Good Times custom vans
1983 Chevy “Good Times Estate” Van.
Good Times, Inc. was a custom van (or “conversion”) company established in Texas sometime in the early 1970s and active until at least 1989. Their logo – also used in a variety of chrome badging – was based on Orbit. This face by Lettergraphics is very similar to Village, one of the Photo-Lettering designs from the 1968 Psychedelitypes series.
Getting there is half the fun, but getting there in a flurry of funky fun is even better. One way to get it on is in a Good Times, Inc., customized van. The work is done in a factory in Arlington and the 70-man assembly line turns them out at a 10-a-day clip.
“We sell every one we turn out and there’s a waiting list,” according to Billy Walker, president of the two-year-old company. At something like $7,250 a unit, that grosses close to $1 million.
The vans (Fords, Chevys or Dodge) are dolled up to suit the owner’s taste – anything from plush GT unit featuring carpeting, waterbeds, stereo, etc., to a sedate Stadium Van ideal for family outings. Or, you can do it yourself at a Walker subsidiary, Van World, where you can get any accessory. — D Magazine, Feb. 1975
1983 Chevy “Good Times Estate” Van.
1983 Chevy “Good Times Estate” Van.
Runnin Board on 1983 Chevy “Good Times Estate” Van in ITC Pioneer.
1977 Dodge “Good Times” Van.
Good Times, Inc. brochure.
Good Times, Inc. brochure.
1982 Good Times “Personalized Coaches” brochure.
Good Times “President” badges.
Good Times badges (closeup).
4 Comments on “Good Times custom vans”
Might you know if any of these GOODTIMES badges are for sale. I’m looking to replace my old and worn ones.
Thank you,
Jorge
I just purchased some fenders for my 1986 c20. Seller said they came off a 1988 Suburban. The fenders had a lot of graphics on them and Good Times badges. Did they do Suburban conversions? Can’t find pics on the web. Anyway, I will likely remove the badges,
I was employed by Goodtimes Vans from 1978 until their closing in 1994 at locations in Arlington and Grandview Tx production facilities. I was involved in the design and production of the R&D process for several of the interior packages offered. The Elan was the top of the line along with the Estate and President packages. They offered 6 and 3 window packages respectively in Chevy Ford and Dodge. We did Suburban, P/U and Mini-Van packages as well. The designs were were in house in origin and carried from design to research and final product by company employees. The company was sold to Coachman Ind. in the late ’90s and the facilities in Grandview Tx were eventually closed. All plastic walls, door panels front and rear overhead assemblies were produced in house as were various other ABS parts in the vans.