79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Here is what i have to work with. Its a 1979 Chevy Camper Special C30. My grandfather ordered it from the factory brand new. He decided to retire it after one of his hands got in a collision with it.

It has a 7.4 454 under the hood that runs on LPG or gas. It has an RV torque cam, 4 speed manual, and a 4.56 locking rear end on it.

So far im trying to decide which colors i want to go with it. Ive thought of keeping the same colors just redone, or going charcoal metallic with a metallic black two tone. The grill will be replaced with the leavor grill as typical on an aftermarked chevy. Ive contemplated a roll pan but would rather have the tow hitch.

As for the interior im torn between the saddle tan and grey (either dark or light.) I will be putting in either the bucket seats from 1979 or going with 2003-2006 front seats.

I plan on redoing the exhaust with long tube headers with super 44 mufflers either coming out in front of the rear tires or going with non-goddy stacks.

The suspension is going to be replaced with a full air bag setup for comfort not slamming. The kit ive found runs around 2K for the full setup.

Ive been keeping an eye out for 19.5 alcoa dually wheels for it. Although i might try and run a single drag tire in the rear for a real mean look.

The engine is going to be gone through appropriately once the rest of the work is farther along. I would like to cam it out with a mild street/strip with full MSD ignition.

Im looking to get suggestions for everything as i am obviously not set on exactly where i want this truck to go. Here are the pics, Enjoy!
http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/imag...1643_large.jpg
Here it is when i brought it from my grandfathers to my dads house.

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/imag...1642_large.jpg
Ive got to do some work on the front clip but other than that its in rather good condition.

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/imag...1639_large.jpg

This is the parts truck my dad picked up for me.

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/imag...1640_large.jpg
Another shot of the parts truck

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/image...1638_large.jpg

This is a screenshot from youtube of a custom rig that has given me a few ideas.

FYI After the build is farther along, some of the parts truck will be up for grabs..... ;)

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Man I would keep the original colors on that thing, looks like a nice truck.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I wished I had those front fenders & cowl area from that parts truck for my project:waah:

I like/vote for those original colors, when they are fresh they look like a truck should.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I was just looking up the color referances and im pretty sure its Saddle and Neutral gotta talk to my grandpa and ask. I dont have access to papers or the vin at the moment so no help there. Im sure brand new the colors were awesome!

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Yeah most of the front end will be used from it for the main truck... Unfortunately the hood, left fender and front clip took a beating.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Yea, looks like some good stuff Ya’ got there. Can't wait to see your progress

Up here in Orygun, between the rain and the mud most our sheet metal rusts from the inside out

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I'm kind of fond of the stock colour you have.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Well it will be about a month before i can lay my hands on it again but im hoping my dad can get some pictures to me in the mean time. If not youll have to wait lol.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Those pics make me want to go rlcb dually, and screw the mpg.

I think since 2010 the Chevy, and Dodge duallies use 17's if you like them.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I'd leave the colour stencle's an everything. Looks like what a real truck should.
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Be careful looking at 17" rims. The centre bore is smaller on the square bodies.
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I saw a couple sets on ebay last night when searching around. Also i found some ford alloys that look like the ones the black truck used. Good idea as long as the bore is right...

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Watch those Ford alloys. Depending on the year, the bolt pattern is different. Also, I would swap on whatever parts are needed and paint the new parts to match. Buff everything out and leave all the lettering and such on the truck. Do your bags and 19.5's and have a blast. Also if you don't want that spare bed, you could drop it off at my place. I wouldn't even charge you. LOL.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

We can wait ;), the question is "Can You" ; sounds like your' getting excited :sumo:

Put a couple of exhaust stacks out the top and you'll have yourself a Bad A** truck there :ito:

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

WV Is quite a ways away from Colorado he he. Let me know if you decide to drive through the area and we can discuss it! The lettering on the side is the original info of my grandparents outfitting buisness when they moved to colorado. Ive thought about leaving it but wasnt 100% sure yet.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Super excited let me tell ya! My goal for the short time i have home this next trip is to get her completely road worthy which wont take much. Then if i have the time ill start on other stuff. As for the stacks, im REALLY thinking about it. Although i would have to find a good spot to move my LP tank. Ive been wanting to go with a Mini Peterbilt look on it but not too extreme.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

