My New Truck
 

Hi guys , I just picked up this beauty for a steal . Looking for any info that anyone has . It is a Chevrolet c30 3+3 Dually , only it has a fleetside bed with a narrower rear axle . I brought it to a mechanic who says it is a factory build but I cannot find out if this is true or not . Can anyone help ?

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...5669483963.jpg

Re: My New Truck
 

No, it is not factory built.

The narrower dual wheel axle was used on Cab Chassis models. Cab chassis were essentially pickups built with no box, so that the owner could install a flatbed or high cube compartment on the back.

So - it would be relatively easy to install a cab chassis axle in a fleetside pickup - or - to install a pickup box on a cab chassis - but a narrow axle dually pickup was not a factory option.

K

Re: My New Truck
 

Incidently, the creation of the dually pickup was essentially a "joke", or a "lark".

We used to employ "chase trucks" when we would take Engineering road trips out west. These trucks would follow the test vehicles being evaluated, bringing tools or supplies along the way.

Back in the early 70's, as sort of a joke, some of the development engineers stuck a dual rear wheel axle under a pickup and installed a camper, creating a mobile break room. During the course of the trip they noticed it handled so well in the mountains and on curvy roads that eventually, as more upper managers had an opportunity to drive it, the "Dooley" was approved as a factory model.

FWIW -

K

Re: My New Truck
 

I love it when former GM employees pop in and share their knowledge. It makes the rest of us more knowledgeable.

Re: My New Truck
 

wow keith, awesome..........

Re: My New Truck
 

Once again, a very interesting bit of GM trivia. Keep the stories coming Keith.

Re: My New Truck
 

So, did GM "invent" the dual rear wheeled pickup?

Re: My New Truck
 

Thank you for the info . This truck has been baffleing my friends and I . I found it on the side of the road for $3000. As soon as I saw her I knew she was going to be mine . She only had 155,000 on her when I got her and the interior , although faded some , was so clean I could eat off it . No one has even smoked in her . I need to do a little work to her but she already gets 13 MPG and I haven't even changed the plugs yet .

Re: My New Truck
 

Is it a BBC? Great find...thanks for sharing.

Re: My New Truck
 

BBC ?
what is that? sorry , In not too acronym friendly

Re: My New Truck
 

I was talking to a friend who worked for GM in the mid 80s and he was saying they did send out a bunch of these to have this done

Re: My New Truck
 

BBC = big block chevy engine

Very cool truck with a very unique look! I would roll in it any day!

Re: My New Truck
 

What did they use for wheel tubs? That's got me curious.

Re: My New Truck
 

Post more pics of this truck please! :metal:

Re: My New Truck
 

i will post more in a few days , I ve got to clean and detail anyway so I want her to look good in the pics

Re: My New Truck
 

As previously stated BBC is Big Block Chevy engine, in this year group a 454. SBC is a Small Block Chevy engine.

I'm interested as others in pics of the differrential cover.

Re: My New Truck
 

This truck has a 350 high output.
As of right now there is way too much not needed stuff on the motor . Smog pump ..... etc . The usual non - essentials for the year . Hopefully if all this rain stoppes I can get back to work and get started on breaking it down. I will take more pics and post them this week including motor pics , differential , and more . Thanks again for posting . It is really cool sharing such a unique truck . I have beeen a Chevy fan all my life and I finally got the truck Ive always wanted

Re: My New Truck
 

any updates on this

Re: My New Truck
 

Yeah I'd like to see some pics. I'm also wondering if the inner tires clear the wheel tubs in the bed or if it was mini tubbed to accommodate ?

Kinda reminds me of how Dodge did their duallies in the 70's to early 90's.