73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: choptop on November 26, 2008, 06:31:33 pm
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Found another. Tried to post earlier, but didnt go. So, heres a redo
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did you buy that one too? don't you already have one?
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more pix
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Yes, this is no. 2 . 1 is 86 GMC 2 wheel drive, this one is an 85 Chevy 4x4. It has a 350 cid engine, turbo 350 tranny, np208 transfercase. Run and drives very well.
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WOW, you got it (other post is gone) I am jealous. You don't see those around here at all.
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Thanks Capt. I am very happy with it. I know of only two others close by, one is stripped down being redone by a friend (its a 1/2 ton 4x4) and the other is sitting behind a barn ( Its a 3/4 ton 2wd) I hope I dont come across another one anytime soon, I am running outta money. My mental issues (truckitus) wants be to buy them all) ;D
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How much did those run you (just a range) as I don't have a clue what they pull anymore since the 73-87's picked up. If you don't want to post, that is fine.
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Dont mind at all. I got areal good deal on the 86 for $2500. The 85 was about $4000. Both can be driven anywhere. I dont know what regular trucks are going for up there, but here, any 4x4 is $4000 plus. 2wd go for $2000-$3000 depending on condition, swb's are $4000 up anyway you look at it.
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Nice, looks very fitting at your place. Are you keeping it just the way it is or do you have plans for it?
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nice looking truck can we c some interior pics?
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Dont mind at all. I got areal good deal on the 86 for $2500. The 85 was about $4000. Both can be driven anywhere. I dont know what regular trucks are going for up there, but here, any 4x4 is $4000 plus. 2wd go for $2000-$3000 depending on condition, swb's are $4000 up anyway you look at it.
If you run across another and don't have the money, let me know... I would love a 2 wheel drive body for my 85. I would convert it is a second.
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Nice, looks very fitting at your place. Are you keeping it just the way it is or do you have plans for it?
I have a friend that is into these trucks heavily, especially in the radical 4x4 department. He has a 78 Shorty ( pickup on a blazer chassis) with 48 inch tires on it. I am trying to get picks of it. He has a complete 6 inch lift for it, and a 3 inch body lift that he is trying to talk me into so I can fit 38's I am not fond of body lifts, and I believe 35's or 36's will be good enough. Overall, I am not going to do anything to it that cant be done in a weekend until I get my 2wd done. The front shaft, transfercase, transmission, and rear u-joints are all new, and the engine has about 70k on it, so I should be ok for a while. It aint big block power, but it runs good enough for a driver.
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Nice find, two very nice trucks you have there.
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Man I thought your '86 was Nice, but you had to go and show me up didn't you??? :o You are one Lucky Son of a Gun to have found such Great Deals, on Such Odd Balls!!! 8) 8) 8)
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Chris or anyone else, do you know how rare these extended cabs might be?
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Chris or anyone else, do you know how rare these extended cabs might be?
I have been searching for info on these for a few years, and the information on them is even more rare than the trucks themselves. This is the first one that I have seen with the conversion tag on it. Says it was built by Custom Vehicles International in Arlington Tx, this one is number 380. I searched the name, but have come back empty handed so far. I have heard they did 500 a year from 84-86, then I heard they built more. There are a few years pre 84 and post 86 that were built, but most pre 84's (from what I am told) were built in the 84-86 era ordered by individuals. I have been searching and will keep searrching til i get an answer.
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Sweet. Are they both the same coach company manufacturer
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Sweet. Are they both the same coach company manufacturer
Yes, they have all the same parts for the conversion. One guy I talked to said Western Hauler bought Custom Vehicles International and still have information on them. I have an e-mail out to the, so hopefully I will find something. According to him, only 2510 were made, the rarest being the 3/4 ton 4x4 which he has. I will keep you updated. Supposedly only 500 4x4 1/2 tons were made, with the rest being 2wd halftons and 3/4 tons, not sure on exact numbers there. This one is no 380 built in 85, his is no 259 built in 85. Hopefully I will find some more info soon
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Like Chopped stated, I heard 2500, but they are rare with only a 2 year run basically. They weren't GM offered, but were customized with a GM warranty.
