Post was originally transported by horse drawn carts, taking bag loads of mail from post office to post office as well as various sorting offices. As the need for more postal services increased, so too did the need to acquire a more reasonable and effective mode of transport. This happened to coincide with the rise of automotive vehicles, so eventually vans and trucks were purchased by postal services throughout the world to help with day to day duties. That being said, we all know that their purpose-built designs mean that when their service ends, they often fade into obscurity. That is unless they fall into the hands of someone like Ray Ramsey, a man who has spent nearly four decades transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

A Post Van Like No Other: Rayvern Hydraulics Transforms a Grumman LLV

Ray's name has been a staple in the custom car scene for close to 40 years. His signature style—getting vehicles as low as possible while maintaining drivability—has made him a go-to figure for air ride and hydraulic suspension setups. Whether it’s classic Volkswagens, American lowriders, or full-sized trucks, Rayvern Hydraulics has set the benchmark for extreme yet functional vehicle stances.

Rayvern Hydraulics, his renowned custom garage, has become synonymous with radical vehicle modifications, particularly in the world of lowriders and body-dropped builds. In 2013, Ray acquired a retired Grumman LLV postal van, a vehicle synonymous with American streets but virtually unheard of in the UK. By 2014, it had emerged onto the UK scene, turning heads as one of the most extreme postal truck transformations ever seen on British roads.

Seeing a slammed postal van is rare enough, but witnessing a body-dropped Grumman LLV in the UK makes this build truly one of a kind. Ray’s ability to take a workhorse vehicle and turn it into a show-stopping piece of automotive art is a testament to his skill and passion.

With nearly 40 years of custom car culture under his belt, Ray continues to push boundaries, and if this Grumman is anything to go by, his next project will be just as jaw-dropping. We can’t wait to see what rolls out of the Rayvern Hydraulics workshop next.

Seeing a body-dropped postal truck is a rare sight, but this Grumman LLV proves that no vehicle is beyond reinvention.

A true body drop involves more than just lowering a vehicle; it requires re-engineering its fundamental structure. For the Grumman, Ray channelled the van’s body over its original frame, significantly reducing the ride height while ensuring that it retained full functionality. To complement this aggressive stance, a full hydraulic suspension system was installed, allowing the van to sit millimetres from the ground when parked and rise when needed, giving it the look Ray is renown for.

A One-of-a-Kind Creation

A Postal Van Like No Other

A vehicle once designed for everyday deliveries in between 1986 and 1994 has been reborn as a show-stopping, road-hugging beast—another testament to Rayvern Hydraulics’ expertise in pushing the boundaries of automotive customisation.

Rayvern Hydraulics: Pioneers of Low and Wild

From humble mail carrier to a jaw-dropping custom build, this Grumman Postal Van has undergone a radical transformation at the hands of Rayvern Hydraulics.

With his expertise in chassis fabrication and body drops, Ray had the perfect vision for the Grumman. The process involved extensive custom frame modifications to allow the van to sit dramatically lower than stock, creating a jaw-dropping silhouette that looks more at home in a custom car show than on the streets delivering mail.

The Art of the Body Drop

But Rayvern builds are never just about stance—they’re about the whole aesthetic. The Grumman’s exterior received subtle refinements, smoothing out the bodywork while keeping the iconic boxy shape intact. Custom wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres complete the transformation, giving it an undeniably cool presence.

Rayvern Hydraulics Grumman LLV

• Base Vehicle: Grumman LLV (Long Life Vehicle)

• Body Drop: Custom chassis modifications to lower the van significantly closer to the ground.

• Hydraulic Suspension: Fully adjustable system for extreme lowering and improved stance.

• Custom Frame Work: Extensive fabrication to accommodate the aggressive drop.

• Wheel & Tyre Setup: Larger custom wheels with low-profile tyres for a sleek, modern look.

• Exterior Refinements: Smoothed bodywork and bespoke paint finish for a clean, show-ready aesthetic.

• Interior Enhancements: Modified cockpit with a tailored setup to suit the extreme stance.

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