2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

What's Up fellow Tailgaters!

My name is Chris, and I am semi-new to this forum, but not other forums or trucks in general. Since this is my first post here I'll take a minute to introduce myself. My older brother (by 20 years lol) has been into to trucks since he was a little boy. He was around for the late 70's and early 80's when the custom truck and van scene really started to flourish, and has been slamming and racing them ever since. At one point his garage at the house was dubbed "The House of Low." Naturally, his love for trucks has been passed on to his sons and myself. If it has a tailgate, we dig it. We are definitely one of those families with way too many projects, as our shop currently stores about 20 trucks. But hey, you can't ever have just one right?

So, its been a while since I got onto the forums and shared a project. However, this one should be worth sharing by the time its said and done. Plus, its always a great way to record your progress for future reference. So here goes:

My wife and I are expecting our second baby, and it was really time for a "baby hauler." Being 6'3", an extended cab wasn't going to do with two car seats in the back. This was the perfect excuse to find myself a OBS CCSB. I searched and searched for a budget builder, when I came across this one. A 2000 C2500 CCSB. The motor and transmission ran and shifted great, but the appearance was less than decent. It came with a 3" body lift which was one of the first things I removed. This poor truck had clearly been mistreated by its previous owners. What I basically got was a good frame, cab, motor, and tranny. Everything, else, including the interior was trashed. But hey, I only paid $2300 for the rig, so no complaints. I have purchased my replacement
parts from various donor trucks of the same color. After getting it back together, I plan on a 5/7 drop (keeping it 8 lug), and eventually swapping the old Vortech with a LS/LQ motor. I will post the "before" and "during" pictures I have right now, and will add new ones as I have time to make progress. If you have made it this far, I appreciate you taking the time to read! Now lets get on with some pictures!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Welcome! Very nice start, you definitely have your work cut out for you on this one.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

They must have beat that poor truck. Looks like it's in good hands now. Make sure you check out the LSX swap section. Good luck!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Damn, were they in some sort of contest? You're doin' the Lord's work, but it looks like it has good bones. Seems to be in good hands now. I love these things, I gotta see this!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Thanks gentlemen. I have seen and worked on trucks that were in rough shape, but this one just had a laundry list of cosmetic issues. The only real way to do it was strip it down and start over. It ought to be a fun rig when its all said and done.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Well, I got my bed, fenders, and bumpers picked up today. I am replacing the fuel pump and sending unit tonight before the bed goes back on (might as well). The bumpers I picked up are "ding free" work truck bumpers (No trim). Finding a set without dents was a challenge lol. I will paint the bumpers and grille body color, and then remove the side molding for a cleaner look. Its time to start putting her back together!

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps87763776.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Sounds like its gonna be nice truck. I like that you are keeping it 8-lug

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Good clean parts!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Yeah I played around with the idea of doing a 6 lug conversion since my wheel options would increase ten fold. But, slamming a rig on 8 lugs that can still tow a trailer is pretty appealing. As for wheels, I think that I'm going to have a set of 05 Duramax rims dipped or powder coated black. I think it would look pretty damn cool. I may have to keep it stock height for a little bit after getting it back together since we have our second baby on the way. But, for grins I'm going to post something in the Photoshop section and see what they can come up with.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

What are Duramax wheels? I was only aware that gm made 1 alloy wheel for 8 lug from 99-07.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Lol its habit. I call them "Duramax" Wheels because they commonly came on the diesels. Most everybody here on the forum will know what I mean by "05 GM 8 Lug Alloys." But with friends or co-workers, most people respond with "oh, like work truck wheels?"

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...psf2ead749.jpg

So then I have to explain, "No, like the nice wheels that came on the Duramax Trucks." So, over time I have come to call the two styles "work truck" and "Duramax" wheels.

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps817a2677.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Idk. Steel, chrome, and alloy. I have worked on plenty of duramax trucks that had steel wheels. And plenty of 6.0 trucks that have the alloys.

And the first wheel you posted isn't a work truck wheel. A work truck wheel would be painted, not chrome clad.

