79' C30 Camper Special build thoughts

[Anchorism]

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!

Here it is when i brought it from my grandfathers to my dads house.


Ive got to do some work on the front clip but other than that its in rather good condition.



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


Another shot of the parts truck



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.....

[75chev4x4]

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

[johnnyclack]

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

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

[Anchorism]

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!

[Anchorism]

Originally Posted by johnnyclack

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

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

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.

[johnnyclack]

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

[jimbonice]

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

[Anchorism]

Originally Posted by johnnyclack

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

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.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

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.

[79Betty]

I'd leave the colour stencle's an everything. Looks like what a real truck should.
Posted via Mobile Device

[jimbonice]

Be careful looking at 17" rims. The centre bore is smaller on the square bodies.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Anchorism]

Originally Posted by jimbonice

Be careful looking at 17" rims. The centre bore is smaller on the square bodies.
Posted via Mobile Device

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...

[mrolds88]

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.

[johnnyclack]

Originally Posted by Anchorism

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.

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

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

[Anchorism]

Originally Posted by mrolds88

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.

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.

[Anchorism]

Originally Posted by johnnyclack

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

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

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.

[Anchorism]

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

[75chev4x4]

Wow nice work! Shes looking good

[Shyguy]

What transmission does you truck have?

[meatwagon83]

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

[Truck Guy99]

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?
Posted via Mobile Device

[y5mgisi]

Good lookin truck!

[Anchorism]

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.
Posted via Mobile Device

[mrolds88]

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

[meatwagon83]

do i see front mounted spare tire?