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-   -   FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=862914)

Nick_R_23 02-22-2026 11:55 PM

FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
I recent scored and saved this 1974 Chevy C30 Crew Cab Dually from a lot that was being cleared. The owner wanted all the vehicles removed, so I took this one! This is how it was found, obviously been sitting for quite a few years. I also posted this in the Abandoned and Neglected thread, but it’s been saved now!

https://i.postimg.cc/zDhmrjhy/IMG-1816.jpg

How it arrived. It had a seized rear drum on the driver side, tires were flat, it wasn’t very enthusiastic about moving yet.

https://i.postimg.cc/Jz1SjC2H/IMG-1827.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/tgcf0ZCm/IMG-1828.jpg

SPID shows this is a factory 454/TH400 truck! Engine is long gone, but the TH400 is still there.

https://i.postimg.cc/hvL3728s/IMG-1834.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/0jk7cZRh/IMG-1833.jpg

I was able to give it a quick scrub down before it really dumped snow. It’ll get cleaned much better once it’s summer again.

https://i.postimg.cc/VvZ048F5/IMG-1905.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/c46nCvsJ/IMG-1906.jpg

I scored a complete 1974 front end (headlight bezels, grille, brackets, headlight hardware, valance, and bumper) locally for $160!

https://i.postimg.cc/1t9gQtCt/IMG-2359.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/fLBVTNpj/IMG-2360.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/MHHvnL8T/IMG-2361.jpg

One of the bezels was mismatched so I traded it for another silver one.

https://i.postimg.cc/2j91sCnP/IMG-2363.jpg

I managed to unseize the rear drum, which looks to have new shoes. I removed all of the wheels because it has the factory split rings in the rear, and mismatched ones up front.

https://i.postimg.cc/wTt1HnV4/IMG-2403.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-23-2026 12:01 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
I also sold my ‘72 Chevelle project last weekend, and the buyer wanted it as a roller, so I kept the 365hp 454 and 4L80E. Both will be reused in this truck!

https://i.postimg.cc/pLSbv1sQ/IMG-9926.jpg

Shark_13 02-23-2026 12:36 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Awesome!!

Nick_R_23 02-23-2026 01:25 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Backstory on the engine and transmission. I picked the engine up for $100 as a low hour takeout marine engine. The transmission came from an Express van I parted out and sold everything on, so that was free. I think it had 150k miles.

https://i.postimg.cc/Jn5HSJRW/IMG-8680.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/HnSckgJf/IMG-8681.jpg

Found a set of headers for $100! These were for the Chevelle, but supposedly fit the C-chassis trucks also.

https://i.postimg.cc/Vs4bRj7K/IMG-8745.jpg

4L80E as it came from the van.

https://i.postimg.cc/KYyzFzqf/IMG-8890.jpg

First order of business was to strip the marine parts off, clean and degrease the engine, and apply some Chevrolet Orange!

https://i.postimg.cc/Y0j28m0c/IMG-9326.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/tCKRtJHW/IMG-9327.jpg

Second coat!

https://i.postimg.cc/bw1y6Pyn/IMG-9335.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/mrwbsSFg/IMG-9336.jpg

Converting the oil filter back to stock with a new bypass adapter.

https://i.postimg.cc/hjZcJPrk/IMG-9333.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/rsvTJn79/IMG-9334.jpg

Removed the old marine style pan.

https://i.postimg.cc/Hk0mwtzy/IMG-9337.jpg

Picked up a stock style pan for $50 and painted it.

https://i.postimg.cc/j52rrYbn/IMG-9383.jpg

New water pump

https://i.postimg.cc/br2cs0dd/IMG-9384.jpg

Picked up some power steering brackets

https://i.postimg.cc/hPTvYTMG/IMG-9381.jpg

Other miscellaneous new parts for the engine

https://i.postimg.cc/3wJwW6Tq/IMG-9389.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/k4LM1gbn/IMG-9390.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/BbDSdfTN/IMG-9394.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/2jBSqhsV/IMG-9395.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/dt2Q6vtD/IMG-9396.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-23-2026 01:40 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Rolling in the new race coated rod and main bearings.