I have a set of the alloys on my 99. It's a nice lightweight wheel.

I do like that you are using 16" wheels. I am personally not a fan of big wheels. Looks like it will be a nice truck when you are done.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

And you might want to look into putting Tahoe seats in the rear. They fold flat and are very handy. It was one of the first things I did to my ccsb. I never understood why gm didn't make the rear seats fold down in these trucks.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

I have the same year same color going 6 lug

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Seems like you got a nice plan, looks like you'll have a nice truck once you get it cleaned up and get some straight panels on it! I like it!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

I purchased a clean rear seat out of a Dually from the junk yard. I didn't consider the Tahoe seats though. I'll have to see if I can find one.

Your wheel options will be much easier lol.

Thanks. I'm just waiting on my fuel pump and A/C parts to come in before putting it back together. I couldn't NOT replace the pump with the bed already off. Same for all the A/C components under the dash. I ordered a new heater core, evaporator, and both actuators. I don't plan on dropping this dash again so might as well replace this stuff while its accessible.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Do the Tahoe seats just bolt on or do you have to drill some other holes?

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Makes sense, I mean I would do it too!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Subscribed. Glad I'm not the only crazy one

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

What's up on this?

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Ok fellas. I am sorry for taking so long on posting some update pics. The truck has been put back together and I have been driving it daily. She still needs some small things fixed like outside door handles, some power switches, the Climate Control replaced, windows re-tinted, etc. The donor body parts I found matched up pretty good, but she will still need a paint job and some minor body work down the road when things get a little more serious. I am pleased with how the grille and bumpers turned out (Duplicolor Rattle Can). The next big thing on my list is the 5/7 drop which should get done hopefully sometime before Christmas. I have enjoyed the hell out of this rig so far and really can't wait to give her the altitude adjustment she so desperately needs ;)

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Right on! Glad to see it back on the road.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Here is a very rough and quick Photoshop edit of what my rig would look like with a 5/7 drop. Obviously the photo edit is a rough estimation. I'm digging it though.

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps616d8135.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

So I just ordered my 5/7 lowering kit from DJM and I'm getting pretty excited. I also found myself a Escalade/Denali Center Console for dirt cheap at the junk yard. It needs to be painted, which I will do tonight most likely, but I only paid $25 for it, so no complaints. I also took the armrest to my upholstery guy and had him re-cover it with factory cloth so it will match. I may go crazy with the interior down the road, but for now I'm happy with the stock cloth, and this center arm rest should be a nice and subtle "custom" touch lol.

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps03f7af70.jpg

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7eaee2c2.jpg

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...pse6876666.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Looking good! I'm interested in seeing how that console turns out.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Thanks Man. It turned out much better than I had expected. The gray Duplicolor I used was slightly darker than the rest of the interior but it will work for now. Taking it apart, painting it, and installing it was a breeze and well worth it! I'm in the console for $75 including upholstery and paint. I'm just waiting on my package from DJM to arrive now :D

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps52671856.jpg

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...psb50a1f10.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

What a great transformation. Love the look without the side trim!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Looks really good! inside and out!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

^very nice transformation. Can't wait until I get a new project.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Thanks Guys. It's been a fun project for sure. Its about to get a lot more fun with the DJM goodies we got before Christmas. We were going to try and slam it before the holidays but we just didn't have the time. We will hopefully get it knocked out sometime in January.

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps53288fe3.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Thanks. I do like these trucks without side and bumper trim. However, I have seen some (many on this forum) that have been slammed with all the trim and they look really good too. I have a thing for the resto-mod look. I have had a slight itch to put some trim back on. I'd order some new side trim (solid black without the chrome strip on the top), have a set of bumpers painted body color with the same full black trim. I haven't decided on whether or not some fender trim strips would look good if it was painted black.

