73-87chevytrucks.com

General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ghazi67 on May 23, 2015, 06:21:25 am

Title: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Ghazi67 on May 23, 2015, 06:21:25 am
Hello ..
I came by a '76 GMC 35 truck that looked odd !! The owner claims it's a Dually which lost the bed long time ago
Decoded the VIN yet I'm little confused.
The Vin reads ( TCL336Sxxxxxxx)!! GM Vin says it is 2wd w/350. 5th digit (Cap/Chassis)!!!
I appreciate your input
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Engineer on May 23, 2015, 06:57:24 am
That is a legit Dana60 front axle. The production of the K-30 1-ton 4x4 didn't start until model year 1977. Late 1977 at that so there is little to no chance of a K30 being registered as a 1976.

The bed is a standard step side bed. The rear axle is the cab/chassis model. If the truck would have been equipped with a pickup box the rear axle would be much wider, and the tires would be set out much farther than what we see here. Good angle on the pic to show that.

The "S" in your vin indicates the truck was built in StLouis. As far as I know GM never built a 1-ton truck in StLouis. At least not from 1977 onwards. Only 1/2, and 3/4 models. Every 1-ton from that era that I have seen, especially the K30s were built in Pontiac, MI.

The headlight bezels are off of s '79.

Looks like a Frankentruck to me. Although if properly built I wouldn't be afraid of owning it. Unique truck to say the least.
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 23, 2015, 07:03:39 am
Gmc, 96" or 106" canv. cab, 454, 1 ton, cab and chassis out of st. louis.
so it should of never had a bed on it and a dually bed wouldnt fit or look right with that cab and chassis rear axle

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/73-91VIN/1975truck.pdf
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Engineer on May 23, 2015, 07:15:18 am
I forgot:

The C+C trucks had a 135.5" wheelbase. That bed is a long bed step side. That bed would have been built on a truck with a 131.5" wheelbase.

A bed like that would have required the C+C truck to harve its frame shortened or a 4" larger than normal gap between the cab and bed to center the wheel in the wheel well.
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 23, 2015, 07:26:01 am
im going to say this out of speculation. looks like the vin or the cab was swapped to a 4x4 frame and the rear axle/shackles were also swapped with the cab.
or the frame was cut down the front axle/shackles were added along with the bed and front clip.but as long as the vin looks good and not tampered with i would drive it all day
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 23, 2015, 10:32:54 am
I would just like to say that even tho there seems to be some confusion, the truck is different, it's odd, it's kinda makes you think "wait what the heck is that" but it also looks cool, from the picture it looks straight as an arrow and a really clean truck. If all is legal and legit, I wouldn't worry about. Even tho I'm not a fan of step sides, I'de drive it around the block for a while just because it looks cool.
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Kren420 on May 23, 2015, 10:44:49 am
I would definitely take the long way home in that truck.   8)
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Ghazi67 on May 24, 2015, 07:01:48 pm
Engineer, Irish_Alley

Thanks for your informative input. You nailed it.
It hit me at 1st .. Bed !! No fender lights !! Rear axle, and later .. the VIN !!!!

We love em' here these Stepsides & Duallies .. but I will pass on this one.
here are couple of pics for you Engineer.

Thanks Guys
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Ghazi67 on May 24, 2015, 07:10:19 pm
LTZ C20, Kren420
Yeah I guess it is a head turner, but overhear ppl like these trucks as much as close to original.
Thanks for stoppin by
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Blazin on May 30, 2015, 07:17:31 am
I like it.
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: Kren420 on May 30, 2015, 11:27:21 am
LTZ C20, Kren420
Yeah I guess it is a head turner, but overhear ppl like these trucks as much as close to original.
Thanks for stoppin by
From my experience in the community, as long as the mods are tasteful, they will be accepted.  No roof visor so gets my seal of approval lol
Title: Re: 76 VIN Dilemma
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 31, 2015, 01:52:44 am
LTZ C20, Kren420
Yeah I guess it is a head turner, but overhear ppl like these trucks as much as close to original.
Thanks for stoppin by
From my experience in the community, as long as the mods are tasteful, they will be accepted.  No roof visor so gets my seal of approval lol
I agree with Kren here, the plastic carpet cover would definitely have to go tho, that would drive me nuts.