craftsmanship, detail will be considered in all aspects of the vehicle.” It should be noted that the museum’s namesake, Darryl Starbird, has been producing customized vehicles for more than 50 years.

Today, there are hundreds of custom shows annually, and many are dedicated to vans only. One such show, “Vanarama”, features conversion vans from all over the country and makes stops in numerous major cities like Kansas City, Detroit, Chicago and New Orleans. Another, “Vanfest” is based in Canada and bills itself as “the ultimate collection of custom vans from today, tomorrow and the past.”

But while many of those people have the means to purchase a conversion van pre-assembled, or to have the features they desire installed at their request, many others might have to settle for doing it themselves. It’s not an impossible task, but it requires preparation, a basic knowledge of automobiles and the right tools.

The most important first step, of course, is selecting the right van for the conversion process. If you already own a van, you’re most likely have already made the decision on the vehicle you’re going to convert. But if you’re starting from scratch, you have two choices: purchase a new, but stripped-down van, or purchase a used van that you can tear down and rebuild to your own specifications.

Both choices require careful planning. Unlike authorized conversion van dealers, who received specially prepared van bodies from the major car manufacturers that are designed to be converted from the ground up, a pre-existing van, with many features already built in, may not be designed to handle the requirements of customization. For instance, putting in special features not originally designed to be added to the van, such as beds, stoves, sinks and bathroom facilities, will add additional weight to the vehicle and alter its center of gravity, thus affecting its handling while driving, You may need to make modifications to the body to compensate for this change.

In addition, this new weight load may put an unexpected strain on the existing engine and transmission, so you should consider the required power of both of these essential elements before adding new features.

Next, begin to design your conversion van in your head. What features do you want? What will be the primary use of the van (Business? Pleasure? Camping? Quick trips around town?) How many passengers do you expect to transport regularly? Do you expect many long trips or short trips? And, finally, how much are you willing to spend to convert it? All of these factors, and others, need to be considered before spending any money on parts or the van itself. Some vans may be less expensive but smaller in size, while others may be roomy but use considerable gas. Consider all of the options before making any purchase toward the project.

Now that you’ve decided on the van you want, its intended use and the dollar amount you’re willing to spend, assess your automotive experience and considering how much help you’re going to need. If you’re a weekend mechanic who’s familiar with an engine, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you understand the intricacies of a vehicle’s electrical system, its suspension system, the transmission, etc. It’s not unusual for an amateur mechanic to begin a massive project such as van conversions and quickly find they’re in over their head. Know your limitations and arrange for help from a knowledgeable friend or mechanic beforehand. In addition, there are many website bulletin boards devoted to van conversion where other van enthusiasts are more than willing to lend a hand.

With the list of items you’ll need handy, begin your search for the parts at your local automotive store or from online parts dealers. It may be tempting to scrimp, opting for the cheaper version of an essential part rather than pay a few dollars more, but this is a mistake. Do not compromise on parts and equipment that are important to the operation of the vehicle and, ultimately, your safety.

Depending on what features you plan on adding in you van, you may want to consider adjusting the suspension before installing them. Again, you will be adding weight to van that may have been originally designed to carry. Lifting the suspension and strengthening the load-bearing capabilities will ensure a smoother ride.

Purchasing an automotive manual designed for your vehicle’s particular make, model and year will provide you with a diagram of your car’s electrical system and its capacity. It may be necessary to add an additional battery to provide auxiliary power in case you plan on installing a few additional features (light, electric stove, etc.) that may drain power from the regular battery.

Finally, special tools may be needs to secure items like seating, sofa beds, tables, cabinets and shelves to the interior of the vehicle. Welding may be involved, as well as metal drills and special fasteners. Additionally, if you plan on installing windows in the van where there are none, a metal cutter is a must.