I have seen a couple of them with different rear glass, and heard there "may" be more than one manufacturer, but I haven't found any proof.
Choptop, let us know what you find.
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When I lived in Dallas area in the early 90's I used to see the Crew Cab + the half with a short bed. They were odd looking but at the time I wasn't liking the 4 door anyway and thought they looked odd. Now I am older and appreciate this body style I would love to have a nice body to swap on my avatar "85".
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I have found two others that seem like they were made by someone else. The two I have and the one a friend has were all made in Arlington. So far, my 86 GMC is the only 86 I have found. I have seen a few 84's, but there are more 85's floating around. Found one that was burnt in fire, that I am trying to obtain. I am not sure how bad it is, but want it just so I can document it. I am trying to find info on one in Snyder,Tx to see if its made the same as these, or if its one of the other builders. The search continues, but I am gaining on it.
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You just need an 84 to add to the fleet to be complete!!
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You just need an 84 to add to the fleet to be complete!!
Almost, I need an 84 1/2ton 2wd, 1/2ton4wd,3/4t 2wd,3/4t 4wd, 85 1/2t 2wd,3/4t 2wd,3/4t 4wd......well, you see where Im going with this.
Update, I looked at one today that was still owned by the original owner. His was an actual Overland Coach conversion. It was a $4000 option. It appears to be similar in design with the main difference being the interior components. I like mine because they look more factory, his are a bunch of padded panels. Still looks nice. He said his was listed as a van conversion option, so I am wondering now if Custom Vehicle International actually did the extended cab conversion, and Overland Coach did all of the froofy stuff inside similar to what they did to the vans. He is going to try to find the paperwork from when he ordered it, and I am going to try to go back (He lives in SNyder,Tx which is about 120miles away) and take good pictures, and talk to the dealer there and see what info they may have on record. It may be awhile before I get the pictures, but hopefully he can find the papers. Regaurdless, I learned to tell the difference between the Overland Coach trucks, and the CVI trucks.
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I sure like the looks of the excab but man I sure think it would look good lifted at least 6" w/35" or 37".
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I sure like the looks of the excab but man I sure think it would look good lifted at least 6" w/35" or 37".
I am working on that same idea. A friend has a blazer that he is parting out. It has a 6 suspension lift, 3 inch body lift, and 38x12.50x15's. He is trying to talk me into it, but I am not sure about the body lift part. I may go with the 6" and 35's or 36s. It wont do any heavy duty off roading, but I still am not sure about the body lift. Any thoughts? What does yours have?
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That's a sweet score! I'd stay away from the body lift.
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Are any of the 1/2 tons a short bed or are they all long beds?
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Are any of the 1/2 tons a short bed or are they all long beds?
They are all long beds ahortened to accept the cab.
I had trouble with mine this mornng, and will be doing the suspension alot sooner than expected. I lost the yoke on my axle. and the axle is locked up.
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Dont mind at all. I got areal good deal on the 86 for $2500. The 85 was about $4000. Both can be driven anywhere. I dont know what regular trucks are going for up there, but here, any 4x4 is $4000 plus. 2wd go for $2000-$3000 depending on condition, swb's are $4000 up anyway you look at it.
If you run across another and don't have the money, let me know... I would love a 2 wheel drive body for my 85. I would convert it is a second.
There is one on ebay, but it is in Louisianna. Kind of a long haul to pickup. Last I saw it was at $500 but the reserve was not met. It is a3/4 ton, and has the Western Hauler badges on it.....ahhhh, another clue
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I sure like the looks of the excab but man I sure think it would look good lifted at least 6" w/35" or 37".
I am working on that same idea. A friend has a blazer that he is parting out. It has a 6 suspension lift, 3 inch body lift, and 38x12.50x15's. He is trying to talk me into it, but I am not sure about the body lift part. I may go with the 6" and 35's or 36s. It wont do any heavy duty off roading, but I still am not sure about the body lift. Any thoughts? What does yours have?
