My 83' Crew Cab Dually project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DblTrbl · 10-23-2015, 11:31 AM

I have a thread going over on the C10 forum, but things seem a little slow over there, so I'll drop this here...

I picked up this 83' back in February and have been slowly making progress on it. It was in rough shape, but it was a government vehicle, only had 70k original miles and a stack of every maintenance record ever done to it...and the government does maintenance regularly whether the vehicle is being used or not, so I knew it was mechanically solid. Secondly, 2wd trucks are quite hard to come by in Montana.

First things first...the rusty steelies had to go. I had a set of true Alcoas that I'd saved when I sold my 96' Dodge. I spent an entire weekend wet sanding and polishing them to bring them back to their former glory. Then I ordered up a set of spike lug covers from Iowa80.com.

Then, boating season happened and not much progress....

I added some LED lights...

I finally collected all of the parts that I needed to static drop the truck and went to work. I used 3" drop spindles up front and a flip kit for the rear. Of course flipping the axle on these requires a notch, but I expected to eventually bag it anyhow, so I went to work building a step notch and bridge.

Pulling the bed with limited help was interesting...

I still intend to tow my 25' boat, so I boxed and fishplated everything for strength.

Much better...

Added a little bling to the interior...

I searched and searched for some decent replacement fenders, but it seems that these are made of unobtanium, so I decided to just repair this really poor attempt at fixing this previously.

I started by building a cardboard buck. Then I liberally filled it with great stuff. The trick to using this stuff as a form is to mist water into it as you fill. Moisture is the catylist (thank you YouTube!)

Then I carved it with a loose hack saw blade until I had the form I needed.

And covered it with fiberglass mat and resin...

A little additional build up with kitty hair and filler and it came together.

A couple weeks ago I got a little crazy and ordered a bunch of this ****...

I'm just getting started today on my front end. I grabbed some 8 5/8" schedule 40 pipe and burned some 1/4" plate to the bottom. I'll be dropping the lower arms out shortly to cup them.

DblTrbl · 10-23-2015, 11:33 AM

I accomplished a little more today; got my lower arms measured up and welded in the cups.

A little weld porn:

Now I need to do a little clean up and soften the edges of the cups a little. My fittings should be here tomorrow, so if I'm feeling especially motivated, I may see if I can get everything mounted up after work. I'm still waiting on my parallel 4-link from ThorBros, so I can't get too crazy yet.

I did, however, locate a donor...

DblTrbl · 10-23-2015, 11:35 AM

I got a little done lastnight. These arms take longer than I'd expected. I really hate grinding. Really...

Probably overkill, but that shock mount isn't going anywhere now.

Coated with Hammerite.

DblTrbl · 10-23-2015, 11:38 AM

https://youtu.be/tmj3nya6QbY

The front is back together and moves with the shop compressor. I'll try to get the air management hooked up to it tomorrow. I'm enjoying hitting a small milestone right now...[/QUOTE]

DblTrbl · 10-23-2015, 11:42 AM

It's like Christmas!

Gonna pull the bed back off, yard the saddle tanks and start measuring up to get this installed. I'm told that the tank in my donor burb should be a match for fitting between the rails out back. Does anyone have any experience with this?

dragnframe · 10-23-2015, 02:16 PM

Keep the pics coming!! I'm building an 83 4dr dually also. Nice work on that fender

ruffrida2005 · 10-24-2015, 03:30 AM

Looks good, I'm waiting on a lot of parts to show up from thorbros also.

T_Raven · 10-24-2015, 03:47 AM

Sweet truck.

I like your avitar. I'm watching Ancient Aliens right now lol

slammed427 · 10-24-2015, 11:42 AM

Sweet build. I'm wishing I'd tried fixing my fender. I took it in and had to fork out a good amount to get it done.

DblTrbl · 10-24-2015, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

Looks good, I'm waiting on a lot of parts to show up from thorbros also.

It takes a while to get the stuff that Jason builds, but the quality is tops notch. I'd rather fab everything up myself but I don't have access to a press brake that will bend 3/8's and my plasma cutter is just by hand. The money spent with them was worth the wait.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammed427

Sweet build. I'm wishing I'd tried fixing my fender. I took it in and had to fork out a good amount to get it done.

Thanks. I really didn't know how it would turn out. I've done my share of bodywork, but I'd never tried foam forming. I didn't take pics of my first failed attempt where the foam "puked" out everywhere. It was a learning process for sure! If I had to do it again, I'd coat the foam with kitty hair BEFORE I layed up the mat. These fenders seem to be the only thing on these trucks that you can't get aftermarket.

DblTrbl · 10-24-2015, 09:52 PM

Round two...