https://i.postimg.cc/Bbx3mc3T/IMG-9397.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/TYJGm9C5/IMG-9399.jpg

New Cloyes true roller timing chain

https://i.postimg.cc/26WN5F1W/IMG-9400.jpg

Timing cover with new main seal

https://i.postimg.cc/zvSmCzS8/IMG-9401.jpg

High volume oil pump with hardened steel driveshaft

https://i.postimg.cc/VLgQ5Nkn/IMG-9402.jpg

Balancer and power steering brackets reinstalled.

https://i.postimg.cc/JzYfcdJs/IMG-9403.jpg

Rear main seals and oil pan installed.

https://i.postimg.cc/PqB00pSt/IMG-9404.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ncHN8tGr/IMG-9405.jpg

Water pump installed

https://i.postimg.cc/t4ccVnQT/IMG-9406.jpg

Top end looks just as clean!

https://i.postimg.cc/fb0r7WM4/IMG-9407.jpg

Intake and valve covers removed

https://i.postimg.cc/hvKZq9xM/IMG-9408.jpg

049 oval port heads. One of the better flowing factory setups!

https://i.postimg.cc/bYRF9BfP/IMG-9409.jpg

Scored a low profile Torker intake. Originally due to Chevelle hood clearance, but it’ll work just fine on the truck too. It’s single plane because I’ll be using a Terminator X Stealth EFI with this.

https://i.postimg.cc/FHwPKt3R/IMG-9410.jpg

New gaskets, and intake installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/qRTj88md/IMG-9411.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/SRQdPmFt/IMG-9412.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/wBhkT19V/IMG-9413.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/MHG0DtVP/IMG-9414.jpg

Alternator brackets installed.

https://i.postimg.cc/tJm3mPzz/IMG-9415.jpg

Picked up a new HD flexplate.

https://i.postimg.cc/02bdKW8F/IMG-9416.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/Qd7Q0FKg/IMG-9458.jpg

New spark plugs

https://i.postimg.cc/6QLdxFhF/IMG-9430.jpg

New power steering pump and pulley.

https://i.postimg.cc/nzFqFTRh/IMG-9454.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/1RYDSGpG/IMG-9455.jpg

Painted some engine brackets

https://i.postimg.cc/bw1n144S/IMG-9461.jpg

Bought some studs for the valve covers.

https://i.postimg.cc/pTc52v57/IMG-9468.jpg

New air cleaner and decals! (These were correct for a 1971 LS5 454 which is what it was originally being loosely cloned as)

https://i.postimg.cc/dVJCm5FN/IMG-9502.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/jjFJTK7X/IMG-9508.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/NF1yRHzv/IMG-9509.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-23-2026 01:51 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
More new parts! Chrome reproduction valve covers with the correct drip rails.

https://i.postimg.cc/15QVsv8F/IMG-9517.jpg

New Vortec style starter and upgraded alternator

https://i.postimg.cc/HkSr0HBX/IMG-9518.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/wBZ3P2K6/IMG-9519.jpg

PCV doodads

https://i.postimg.cc/SR7snpnY/IMG-9520.jpg

Starter installed

https://i.postimg.cc/dtw3zDf9/IMG-9522.jpg

Alternator installed

https://i.postimg.cc/P5Fqpy5L/IMG-9524.jpg

Test fit the valve covers!

https://i.postimg.cc/vmJHXm9w/IMG-9525.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/1tDRdZcg/IMG-9526.jpg

Water pump pulley

https://i.postimg.cc/8cDkQntK/IMG-9577.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/nhMFJmGr/IMG-9578.jpg

Reproduction thermostat housing

https://i.postimg.cc/T1Cx82yK/IMG-9623.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/VsDPk66g/IMG-9638.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/4N0CpSpt/IMG-9639.jpg