At the outset, vans slated for conversion are empty and devoid of accessories, even windows. They are usually half-ton or three-quarter ton cargo vans from Ford (E-Series), Chevrolet (Express or their GMC Savana) or Dodge (the Sprinter model). The Conversion Van Marketing Association, an eight—member group, is the only organization whose members are authorized to build conversion vans based on Chevrolet or GM models. Likewise, Midwest Automotive Designs, based in Elkhart, Indiana, is one of only a handful of companies authorized to create conversion vans from Sprinter models.

Dealers provide the authorized manufacturers of conversion vans with a basic, conventional cargo van on what is known as a cutaway van chassis. A cutaway van chassis usually consists of the van’s front end and cab only. The rest of the van’s body is incomplete and the back end is usually covered with cardboard or plywood until it reaches the conversion company.

First, the second stage manufacturer determines the purpose of the vehicle. It may be used for private transport or commercial purposes. But knowing the usage intended by the end consumer is important. Next, the overall design of the vehicle must be determined. The seating arrangement, lighting arrangement, electrical equipment arrangement must all be mapped out early in the process to ensure the correct configuration of the essential elements, such as the wiring and heating system. Also the design of the outer body must also be considered at this stage: the placement of windows, etc.

Next, the second stage manufacturer begins installing the base equipment: special electrical wiring, special heating and fuel elements and tanks, ducts for heat and toilet facilities (if included). Since these will be inserted into the body of the vehicle where access may be difficult later, it is important to make the correct installation of these vital elements now.

Now the body of the conversion van may be attached. Remember, the van has been sent to the second stage manufacturer with only the front cab area intact, so care must be taken to assemble the back section to the front as seamlessly as possible. Because of the prior planning, the electrical wiring system and other vital systems should fit perfectly and mesh with the newly installed outer body.

Once the outer shell is in place, the windows may be installed. Adding special windows in a conversion van adds natural light and ventilation and is important if the user wants to take advantage of the sunshine while camping. While windows are a welcome feature to most users, they also reduce the security of the vehicle, which must be taken into consideration. Among the type of windows that can be added are bonded windows (factory fitted windows which are flush to the body and usually attached with an extremely adhesive strip), rubber mounted windows (a glass window that sits in a large rubber frame in the window hole of a van), caravan windows (windows in which an outer part is attached to an inner part and held together by a bolt that goes through the wall of the van) and a Seitz window (a complete product which includes a window, screen and blinds in one unit that is fitted by an inner frame).

Also at this stage, a sliding door may be added if the conversion van being worked on is a campervan.

Next, since the wiring has already been put in place, the lights and (if necessary) electrical outlets can be installed. Connections for sounds systems, televisions, satellite receivers and wireless connectivity can also be put in place to make installation of these features quick and easy. A second stage manufacturer may install a plate with electrical connectors just in case the owner decides to upgrade the equipment and doesn’t want to install all new wiring. As with a stereo or computer system in the home, it may merely be a matter of unplugging the old equipment and installing the new one.

Finally, the interior features may be installed: seats, counters, bars, flat screen TV sets, etc. These are securely affixed to the vehicle to ensure stability during travel.  In the case of a campervan, the sofa beds will be inserted to ensure they work properly within the space allowed, and in the case of an office conversion van, a desk may be installed and a work chair added and secured in place.

While conversion vans of the past were also designed for specific duties, they were nothing like the complex, often high-tech vehicles of today. In its beginnings, the conversion van was primarily used as delivery vehicles meant to haul commercial items from one location to the other. Many, like the 1957 Chevy panel van, were windowless vehicles with a single bench seat in front and an empty cargo area in the rear. Specially designed vans included those meant to deliver dairy products (milk, etc.) and had a refrigeration unit built in or had racks or shelves to deliver flowers or baked goods.

An ingenious model in the 1930s, the Plymouth panel sedan, had a removable rear seat that allowed the user to increase the cargo space, a rear door for easier loading and unloading of items and panels that could be placed over the rear windows and onto which the owner could put the name of his business for advertising purposes.

