About Us

In the early 70’s custom vans were the craze!

1976 was an exciting year! Did you know...the two best-selling cars were the Ford Pinto ($2,895) and the Chrysler Cordoba ($4,895), a gallon of gas was only $.59, the "custom van" craze was in it's prime, Darryl turned 16 and Custom Vans of Zanesville was established!

In 1976 Darryl started Custom Vans of Zanesville in his parents’ garage while working at Harts. His mom, Mary Lou, was his main seamstress for curtains and his righthand helper. In 1981 Darryl, his dad Ralph, and a handful of friends built the first concrete building that was used as the showroom and install area. This area is now the install garage.

Over the years Darryl recognized the changes in technology and increased availability of accessories as well as new types of customizations and had the foresight to continue to adapt his businesses to the new trends as they emerged. From its humble beginnings as a simple van customization shop, Custom Vehicles of Zanesville has branched into tailor-made and other value-added services for all types of Cars, Trucks, SUVs, ATVs, Marinecraft, RVs and more!

The Custom Vehicles campus now not only offers vehicle customization. We offer Ziebart Rustproofing, Rhino Linings, Home Security, Mini Storage as well as the Weatherington Woods event venue. We’re celebrating 48 years in business! Thank you to all our current and past employees as well as our loyal customers throughout the years.
We couldn’t have done this without you!

• 1976 – 1981 - Darryl operated Custom Vans out of his parents’ garage while working at Harts. His mom, Mary Lou, was his main seamstress for curtains and righthand helper.
• 1981 - Darryl, his dad Ralph and a handful of friends built the first concrete building to be used as the install and office area. The area is now the install garage.
• 1985 - The current showroom and the 1st mini storage was built.
• 1991 - The back side of the concrete building was added and is now used for Rhino Linings and Ziebart.
• 1993 - The 2nd and 3rd mini storages were built.
• 2001 - 2,400 square foot was added on to the original showroom for CVZ expansion and CHESS.
• 2015 - Weatherington Woods was built just below the mini storages.
• 2020 - Darryl’s daughter Olivia and her husband Matt, Colt, Cam and Lily moved home.
• 2022 - Olivia and Matt welcomed their 3rd child, Raegan, and began taking over the business.