Custom Vans Come Of Age With Perks -- Full-Size, Tricked-Out Rooms- On-Wheels Offer Minivan Alternative

A custom van?

The last time you looked, they had shag carpeting on the walls, barrel chairs that swiveled, and bubble windows on each side, peaking through the painted mural of a desert landscape.

Things have changed, Bucko.

Today's full-size conversion vans resemble limousines more than the rolling sin bins of the '70s.

And, with all the extra room and features they offer, they're priced to match - and sometimes undercut - the stickers on the Big Three's top-of-the-line minivans.

It seems the conversion van market finally may be getting the respect it deserves. That was driven home at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

For years, the van builders were treated like poor stepchildren. This year, the show featured more than 100 vehicles.

"We feel they're a great fit with us," said John Sackrison, a show spokesman. "They've really become beautiful vehicles."

But that's only part of the reason why van converters are smiling these days. Business is booming as more people discover - and buy - their products.

Since 1976, sales of custom vans have doubled. In 1993 - the latest year for complete figures - more than 192,000 were sold, according to the Virginia-based Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

"The market has really evolved. They've become much more of a mainstream auto product," said Phil Ingrassia, an association spokesman.

"They're a much more sophisticated vehicle than they were 20 years ago."

Gone are the tiny fake fireplaces and the lantern-style side lights. These vans come with luxurious leather seats, CD players and even Nintendo games to keep the kids quiet on those long trips.

"They offer the best of both worlds. They can comfortably transport family and friends while offering the amenities of a luxury car," said Jeff Taylor, the marketing manager of Geneva Specialty Vehicles, based in Lake Geneva, Wis.

To about 3,500 bare vans shipped from GM each year, Geneva adds options such as walnut trim, power sliding rear sofas that convert into beds, heated seats and TV consoles with video players.

"You can take business associates, friends and family anywhere in style in these," said Taylor.

One of his customers even ordered a custom van instead of a company limousine, he said.

Rex Krider agrees. He's the sales manager for Tuscany Motor Coach, of Shipshewana, Ind. The company customizes about 1,000 Ford vans a year.

His conversions offer similar creature features, including separate radios with headsets for the passengers.

"That way, the kids can have their own music. That's important to mom and pop, too," laughed Krider.

With the optional Nintendo package on trips, "The kids are occupied and there's a lot less of that `Are we there yet?' stuff," said Ingrassia.

Along with the traditional van converters who sell their products through auto dealers, there are also conversions that enable disabled people to drive their own vans.

Then there are the unique motor homes built by LER Industries, of Edwardsburg, Mich.

Owner Luther Roberts, who once built a custom van for Elvis, offers a heavier-duty vehicle than most. Built on a 19-foot Dodge van chassis, his 300 creations a year could be called maxivans.

They come complete with marine-style toilets, refrigerators, microwaves, propane cook stoves, a king-size bed and a shower that can accommodate a 6-footer.

"We call 'em van motor homes," said Roberts.

As motor homes, the $40,000 van homes qualify for 12-year financing with interest that can be deducted like a second home, he said.

Unlike full-sized motor homes, these can be parked in driveways and on city streets without drawing parking tickets.

"Now, you don't need a Winnebago anymore. This is the buggy, an everyday touring machine."

Those looking for something smaller but still bigger than a minivan get good news when it comes to that all-important window sticker.

In 1993, the average price for the standard-sized van conversion was $24,976, said Ingrassia.

For many people, that makes the extra interior space a good deal when measured against similarly priced (and loaded) minivans such as the Chrysler Town & Country and the Ford Windstar.

One person who doesn't have to be convinced is Flo Abke of Eastpointe, Mich. She's had four minivans. Two months ago, she got a $28,000 burgundy Starcraft with oak trim, built from a Dodge Ram van.

"I'd never go back to driving a car or minivan again," she said.

"People think they're big old clunky vans, but you'd be amazed at how nice these babies look inside," said Abke.

"More families should look at them."