The History Of Extreme Van Modifications.

As a van enthusiast of over 50 years, I've seen some truly wild and wacky modifications to these beloved vehicles. But you know what? Some of them were pretty cool, and they were all street legal - just!

In the beginning ...

It all started in the 1960s, when we young people (yes I really was young then) began customising our vans to reflect our rebellious spirit. We added psychedelic paint jobs, custom interiors, and all manner of accessories to make our vans stand out from the crowd.

As the 1970s rolled around, van modifications started to get a little more extreme. People began adding spoilers, oversized rims, and massive sound systems to their vans. It was all about being unique and standing out from the crowd.

In the 1980s, custom van manufacturers like Choo Choo Customs and Starcraft started offering more and more customization options. People could now order vans with TVs, full kitchens, and even bathrooms. It was the era of luxury vans, and people were willing to pay top money for the latest and greatest features.

Then things got a little crazy ...

But it wasn't until the early 1990s that extreme van modifications truly went over the top. People began adding all sorts of bizarre accessories to their vans, from neon lights to airbrushed murals, flame decals, and all manner of outrageous decorations.

Then there were the truly extreme modifications. The ones that made you do a double take. There was the van that had been turned into a mobile recording studio, complete with a soundproof booth and all the latest recording equipment. There was the van that had been turned into a mobile cinema, with a big screen and surround sound speakers. And who could forget the van that had been turned into a mobile observatory, with a telescope mounted on the roof?

But it wasn't until the late 1990s that things really started to get extreme. People began adding solar panels and wind turbines to their vans, making them completely self-sufficient and perfect for off-grid living. They added bike racks and surfboard racks, turning their vans into the ultimate adventure vehicle.

Then there were the modifications that were more about style than functionality. People started adding custom grilles, bumpers, and fender flares to their vans, giving them a tough and rugged look. They added spoilers and ground effects, making their vans look like they were ready to race.

But as with all things, there was a downside to extreme van modifications. People started to take things too far, making modifications that were not only dangerous, but illegal. There were vans with heavily tinted windows that made it impossible to see inside, and vans with excessive noise levels that were a nuisance to others on the road.

There was a serious side to all this too, though!

On the other hand, as a contrast: there were the vans that had been modified for mobility purposes. Vans with wheelchair lifts and ramps, making it easier for people with disabilities to get around. Vans that had been turned into ambulances, with all the necessary equipment and medical supplies.

The key to these extreme modifications was that they were still street legal. They didn't violate any laws or safety regulations, and they were designed to be functional as well as fun. Because at the end of the day, that's what van modifications are all about: making your ride uniquely yours, whilst still being safe and practical.

Why I love it all!

The thing I love about extreme van modifications is that they're all about pushing the limits of what's possible. They're about taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary. And you know what? As long as it's street legal, there's no reason not to go wild and get creative.

So if you're thinking of customising your van, go ahead and let your creativity run wild. Just remember to stay within the bounds of the law, and make sure your modifications are still practical and safe. Who knows, maybe one day you'll come up with an extreme modification that's both practical and crazy. And when you do, I'll be the first to give you a thumbs up.