So i got a chance to do A LOT of work on the truck. I was home for about 10 days and got her back to running condition. Got a lot of pics in the process. Ill only post a few for now as i have about 80 uploaded to fb. Now when i return for good i can start with the total rebuild. Here is a link to the entire album. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=781e1c44c1
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...22066619_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...04066753_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...35778705_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...17615065_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...60649971_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...58661153_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...42373044_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...01136372_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...83345300_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...42173885_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...75053705_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...38370114_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...82427075_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...65761979_n.jpg

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Wow nice work! Shes looking good

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

What transmission does you truck have?

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

no way in hell i would change that truck! i would just mach the paint on the doghouse!

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I love that thing! What a BEAST! I actually like the original brown colors! Just paint that front clip to match. What is the plan for it? Tow pig? Daily driver?
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Good lookin truck!

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

It's got a 4spd manual with the 4.56 rear end. I plan on using it when the weather is bad as I usually ride my motorcycle on good days. I probably won't be working on it again till next year but will hopefully have most of it planned out by then.
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Nice work Justin!! Great co-pilot! Stay safe!!

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

do i see front mounted spare tire?

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I was thinking that too, what if it is frame mounted?

Sweet C30, I am looking forward to any more progress on it. That thing is geared and built to adjust the Earth's orbit when the secondaries open...I like it.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

There isn't a front mounted spare. And yeah this thing has pulled a lot of gooseneck horse trailers all over te southwest. When it does it might as well speed up the earths rotation with its takeoff!!
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Keep the original decals and go with it! Great truck!!

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I can't wait to see the next phase :mm:

Thanks for keeping us safe; happy returns to ya" ;)

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I agree the original decals give it a historical type of look, preservation of the past. Thank you for sharing.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Soooo i have FINALLY returned! I now live in Tucson and the truck will be arriving around Thanksgiving this year as long as my dad is able to come down for it. I have also located a 12v cummins for it w/turbo, intercooler, radiator, and some custom parts. It would cost around 2K for all the bits but im contemplating the idea.... what do you guys think??? It would be a winter project for me if i go through with it. Also, if i do, the 454 (that runs like a champ) and the propane conversion would be up for grabs.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Nice, i'd much rather have the 12V than the 454..
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

While yea a 12V is... Badass to say the least... Practicality kicks in for me. 454 already runs good, direct swap, and if ya only drive it rarely i'd leave it that way... But if ya wana drive it a lot i'd 12V it all the way with a strong 6 speed... Have your cake and eat it too.
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

what the heck did he hit?

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Ya but why have the cake if you aren't gonna eat it? When I get cake, I don't just look at it because I can. I eat it.
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

From the looks of it, rosie o'donnall
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Oh snap! :baa:
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

I'd think an overdrive trans would be high on the priority list if you keep the big block. I also have a big block dually, 4 speed, and 4.56 gears. It's ridiculously slow with those gears. Strong, yes, but 60 miles per hour is getting wound up. 70 miles per hour is white knuckle hoping the engine doesn't scatter speed.

If you do the Cummins, you're gonna want to re-gear the rearend. Even with an overdrive, 4.56 isn't ideal for a Cummins. I've had 5 Dodge Cummins trucks. They really like 3.54 gears and overdrive the best. Even the Cummins guys with factory 4.10 gears and overdrives often swap the gears for something milder.
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Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

So the truck arrives tonight!!!

79Betty-

I am still entirely up in the air about it as i do have a built 12v available for 2K with all parts and an aftermarket turbo.


Willet-

The truck was in a clipping head on with an 82 scottsdale 30 with a big custom steel bumper. (which was also my grandfathers) I really tried to pick this one up as well cause its basically the same truck just 4x4 with a flatbed and built bumper. Love that truck!

Tx Firefighter-

I am really looking into re-gearing the rear end anyhow. I wont be pulling too much with the truck, maybe a bumper pull on occasion so a different ratio is in order. Just dont know which i should go with.

Re: 79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts
 

Glad to hear all is on schedule. Have a good holiday.... and pictures, pictures, pictures!!