Pathfinder 4X4: 1977 Chevrolet K30 Shorty Van Project – Sold!

August 3rd Update:  A “shorty” Chevy van project with a Pathfinder 4×4 chassis priced at $2,900.  We’re not at all surprised this van lasted less than one week before the private seller deleted their listing.  Call this one “Sold!”

For reasons never clear to us, domestic cargo van manufacturers never offered four wheel drive versions of their cargo haulers.  Consumers interested in buying such a vehicle today usually do so through Quigley Motor Company.  However, back in the 1970’s, Quigley’s major competitor was a company named Pathfinder.  This 1977 Chevrolet K30 “Shorty” van project we came across in August 2020 on Craigsalist in New Egypt, New Jersey for $2,900 features one of their conversions. A project van in need of total restoration, a check of the  NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his rare van priced within the current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $1,625, $3,425, $4,700, respectively. 

Produced with only minor changes from 1971 through 1996, Chevrolet offered its G-Series vans in a dizzying array of body lengths, passenger configurations, and cargo capacity as well as powertrain options.  While we can’t find any solid information on the Pathfinder 4×4 conversion, its safe to safe the changeover likely relied on off-the-shelf GM K-series pickup components as much as possible. With its short wheelbase and 4×4 capabilities, we can think of a number places we would love to take this van off road.  What would be your plan with it?

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1977 Real deal shorty Pathfinder 4×4 K30 van. NO TITLE, truck sold with bill of sale. Body is rough as pictured, frame looks to be in good shape. Truck has a good wrench 350 engine.Truck runs good, Goes in forward and reverse and stops so it will be easy to have transported. Truck needs a battery and has no Ac belt or fan belt so it cant be run for long. Truck needs a total restoration. Has rust in the Quarters doors fenders etc. frame looks good. Asking $2900 (609)75two148one“

Do you have a Pathfinder 4×4 conversion story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!