Sorry for the late reply. I spent all weekend knee deep in mud (not playing) had to dig up the gas line to the house what a blast. Ha ha. My truck has a 12" with a 3" body lift. When I first lifted it I had 44" super swampers heck that was 14 years ago. If I had to do it over again I wouldn't use the body lift. It's not so bad though I raised the bumpers to line them up and raised the gas tank so it didn't hang low so actually if I would put those fender lip guards in the fender wells it would be hard to tell it even has one.
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Nice score! What I dig about your 86 is the moulded interior panels. That's what sets it off as more factory-looking than just padded flat panels like a van-conversion place would do.
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That's awesome Choptop. Yours are the first I've seen. Great find and good looking trucks.
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Very nice man!!!! Love the truck, super clean.. Not over done but not under done!!! I have a 83 SWB 1/2ton that has the 379cid Diesel in it....... But my 78K10 is a long bed with SB400.....
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Ok, here's the donor truck. 85 K5 blazer. I will probably start another thread when I get around to changing over the suspension. I have been sick for a few days, so dont know when I will start. Hopefully saturday.
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I see a lot of good parts on that. I thought it might have been my old Blazer at first glance before I read.
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That donor looks like something I'd like to make one day :D
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That donor looks like something I'd like to make one day :D
Id like to build one eventually too, but with different cage setup. Its a pain in the rump to get in and out of this thing for me because of the crossbar by the door. I am not exactly on the small side at 6'2" and 285 pounds, plus io dont bend like I used to either. I am paying the price for racing bmx and quads in the earlier years.
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Ok, heres an update. I have been thrashing the last few evenings, and got the rearend changed, and the lift on. It has the 6 inch lift, and I was suprised the 38's clear fine. The only thing I dont like is the rear is sagging in typical fashion. I am looking into n ew leaf springs for the rear with 8 inch lift to get it level. or maybe 6 inch springs, I gotta measure. I just dont like the rear lower. Probably gonna leave the 38's but I have a set of aluminum rims I will get put on. Then, I will get with my brother in laws dad, and get the driveshafts built, with a cv joint in the front. I still need to get the shocks on, and definately need to get steps on it. I like it so far
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I was SO happy to hear you were changing rims (unless those are you Mud setup)
Looks awesome, you have been busy.
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Your truck looks great with the lift 8) your a lucky man to have two of these you dont see them around here.
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Can't wait to see the finished product! This looks like a good candidate for the calender.
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Looking Really Good with the lift and new wheel/tire combo Chop 8) 8) 8)
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Thanks for the compliments guys, I really appreciate them. I took her out on her maiden voyage since the lift and tires and the one thing I know for sure, is the tires will have to go. I forgot what bias ply tires road like, and theses super swampers amplify that feel. I also found out that they will rub when turning on unlevel ground. This truck is going to have to flex and not hit, so 35's are in the works as I originally planned. It will see more highway than offroad, and then it will probably be sand more than rock. Anyone got any suggestions on tires. I am looking at the BFG KM2's in a 35x12.50 setup for the 15x10 aluminum rims that I have for it. I have the KO's on my sub and like them, but really like the KM2's for this setup. Any other ideas?? I know part of the ride issue is I dont have the shocks on yet,nor the dual stabilizers on the steering. The donor truck only had 1 shock in each corner, but I found a set of four for the dual front setup. I am in the process of painting the shocks from the donor which is why they arent on yet. Since I have never had a truck lifted like this, do the dual steering stabilizer shocks on the steering make alot of difference. Also, where can I find brackets to mount the swaybar back up? Thanks guys
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For 35" and above, the Dual Steering Stabilizers do help keep you from having to "Popeye Strong Arm" your wheel, but a good Heavy-Duty Single can be just as good(Again so long as your Tire & Wheel combo isn't too massive)..... As for the rear Sway Bar, I would check a local Wrecking/Salvage Yard, or even Check with ORD/DIY4X....
