Another Extended cab

[choptop]

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.

[Blazin]

Sweet. Are they both the same coach company manufacturer

[choptop]

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

[Captkaos]

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.

[zieg85]

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".

[choptop]

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.

[Novadiecast]

You just need an 84 to add to the fleet to be complete!!

[choptop]

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.

[JRConnieK10]

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".

[choptop]

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?

[VileZambonie]

That's a sweet score! I'd stay away from the body lift.

[DnStClr]

Are any of the 1/2 tons a short bed or are they all long beds?

[choptop]

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.

[choptop]

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

[JRConnieK10]

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.