1971 Camper Special

[dtkarst]

Came across a 71 camper special 3/4 ton online the other day. Factory 402 bb and automatic with power steering and brakes with what looks like a dealer installed air conditioner. Runs drives and all that. Guy keeps saying it's a really rare longhorn edition but doesn't have any indications of being that considering it says camper special on it. Not sure on the rarity of these if at all, 2000 could own it? Couple days left. Has rocker rust and I'm sure support rust as well. What would something like this be worth?

[dtkarst]

Another

[dtkarst]

...

[dtkarst]

Motor

[Blue GMC]

For a Ks truck that looks pretty clean might make a good start for one for my son

[jocko]

Originally Posted by dtkarst

Guy keeps saying it's a really rare longhorn edition but doesn't have any indications of being that considering it says camper special on it.

Indications of a longhorn are 133" wheelbase on the SPID and 6" extension of the bed front - should be a visible vertical seam in the sheetmetal and the front stake pockets are set back about 6" also. Longhorn nameplate goes on the rear of the bedside, so no conflict with the CustomCamper20 nameplate on the fender, which I see is there. Can't quite tell from the pics if it's a Longhorn, many have the nameplate missing by now, but it KINDA looks like there is a seam in the bed, really hard to tell from the pics though. Anyway, it can be both, they are not mutually exclusive.

[dtkarst]

Thank you for the replies, here's another picture showing the seam that you speak of. So if it is a longhorn camper would that make it a more rare pickup than one or the other? Or any production numbers?

[randy500]

That truck is not rare at all but most of them aren't either, they made millions of them. That is a decent truck though and nice options, big block looks original and nice color combo.

[jocko]

I wouldn't say it's rare, per se, but it's got a desirable combo of options: Longhorn (not really an option, one had to specifically order a 133" wb truck to begin with), Custom Camper, Big Block. Dat's nice. And remember, rare doesn't necessarily mean desirable. In these trucks, moreso than the Camaro and Corvette world, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. To ME, this truck is a combo I'd love to have - it's my kind of truck. But, I think you'll find the majority of the market these days is for swb C/K10s. Personally, I like the C/K20s and C30s, and the more cool options they have, the better. While Custom Camper just gets you the nameplate if requisite suspension items are also ordered, I love the Custom Campers for some reason. Just do. What trim level is this truck? (Custom/Custom Deluxe/Cheyenne/etc - the CustomCamper nameplate supersedes the fender trim callout, so ya never know. I'm guessing it's a Custom based on the door panel peek and lack of side trim. Anyway, nice truck - are you going to buy it?

[Greg58]

https://www.purplewave.com/auction/170719/item/DA5546

I've been watching it on Purple Wave, it sell July 19th.
I agree with Jocko, probably not the most desirable truck out there, but I like the heavy duties!

Greg

[dtkarst]

Debating bidding on it, need to find room for it first

[special-K]

Nice Longhorn worth trying to buy.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by jocko

beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. To ME, this truck is a combo I'd love to have - it's my kind of truck. What trim level is this truck?

X2! I prefer the look of a heavy duty pickup TRUCK vs. the look of a light duty pickup. I also like the features, paint combo and lack of trim, but rust issues break the deal for me. This longhorn appears to be a Custom Deluxe ( stainless windshield trim). Any photos of SPID? I believe the painted long arm mirrors are option code DF 1.

[dtkarst]

Well I own it now, I'll go pick it up sometime in the next week or so. Got it for 1700 bucks so it could either be an over pay or just about right. I'll know more when I get it! And I'll be sure to post pictures

[Coley]

You got a great deal for $1700!
Put a little elbow grease into it, make sure its running and driving well....hit it with some cut-wax....and drive the wheels off of it!
The great thing about these trucks is that they are the only ones in the driveway that are going up in value every year....not down.
The yearly depreciation on a newer car or truck probably is enough to offset the gas costs on these trucks.

Great find, great buy...enjoy!!

Coley

[RenoKeene]

Well bought. Can't really go wrong at the price.

[dtkarst]

I'm excited for the big block part of it! Hopefully it's as good running as he says it is, maybe throw some fresh paint on the rims, see if the paint is strong enough to withstand a buffing. Always exiting to save another

[cooperhw]

Congratulations on your new pickup. I also just bought a 71 with a BB a couple weeks ago.
I am sure you will enjoy it for years to come.

[Greg58]

Originally Posted by dtkarst

Well I own it now, I'll go pick it up sometime in the next week or so. Got it for 1700 bucks so it could either be an over pay or just about right. I'll know more when I get it! And I'll be sure to post pictures

I'm glad somebody here got that truck, keep us updated on your progress.

Greg

[Ken B]

Congrats on your Longhorn purchase, I think you did well on the price. I have a real nice 70 Hugger Orange Longhorn myself. Clean her up, throw some matching tires on it with freshly painted rims and maybe some factory hub caps and she'll look great! keep us updated on progress.

[dtkarst]

Recently realize I hadn’t posted a picture of my longhorn since I’ve gotten it. Replaced the fuel tank on it, rebuilt the carb, blew the fuel lines out and off she went. Had two plug wires switched around but got tat taken care of...she’s rusty but like the way the big block sounds. Needs a date with the hotsy to power wash it and do a tune up and change valve cover gaskets. Wanted to put a different mat in but it’s about the same if not healer to do a full carpet kit so I will probably go with that...plus it’ll make the inside look better. Got a third 16.5 rim that will be out on just need to find a set of hubcaps! I’ve got two new pictures but my phone wanted to quit working in this cold.

[dtkarst]

Another

[dtkarst]

Engine compartment

[Steeveedee]

Yup, aftermarket AC. Also, you might want to shorten the hose between the fuel filter and the carburetor, if the piece before the filter is touching that compressor. That's a fire waiting to happen.

Nice truck, well bought!

[dtkarst]

I noticed the ground bolt there from the battery getting hot, and i shortened it up shortly after this picture. but good looking out, wouldn't be too happy to burn this thing to the ground.