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm http://www.diy4x.com/suspension.htm
The KM2's would definately be Tasty on that Mad Mugger :o 8) Wouldn't mind some for my truck, but I would prefer an All-Terrain just to deal with any Snow,Rain,Mud,Rock,Dry Asphalt though.....
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choptop I have a set of Parnelli Jones dirt grip radials on my truck mine are 38.5" but the also have a 36x14.50x15 those would be sweet and use a 12" wide wheel. It would proably look better with the wider wheel. And you would clear the 36's fine. Just more for you to think about like you don't have enough right.
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id really like to c the interior could you show some pics please ;D
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id really like to c the interior could you show some pics please ;D
I will try to get the interior picks tomorrow of the red one. It's not as nice as the tan one, but have the same panels. Heres the tan one
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choptop I have a set of Parnelli Jones dirt grip radials on my truck mine are 38.5" but the also have a 36x14.50x15 those would be sweet and use a 12" wide wheel. It would proably look better with the wider wheel. And you would clear the 36's fine. Just more for you to think about like you don't have enough right.
I like the Parnelli's, but I am trying to use the parts I have. I want to drive this one while I work on the 2wd truck, so I am trying to save some money for it. I have a set of aluminum 15x10's, and just need to find the tires for them. I like the idea of 36's tho.Other than the tires, once I figure out how to get the front swaybar reconnected, and the tires, its ready to roll. ( By the way Dragon, thanks for the links, they have all kinds of neat things, I just hadnt found the swaybar connections for the 6 inch lift) Any idea where I can find just the rear springs so I can ditch the blocks and get the rearend up. The drooping os driving me nuts.
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This has to be the cleanest version of these trucks I have seen. I have looked at a few myself, and they all were falling apart. This one is awesome.
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Ok guys, finally got the pix of the interior on the red one. It isnt as clean as the tan one, but other than recovering the front seat, some arm rests, and cleaning the carpet, it should be good to go. Capt, do you have arm rests?
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Another nice one. Since your an extra cab expert, do you know who made the one with the big side window? The cab was extended almost 3 feet and it had a huge side window. I remember seeing a couple of them back in the late 80's. Not very pretty even when they were new.
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Not sure on those. The ones I have are the most common. I know there were some special order or body shop conversions that had different size windows. The ones I have are dealer ordered from Custom Vehicle Conversions in Arlington,Tx., but not much other info on them as of yet. These are the only ones I have seen w/ the interior moulded to look stock. You couldnt go very big on these trucks because at 3 foot extension, you would be into the gas filler door. If you get any pics of one, send it my way
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I would love to find one just for the cab if anything. I would lengthen the wheelbase on my 85 to make it work with the factory 8 foot bed. That is what Santa can bring me next year with the same color interior.
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The friend of mine that has one of these has done just that. He stretched the frame, and has a long bed w/ dually fenders. His truck also has a 12 inch lift, and 39 inch tires. Its also a 3/4 ton. I will get pics when he gets it together.
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The friend of mine that has one of these has done just that. He stretched the frame, and has a long bed w/ dually fenders. His truck also has a 12 inch lift, and 39 inch tires. Its also a 3/4 ton. I will get pics when he gets it together.
That would be nice to see. Also I like the back panel in the interior it would be cool even in a regular cab just for the finised look. Hmm wonder if you would know how to find interior pieces?
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to my knowledge, the interior peices no longer exist. They were made for these trucks(2510 total was the last number I had) and thats it. Im sure there is some somewhere hidden in a wharehouse, but until I can find a company who recorded any information on them, Im lost. I have a friend who is awesome in fiberglass molds and said we can make a mold of one and the reproduce them out of fiberglass. It will probablyh be spring before we start on them, but I think it would be lorth it. I want one for a couple of my singlecabs as well.
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Sounds cool let us know. I think it would be worth it.
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I was SO happy to hear you were changing rims (unless those are you Mud setup)
Looks awesome, you have been busy.
Out of a response by and respect for Capt, I got to order my wheels and tires today.
Mickey Thompson Classic Beadlocks 15x10s and BFG KM2s 35x12.50x15s. I will post pix when I get them on.
