please help me figure this truck out - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nevada70chev · 08-05-2002, 09:22 PM

has anyone ever seen a 68 3/4 ton like this? it's a custom job, but i don't know if it was done by a dealer or body shop. 3 pics attached, dvr side, pass. side and vin plate. thanx for your help, also how would i look up something like this in the future?

Blue_71 · 08-05-2002, 09:31 PM

looks liek a shortened burb to me, roof looks to high

**Palf70Step** · 08-05-2002, 09:39 PM

Kind of reminds me of some of the six packs (crewcabs) we had when I first went into the service in the 70's. I'm still new to all the research aspects of our trucks, but it reminds me also of some of the forestry trucks of that area.

Benrs86 · 08-05-2002, 09:53 PM

is that yours? do all four doors open? do you have more pics? is your bumper upside down? COOL pickup!!

ChevLoRay · 08-05-2002, 09:56 PM

This is the truck with the funky VIN you posted, huh?

That explains the VIN.

I'm willing to bet it is a legitimate conversion, done by a "coach" works for a specific customer, i.e., forestry, military, etc. I don't think this one was for the military. There was one company in Fort Smith, AR., that did these conversions, as well as three additional coachworks. The August, 2002 edition of Street Trucks magazine (p.138) has one of the '66 conversions in it, and it seems to be the same colors that this one is. In fact, it came from Arizona, too. Maybe the copper mine companies were the purchasers of them.

Whereas the cab and chassis were built in the Fremont plant, they were shipped to an off-site vendor for modification. These modifications were not a part of the general information available in the service manual for deciphering VIN's.

It's legitimate, and it's RARE!

Oh, that's the wrong bumper...it's from a 73-up. Somebody just put it on because they had it, I'm sure.

Longhorn Man · 08-05-2002, 10:18 PM

This thing is awsome!
Here's the other 2 pics...

toms68cst · 08-05-2002, 11:14 PM

If that were a Burb body wouldn't the front doors have square upper corners rather than rounded like in the trucks? I can't see which style the passenger side door is. That's an interesting conversion!

Blue_71 · 08-05-2002, 11:21 PM

hmm i didnt look at the left side pic and notice the door tops, it may be a legit "factory" conversion

toms68cst · 08-05-2002, 11:22 PM

Which wheel base is that???

Southpa · 08-06-2002, 12:15 AM

So its a 3/4 ton 3-door fleetside shortbox crew cab. Driver's side second door doesn't open and gas tank behind the rear seat. Get more pics if you can, whats the engine?

ChevLoRay · 08-06-2002, 09:32 AM

Suburbans didn't have an operating door on the drivers side for the second seat. I will bet that the shop that did the conversion used new components from GM in their modification procedure. It is for that reason that I'm betting it is legitimate. I don't believe the roof rack was on it when new, but anything is possible. It isn't (wasn't) unusual to see roof racks on trucks and carryall's that were used in southern Arizona, when these were new. I was stationed in Tucson, from Aug. 69 to Mar. '71. In my spare time I worked at a convenience store chain (Quik Mart) and got to see a variety of vehicles that had been modified for use in the desert enviroment. Roof racks were used to haul 5-gallon cans of fuel and water, for those who have never lived in the area.

Like I said...it's legitimate, and that is why the VIN is so goofy.

Check out the August issue of Street Truck magazine, page 138, for a '66 Chevy crew cab conversion. Same color combo (fawn beige and white top). The '66 has been restified, but individualized.

Zumo · 08-06-2002, 09:47 AM

That thing is so sweet. Cool.

TheMattMan · 08-06-2002, 10:04 AM

It might be a factory option, The three door crew cabs were built mostly for the railroads. The last issue of StreeTrucks magazine had a 66 factory crew cab that was really rare because it had 4 doors from the factory. If it truly is a factory 3 door you have yourself a nice truck.....even if it isnt you can fix it up pretty nice. Try to get yourself a copy of the August StreetTrucks.

nevada70chev · 08-06-2002, 10:08 AM

i've got that issue of "classic truck", i emailed the editor to see if they had any other info on who did these conversions. by the way, the truck is for sale.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 08-06-2002, 10:21 AM

There was a couple of companies that did that conversion for some of the electric companies and RR companies. They were used to haul the workers arround from jobsite to jobsite. I forget who the conversion company was, but that is what I remember about those trucks. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

SWINGSAX68 · 08-06-2002, 02:08 PM

Why is the gas tank behind the front seat, that seems strange...why isn't it under the bed???

*Gee_Emm* · 08-07-2002, 12:37 AM

Im thinking that it looks like a non factory conversion, a diy job.

They did the other style of crewcab in 67 and 68 right? The type with the angle in between the doors.

Why would they do one of these when they could do one of those? It looks like a burb. I guess one way to tell is to look at the workmanship.

Blazer1970 · 08-07-2002, 07:47 AM

I don't see where you guys come up with terms like "factory" or "legitimate" when referring to these extended or crew cab trucks. There is no such thing as a factory extended or crew cab GM truck in the pre-'73 era. They are all conversions, done by a number of different companies or individuals. They would buy a truck from GM in a configuration that anyone could buy, and start hacking. This truck started life as a stepside 3/4 ton according to the VIN. Look closely at the window in the back door, it is not a burb door, it is something that someone cobbled together.

