Dave Kindig, the mastermind behind Kindig-It Design and the star of Bitchin’ Rides, is known for his ability to transform classic cars into jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. His Utah-based shop has earned a reputation for producing stunning vehicles, and the show has showcased everything from sleek roadsters to high-powered muscle cars. However, one of the standout projects that took both the team and the audience by surprise was the restoration of a 1970s van into a retro-inspired masterpiece. This project encapsulated the spirit of nostalgia while blending it with modern craftsmanship, turning what was once a humble vehicle into a piece of automotive art.
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The Challenge of the 1970s Van
When the 1970s van rolled into the Kindig-It shop, it was a far cry from the stylish custom vehicles the team is accustomed to. Vans from that era are often seen as relics of the past, remembered for their boxy designs and often utilitarian purposes. However, Dave Kindig and his team saw potential in its retro charm and decided to take on the challenge of breathing new life into it. Unlike classic cars such as Corvettes or Camaros, which naturally evoke a sense of speed and elegance, the van presented a blank canvas that required a creative vision to make it stand out.
The primary goal was to create a vehicle that paid homage to the 1970s while elevating it with modern touches. This meant finding a balance between keeping the essence of the van intact while incorporating contemporary design elements, performance upgrades, and a stunning aesthetic transformation. For Kindig and his crew, it wasn’t just about rebuilding a van; it was about capturing the spirit of an era while making something that looked fresh and relevant.
Bringing the Retro Vibes
One of the first steps in transforming the van was conceptualizing its new look. As seen in many episodes of Bitchin’ Rides, Dave Kindig is meticulous about the design process, often sketching and rendering various ideas before the team begins work. For the 1970s van, the idea was to lean into the bold, vibrant culture of that time, incorporating retro design cues such as bright, bold colors, flared shapes, and iconic striping patterns reminiscent of custom vans from the ‘70s.
The paintwork became a crucial aspect of the transformation. Using his signature style, Kindig opted for a custom paint job that would grab attention immediately, utilizing vivid colors and retro-inspired graphics. The result was a van that looked like it had stepped out of a time machine, but with a polished, modern finish that made it undeniably cool by today’s standards.
Beyond aesthetics, the interior also received a full makeover. Vintage-inspired upholstery, shag carpets, and period-correct details helped maintain the van's nostalgic appeal, while modern features were seamlessly integrated. The team at Kindig-It took extra care to ensure that the interior didn’t feel outdated but rather offered the best of both worlds—retro style with the comfort and technology of a modern vehicle.
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Modern Power and Performance
While the exterior and interior transformations were enough to make the van a showstopper, Kindig’s attention to detail meant that performance could not be overlooked. True to the spirit of Bitchin’ Rides, the van was equipped with modern performance upgrades that made it as capable on the road as it was beautiful to look at. The engine was swapped out for something with more power and reliability, and the suspension was upgraded to improve handling.
These performance enhancements were key to elevating the van beyond a mere visual transformation. Dave Kindig’s approach to custom builds is to ensure that every vehicle is not only aesthetically remarkable but also functional, powerful, and ready to hit the road. By upgrading the mechanical aspects of the van, Kindig ensured that it wasn’t just a display piece, but a fully operational custom vehicle that could be driven and enjoyed for years to come.
The Final Reveal
The reveal of the retro masterpiece on Bitchin’ Rides was nothing short of spectacular. The van, now a gleaming work of art, represented the culmination of the team’s hard work and creativity. With its throwback design and modern upgrades, it captured the spirit of the 1970s while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. For both the team at Kindig-It Design and the audience watching at home, the project was a testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and the love of classic cars.
This van, like many other builds featured on the show, showcases why Dave Kindig has become such a prominent figure in the world of automotive customization. His ability to blend old-school style with modern techniques continues to captivate viewers and clients alike. The transformation of the 1970s van stands as a prime example of Kindig’s talent for reimagining the past, creating vehicles that are as timeless as they are unique.
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