I have thought about doing this because it would give everything some separation and it would help tie the black accents together. Once I get the windows re-tinted I'll have black up top, and black on the bottom with the wheels. I really think some black side and bumper trim would break the middle of the truck up a bit. Plus, the trim would be appropriate since I am running stock wheels.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Here is a slightly better representation of where I want to go. We are a week or so from having our bay so there has been little time to pull her in the shop and get her dropped. I found these 2010 GM replica wheels on OE wheels web page. They make them with the 8-6.5 lug pattern, and a set is only $710 shipped! The backspace is a little bit of a question I have to figure out. They have slightly more than the stockers for these trucks. not sure if it will make a difference, but I'm thinking that there will be some rubbing issues. I don't recall the exact backspace for stock c2500 steel wheels (ts 4.6....something?), and these have a backspace of 5.22. I really don't want to run spacers. I will continue my research, but any of you guys have any thoughts on it?

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3f5313f6.jpg

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

I have been eye-ballin' a set of those wheels for me '91 crew for a while, just concerned about the BS and the lug-pattern. Never though to look at OE Wheels!
I wonder if with the right back space, I could use a set of these wheels as singles on my dually with out having to change everything over from DRW to SRW?

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

That center console looks perfect in there.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Man I'm not sure lol. The replicas are like 8.5" wide with a 5.22 backspace. I'm not exactly up to speed on DRW set ups and conversions. My big question will be the backspacing too. I don't want them to be tucked in too narrow, but don't want to run spacers. It may look fine, I wont know until I slap one on and look at it. The rears should clear ok and not rub, but the fronts may damn well rub. With a 5/7 drop, ill also have to get just the right tire obviously. Another member here ran 20's, with 275/45/R20's and a 4/6 drop. it looked like there was plenty more room. I'm not worried about NOT being able to pull it off, as so many are running 22's and such. I just have to get my battle plan lined out lol. I will have to continue do more research and consult some of the other members with similar set ups.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Thanks man, I am pretty happy with it. The gray paint could match better, but it is what is lol. Its definitely a upgrade worth making!

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

I got your PM, I figured it would be easier if I answered your questions here.

Wheels : I don't recall what BS my Akuza wheels were. They were a little off though. They stuck out just a bit too far. The 338's are 20X8.5 with 5.25"BS. Tires are 255/45/20 up front and 275/45/20 out back. They fit real nice although I did roll the fenders for extra clearance. The tires rubbed on big dips with the Akuza's but have lots room with the 338's.

Lowering : I see that you have DJM parts. I'm not sure if the spindles are the same as Bell Tech's (BT) but the BT spindles push the wheel out a little bit. I found this out too late as I already had the spindles. A little extra room would have been nice. Since you are concerned about space up front, this is something you want to check up on. Everything else is pretty straight forward.

The only real problem I've had are the rear shocks. The BT ones I had were too long. I bought some shock relocators from BT but haven't installed them yet. I have to tear mine apart for an airbag upgrade, so I'll tackle this then.

That's about all I can think about right now, if I remember anything else I'll be sure to let you know.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Here's a pic for some inspiration:metal:

Since this pic I have changed to a GMC grill and smoothie bumper and I am currently working on repairing the box.

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

First off, thanks for replying so fast, and giving me all the info. I really appreciate it! I took some time to read your entire build thread last night, and damn, I didn't realize someone had stolen your crew cab! I'm glad you got it back though!

I am relieved to hear that you were able to run 20x8.5 338's with a 5.25" backspace. That's pretty much the same exact dimensions on the replicas I want to run! I was looking into the same tire combo as well. So now I have to research is the difference between DJM and BT Spindles. Hopefully the shocks I bought from DJM will work out in the rear too. They mark them as a part of 3/4 and 1 ton drop kits. This actually may work :eek:

Ill be going an extra inch up front, but if I trim the fenders I should be ok. You haven't had any turning/clearance issues with your 338's up front have you? Most everyone looses some turning radius obviously, but from what you described it seems your set up is right on the money.

I shall consult with the drop gods on my spindles! :D

Re: 2000 CCSB Rescue Project: "Doube D"
 

Sooo? Got this puppy lowered yet?