Detailed Zip Van photos for the USPS

[rockne10]

My friend Steve Kochersperger is a Postal History Research Analyst at U.S. Postal Service in D.C. I just received this message from him through Facebook regarding Zip Vans.

"If you have any color pics showing the US MAIL lettering,...dying for some closeups...building a scale model. Thanks"

I don't have pictures myself but thought we, as a forum, can inundate him with some detailed photos. Please post them here and I will forward the link to this thread.

No, Bob! This one doesn't qualify.

[JRoberts]

[Bob Andrews]

Good thread! I'll be watching this. As many know, I have been thinking about getting a Zip to actually use on my route. But before I do I NEED TO see what the interior looks like, especially to the left of the driver. So far, I've had zero luck. Each time I've asked, a couple people here promised to post some- every request- but never do.

One of my main goals at the IM this year was to get a look at the Zip in the SNM, but frustratingly, it was not on display. If I'm going to spend the equivalent of a late model minivan on one, I've got to know I can make it work.

Maybe this time some pictures will actually materialize. One can hope!

[mbstude]

One of my main goals at the IM this year was to get a look at the Zip in the SNM, but frustratingly, it was not on display.

Yes it was. 3rd floor, same place it's been for a few years now.

Here's my younger cousin behind the wheel. We donated it to the museum before he was born, so it was the first time he saw it.

[Bob Andrews]

Figures, I looked where it was every time I've been there, which was the basement. Don't know how I could have missed it, but then I never thought of it being there.

Maybe my having a Zip van is just not meant to be.

[studegary]

I would suggest contacting the SNM for factory photos and/or drawings of what you want. Nearly every Zip Van that I have seen, or have seen pictured, is incorrect in some way.

[studegary]

Good thread! I'll be watching this. As many know, I have been thinking about getting a Zip to actually use on my route. But before I do I NEED TO see what the interior looks like, especially to the left of the driver. So far, I've had zero luck. Each time I've asked, a couple people here promised to post some- every request- but never do.

One of my main goals at the IM this year was to get a look at the Zip in the SNM, but frustratingly, it was not on display. If I'm going to spend the equivalent of a late model minivan on one, I've got to know I can make it work.

Maybe this time some pictures will actually materialize. One can hope!

It is a big box that you can drive either seated or standing. To the left (toward the front) of the driver is what I would describe as a large, flat shelf with a lip on it. I assume that this shelf was used to hold the trays/buckets of mail that were next for delivery.

[studegary]

For example, there are things on the pictured Zip Van that do not match factory pictures or my recollection of original Zip Vans. This is why I say to contact the SNM for factory items.

[8E45E]

Original, factory photographs would be the best resource. And the USPS should still have something on file regarding the lettering as to typeset, color, and size, as that would have been their call; not Studebaker's.

Craig

[Bullet]

Here are the two pictures I took this summer at the IM in SB at the SNM.

Mark

[mbstude]

When my chapter restored the National Museum Zip Van, we had a sign painter on the crew as well as a USPS employee. He was able to get us the correct colors and approval to recreate the writing that was original to that Van, and the sign painter did all the numbering and lettering by hand. I don't know why it wouldn't be considered correct.

[Sdude]

Concerning the number 322200;

The first number should be the last number of the year made. In the case of the one pictured, the 3 would indicate a 1963 model. The next number indicates load capacity. A 2 is the designation for a half ton vehicle (or maybe it's a quarter ton - I forget). The last 4 digits are simply serial numbers. That is how all postal vehicles are numbered.

[drew72mgb]

I acquired a Parts Manual for the Zip Van several years ago. With the very same intent - to build a very detailed model of a zip van.

I would gladly share copies from this book. Many line illustration of the parts - just lacks dimensions!

Drew

[LarkTruck]

Good thread! I'll be watching this. As many know, I have been thinking about getting a Zip to actually use on my route. But before I do I NEED TO see what the interior looks like, especially to the left of the driver. So far, I've had zero luck. Each time I've asked, a couple people here promised to post some- every request- but never do.

One of my main goals at the IM this year was to get a look at the Zip in the SNM, but frustratingly, it was not on display. If I'm going to spend the equivalent of a late model minivan on one, I've got to know I can make it work.

Maybe this time some pictures will actually materialize. One can hope!

Yep, It was right there being safely guarded by the Studebaker Brothers. Bob, was the ENTIRE trip a blur, or... ?
I too thought it would be cool to have a Zip Van or Rural Router Lark for my route in nice weather, but just trying to keep two RHD Cherokees route ready is enough of a strain on this old man and his wallet!
Brad, POSTAL HISTORY RESEARCH ANALYST, what the ????? Wonder what he gets paid? Sure would think that's a position that could be on the chopping block given our (USPS) current financial state!
Jim

[DEEPNHOCK]

I know where's there's a decent, complete, Zip Van that could be had for a fair price.
Carb and fuel pump are currently being rebuilt with the new rubber that will accept e-10 GAS.
New NAPA battery.
Lot's of extra parts.
12v lift gate on back now, but stock rear bumper (w/riser bars) goes with as well as a decent, straight front bumper.
Has wrong wheels and tires on it.
Still needs a muffler.
When I get it running decent again, I'll stick a new muffler on it.
New wiper arms and blades and several boxes of extra parts.
Like I said... A fair price. Won't give it away, but won't rip anyone off.
Am 50-50 on selling it, but 'The Black Car' is the front burner project right now.
I'd love to stuff that R2 Powershift engine in it and make it a Stude rescue rig, with tools and stuff on it to help people at Stude meets (or races)...
So many projects....so little time...
Some pic's are at (until Dec 1st): http://rides.webshots.com/album/561374130vSddGL