Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

I picked this light blue 1969 8 lugger up a couple weeks ago. She's still on the trailer as its been cold and I'm not sure where I want to unload it. This is another spare- didn't need it, not sure what to do with it but maybe after I finish some of my other trucks I will get it running. Its pretty original; however, its got its fair share of bruises, neglect and some rust in the usual places. I'd like to find some original paint fenders and a hood for it at some point.

Someone swapped in a NP 205 at some point. Thats not original, this should have had the Rockwell.

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

Straight from pierre south Dakota?

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So original. K/20 Custom Campers are too cool. Drop tailgate style bumper, 69-only color. Nothing fancy and awesome.

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Cool truck, I recall seeing it on CL a while back and liked it a lot. K20+Custom Camper is my favorite combo.

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Nice find!

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That’s a pretty cool truck I’d run that one around as is for fire wood/work truck for sure.

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I thought 1969 used NP205 and the Rockwell was earlier? Am I wrong?

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

'69 was last year for same drivetrain as prior years. '69 Blazer was first NP205 because it was first automatic 4wd. '70 was the first year the full 4wd line got open knuckle front axle including different steering design, automatic, and NP205. A stand alone year for open knuckle drum brakes.

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

Nice addition...this cold weather does put a damper on our hobby sometimes..i have a driveway project going on right now...cold,ice,rain.snow..the things we do for the love of these trucks..that is a great truck you picked up to give some love...good luck with it.:c2:

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

Every time ! go out and start my '72 I am reminded I was driving it less late fall due to a cranky starter, again. Way worse with truck dead cold for weeks. Yet... have not performed that simple task because I'm a sissy...plus short days, busy, haven't gotten the LT4 starter yet, procrastinator... naw, just a sissy! :lol:

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

That's a great old warhorse! I am sure there's a story behind every dent.

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

Mitchel to Pierre to me :chevy: Check out photo below. Are you getting a 72 GMC K20 from near Brainerd by chance?

Yep! Kicking myself now for selling some original body parts this color a couple of years ago!

They are a cool combo for sure. This one joins my 1970 K20 CST CC.

Thanks! I am a sucker for original 4x4 trucks, even if they are a little rough.

Definitely something I considered!

Well stated Tim.

I was surprised to see it swapped out, the Rockwells were very durable from what I've read.

Can't wait for warmer temps! Been a cold winter here.

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Great old work truck. The "Custom Camper" & "Bill Barns" pics just went into my screen saver. Love seeing pics like these cycle through!

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I looked at that truck when I was out hunting this fall. Even had an empty car trailer with. Just needed more work than I wanted to give it and wasn't sure about the custom camper option on it. Was it listed on the spid? I also looked at his cst/10 he had at the time, but that needed a lot of work also. Tried like heck to get him to part with the 71 4x4 burb but he wouldn't do it....

The one by brainerd yellow? Either way, not coming here. I have a couple other things cooking though.....

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

What's wrong? Looks road-ready in Kentucky. Hood strapped down, junk hanging out of the bed, and half the lights bashed out.

That'd be a stout looking truck with some TLC.

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That bumper looks a lot like mine. Nice truck.

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What's the purpose of that style bumper? I'm curious.

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It allows the tailgate to lower all the way down without touching the bumper. So it swings 180 degrees. Really handy in a lot of cases.

Re: Ranch Hand K/20 Custom Camper
 

Bill Barnes used to sell for Western Chevrolet in Mitchell SD then went on his own selling cars and pickups.If that horse could talk what tales it would tell.Those bumpers were great for a dock,and made right here in the SD.

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That must have been a thing with these trucks on South Dakota ranches. I picked up two out in Mobridge and there wasn't a straight panel on either of them. Clean sheet metal though. I had seen it back when Jocko seen it also. Someone had posted it. Glad you got it and I will be watching for the thread Just Get Drivable II.

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You must have got a couple out of that auction last summer? Which 2 did you get?

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The '72 Ochre Longhorn and '72 Medium Green K20

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I was going to bid on the 68 cst until the owner said it HAD bucket seats but were long gone, and the k-20. Was the whole roof caved in on the 4x4?

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Yep which in return rotted out the floor. Cab and hood are toast everything else is clean except the dents. They were at his house not in the junkyard.

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SPID is currently unreadable. Someone scribbled all over it with a marker. I did some research and it looks like the only thing required for a custom camper 4x4 was the G50 HD rear spring option and of course camper nameplate. It seems like the type of truck that would have been setup for a Custom Camper, with being at least a Custom (bright chrome window trim), 350, PS, PB. I'm trying to confirm if this truck has the heavy rear springs. It has 6 leafs in the rear and so does my 71 K20 with the G50 option- so it probably is unless the thickness of the leaves was the difference. I haven't compared thickness or width yet.

The burb is where his interest is, so doesn't surprise me he wouldn't budge on it.

The one by Brainerd was dark green. It was rusty but pretty original, even had spicers on it still. Tell us about what you have cooking :)