There were other types of conversion vans in the early days of the industry as well. Ambulances were often simple reconfigured vans that were primarily used to get the injured person from the scene of an accident to the hospital and contained none of the life-saving technology that we know today. And there were special conversion van models that were built for camping, with a few amenities (a bed, perhaps a stove).

But as time went on, and the benefits of having all of the convenience of the home or office in a mobile form became apparent, conversion vans were created to meet the needs of a wide number of people in a variety of occupations and endeavors were created. These include campervans, office vans, luxury vans and medical and disability vans, among others.

With the boom in the use of conversion vans the late ‘60s and early ‘70s by private citizens, manufacturers began creating vans that were tailored to outdoor enthusiasts, with the features and amenities that campers have come to know and expect. These campervans became an instant hit, allowing entire families to not only travel at their own pace, but to places they may not have been able to visit previously due to a lack of camping sites in the area. Equipped with toilets, showers, beds, stoves, dining tables and electrical outlets, these modern campervans were a home on wheels to many small-scale adventurers.

Office vans are also known as “land jets” because they can move busy executives from one place to another while still permitting them to stay in contact with their home base and perform essential office tasks. Indeed, the selling point of office vans is that lost productivity is lost money, so being able to continue to get work done, even while on the road, is the key to success. Office vans are often a high-tech marvel on wheels, complete with high-speed internet access, special satellite reception that provides not only a wide range of television channels on the installed LCD television, but enhanced cell phone reception as well. When lunchtime rolls around, a microwave oven and refrigerator are usually close at hand.

Luxury conversion vans (sometimes referred to as limousine vans) may include some of the same features as an office van (computer, wi-fi connectivity, satellite reception), but also include higher-end accessories such as wood grain trim, high quality leather seats, flat screen television with state-of-the-art sound system and DVD player, adjustable interior lighting, a minibar, automatic window shades and an automatic rear partition.

While we may simply refer to them as an ambulance, emergency medical vehicles are yet another form of a conversion van, although one that can make the difference between life and death. Beyond the flashing lights and sirens is an intricate system of life-saving apparatus inside designed to stabilize the patient until they can be transported to the hospital emergency room. In addition to wide doors to easily bring a patient in or out, medical vans include space for monitors to record a patient’s vital signs and drawers and shelves to hold whatever medicine or equipment needed.

Disability vans provide a safe and secure way to transport medically stable wheelchair-bound patients, with lifts that can raise the person to the height of the van. Once inside, the wheelchair can be secured during transport by latches or locks built into the floor of the van.

In the quest to get the news first, many television stations (and some radio stations) have added a newsgathering conversion van to their fleet. These high-tech and often very expensive pieces of equipment are familiar to anyone who has happened upon the site of an accident or other breaking news story. The vehicles are essentially rolling television studios, equipped with many of the same technologies as the home studio. They can transmit information or pictures live via satellite, a development that has virtually ended the use of filmed reports of major news stories. Radio stations as well have turned to these mobile units to assist them in their broadcasts, thought it is less urgent with radio since a radio reporter can merely call in a story on a cell phone. With radio stations, these vans serve mainly as promotional vehicles for the station.

But for the actual origins of the conversion van, you might have to look a bit further back in time, as far back as the 1930s, to find a vehicle that could truly qualify as one that was  able to be repurposed at the owner’s whim.

In 1930, Plymouth introduced the sedan delivery panel van. While it appeared to most people to be little more than a regular sedan, what made the Plymouth sedan panel van special is that is had a wide rear door that made loading delivery items easier. This made it perfect for commercial purposes as well as for transporting passengers. Now while there were many vehicles out at the time that had rear doors and were used for delivery, what made this the first conversion van was that it also had a rear seat that could be removed or installed to accommodate passengers or cargo as needed. Furthermore, the Plymouth sedan panel van came with panels that could be placed over the side rear windows, on which the owner could print the name of his company, not too unlike the way it’s done today.