COS399 · 10-24-2015, 10:55 PM

Nice work! I will be following this one too.

DblTrbl · 10-25-2015, 12:41 AM

Well, I'm a little disheartened. When I originally did my step frame, I hadn't made any plans to do any kind of SFBD, which I've been seriously considering since I have about six months of snow to look forward to. But, after disconnecting my rear shackles, I can see that my notch is about 4" short of where it needs to be.

So...do I go ahead and do the four-link then lop the frame forward of the axle and just scratch build everything back...or try to modify the step notch? I'm open to ideas.

ruffrida2005 · 10-26-2015, 03:54 AM

I would swap the sub rear end also, it will narrow it some, so then you wont have to widen the fender as much.

DblTrbl · 10-26-2015, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

I would swap the sub rear end also, it will narrow it some, so then you wont have to widen the fender as much.

The sub is a 1/2 ton. Widen the fenders? I must be missing something here...my rear already tucks.

SCOTI · 10-26-2015, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DblTrbl

The sub is a 1/2 ton. Widen the fenders? I must be missing something here...my rear already tucks.

If you swapped to the cut down 22's (big truck wheels) that are popular these days, they won't tuck. You would need a narrower rear housing or the fenders would need to be widened 3".

Not an issue w/the steel 16's.

DblTrbl · 10-26-2015, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

If you swapped to the cut down 22's (big truck wheels) that are popular these days, they won't tuck. You would need a narrower rear housing or the fenders would need to be widened 3".

Not an issue w/the steel 16's.

Gotcha. Well I'm not able to drop $4k on a set of wheels at this point, so I won't worry about it until I get there. BTW - I've searched for the adapters to run those wheel and the cheapest I've found is $800. Is there a more reasonable alternative? I can do fab, but I'm no machinist nor do I have access to the equipment.

SCOTI · 10-26-2015, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DblTrbl

Gotcha. Well I'm not able to drop $4k on a set of wheels at this point, so I won't worry about it until I get there. BTW - I've searched for the adapters to run those wheel and the cheapest I've found is $800. Is there a more reasonable alternative? I can do fab, but I'm no machinist nor do I have access to the equipment.

$800 is about the cheapest I've seen but this is an area where cheaper isn't necessarily better.

slammed427 · 10-26-2015, 09:35 PM

I read on another forum about a guy that made his adapters for a stud pilot wheel. I think it was 3/4 or 1" plate, drilled and tapped for 3/4 bolts. Pretty cool idea.

DblTrbl · 10-27-2015, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammed427

I read on another forum about a guy that made his adapters for a stud pilot wheel. I think it was 3/4 or 1" plate, drilled and tapped for 3/4 bolts. Pretty cool idea.

I'd think that I'd still need a lathe to make sure it's perfectly round. I may check with a local machinist. $800 just seems really steep for what they are. I'm not in a hurry to run the big wheels just yet. There's so much more to do and the 16's don't look terrible. I'll probably rock these for at least the first year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by travlinman

Nice progress. Ive been sitting on my crew dually for a year now. I took the bad 454 out for a04 ls and been stuck. Now thinking about pulling it for another carb motor. Ive got all power inside and thinking about pulling everything out and starting over with a complete new harness. .how big was ur notch and how big do u think u should go to?
Im going with the 22 alcoa semi wheels. Where did u find the adapters for 800? Ive only found 900 and above.
ill be watching to see how u get this done. Might sell my projector part it out and buy another running truck and start over.

I'm not even sweating the power plant right now. It has a strong small block and seeing that I have a 50 mile round trip commute, it's relatively easy on the wallet. I like to "try" to stay focused on one thing at a time or I'll get overwhelmed by the whole project. Suspension, body, power train.

My notch was 7". To be honest, I didn't do much research prior to doing it and I come from the old school of channeling to do any kind of body drop. Recently, I looked into the SFBD that seems to be the thing now, and I'm regretting that I hadn't looked closer. 7" will get it to set on the frame squarely. So, I'm roughly 4" short of where it should be "if" I do the SFBD. At this point, I'm seriously considering just doing a traditional body drop or channeling as we used to call it. (Am I showing my age? Haha)

I saw the adapters on eBay for $800...of course there's $100 shipping with that, so $900 is correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggie91

Nice project you have going on. I have seen the 'burb tank used in the rear also. I think 75dually used one on his build on here.

BTW, here is a link to aftermarket dually fenders. PN GM-201R and GM-201L
http://up22.com/chevytruck.htm#GM-201R/L

The donor is right outside the shop, but it's been raining like hell and I hate wrenching in the rain! If it clears up at all, I'm going to pull it and see how it fits up.

I can't believe I never saw those fenders. Oh well. It was only a days work to do the fix and I learned something new from it so not all is lost.

