Custom Build

[emr_09]

Well this was something I dreamed up one day when I drove by an old late 70's crew cab chevy 4x4 sitting in the weeds. I've been thinking about buying a duramax for a couple years but I just an see putting that kind of money into something that everyone has. What pride do you have in that?
     I'm in the process in buying this truck. So you all know what kind of condition it's in after sitting all these years.
     Here are my plans:
  Stripping truck completly down, painting frame and all noticeable parts a purple or red and the body black. I plan to build a cummins diesel to put in it following a 6 speed manual trans. Chop the frame and make it a shortbox, leather seats out of a new style chevy, custom tan leather interior, custom carpet, aftermarket stereo with 2 12's under back seat (MTX), aftermarket wheels(33's or 35's havent decided), nerf bars, cowl hood, billet grille, 5" straight pipe, 3-4" Rancho Suspension, sound deadner everywhere in cab and firewall, custom bumpers, gauges. I have a lot of the parts already and figured up what it would cost to cherry this thing and I'm looking at around 13-20K (depends how in depth I want to get when I actually start). Any questions or comments good or bad feel free to let me know what you think. I plan to use this as my daily driver and pulling tractors for my business. Thanks for looking.

[ccz145a]

Sounds good to me! Go for it. Look for a solid body if this one is too rusty, it will save you some time. Unless the price is right, of course

[emr_09]

Yea I think I got it for $500. I have the fenders, front doors, and box. I will have to buy some panels and replace a few pieces but it's not too bad. It's pretty hard to be picky when finding something like this in my country. There's not to many around.

[DnStClr]

Looking at the costs involved, you'll have to have nice deep pockets.  But, if it's all about pride then I hope you enjoy your project. It sounds awesome. You thinking about an early 12 valve mech injection Cummins?
You'll have to make up some new engine mounts. And you'll need to think about installing an intercooler and gauges for the boost, engine temp and tranny temp.
Here's recent build that a guy did- it turned out great.
 
http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/chevy/0803dp_1980_chevy_k30_cummins/index.html
 

[BigHemi353]

Sounds great! Ive been looking for a cummins and a nv4500 for my truck to slap in it. I drove to Ellinwood, Kansas Friday night and got back yesterday and saw a lot of old chevy's trucks that I would love to had. I even saw an 80's crewcab with and extended cab conversion in Great Bend. Good Luck, Andy

[choptop]

What, np pictures??? Shame on you

[82k5diesel]

I say if they dont make what u want or need build it yourself! I'd like to put a cummins 12 valve in my 82 k5 but money tight right now. If you go through with it keep us posted!