Despite these innovative features, the Plymouth sedan panel van failed to ignite the business community’s interest and only 800 were built before it was discontinued.

Following this, many of the vans developed served specific purposes and were designed for one purpose only. There were delivery vans that had built-in refrigeration units, vans that required the driver to stand to allow more room for cargo and frequent delivery stops and vans designed for light hauling only.

In the 1950s, Chevrolet introduced their panel van which came with a single front bench seat, an empty rear cargo area with a steel-ribbed interior and no addition seats, insulation or noise reduction features. What made this model notable is that it allowed the purchaser to configure the interior any way they desired, to suit their own purposes. Shelves could be added and secured to the inside to transports plants or baked goods or refrigeration units of any size could be installed.

This ability to reconfigure a panel van as the user saw fit marked a turning point in the development of the conversion van and led the way to the conversion van boom in the ‘60s and ‘70s that kicked off with the introduction of the Volkswagen Type 2, better known as the VW Bus.

In the era of free love and free spirits, the idea of being free to outfit your vehicle to suit your needs seemed to be a perfect fit. As the ‘60s progressed, members of the counterculture (hippies and back-to-nature enthusiasts) saw the van as the perfect getaway vehicle. Given several nicknames (the microbus, micro, bulli, samba and splittie because of its split front window), the Type 2 came in two models: the Kombi, with middle and rear seats that were easily removable by one person, and the Commercial, a panel van without side windows or a rear seat. While they could sometimes be unreliable (the earlier versions had engine overheating problems uncharacteristic for a VW), their easily accessible engines, convertible interiors and relatively cheap price (particularly for used models) made them a favorite of a new generation with limited means (either by choice or circumstances). So it wasn’t uncommon to see VW vans roaming the countryside and converted into makeshift motorhomes, complete with beds, stoves, cabinets and pop-out tents. In mere seconds, the second row of seats could be added to increase the seating capacity.

That creativity extended to the exterior of the VW vans as well, as decorating the outside of these vehicles became a popular form of expression. Designs featuring the “logos” of their lifestyle (flowers, peace signs, anti-war slogans, etc.) were common themes.

As the era changed, so did the approach to conversion vans. Though primarily still the domain of the do-it-yourselfer, the designs and usage changed a bit from an expression of the state of the world to an expression of one’s self. In the 1970s, van conversions took a more personal approach and often transformed the vehicle (most often a Chevy panel van) into “rolling rooms”, an extension (or sometimes replacement) for the home. Shag carpeting, elaborate stereo systems, convertible beds and even mood lighting were becoming standard add-ons in converting a van, with outside graphics which
tended to reflect the owner’s personality, or at least how he saw himself.

This isn’t to say that the conversion van fans ended their affection for the vehicle’s outdoor capabilities. Volkswagen continued to produce the successful Westfaila campervan that included a standard icebox, water storage system and pump, electrical outlets and plywood cabinets. Optional features included a canvas top that could be popped up, a portable toilet and a camping stove. And campervans were created from other converted vans (such as the Ford Econoline) that included a fridge, sink, sofabed and toilet.

While there have almost always been vans converted for specific uses (medical, etc.) in the 1980s and ‘90s these types of conversion vans became a specialty market. Instead of vehicles merely being retrofitted with the required features, companies working in close contact with the major automakers began creating conversion vans with the desired features already installed.

Conversion vans specially designed for the medical or disability field were pre-equipped with features such as wheelchair lifts, outlets for electrical medical equipment and raised roofs to accommodate physicians who had to sit or stand or administer treatment. Office conversion vans let busy executives travel around town with computer access, fax and phone lines and Internet connection. And television and radio stations found they could be at the scene of the action, rather than confined to a studio, with conversion vans that contained broadcast equipment that was designed to fit in the back of a vehicle.

From modest beginnings in the 1930s, the conversion van branch of the automotive industry has undergone a number of changes, but received a big boost from the do-it-yourself van conversion era of the 1960s and 1970s.

