75 C20 Crew Cab Camper Special

[Bird_Reynolds]

Since I can't be trusted with money, I went ahead and purchased the below 2WD truck at an auction. It was just so pretty, I couldn't resist. It is a numbers matching loaded Silverado with 91,000 miles. It is a total cowboy Cadillac, with all the original trim still in place and factory air. If it had been 4x4 I would have sold all my other cars.

[Bird_Reynolds]

I got to researching it, and this truck has the Camper Special Deluxe package. So in addition to the big block and TH400, it had all the factory hardpoints put on it for slide-in campers. So it has a threaded boss on the b-pillar, and four anchors for the camper turnbuckles that tie directly to the frame. Which is cool, but it also has little struts mounted inside the bed that tie the bed to the cab so everything is tighter under load. This is the only time I have ever seen one of these. You can see it in the third picture right under the rail.

[Bird_Reynolds]

So after buying it at the auction, I had to go grab my brother's trailer to haul it home. I thought about driving it, but the tires were horrible and so were the brakes, and who knows what else.
Here is probably the coolest picture I have ever taken, 2014 D'max hauling 3 tons of classic RV. Oh the camper was awesome too, it is a Red Dale, made in CO, with all actual wood cabinets and avocado interior. So awesome.

[Matt Man]

Great looking truck, love the color. As you may know, the first year for a k30 was 77 and the 454 was no available on a k30 until 81. Does this truck have a FF 14 bolt?

[Bird_Reynolds]

So I got it home, changed all the fluids, new plugs, wires, distributor, some fresh fuel and she fired right up. Adjusted the timing just a little and she runs great. I pulled the camper off and drove it around. I tell you GM knew what they were doing on the 2WD trucks. It rides like you are on a cloud.

[Bird_Reynolds]

Originally Posted by Matt Man

Great looking truck, love the color. As you may know, the first year for a k30 was 77 and the 454 was no available on a k30 until 81. Does this truck have a FF 14 bolt?

Matt Man: I actually didn't know that. Thanks! No this one is a 2 wheel drive. That is the only problem with it. Well that and the rust on the wheel openings

[Bird_Reynolds]

So now I don't know what to do with this truck. I think it belongs in a museum, but the GM Heritage Center won't hear of it. Here's some interior pictures. Scrolled aluminum trim, rifle scabbard in seat, total western style awesomeness. I found a sticker on it saying it was originally sold in TX

[TrailerTrash]

nice truck!

i LOVE that window sticker

[Greenlee]

Cool truck!

[Crcrft78]

That would look good parked next to my 73.

[Bird_Reynolds]

Ccrft78: I agree. Your dooley is bad-a. Make me an offer and maybe I'll drive it out in time for superbowl 50!

[ruffrida2005]

That's a sweet truck. I would love to have a camper for my dually.

[MTCK]

I think you need to update your signature! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has problems with trucks following me home.

[Odaroloc]

Very nice

[gmachinz]

Wow....very cool! I'm trying to get a very similar truck (1975 3+3 Camper Special 2WD) green/white Silverado bought from the original all family. It has a topper (not a camper one tho) on it since it was new (ie gorgeous box condition!) and it has all its original interior trim like that too! Its pretty cool and very buildable....the TH400 is currently froze up and the truck won't move....after it was just overhauled so its been parked for about 4 years acting as a catch all now.....I'm trying to rescue it.....good luck with yours....the 2WD CC's are a comfy ride that's for sure!

[bharrison1]

Man thats a great find!!

[Crcrft78]

Any updates on this truck?

[Bird_Reynolds]

Crcrft78: no updates, because I cant decide what to do with it! I was thinking 4x4 conversion. I don't know. I have too many trucks.

[MTCK]

Good problem.

[Crcrft78]

Lol nothing wrong with having too many trucks.

[Bird_Reynolds]

Well, I finally broke down and did it. I have a buddy who has an actual shop who said he would do the 4x4 conversion. I found the front 1/3 of a 3/4 ton 4x4 frame on craigs for $30 and a new front axle and we are off to the races. As of right now, the front suspension and axle is on. I am not decided on the transmission yet. I imagine there is an adaptor I can get to tie the 2wd TH400 to an NP205, but I may be able to get a 4x4trans. I have learned a lot in this, and am glad I undertook it, but it's a big deal. I couldn't imagine trying to do this without a lift and a big garage.

[Bird_Reynolds]

Progress

[Bird_Reynolds]

So we have the new front axle on. It steers and brakes fine. I had some old wheels powder coated and put on tires. The rear springs sag because there was a ton of camper sitting on them for 20 years. Will be fixing that next week.
the trans is still 2WD. I still have to figure out what I am going to do about that. I have a 700 with t case that I might put in.

[El Dorado Jim]

nice truck,love it as a 4x4... a 700 trans wont hold up very well behind your 454...you can find a divorced 205 trans case from an older dodge pickup, from the 70's it has the front output shaft on the passenger side , ...or look around for a 400/205 married setup...a 350/205 setup in my opinion isnt strong enough to go behind a 454....or you could go sm465/205 if you want a manual tranny....some guys will argue about the strength of some of these automatics,but I have a 400/205 setup in my suburban with a 454 I wouldnt run a np208 or 203 trans case either,they are crap, some guys will argue that, but they wont hold up as well as a 205

[Bird_Reynolds]

Originally Posted by El Dorado Jim

nice truck,love it as a 4x4... a 700 trans wont hold up very well behind your 454...you can find a divorced 205 trans case from an older dodge pickup, from the 70's it has the front output shaft on the passenger side , ...or look around for a 400/205 married setup...a 350/205 setup in my opinion isnt strong enough to go behind a 454....or you could go sm465/205 if you want a manual tranny....some guys will argue about the strength of some of these automatics,but I have a 400/205 setup in my suburban with a 454 I wouldnt run a np208 or 203 trans case either,they are crap, some guys will argue that, but they wont hold up as well as a 205

That reminds me - I have a brother who has a divorced t-case! I will have to swindle that away somehow. Good idea. I would really like to keep the original 400