1973-80 c65 dump truck

[379diesel]

bought a c65 chevy truck today...can't find a way to decode the vin number ..its canadian built i know that cause of the kilometer speedo..i'm going to build neet little backhoe hauler out of it ..the back hoe is a 69 mf 50 ..does anyone know how to decode these trucks thanks i'll be posting pics of my build as it happens...this has sat in an uninsulated barn for 15 years they say i'm trying to keep it original ..its got a 366 , and a five plus two ..any help with the decode would be awesome

[379diesel]

here are some pics...any help with the decoding is apreciated ...would like to find an old gmc bus too for the tilt front end...suggestions and comments are great help as well

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Cool truck! I've seen a lot of those twin-screw trucks in the wrecking yard here in the last couple years, darn shame as some had a 427 under the hood. This is out of my '84 GM medium duty service manual:

[86c20]

if it where mine i would get rid of the big block and go with a 6v53t detroit or if it would fit a 8v53t shorten the frame and make a long long bed to keep the twin screws. i always thought that would be cool as hell. either way i say put stakes on it. the other thing i would look into is a brownie box for it so it can go down the highway and not be red lined no matter what motor. good luck love the truck. later, mike

[Driver4r]

a nice flat-bed and 2 flip down ramps would look nice.

[379diesel]

no money for the diesel...might have a 350 in it if i can't get the 366 going...not that i want to put a small block in it ..thanks for the scan of the serial number but mine is super old 13 digit 1973...going to shorten the frame and make a single it a single axle .. cheaper to insure and don't need the different class license that way..would love to make a ramp truck out of it but i do plan to use it and its got to have a dump on it ...and a ramp trailer for the backhoe..its gonna be restored but its also going to work ..thanks for the input ...keep it coming .

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Ah OK, I didn't even think about that truck being a '73 lol. I saw your other post and checked my '77 manual and figured it out:

cce673v101182

C - Chevrolet
C - Conventional cab
E - V8 gas engine
6 - 30,000 to 45,000 GVW
7 - Chassis-cab
3 - 1973
V - Pontiac, MI GMC truck plant
101182 build number, truck number 1182 built that year

[379diesel]

thank you very much ..this is really helpful..i wonder if anyone has a wireing diagram for this truck...i'm gonna need it i can tell...the lights don't even work lol..it does have a factory tach which would be awesome to have working

[379diesel]

anyone else having this problem ..here is an awesome vin decoder http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/ thanks for everyones help

[83GMCK2500]

Cool project! Just wanted to let you know, those trucks also had tilt noses, not just the buses. I work at a wrecking yard and last fall we crushed a 78 or so GMC 6000/6500 that had a tilt nose.

[379diesel]

yip i used to drive one for a farmer that had a tilt nose. they were alot easier to work on but with a big block ya still need 2 universal joints and 2 extensions to change the back drivers side spark plug with a regular hood you have to use all that while standing on your head haha..

[82ccshorty]

I would love to find one of these and make it a crew cab with a 4-53
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[379diesel]

i love the any of the 53 series Detroit engines ..do they ever scream...its a shame people are crushing old trucks..the flip down hoods were all fiberglass and the cabs are 90 percent the same as a regular Chevy half ton cab..when i was getting my license a classic car was a camaro a trans am or chevelle or an old Chevy truck..i don't know what the kids would restore now a days ..maybe a caravan...them you can crush