Vans...
Even Shaq, the A-Team and Ninja Turtles love conversion vans.
Most people rarely even pay attention to them. After all, we see them every day being used as everything from delivery or work vehicles to even ice cream and food trucks. But every once in a while, something different different comes a long - a custom van. And it is these vans, the ones with the crazy custom murals and Hi-Top roofs which grab our attention.
Don't believe me? How many times have seen a Scooby Doo and the Magic Mystery Machine look-alike van driving around?
If you keep your eyes open when you're out and about may be lucky enough to stumble upon some really interesting vans. And while we've all at one time or another come across a van dedicated to a Pink Floyd album, when you see some of the custom-designs people put on or in their van you really have to wonder how one even comes up with this stuff? Some vans are truly mobile works of art which allow owners to express themselves.
While the artwork is interesting, if you take the time to look at the interiors of these vans you're likely to find some features which you never thought would be possible in a van. I'm not talking about camper vans, or even those sleek modern mobile office vans either. I'm talking about a good, old-fashioned conversion van.
I've seen vans made for relaxing which have mobile living rooms with plush interiors and strobe lights. I've seen vans with sound systems which rival or are better than any stereo out there. I've also seen vans which look like something from the future, highlighted by sleek looks and computer monitors everywhere. And the fun doesn't stop there either - Shag carpets, custom woodwork covering the interior, Star Wars inspired, party machines with kegs of beer, well you get the idea.
Don't think this conversion van trend is only limited to the United States. They can be found anywhere. In Japan for example, they have vans dedicated to cartoon characters with all kinds of crazy appendages sticking out making vans look like something out of science fiction.
I'd have to say favorite conversion vans comes from the Golden Age of custom vans - the 1970s. Back then, vans came with murals of pretty much anything you can think. And don't forget those teardrop cut out windows in the back.
Regardless of what era you came from, when it comes to conversion vans, pretty much whatever you can think of, and probably a lot that you would never think of, can be found.
The one thing I see most often in custom vans is the proud owner with a smile on their face just happy with themselves for having the coolest van around.