72 K30 Build
 

I have a very nice 72 RV body (with a small hole in the back) and a not so pretty 84 GMC Crew Cab CC K3500. I would love to end up with a 72 K30, what do you guys think?

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I want it to look like Yukon Jack's friend Tony’s C30 when done.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Does anybody think having the Crew Cab chassis will make it easier to adapt the earlier cab? I am under the impression that the frame kick up and the rear cab mounts are the biggest issue?

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Rear frame kickup won't be too big of a deal if you put a flat bed on it, it will be longer though because of the length of the crew cab chassis. You could cut it down to make it the length you need though. Trevor

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I like the look of a 127 or 133 inch wheel base like the white 69-70 above. A flat bed and a shorter wb is the plan. I have a 5th wheel trailer with a gooseneck adapter that this truck will pull.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I think Tony's was a 133" Longhorn chassis converted to 4x4. I think you will have to build a few mounts for the cab (might be able to bolt 72' cab mounts to your frame, but I think they might be a tad wider?), and then the front supports for the flat bed. Trevor

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Doesn’t sound too bad Trevor?? I've been looking for threads that cover this, a 67-72 cab to later chassis swap and I'm sure it has been done many times but the only one I found I think they gave up. :crazy:

Seems like this would be easier than plan B? So plan B, would be to convert my 72 C30 like JJorgensen52 did here http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=573671&page=3 Man he did a great job on that GMC dump bed & 4x4 conversion!

I've got so many orphan parts and I really like my old blue 72 just way it is. So much so that I think I need 4x4 big block version. Then maybe I could let somebody else enjoy old blue when I get the new version done.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I've read that this body swap can be a problematic because the 73-87 chassis kicks up under the cab requiring the use of a body lift to level out the 67-72 cab? I thought perhaps I could get around that problem because I'm starting with a crew cab and the rails stay level longer?

Also I am concerned with the core support mounts and being able to use a 67-72 front bumper.

Still looking for a good thread where this was successful?

Here is a link were special-K talks about it. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...20&postcount=7

And again special-K. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...78&postcount=2

So what you were saying Trevor about the flatbed works well.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Would have been nice to find a thread on this swap (I'll keep looking) but I need to make sure plan B is better before I commit to cutting up the K3500 frame for scrap. In hind sight I wish I had not been in such a hurry with my 72 157" RV frame but space was limited and I did not have the 4x4 plan or the 84 that time. :waah:

So all I can find that looks useful so far on the 84 frame dimensions is this link. http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html Anyone have better info? I would like to start making comparisons of the 67-72 to 73-87 while I scrap the 84 cab & bed?

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

The width of the frame should be the same. I install D60 and a 14 bolt from 79 under my 71 frame no modifications to spring pads.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Thanks for the info DWilbur, I had hoped that was the case. It should make installing the axles a lot easier if I have to go for plan B.

Still researching info on the square body frame. Located some good info on a square body forum and here. http://brochures.slosh.com/index.shtml?year.shtml

Dang the K3500 is looooong at 164.5" WB and 239.3" Overall +/-.....

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Removed the pipe rack front & rear bumpers, also unbolted the flat bed (2 hand tight bolts are all that’s holding it on) and pulled all the bed wiring. Relocated taillights to the frame the truck has a date in a few days with a 2 post lift at a friend’s shop to lift the bed off for me.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

are keeping it a dulley. if so the spring pads I think are different than single wheel axel.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

What are the rear spring pad center to center measurements on each truck? Or measure outside to inside of the springs. I'd think about knocking the rivets off the spring frame mounts and bolting them to the 72 frame if the pad measurements are different...
What's the plan for fixing the small hole in the cab?

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Franken that's exactly what plan B is all about. Transferring all the spring hangers and several cross members to the Blue 72 C/30 flatbed in my avatar. I'm hoping that won't be the solution but I'm leaving it open.

The little hole in the back is a problem and I have several ways to go on this. I bought some patches last year from budnikguy http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=599155&page=2 thread #'s 33 & 34.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Another solution to the pass thru is use a spare 69 cab I have that is not in as good a shape. It has a little rot in the cowl on both L & R sides & pass outer rocker. 2wd low hump non clearance light cab. The very last option is back to plan B and use the Blue 72 C/30 cab. Also in pretty good shape.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

DWilbur I am keeping it a dually, I've got 2 Eaton HO72's (one is posi) and a 14 Bolt all narrow cab & chassis style. I'm going to finish scraping the K3500 down to the chassis and then see what I've got and what is going to work best.

