With the exception of some old VHS 411 tapes and a couple family heirlooms, I can't think of anything I've owned for more than a decade. Most things end up breaking or getting lost. As far as vehicles go, I am notorious for swapping out cars as fast as most people change bearings (or underwear). My van was no different; she was totaled out within 16 months. We had a chat with Braydon a few days ago about his relationship with his van and the roots ran deep.
Braydon's van is a Heavy Roller by most definitions. The van is American made, constructed during the disco era, and has a seat that that folds down into a bed with the simple flip of switch. It is by almost every classification: “cool.”
Braydon took a few minutes out of his day to BS about his van and what's been happening in his life, following some drastic sponsorship changes.
Right on, Braydon. We saw on the EpiclyLater'd that you were the owner of a pretty epic van. Can you tell us a bit about you got into vans?
Well, when I was a little kid my parents brought me to Universal Studios and we got to see the A-Team van and it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. There are photos of me and my brothers in front of it, and I'd buy the Hot Wheels versions of it and stuff. And it was just cool.
How'd you get into vans?
When I was 18, I finally started making some money. I bought this 1973 Chevy stocky van, an A-Team kind of van.
And this is the same van that you have owned since you were 18, the same one that we saw on the EpiclyLater'd episode?
Yep. It's the same one. I still have it to this day.
Was this van your first car?
No, I had a Honda Accord when I was 16 that was passed down. But, when I was 18, I got that van and it was the first thing I ever bought or put money into.
Where is the van now?
It's being worked on at Bryan Herman's and his brother's garage. It's what they do.
Wait, you're still putting money into it?
Well, yeah! It's a '73! It's always going to be a work-in-progress. Now the engine's pretty much brand new and we put a new transmission in it. It's a work-in-progress, it will run perfect for a few years, but then something will shake loose. But she's my baby.
Aren't you driving a Porsche SUV right now? I think I saw a picture of you on Instagram with one.
No, I just test-drove it for a weekend. It was the hybrid model, which was cool, but I didn't like the way it felt. If I'm going to get a Porsche, I want to make sure the thing flies.
You feel that people look at you differently stepping out of a Porsche rather than a van?
Yeah, but I would much rather get out of a van than any other vehicle on the street. I love vans. Even when we go on a trip in a “skate tank” it just feels like home.
You ever find yourself using the van just to crash out in?
I'd crash out in it all the time. It's like an apartment. You can go anywhere, travel the whole country, and never walk into a hotel.
Could you ever sell the van?
I don't know. It's hard because if I don't drive it for a while it's hard to find somewhere to park it. A lot of people don't want a big-ass van parked in their driveway.
What about chicks and vans. You think they're into em?
My chick is! And some girls in past history...
Got any secrets for getting them in the van?
No secrets. Usually, people get pretty excited when they see this van. It's pretty funny because you don't see them too often.
Downsides to owning the van?
None. Except for parking it.
You just got back from traveling with Lil Wayne, right?
Yep. We definitely weren't traveling in vans. We got some huge double-decker buses, and I don't have a problem traveling in the kind sh!t, either (laughs).
Do most skate companies own their own vans, or do they just rent them out for trips?
A skate company would be stupid not to have a van. If they want their skaters out and doing it, it's so much easier if they have a van.
Cool. Thanks for chatting. What's the up-to-date sponsor list for you?
Supra Footwear and Happy Hour Shades. Thanks.