When one considers its purpose and usage, a horse-drawn caravan isn’t that far from the concept of a conversion van. Once a familiar mode of transportation and conveyance in Europe, and later America, the horse-drawn caravan bears a striking similarity to today’s vans.

Consisting of a large covered interior, a horse-drawn caravan could serve as both a method of hauling goods and housing. In Ireland, for instance, a nomadic group of people known as “Travellers” roamed the countryside more than 150 years ago in horse-drawn caravans that was their home. Inside, the caravan contained a cook stove, a bench that doubled as a bed, cupboards and tables. Some of these horse-drawn caravans are still in use today, though primarily as a tourist attraction.

With the advent of motorized vehicles, trucks (and later vans) were developed to handle the demand for vehicles that could make large deliveries. Early on these were merely cars altered to handle the cargo, but in the 1920s major automakers such as Dodge, GM and Ford built trucks to meet the market. A many smaller manufacturers, such as Divco, also produced vans/delivery trucks.

Divco (the name stood for the Detroit Industrial Vehicles Company) was a well-known manufacturer of delivery vehicles that were used by milk companies primarily. Beginning in 1926, the company produced what was known as “multi-stop delivery trucks” that were designed to take the stop and go action of busy delivery routes. In 1937, Divco redesigned their vehicles with a steel van body and in (to aid in milk deliveries) an insulated refrigeration unit was installed in 1940, the first of its kind.

But to many aficionados, the first “van” is considered to be the Plymouth sedan delivery panel van, first built in 1930. While it appeared to be little more than a regular sedan, what made this vehicle special is that it had a rear deliver door, making it perfect for commercial purposes as well as for transporting passengers.  To further solidify its bid as the first van, the Plymouth delivery sedan had a rear seat that could be removed and panels that could be placed in the rear window on which the owner could paint the name of his company. Only 800 Plymouth delivery sedans were built, however, and the model failed to catch on.

A short time later, around 1936, the first panel van was manufactured and ushered in the era of the van. Though originally classified as station wagons, the Chevy Suburban and its sister vehicle, the GMC Carryall, were the first panel vans to be produced for city delivery purposes, used primarily by companies that produced fragile good like flowers and bakery items.

Other notable developments in the history of vans include the Chevy panel van of the 1950s that came with a single front bench seat and an empty rear cargo area comprised of a steel-ribbed interior with no seats or insulation; the Ford Model 400E, which made its debut in 1957 and ran on a four-cylinder engine and, perhaps most importantly, the Volkswagen Type 2, better known as the “VW Bus”, first introduced in the 1950s and which later became the van of choice for pioneers in the conversion van arena.

In the 1960s, the VW Bus became the symbol of American counterculture. Possibly because of its low price, gas efficiency (compared with the hulking gas-guzzlers that shared the road at the time) and the relative ease of repairs (the engine was accessible from the inside), the VW Bus was favored by hippies and other free spirits who longed for the carefree life of the open road. The van was popular because it could either be used to transports a large number of people or completely gutted to serve as a rolling house. Volkswagen also produced the Westfalia Camper that came with a standard ice box, water storage system and pump, electrical outlets and plywood cabinets. Optional features included a canvas top that could be popped up, a portable toilet and a camping stove.

While the VW bus did inspire creativity (counterculture related designs were often used to decorate the outside), the Chevy van seemed to be the choice for individual expression. Debuting in 1961, the Chevy van was originally sold as a strictly commercial vehicle with no windows on the sides. Windows were added in later models, but were simply cut into the side of existing vans at the factor. In the 1970s, the van became the palette for a new generation of private designers who took to the vehicle’s spartan but spacious interior and broad, uninterrupted exterior. Inside, they let their imagination take over. There were vans entirely lined in plush carpet, illuminated with chandeliers, installed with automatic beds and even one or two fireplaces.

