1974 3/4 ton camper special

[LTZ C20]

Thanks guys for all the info, and plans for it im not sure yet. Im going to school here soon in the fall so i at least want to get it started and running. i checked underneath the car and it looks like the tranny has been leaking, maybe all of its fluid but other than that it looks pretty clean.

If i had a plan for it, it would be to probably keep it all original and the shell is questionable, cause' I think it gives it a unique look, but for sure want to work on that 454 and get it around 400-500 horse like it was meant to, different head, carb, etc.. and then use it to haul and tow stuff. as in lifting and lowering probably neither for now and i like the idea of a sleeper but i dont want to go crazy and drag race or anything.

As far as the GVWR it is 8,200.

That would probably be a perfect sleeper truck. Restore it all original, crank up the juice on the 454, build an exhaust cut out system, quiet for daily, loud for fun. You would have a pretty sweet truck and no one would be the wiser. I would definitely toss the shell. I like your ideas tho, post more pictures if you can. Underneath, interior, engine compartment.

How many leafs are in the spring pack on the rear axle? Mine have 9 leafs per side. I'm guessing with it being a Camper Special with a big block, it might have 9, or maybe 7 or 8 with an overload spring.

[dabeats9]

I have a question, what should i do or prepare for when i start the car? I know its been sitting about 10 years and to drain the gas and a new battery and make sure that there is actually oil in the engine but should i know anything else to get this beast started?

[HAULIN IT]

You should pull the distributor & prime the engine, turning the oilpump with a drill until you have oil pressure on the gauge. It would be best to pull the valve covers & watch for oil to come out each pushrod before firing. You will need to rotate the engine 1/4 turn a couple times to get good oil flow to all of the lifters.

Be sure to check/change all of the hoses & have a fire extinguisher handy. Lorne

[LTZ C20]

You should pull the distributor & prime the engine, turning the oilpump with a drill until you have oil pressure on the gauge. It would be best to pull the valve covers & watch for oil to come out each pushrod before firing. You will need to rotate the engine 1/4 turn a couple times to get good oil flow to all of the lifters.

Be sure to check/change all of the hoses & have a fire extinguisher handy. Lorne

This. You just never know what could happen with something that hasn't ran in that long.

[Jason S]

I have a question, what should i do or prepare for when i start the car? I know its been sitting about 10 years and to drain the gas and a new battery and make sure that there is actually oil in the engine but should i know anything else to get this beast started?

 

Also - If it's all original with a points distributor, check to make sure the points are not stuck closed.

[LTZ C20]

I have a question, what should i do or prepare for when i start the car? I know its been sitting about 10 years and to drain the gas and a new battery and make sure that there is actually oil in the engine but should i know anything else to get this beast started?

 

Also - If it's all original with a points distributor, check to make sure the points are not stuck closed.

Also, be careful not to leave the key turned on with the engine off, this will also damage the points ignition system. Now would be a good time to upgrade to an HEI ignition system, not only is it a vast improvement over points in many aspects: drivability, reliability, performance, it also would have been a system that was used on the production line on later model square bodies. I believe GM started using HEI in 1976, at least on the trucks they did.

[dabeats9]

wow, thank you for info about the distributor, i had no idea. I will try this eventually when i have the time and i will let you know thank you very much

[LTZ C20]

Your welcome. It's pretty easy upgrade. Lots of places sell the kits, a couple of the competitor sites and places like summit racing and jegs sell it. Some performance shops would probably have them too. Just google "points to HEI conversion kits"

[Trixie13]

Well, as my first official post, I have a stupid question, haha!  I have a 1974 as well, and the VIN comes up as a 1/2 ton but there are a LOT of features that are normally only found on 3/4 tons from the era.  What makes a truck a "Camper Special"?

[Jason S]

Well, as my first official post, I have a stupid question, haha!  I have a 1974 as well, and the VIN comes up as a 1/2 ton but there are a LOT of features that are normally only found on 3/4 tons from the era.  What makes a truck a "Camper Special"?

Welcome to the site! 

In general, a Camper Special was an upgrade option to accommodate a slide in camper. Uprated springs, larger engine, extra cooling capacity, camper mirrors, wiring for the camper and larger brakes are the most common features.

[LTZ C20]

Emblems also, there were badges on the truck denoting it's upgrade to Camper Special status. One was a yellow orange square badge with a tee pee and the other was the words Camper Special with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See the last post on the first page of this topic, it's the bottom picture.

[illinoisk30]

Welcome from Northern Illinois. Nice truck.