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Out of a response by and respect for Capt, I got to order my wheels and tires today.
Mickey Thompson Classic Beadlocks 15x10s and BFG KM2s 35x12.50x15s. I will post pix when I get them on.
Sorry, there is just too much black on there.... I like those though, but we NEED pics..
Capt, do you have arm rests?
I have them, but they are "soft" and have to be painted.
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I agree, there is way too much black on it. I originally was going to go with black beadlock wheels, but after putting the regular black ones on, I realized it didnt look right. I am usually not much of a chrome person, but for some reason, this one seems to look good with all the chrome on it. I will get the pix of it with the wheels when I get them in. It may be a week or so before they ship.
I may order the door arm rests. I havent decided if I want to go that route or the complete door panel kit. I guess you can use the vinyl die type paint on them?
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I guess you can use the vinyl die type paint on them?
Yep, they are vinyl, just not cushiony (factory was all cushion on a metal mount with molded cover.) These are plastic mount with a little cushion and skinned.
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That will work. I'll see about ordering some next month. I found out today my tires are on backorder so it will be mid January when I get the tires and wheels on. I have a hard time being patient, but those are the tires I want and I know it will be worth the wait.
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Capt, heres a better pic if you want to use one of them, let me know. I performaed a Krylon overhaul on the wheels. It looks ok till the new ones get in.
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC00116.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC00120.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC00122.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC00126.jpg)
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Favorite new mod is the Liscense plate.
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC00123.jpg)
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"Say it with Krylon" looks cool.
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Ive had something bothering me about my red truck that I couldnt put my finger on for sure. I figured it out today. The left rear wheel fits perfectly in the middle of the wheel well. The right side is a good1"-1 1/2" forward. I checked the blocks positioing several times and a friend came over so we took some measurements. My axle that I just installed is bent forward on the right side. ??? :'( The good new is I scored another axle, plus Im trading my 38's to my father in law? (wifes sisters father in law) for the two drive shafts. He is going to put it in his shop and have the driveshafts built accordingly. My brother in law is machining me a couple of spacers to drop the transfercase a little, and I traded for a nice, red hood. The one on it has a few little dents. All in all, it turned out to be a good day, except I have to replace the rearend again, but with my tractor, it will only take about2 hours. I have never seen an axle bend this way, I guess some time n the past the donor was rearended or slid into a curb. Oh well, it will be right soon enough.
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At least it ended on a good note. ;D ;D
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OK, got the other rear axle, and I am going to clean it up and replaint it before I put it in. Question I have, is this one is a 12bolt axle which is nice, but the 10 bolt on it now has better drums and new brake shoes. Are the drums and shoes from the 10 bolt interchangable with the 12 bolt?? I really dont want to buy new shoes and drums if I dont have too. I also have the change the parking brake cable, but pretty sure they are the same.
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OK, got the other rear axle, and I am going to clean it up and replaint it before I put it in. Question I have, is this one is a 12bolt axle which is nice, but the 10 bolt on it now has better drums and new brake shoes. Are the drums and shoes from the 10 bolt interchangable with the 12 bolt?? I really dont want to buy new shoes and drums if I dont have too. I also have the change the parking brake cable, but pretty sure they are the same.
yes, but make sure the brakes are the same width, if not you'll need the backing plates as well.
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cool, thanks
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Man you're making me want to buy one of these trucks! >:(
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Man you're making me want to buy one of these trucks! >:(
If you can find one, for the right price, I recommend it. You know you need one.
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lol I want one of every make and model for every year!
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I wanted every version and every drivetrain
Short Stepside
Short Fleetside
Long Bed
Blazer
Suburban
Crew Cab
I am only missing the Longbed in body and a Inline6 and Diesel in engine, and 4x4 in drivetrain.
Of course I want a 73-75 4x4 if I get another truck...
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lol I want one of every make and model for every year!