With a history that dates back to the horse-drawn caravans of old Europe, the motorized van has evolved from a vehicle used primarily for short delivers to a motorized form of expression for free spirits.

But what is a conversion van? In basic terms, a conversion van is a regular, full-sized van that has been fitted with non-factory standard equipment to make it suitable for a specific purpose. For instance, a recreational conversion van may be fitted with a foldout bed, a sink and stove, and a retractable dining table.

A conversion van designed for executives may include plasma screen television sets with satellite reception or laptop ports with wi-fi connectivity. A conversion van intended for medical use may have special hospital monitors installed to record a patient’s condition, or special lifts for handicapped patients confined in a wheelchair.

The installation of any of these special features, ordinarily not found in a van right off the assembly line, classifies a van as a conversion van. Additionally, vans that have been modified by individual owners as a do-it-yourself project also qualify as a conversion van, since it has been modified from its original form.

As stated, conversion vans usually begin as simple full-size cargo vans, either half-ton or three-quarter ton. The most common models are the Dodge Sprinter, the Ford E-Series or the Chevy Express/GMC Savana van. These vehicles are usually stripped down models, most times containing only the most basic of interiors, leaving them free to be customized in any number of ways. While many auto manufacturers produce vans these days that come directly off the assembly line with features that used to be reserved only for post-production modified vans, there are specific companies that specialize in van conversion and work closely with the original manufacturers to be in agreement on certain specifications.

For instance, the Conversion Van Marketing Association has partnered with General Motors to work solely with GM and Chevy vans. And there are a select few companies that are officially authorized to convert Dodge Sprinter vans, such as the Midwest Automotive Designs Corporation in Elkhart, Indiana.

This does not mean that there are not other companies that work in the conversion van field. There are any number of private companies that work on vans brought in by individuals and customize them to the customer’s specifications, creating one-of-a-kind designs that reflect the personality of the owner.

But in the beginning, most vans slated for conversion are clean slates, with only the most necessary of interior details: driver’s seat, passenger’s seat and steering wheel, and even these features may soon be modified. From this blank canvas the required special features are added, along with the requisite wiring and body modifications. And as this conversion progresses, the van begins to take shape into the desired function.

Conversion vans can have different purposes. Medical, business or recreation, the conversion van can be configured to provide accommodations for a variety of needs.

Outdoor enthusiasts are naturally drawn to campervans, which include such welcome features as toilets, refrigerators, sinks, sofa beds and a microwave over or stove. Some models may include a canvas top that pops up to allow users to stand while inside. The creation of a conversion vans such as these make a separate trailer (not to mention the added weight that can affect driving and mileage) unnecessary. Have such amenities close at hand also means that nature loves can venture even further into the wilderness, not tied down by the need to be close to a camping site with bathroom facilities and showers.

Office vans can take the busy businessperson away from the building and out in the field where they may be needed. Equipped with a desk and chair, office conversion vans may also include the typical office equipment: fax machine, copier, and laptop computer. Additionally, the office van may include a mobile wi-fi hotspot so that users can check and send email, surf the web or download important data.

Related to office vans are those used by television and radio stations, which contain much of the equipment used by those media outlets so that they may broadcast from the field where the news is developing.

Medical conversion vans contain vital equipment that can monitor the condition of an injured person until they can be transported to a hospital emergency room. In a similar vein, a disability van can be converted to accommodate a person bound to a wheelchair, with a special lift or ramp to raise the chair and user into the vehicle. Some vans are capable of carrying several wheelchair users safely and securely.

Other types of conversion vans include executive luxury vans equipped with satellite television and minibars and motorhomes which are campervans that have been extended a bit further (usually one or two extra feet) and offer even more room.

Thought they usually start off as stripped-down cargo vans, conversion vans begin to take shape through either one of a few officially authorized conversion companies or individual designers, and can take several forms including campervans, office vans or medical vans.