As a retired truck driver I think dually's & clearance lights are tough!

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I like the dually and clearance light direction. I going to install clearance light on my truck.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Time to start tearing down the RV cab, removed the grill and surround first so it would not get damaged. A/C was still holding lots of pressure and the compressor was not seized, sweet! Lots and lots of great parts on this truck (bit of a greasy pig but that’s ok).

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I think I missed the part where you tore the camper apart...did that just not work out?

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Hey Mike that’s a whole nother story, kinda sad to. Short story version behind RV is that I purchased a very expensive yard stick from Sharpie1972. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528599

We drove it home from Grand Junction, CO and started to restore the camper part immediately. It had been hit on the right rear passenger side of the camper and needed some updating badly. But still very, very cool retro RV! :metal:

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

So we gutted it and redid the cabinets, walls, ceiling, light fixtures, some sub floor and acquired all new faucets and toilet. Really lucky in that another RV (67 C30 Ranch El Rae) a few blocks from us was being scraped and had the same skin as ours. We repaired the passenger rear corner with skin salvaged from the other camper.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

While doing this repair I found some of the camper frame structure was rotten so I replaced it as best as I could. As the project moved forward we found more and more of the camper frame was rotten. We also ran into a lot of trouble trying to get the roof to stop leaking.

Finally came to a crossroad that we would have to completely strip the outer skin including the roof. Make all the necessary repairs to the wooden frame structure and re-skin with new special ordered skin which was available.
We decided to cut our loses and keep the truck parts as best we could with the limited space I have here.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

And more....

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I hated killing this truck/RV and have been scratching my head ever since as to what to do with what was left. :waah:

I kept all the suspension, hangers and cross members in case I needed something to support my other C30.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Well that does suck that you had to scrap it! Looking forward to seeing this next project move forward :)

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Thanks Mike me too. Did you get your FI sorted out?

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Got the K3500 home yesterday after my friends at The Garage Inc. (shameless plug) lifted off the bed for me thanks Cody & Mark. http://thegaragecenterville.com/index.html

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Yeah, I found fuel line replacements that should screw right in. I will bend them around the manifold and bell housing then do some fuel hose between the steel lines on the frame and these new ones. I think it's going to work out, but we'll see :)

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Cool, you are so close to having a runner!!

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

If you consider 10 years close...then I guess you're right :lol:

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

You are close, I've heard of people taking a lot longer to complete a project. We bought the 67 Camaro project and put it away to be our last project?? That one might take longer than yours we will see. :thud:

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

So we brought the K3500 home and put it right in what will be the front yard! I had to give it a chop top to clear the house roof and eventually the lift. My neighbors love me and were very curious as to wtf! :devil:

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

And squeezed into the garage...

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Ok, now I'm curious about WTF too LOL.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I'm pretty interested in your RV cab and how you fix it, hoping to see you use the patch panels you bought, I have a 67 project waiting in the wings that has a pretty rusted out cab, all that is left that's good is the back wall and glass. I found a 67 RV cab for it with the same walk thru cutout, when the time comes i'm planning on doing the same type of repair. Of course i'd like to see somebody do this before i ever attempt it myself. :)

Welcome to the board too.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Hey Swamp rat thanks, I'm pretty sure this can be done successfully. I will document the good, bad & ugly as we go. :lol:

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

A little more progress on the demo of the K3500. Saved the windshield (it was perfect) and the clearance lights. Pulled the grill and started getting the front clip ready to pull.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

Nice project you have going on here! I had a hodge podge truck about 10yrs ago that was a 69 body on a 78 K10 chassis. If I remember correctly, the 73 up frame is 2" wider or so than the 67-72's under the cab. I'm sure you can rework the cab mounts to get the 72 cab on there and be nicer than the truck I had. I'd think fixing that cab with the patches you have will be easier than swapping cabs IMO. Heck, I'd give it a shot. It's great practice if nothing else.

Re: 72 K30 Build
 

I believe Dieselwrencher is correct on the frame widths. That said there are 2 different rear spring width dimentions on the 67-72 trucks. I know my K20 rear is wider than a 2wd rear with springs. My frame widens behind the cab. If i recall corectly mine is 42.5, the other is 40 i think. So obviously different spring pirch widths on the axles too. If that helps ya any... :)