Vintage Step Van Transformations

Vintage Step Vans are great for mobile coffee shops, vintage ice cream trucks, pop-up shops and more. They bring a unique glamour to your mobile business build.

Step vans have gained immense popularity in the food truck industry for many reasons. These versatile vehicles offer a host of advantages that make them ideal choices for food trucks, ice cream trucks, and coffee trucks alike. Vintage Step vans offer a unique nostalgic take on the average modern delivery step van food truck.

Step Vans provide ample interior space and a flat, open layout that can be customized to accommodate various kitchen equipment and food preparation stations. This flexibility is essential for food entrepreneurs who need to create a functional workspace while ensuring efficient workflow.

They offer easy maneuverability and can navigate a wide range of urban and suburban locations, making them a practical choice for clients who do not want to tow a trailer. Their compact size allows them to fit into tight parking spaces or access crowded streets, ensuring you can bring your product to most all locations.

Popular Vintage Step Van Models

from the Past

Step back in time and envision yourself as the star of the local food truck park, commanding attention with a classic step van. Here are some beloved vintage models that have carved a niche in automotive history:

Dodge Routevan: Known for its robust build and reliability, this model was a favorite among small business owners.
Dodge Duravan: Another iconic choice from Dodge, offering ample space and a rugged design.
IH Metro Mite: International Harvester's compact yet efficient model, perfect for urban routes.
Chevy Grumman: Combined durability with a sleek design, often seen in delivery services.
Chevy P10: A compact and maneuverable van that was easy to drive and park.
Chevy P20: Offered a larger cargo area while maintaining agility on the road.
Dodge P200: Known for its versatility, used in a wide range of industries.
Ford Vanette: This economical option provided great functionality and reliability.

Each of these models offers a unique blend of nostalgia, making them popular choices for vintage vehicle enthusiasts today representing a bygone era of automotive ingenuity.

Pricing begins at $110,000 and final pricing is influenced by equipment choice, model of the van you choose and design finishes. Reach out for a quote today to learn more and to customize a vintage step van for your mobile business.

Cost Considerations for Transforming a Vintage Step Van

Transforming a vintage step van is a complex task that comes with its own set of cost considerations. Each vehicle has endured its own unique wear and tear over the decades, leading to a variety of flaws and defects. These issues can range from minor cosmetic blemishes to significant mechanical challenges, and they often come with hidden surprises. Discovering these unexpected problems can make the project feel like a treasure hunt for mechanics.

Inspection and Initial Quotes

A reliable quote for a project can largely depend on an in-person inspection. This detailed evaluation helps in identifying both visible and future issues that could impact the overall cost. We can source the vintage step van and we often have vans in stock, ready to be transformed. .

Typical Price Range

When it comes to the actual costs, vintage step van transformaations typically fall into a broad range. On average, you can expect to spend between $110,000 and $150,000. Simple projects, such as transforming an ice cream or coffee truck, often come in on the lower end of the scale. Conversely, more intricate conversions, such as food trucks transformations that require structural modifications like raising the roof, can push the budget to the higher end or even exceed it.

Summary of Key Factors:

Initial Vehicle Condition: Older vehicles can come with more issues.
Inspection for Accurate Quoting: Physical inspection is crucial for an accurate cost estimate.
Type of Conversion: Basic build outs cost less, whereas complex builds like kitchen trucks are more expensive.

Transforming a vintage step van is a significant investment, but with careful planning and a thorough inspection, you can manage your budget and expectations effectively.

While step vans have become the preferred choice for food trucks, ice cream trucks, and mobile coffee shops due to their spacious interiors, mobility, and durability, vintage step van food trucks offer a nostalgic unique take on this driveable.

When launching your mobile business, it is important to create a branded look to separate yourself from your competitor. A rare vintage step van does just this.

Vintage step vans were originally delivery trucks and they are built to withstand the rigors of delivery routes, while handling demands of daily food service operations and providing peace of mind to food truck owners. Our Vintage step van food trucks come complete with a new engine, new transmission, and new mechanical components. This mechanical swap takes the stress out of maintaining older, less reliable mechanical parts and ensures your van will start and run with ease for many years to come. This added reliability to a vintage van helps you put the focus back on building your business, where it should be.

Is a Vintage Step Van the Right Food Truck for You?

Let's get started on your custom step van today!

Consider these points to decide if a vintage step van is the right choice for your food truck business:

Unique Branding: A vintage step van offers a distinctive look that sets you apart from competitors.
Durability: These vans are built to last, having originally served as delivery trucks.
Modern Upgrades: With new mechanical components, you get the reliability of a modern vehicle with the charm of a vintage one.
Customer Attraction: The nostalgic appeal can draw in customers who are looking for a unique dining experience.

What Are the Limitations of Using a Vintage Step Van for a Food Truck?

Using a vintage step van as a food truck does come with its own set of challenges, which are important to note at the outset when you choose which vehicle you want to repurpose for your mobile business.

Regulatory Compliance:

Health Department Requirements: Many local health departments have strict requirements, including the necessity of a triple sink system, specific sizes for both clean and waste water tanks, a minimum aisle width, and mandated overhead clearance.

Spatial Limitations:

Smaller Spaces: A vintage step van like the Chevy P10 generally lacks the space needed to fit large commercial appliances and layouts. Larger, newer step vans have more space to work with, including head height and might be a better option for your project.

Menu and Equipment:

Appliance Choices: Due to limited space, vintage step vans will often need to have pared down appliance set ups. If your menu requires extensive cooking equipment, you may find a modern van is a better choice. Vintage step vans are great choices for ice cream and coffee concepts.

Transformation Time and Costs:

Transformation Process: Transforming a vintage van is a time-consuming process. If you need your mobile business by a specific date, such as before summer, you will want to book our services the previous fall, as van build-outs take roughly 6 months.

While a vintage step van can offer a unique, nostalgic appeal, it is important to keep the above elements in mind when choosing a vintage step van over a larger modern truck.

Vintage step vans were originally delivery trucks and they are built to withstand the rigors of delivery routes, while handling demands of daily food service operations and providing peace of mind to food truck owners. Our Vintage step van food trucks come complete with a new engine and new transmission. This swap takes the stress out of maintaining older engines. You will have maintenance, however, as some existing older parts will be on your stepvan, so finding a mechanic in your area for regular maintenance is a must.