While vans and van-like vehicles have been around since almost the beginning of the automotive industry (almost all car manufacturers had a van model), the idea of converting vans into a vehicle designed for an altogether new and specific purpose is a relatively new phenomenon. While the early vans were mainly used for their intended original purpose (deliveries).

the ‘60s and ‘70s saw the van repurposed into entirely new vehicles, designed for recreation, comfort and even housing. A new generation, looking to break away from the confinements of a home in the suburbs and two cars in the garage, took to traveling the countryside in vans transformed into rolling homes, complete with sofa beds, sinks and even makeshift stoves.

This new movement didn’t escape the eye of automakers who, in the early 1970s, began producing vans with a cutaway chassis to accommodate amateur and professional mechanics that wanted to create their own, personalized vehicles. Later, some automakers began producing vans that came with all the amenities straight from the factory. And while this “pre-fab” conversion was popular with a section of the public, there were still those creative gearheads who preferred to create their own unique vehicles, complete with one-of-a-kind interiors and outside graphics that were just as unique.

Today, the term “conversion van” can apply to any van that has been fitted with special equipment for a specific purpose. There are conversion vans that are used by hospitals, equipped with special medical apparatus to monitor and stabilize a patient until they can be transported to the emergency room. There are conversion vans that are rolling offices, outfitted with desks, laptops, fax machines and wi-fi connectivity. There are conversion vans that are a party on wheels, complete with turntables, a mixing board, throbbing speakers and even disco lights. And for the ultimate in luxury, there are conversion vans designed for the six-figure executive, with plush leather seats, flat screen TV sets with satellite reception and a fully-stocked bar.

Of course there are still the “classic” conversion vans that let the recreational user get away from it all, while keeping all of the important amenities close at hand: a bed, shower, stove, fridge and dining table all in one convenient vehicle.

As stated earlier, many car companies have acknowledged the demand for conversion vans and have sought to meet that demand with pre-designed vehicles that include many of the features that customers want. But there remains the segment of the market that has the “do-it-yourself” mentality, and for them there are thousands of stores and websites devoted to providing them with the material to design their own custom conversion van. Early do-it-yourselfers were forced to invent their own methods of installing the features they wanted in their vans, which resulted in more than a few beer kegs serving as seats, mattresses shoved into the back and hot plates wired into the van’s electrical system.

But this forced ingenuity didn’t diminish their creativity, as van designs became a form of self-expression in the ‘70s that rivals graffiti art today. From the vast scope of those early designs, both inside and out, came custom van shows where creators could show off  their work and admire the handiwork of their peers. Today there are hundreds of custom vans shows every year across the country where admirers flock to view the amazing work of the designers of these conversion vans.

For those with a good knowledge of auto mechanics and a dash of creativity, there are online and bricks-and-mortar shops that can provide them with the tools and material necessary to create their own conversion vans. Manuals can provide help in how to rewire electrical systems, install stoves and heaters, put in a skylight or raise the roof for more headroom. Those with a flair for design may also want to try their hand at airbrushing to give the exterior of their van a look that is all their own.

While the process of converting a van from scratch may be time-consuming, the savings may be well worth it. And there is the added bonus of installing just the features you want and not paying for the accessories you don’t need.

Conversion vans have come a long way from the makeshift repurposed vehicles of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Thanks to demand, customers seeking a unique mode of transportation can choose from a number of models that offer comfort and the amenities of home, or the luxury features that make ground transportation an exhilarating experience.

From a humble beginning as recreational vehicle for free-spirits, that many times also served as mobile living quarters, the conversion van has evolved into series of unique modes of transportation, equipped with a variety of options to make suitable for a variety of purposes, from business to pleasure.

Another common reason to invest in conversion vans over other types of vehicles is for traveling benefits.  Because of the size and design of these conversion vehicles, they work very well for travel needs.  They are roomy, allowing people to stretch their legs for long road trips. You can also have them adapted to fit your specific needs.  For example, some luxury models will feature extra seating, extended wheelbases for additional room, and third row seats that fold down to become beds. Since they are tall vehicles, people can stand in them. They are also wide enough to allow for grown adults to lay down in them.  You can also complete the conversion van’s design to include entertainment systems and video game systems so that they are able to keep the family busy for long trips.

