Ultravan #520 and I arrived home safe and I like to think all who helped.

[UV Owners]

Hello everyone,

I was able to safely tow the coach (Ultravan #520) home by leave the Toronado power plant in the back of the coach and just remove the axles.

I like to thank everyone who helped with advice.

Here are some pictures I thought I share and hope you enjoy.

Working on UV520. Checking the bearings, removing the rear axles and putting on the new tires I brought with me.


I have mounted the custom two bar that I had made and the new tires are sitting in front of the coach ready to be put on.


I was not able to remove the 1 and 1/2 inch nuts from the rear axles -
so I had to hire one of those mobile tire repair trucks to come out and use their large 3/4" air gun.
It cost me $105 but was well worth it to get it done and be able to leave sooner than later.


Sunday morning, July 14, 2013, I towed the coach to the hotel I was staying at for the past 6 days.
I took a shower, put my presonal stuff in the turck and checked out.


I made it to Greenwood, IN, Sunday July 14th to stay one night at the host hotel.
I met up with the Circle City Corvair Club Monday morning July 15th to carvan with members to the Kalamazoo, MI convnetion.


This is Port Huron in MI. I had to walk over to the doors to the right of the sign just behind the truck to export Ultravan #520 out of USA.


Here UV520 sits just before I leave USA soil and cross the border.


Heading towards the bridge to enter into Canada.


I made it home, safe and sound - Thank God, in the driveway by 8:40pm July 21, 2013.



Thanks agian for all your input, help and support.
Sincerely, Tony

[Flat4Tom]

I know this is an old thread, but I had to comment....

You certainly have a rare bird there with the V8 powered Ultra Van. How many did they make, about 10 or so?

I owned UV #499 for many years and enjoyed it. One of the last Corvair powered rigs. It was our first RV and since we also had Corvair's at the time it was a great match.

Good luck with your UV!
Tom

[spritz]

I agree First time I have seen one. I sure would like to see what the interior looks like. How is it set up.
Thanks, Tim

[spritz]

Originally Posted by spritz

I agree First time I have seen one. I sure would like to see what the interior looks like. How is it set up.
Thanks, Tim

I did a search just using Ultravan and I got to see everything I wanted. Cool Classic for sure. Thanks

[UV Owners]

Originally Posted by Flat4Tom

I know this is an old thread, but I had to comment....

You certainly have a rare bird there with the V8 powered Ultra Van. How many did they make, about 10 or so?

I owned UV #499 for many years and enjoyed it. One of the last Corvair powered rigs. It was our first RV and since we also had Corvair's at the time it was a great match.

Good luck with your UV!
Tom

Hi Tom,

UV499 is owned by Ron now. At least that is what the roster says. (smiles)

They made about 375 Ultravans over 7 years.
47 were Chevy V8s in the back.
The Corvair went until 509 or 510 I think (but just a guess)
Some Corvairs were converted to a FWD Toronado.
However, I'm not sure why UV520 was switched to a Toronado.
It already came from the factory with the Chevy V8 in the back.

Tony

[Funrover]

pretty cool!

[UV Owners]

Here is some Ultravan literature (Memorabilia) that I have collected.

This one shows a list of what comes with your Ultravan and the two floor layouts available.



This one has more detailed information and even has pictures of the interior that our UV520 has.
In first picture note the fold down table under the large window.
In the last picture the table is up and they are enjoying a meal.


EDIT - I just found this nice interior Picture.

[Daveinet]

SO, once you get the Toro all straightened out, does this now become your tow vehicle for other future Ultravans that you add to your collection? Since it has the power and the weight, it might be a viable option, assuming it does not suffer from understeer. Rather than a full resto, set it up with a place for tools and jacks, and other stuff you would need on a typical rescue mission. Seems it would also have a solid frame to weld a hitch to.

[UV Owners]

Update: long over due...

I towed Ultravan UV520 home on Aug 1, 2013 and was able to get it running with plates/tags by July 1, 2014.

It is a happy feeling when you save an old vehicle and get it running again.

It still needs to be restored and it has an overheating problem; that I now understand why this coach has sat for so long.

I wish I had a garage to be able to work on it all winter long.

Here are some pictures of the new parts I had installed, me testing and fixing the lights and UV520 at its first car show days after I got it on the road..

Thank you for stopping by.
Sincerely, Tony

[JohnRR]

Seems like lots of work, thank you for the update.

[wblynch]

Oh, I thought those had Corvair engines but I see a new radiator.

[UV Owners]

Originally Posted by wblynch

Oh, I thought those had Corvair engines but I see a new radiator.

Bill,

Around 320 of them had Corvair engines.
49 or so had Chevy V8s and I'm guessing here about 8 or 10 had the Olds Toronado 455 conversion done. That is what this one has.

We are blessed to have 6 Ultravans now for our plans to have a small museum some day.

[sam60]

Congrats Tony.

[spritz]

Yep glad too see you back, I wish I had a garage also.
Tim