Now, if I can just find some time to get back out and get the links tacked in. I was able to get the axle set at ride height and remove the leaf packs and mounts. BTW - those spring perches on the axle are a MOTHER to cut off!

travlinman · 10-26-2015, 10:50 PM

Nice progress. Ive been sitting on my crew dually for a year now. I took the bad 454 out for a04 ls and been stuck. Now thinking about pulling it for another carb motor. Ive got all power inside and thinking about pulling everything out and starting over with a complete new harness. .how big was ur notch and how big do u think u should go to?
Im going with the 22 alcoa semi wheels. Where did u find the adapters for 800? Ive only found 900 and above.
ill be watching to see how u get this done. Might sell my projector part it out and buy another running truck and start over.

aggie91 · 10-27-2015, 01:38 PM

Nice project you have going on. I have seen the 'burb tank used in the rear also. I think 75dually used one on his build on here.

BTW, here is a link to aftermarket dually fenders. PN GM-201R and GM-201L
http://up22.com/chevytruck.htm#GM-201R/L

cochino12 · 10-28-2015, 01:22 AM

I've been watching your build on c10forum. Your notch is just about perfect for my truck , too bad you cant unbolt it and mail it to me hahah. Good luck

DblTrbl · 10-28-2015, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochino12

I've been watching your build on c10forum. Your notch is just about perfect for my truck , too bad you cant unbolt it and mail it to me hahah. Good luck

I still have the patterns. I can put together a kit for you if you're interested...

travlinman · 10-28-2015, 09:47 PM

What would you charge for a notch? Would u do a different size? 8 or 10 in? Cross bars included?

10-23-2015, 11:31 AM	#1
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	My 83' Crew Cab Dually project I have a thread going over on the C10 forum, but things seem a little slow over there, so I'll drop this here... I picked up this 83' back in February and have been slowly making progress on it. It was in rough shape, but it was a government vehicle, only had 70k original miles and a stack of every maintenance record ever done to it...and the government does maintenance regularly whether the vehicle is being used or not, so I knew it was mechanically solid. Secondly, 2wd trucks are quite hard to come by in Montana. First things first...the rusty steelies had to go. I had a set of true Alcoas that I'd saved when I sold my 96' Dodge. I spent an entire weekend wet sanding and polishing them to bring them back to their former glory. Then I ordered up a set of spike lug covers from Iowa80.com. Then, boating season happened and not much progress.... I added some LED lights... I finally collected all of the parts that I needed to static drop the truck and went to work. I used 3" drop spindles up front and a flip kit for the rear. Of course flipping the axle on these requires a notch, but I expected to eventually bag it anyhow, so I went to work building a step notch and bridge. Pulling the bed with limited help was interesting... I still intend to tow my 25' boat, so I boxed and fishplated everything for strength. Much better... Added a little bling to the interior... I searched and searched for some decent replacement fenders, but it seems that these are made of unobtanium, so I decided to just repair this really poor attempt at fixing this previously. I started by building a cardboard buck. Then I liberally filled it with great stuff. The trick to using this stuff as a form is to mist water into it as you fill. Moisture is the catylist (thank you YouTube!) Then I carved it with a loose hack saw blade until I had the form I needed. And covered it with fiberglass mat and resin... A little additional build up with kitty hair and filler and it came together. A couple weeks ago I got a little crazy and ordered a bunch of this ****... I'm just getting started today on my front end. I grabbed some 8 5/8" schedule 40 pipe and burned some 1/4" plate to the bottom. I'll be dropping the lower arms out shortly to cup them.

10-23-2015, 11:33 AM	#2
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project I accomplished a little more today; got my lower arms measured up and welded in the cups. A little weld porn: Now I need to do a little clean up and soften the edges of the cups a little. My fittings should be here tomorrow, so if I'm feeling especially motivated, I may see if I can get everything mounted up after work. I'm still waiting on my parallel 4-link from ThorBros, so I can't get too crazy yet. I did, however, locate a donor...

10-23-2015, 11:35 AM	#3
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project I got a little done lastnight. These arms take longer than I'd expected. I really hate grinding. Really... Probably overkill, but that shock mount isn't going anywhere now. Coated with Hammerite.

10-23-2015, 11:38 AM	#4
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project https://youtu.be/tmj3nya6QbY The front is back together and moves with the shop compressor. I'll try to get the air management hooked up to it tomorrow. I'm enjoying hitting a small milestone right now...[/QUOTE]

10-23-2015, 11:42 AM	#5
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project It's like Christmas! Gonna pull the bed back off, yard the saddle tanks and start measuring up to get this installed. I'm told that the tank in my donor burb should be a match for fitting between the rails out back. Does anyone have any experience with this?