Business Needs

Buying a conversion van as part of your business is a good investment.  These vans are designed any way that you need them to be.  For example, if your business regularly requires moving people from one place to another, or taking clients out, these luxury conversion vans can be designed with leather interiors, entertainment systems and much more.  You can also design conversion vans to be more equipment based for business use.  For example, the interior can be designed specifically to hold equipment in place, to work as a cargo hauling area, or to have safety features to help you accomplish your needs.  Some have additional towing capacity and large motors so that hauling heavy equipment is done effortlessly. Esigning a conversion van for business needs is almost always down individually.  You can not only customize the interior of the van, for example, but the outside can have a logo, wording or other graphics added to it to make it a definitely business vehicle.

Recreational Needs

Some people are buying conversion vans designed for recreational needs.  For example, if you regularly spend the weekend fishing, buying a conversion van that houses coolers and all of your equipment easily makes for a better experience.  One of the more common reasons people are turning to conversion vans for this ability is tailgating.  They can easily house all of their cooking and refrigeration equipment right in the van, making it easy to simply pull out and use when they are at their favorite team’s stadium.  You can also incorporate entertainment equipment in the van to further make the event special.

For recreational needs, conversion vans can be tailored to suit your needs.  For example, additional electrical elements are added to them so that they feature a standard outlet, which means all of your cooking equipment can easily be plugged into use.  Some will even offer towing capability so you can take boats or rec vehicles with you.

Tips For Buying Conversion Vans

When you do buy conversion vans, take into consideration all of the features and elements available on these vans.  It costs much more to have the van customized for your needs, but when this is your goal, having a van that meets every need is a must. When buying vans, it is also important to look at other features including:

• Engine size and style (does it offer enough power?)
• Seating design, number and style (luxury, standard, how many does it hold?)
• Fuel economy
• Towing capabilities
• Resale value (will it sell easily if you only need it for a short time)

In some cases, you can buy a conversion van that is already available and being sold as is.  These vans may already fit your need and they may be further customizable for an additional cost either through the dealer or through a private retailer.Most conversion van purchases are significant.  Several car and truck manufacturers design conversion vans for commercial, industrial and individual use.  Learn about the benefits of one manufacturer over the other.  Since prices will vary considerably since each van is designed with different features, it is always important to have an appraisal of the vehicle done. Loans for these vans are widely available, either as personal auto loans or business loans. Choose these vans wisely and they will pay off in the long term.

A conversion van is just what it sounds like: it is a van that can be converted into virtually any configuration you are looking for from the dealer.  You can purchase conversion vans already designed and ready to go, or even resell vans if you would like to.  On the other hand, you can invest in a van that is designed by you for your purpose.  In most situations, this is the best route to take specifically if you are looking for a specific layout, style or function to the van. In most cases, the company will work with you to find the best layout for how you will use the van.

Choosing The Right Van

Buying a conversion van is a process that requires decisions on how you will use the van.  Because these vans are highly customizable, they can be turned into the vehicle of your dreams or one that fits your business needs. Conversion vans are often selected for one of several reasons, like those listed below.

Daily Driving: Large Numbers

One of the basic reasons why people buy conversion vans is so they have a large van for all their daily driving needs.  Everything from taking the kids from place to place to having more storage for groceries or sports equipment, these vans are designed to be larger.  Most will hold up to 9 people, some may be more.  When buying a conversion van for large groups of people, consider having driver side doors that swing out added to them. This feature can add more comfort and help people to get in, or out, of the van easier.  What’s nice about these vans is that they drive very much like a full size sedan. Some are designed to have easy steering and control features added to them, which helps them easy to drive.