08-05-2002, 09:22 PM	#1
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	please help me figure this truck out has anyone ever seen a 68 3/4 ton like this? it's a custom job, but i don't know if it was done by a dealer or body shop. 3 pics attached, dvr side, pass. side and vin plate. thanx for your help, also how would i look up something like this in the future? Attached Images __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

08-05-2002, 09:39 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,754	Kind of reminds me of some of the six packs (crewcabs) we had when I first went into the service in the 70's. I'm still new to all the research aspects of our trucks, but it reminds me also of some of the forestry trucks of that area. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-05-2002, 09:53 PM	#4
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	is that yours? do all four doors open? do you have more pics? is your bumper upside down? COOL pickup!! __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04

08-05-2002, 09:56 PM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	This is the truck with the funky VIN you posted, huh? That explains the VIN. I'm willing to bet it is a legitimate conversion, done by a "coach" works for a specific customer, i.e., forestry, military, etc. I don't think this one was for the military. There was one company in Fort Smith, AR., that did these conversions, as well as three additional coachworks. The August, 2002 edition of Street Trucks magazine (p.138) has one of the '66 conversions in it, and it seems to be the same colors that this one is. In fact, it came from Arizona, too. Maybe the copper mine companies were the purchasers of them. Whereas the cab and chassis were built in the Fremont plant, they were shipped to an off-site vendor for modification. These modifications were not a part of the general information available in the service manual for deciphering VIN's. It's legitimate, and it's RARE! Oh, that's the wrong bumper...it's from a 73-up. Somebody just put it on because they had it, I'm sure. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. Last edited by ChevLoRay; 08-06-2002 at 09:22 AM.

08-05-2002, 11:14 PM	#7
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,280	If that were a Burb body wouldn't the front doors have square upper corners rather than rounded like in the trucks? I can't see which style the passenger side door is. That's an interesting conversion! __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

08-05-2002, 10:18 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	This thing is awsome! Here's the other 2 pics...

08-05-2002, 11:22 PM	#9
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,280	Which wheel base is that??? __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

08-06-2002, 12:15 AM	#10
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,410	So its a 3/4 ton 3-door fleetside shortbox crew cab. Driver's side second door doesn't open and gas tank behind the rear seat. Get more pics if you can, whats the engine? __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

08-06-2002, 09:32 AM	#11
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Suburbans didn't have an operating door on the drivers side for the second seat. I will bet that the shop that did the conversion used new components from GM in their modification procedure. It is for that reason that I'm betting it is legitimate. I don't believe the roof rack was on it when new, but anything is possible. It isn't (wasn't) unusual to see roof racks on trucks and carryall's that were used in southern Arizona, when these were new. I was stationed in Tucson, from Aug. 69 to Mar. '71. In my spare time I worked at a convenience store chain (Quik Mart) and got to see a variety of vehicles that had been modified for use in the desert enviroment. Roof racks were used to haul 5-gallon cans of fuel and water, for those who have never lived in the area. Like I said...it's legitimate, and that is why the VIN is so goofy. Check out the August issue of Street Truck magazine, page 138, for a '66 Chevy crew cab conversion. Same color combo (fawn beige and white top). The '66 has been restified, but individualized. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-06-2002, 09:47 AM	#12
Zumo Hot Rods For Life Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 3,305	That thing is so sweet. Cool. __________________ 1968 C10 LWB **SOLD* Andy Viva Los Bicicletas! Los Muertos Custom Bicycles

08-06-2002, 10:04 AM	#13
TheMattMan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lumberton, TX , USA Posts: 71	It might be a factory option, The three door crew cabs were built mostly for the railroads. The last issue of StreeTrucks magazine had a 66 factory crew cab that was really rare because it had 4 doors from the factory. If it truly is a factory 3 door you have yourself a nice truck.....even if it isnt you can fix it up pretty nice. Try to get yourself a copy of the August StreetTrucks. __________________ MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

08-06-2002, 10:08 AM	#14
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	any other info i've got that issue of "classic truck", i emailed the editor to see if they had any other info on who did these conversions. by the way, the truck is for sale. __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

08-06-2002, 10:21 AM	#15
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	There was a couple of companies that did that conversion for some of the electric companies and RR companies. They were used to haul the workers arround from jobsite to jobsite. I forget who the conversion company was, but that is what I remember about those trucks. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

08-06-2002, 02:08 PM	#16
SWINGSAX68 Now the others dig........ Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,520	hmmmmm Why is the gas tank behind the front seat, that seems strange...why isn't it under the bed??? __________________ 68 Chevy C10 Stepside Black Primer 78 GMC Longbed White 09 Chevy Silverado Shortbed Granite Blue *LOOKING FOR A 67 4 DOOR IMPALA!!!Just like Sam and Dean Winchester!! 'Cause Mustangs are for p^#$ and you can fit a body in the trunk of a 67 Impala* MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Texas State University-San Marcos, TX Certified Music Educator I hope Mom is up there watching and being my Guardian Angel "I've got a fever.....and the only prescription.....IS MORE COW BELL" -The Legendary: Bruce Dickenson "F#$@ 'em up!!!!!!" -The Legendary: Rogelio Escobar TRUCKY LINKS** http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457750 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=461184 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=472848 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=417541 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=477788

08-07-2002, 12:37 AM	#17
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	Im thinking that it looks like a non factory conversion, a diy job. They did the other style of crewcab in 67 and 68 right? The type with the angle in between the doors. Why would they do one of these when they could do one of those? It looks like a burb. I guess one way to tell is to look at the workmanship.



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08-07-2002, 07:47 AM	#18
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	I don't see where you guys come up with terms like "factory" or "legitimate" when referring to these extended or crew cab trucks. There is no such thing as a factory extended or crew cab GM truck in the pre-'73 era. They are all conversions, done by a number of different companies or individuals. They would buy a truck from GM in a configuration that anyone could buy, and start hacking. This truck started life as a stepside 3/4 ton according to the VIN. Look closely at the window in the back door, it is not a burb door, it is something that someone cobbled together. __________________ Tim

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