You are not alone my friend. I told that to my wife and she doesnt think we have enough land to put them on ( 4 acres). I told her Im willing to find out. We'll see how it goes. I know Im not done yet, even tho I know I should be. ;D
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I know I don't have as many as some but I would like to get a crew cab 4x4 dually finish my blazer and my son's truck and maybe a 2wd shortbed after seeing all the ones on here I think one would be cool to have.
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Just a quick update. Got the new wheels and tires in and on. Pictures arent the best, I will get better. Truck definately drives alot better. Capt, what was the part number for the u joint that you use when going from a 10 bolt rearend to a 12 bolt? I need to order one. Next step is to get the drive shafts rebuilt once I get the 12 bolt in.
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC08922.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC08930.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh203/choptop76/85%20extended%20cab/DSC00149.jpg)
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Now those right there look down right purdy.
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I am new on here; however, I am interested in buying one of those 80s extended cab Chevy ext. cabs for my grand boy. If anyone has any for sell here close by in Southern Alabama let me know. Or even in Southern Arizona also. Thanks folks.
T.C. Cooper
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Ill let you know. I have found a few for sale, but the owners dont respond very well. Zeig85 can vouch for that. Will keep trying
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Yep, that is for sure... Coming to Dallas the first week of March, maybe I will get lucky that one will show up by then. I have some vacation scheduled around a free trip down and back in my company car.
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Yep, that is for sure... Coming to Dallas the first week of March, maybe I will get lucky that one will show up by then. I have some vacation scheduled around a free trip down and back in my company car.
I acquired an 86 2WD 3/4ton a few years ago and have been thinking about finishing the project that is long overdue. I googled 'extended cab chevy 86' and immediately found this thread. I'm glad I did. I read the entire thread and it sounds like I've found a few experts on the extended cab that I, until now, knew little about. Like Chop I bought a donor truck that came complete with all the necessary stuff to convert it to a 4WD (including a newer 6" suspension lift, tranny, transfer case, etc). The bed has quite a bit of rust in the front floor section. I also have a cherry long bed that will have to be cut down. My delimma is this: my funds are limited and I'm sick of seeing it sit idle. The projects are stacking up. Chop, the truck I have is a far cry from either of yours. The interior is pretty rough, although I have all the parts I need to put back right, minus some of the extended cab interior pieces. It had a ladder rack and 3 toolboxes on it when I bought it for God's sake. Any direction on the subject will be greatly appreciated. Like I said, limited funds and unlimited ideas...that's my problem.
Also, Zieg if you're still coming to Dallas in a few weeks you most likely will be coming thru my hometown of Sherman, TX. If so, you should stop by the shop and give me some pointers. I'm really struggling with the subject. I've got crazy ideas about 6.0 LS1 conversions and keeping it 2WD instead of the 4WD conversion and lift. What do you think?
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Welcome, glad to have ya aboard
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I seen one of the ext. cab half tons sitting (or rotting) in this guys yard around here for a few years now. I've went and asked if he would be interested in selling it and he gives a big runaround on it. At first he wants to sell, but after a long conversation, and before he names a ballpark price, he decides that he's gonna keep it and restore it. Its been 4 yrs since I first asked about it, and guess what, its sitting in the same place with more junk in the bed. The owner still gives the same runaround to this day!
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I seen one of the ext. cab half tons sitting (or rotting) in this guys yard around here for a few years now. I've went and asked if he would be interested in selling it and he gives a big runaround on it. At first he wants to sell, but after a long conversation, and before he names a ballpark price, he decides that he's gonna keep it and restore it. Its been 4 yrs since I first asked about it, and guess what, its sitting in the same place with more junk in the bed. The owner still gives the same runaround to this day!
Go to the bank, walk up to him and hand him what you want to pay for it. That green in his face might just change his mind! If not, then go buy some beer...
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Good idea, that's a win win situation!
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If you see it again, try to get us some pics. It would be greatly appreciated
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Yes, I already decided to swing by there after work tomorrow, I'll keep y'all updated!
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If you see it again, try to get us some pics. It would be greatly appreciated
Well Choptop, I went by there and the good news is that its still there! The bad news is that the guy's yard is grown up so bad that I couldn't get a picture of it. Sorry guys.