10-23-2015, 02:16 PM	#6
dragnframe Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rock Tavern NY Posts: 20	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Keep the pics coming!! I'm building an 83 4dr dually also. Nice work on that fender

10-24-2015, 03:30 AM	#7
ruffrida2005 Member of the longbed union. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 2,158	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Looks good, I'm waiting on a lot of parts to show up from thorbros also. __________________ Paul 88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400 64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it! 92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759

10-24-2015, 03:47 AM	#8
T_Raven Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Idaho Falls, Id Posts: 86	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Sweet truck. I like your avitar. I'm watching Ancient Aliens right now lol __________________ My projects 53 GMC, 54 GMC, 67 GMC, 01 GMC DMAX 67, 68, 69, 72 Firebirds, 79 TA, 68 Camaro, 68 Mustang

10-24-2015, 11:42 AM	#9
slammed427 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Az Posts: 325	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Sweet build. I'm wishing I'd tried fixing my fender. I took it in and had to fork out a good amount to get it done. __________________ 74 C10 LWB 350/T5 Dropped on 20's Soon to be Bagged and Injected 84 C35 Crew Cab Dually. 454/400 Dropped a lot. Instagram: mmmdropp

10-24-2015, 09:52 PM	#11
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Round two...

10-24-2015, 10:55 PM	#12
COS399 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Northern, MT Posts: 569	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Nice work! I will be following this one too. __________________ 1987 GMC R2500 SC 454 T400 1988 Chevy R30 CC DRW 12 valve Cummins NV4500 GearVendors

10-25-2015, 12:41 AM	#13
DblTrbl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 208	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Well, I'm a little disheartened. When I originally did my step frame, I hadn't made any plans to do any kind of SFBD, which I've been seriously considering since I have about six months of snow to look forward to. But, after disconnecting my rear shackles, I can see that my notch is about 4" short of where it needs to be. So...do I go ahead and do the four-link then lop the frame forward of the axle and just scratch build everything back...or try to modify the step notch? I'm open to ideas.

10-26-2015, 03:54 AM	#14
ruffrida2005 Member of the longbed union. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 2,158	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project I would swap the sub rear end also, it will narrow it some, so then you wont have to widen the fender as much. __________________ Paul 88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400 64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it! 92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759

10-26-2015, 09:35 PM	#19
slammed427 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Az Posts: 325	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project I read on another forum about a guy that made his adapters for a stud pilot wheel. I think it was 3/4 or 1" plate, drilled and tapped for 3/4 bolts. Pretty cool idea. __________________ 74 C10 LWB 350/T5 Dropped on 20's Soon to be Bagged and Injected 84 C35 Crew Cab Dually. 454/400 Dropped a lot. Instagram: mmmdropp

10-26-2015, 10:50 PM	#21
travlinman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: stockton ca. Posts: 502	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Nice progress. Ive been sitting on my crew dually for a year now. I took the bad 454 out for a04 ls and been stuck. Now thinking about pulling it for another carb motor. Ive got all power inside and thinking about pulling everything out and starting over with a complete new harness. .how big was ur notch and how big do u think u should go to? Im going with the 22 alcoa semi wheels. Where did u find the adapters for 800? Ive only found 900 and above. ill be watching to see how u get this done. Might sell my projector part it out and buy another running truck and start over. __________________ 94 ls swap silverado 65 Pontiac 78 c30 crew cab dually (parted and gone) 82 c30 crew cab dually ( now building ) 91 r30 crew cab dually (parted and gone) 69 swb-sold 71 lab sold all in progress......__ ..........._______ \|__\__ ..........\|__(O)______(O)] ........................



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10-27-2015, 01:38 PM	#22
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project Nice project you have going on. I have seen the 'burb tank used in the rear also. I think 75dually used one on his build on here. BTW, here is a link to aftermarket dually fenders. PN GM-201R and GM-201L http://up22.com/chevytruck.htm#GM-201R/L __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square

10-28-2015, 01:22 AM	#23
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project I've been watching your build on c10forum. Your notch is just about perfect for my truck , too bad you cant unbolt it and mail it to me hahah. Good luck __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

10-28-2015, 09:47 PM	#25
travlinman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: stockton ca. Posts: 502	Re: My 83' Crew Cab Dually project What would you charge for a notch? Would u do a different size? 8 or 10 in? Cross bars included? __________________ 94 ls swap silverado 65 Pontiac 78 c30 crew cab dually (parted and gone) 82 c30 crew cab dually ( now building ) 91 r30 crew cab dually (parted and gone) 69 swb-sold 71 lab sold all in progress......__ ..........._______ \|__\__ ..........\|__(O)______(O)] ........................

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