New valve cover gaskets

https://i.postimg.cc/4N2GBdRy/IMG-9625.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/DZh384Lr/IMG-9626.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/VvLyFy7P/IMG-9627.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/tghLQRwt/IMG-9628.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/VvNTCq6z/IMG-9629.jpg

Power steering hoses.

https://i.postimg.cc/zDd41ctK/IMG-9640.jpg

I completely gave up on finding an OEM crank pulley, so I ordered a billet aluminum one.

https://i.postimg.cc/9fjnp5Mx/IMG-9750.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/xC6pnXRm/IMG-9751.jpg

Oil pressure sensor

https://i.postimg.cc/05HX4Jjh/IMG-9752.jpg

Restored 7 blade fan

https://i.postimg.cc/qv2mgbLF/IMG-9909.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-23-2026 02:10 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Picked up some tight fit -6AN adapters for the 4L80E.

https://i.postimg.cc/vB7Mztbq/IMG-9613.jpg

Transmission cleaned

https://i.postimg.cc/PJxSVd11/IMG-9910.jpg

Internals looked great, no material buildup in the pan.

https://i.postimg.cc/ZY77Byh7/IMG-9911.jpg

Removed old shift shaft to convert to Sonnax short shaft (deletes PRNDL switch)

https://i.postimg.cc/HsF63Dn7/IMG-9912.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/QMJSXFbc/IMG-9913.jpg

New filter and gasket.

https://i.postimg.cc/Wzh76XPG/IMG-9915.jpg

Pan cleaned

https://i.postimg.cc/Nf24KJDG/IMG-9916.jpg

New seals

https://i.postimg.cc/XvLKRTj7/IMG-9917.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/B6v54MtZ/IMG-9919.jpg

Fittings installed

https://i.postimg.cc/J0DbB0bj/IMG-9918.jpg

Transmission finished!

https://i.postimg.cc/nryqKx2J/IMG-9920.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/3rVjQjTb/IMG-9927.jpg

Picked up an ATI close fit dipstick

https://i.postimg.cc/JzWbG1tZ/IMG-9952.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/wjcDNSsn/IMG-9954.jpg

Header bolts and Holley TBI distributor harness

https://i.postimg.cc/TPtm7g0N/IMG-0110.jpg

HD ceramic plug wires

https://i.postimg.cc/kGbbgZm1/IMG-0320.jpg

Rickysnickers 02-23-2026 10:43 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Great job and you are a lucky guy! One question, looking at the balancer, it appears the rubber ring is looking a bit haggard. Would it be wise to invest in a new balancer?

Getter-Done 02-23-2026 01:14 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Glad you are saving this one.:metal:

Nick_R_23 02-23-2026 06:22 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers (Post 9423965)
Great job and you are a lucky guy! One question, looking at the balancer, it appears the rubber ring is looking a bit haggard. Would it be wise to invest in a new balancer?

Not really a worry unless it starts deteriorating inside the rings. There’s so much surface area with the rubber on these.

Rickysnickers 02-24-2026 09:01 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick_R_23 (Post 9424026)
Not really a worry unless it starts deteriorating inside the rings. There’s so much surface area with the rubber on these.

:c2:

SCOTI 02-24-2026 11:11 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
In to watch.... One mans trash is another's treasure!

jayoldschool 02-24-2026 07:29 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
This is my new favourite thread.

Nick_R_23 02-28-2026 03:45 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Purchased a set of 7 matching wheels from a 1982 Chevy motorhome with lug rings and lug nuts for $300, and found a good set of Dually tires for $200! Going to paint these and then mount them once I get the brakes squared away.

https://i.postimg.cc/DZb217nB/IMG-2442.jpg

Nick_R_23 03-01-2026 03:08 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
I had a curious magpie watching me work outside today

https://i.postimg.cc/Mpym17ND/IMG-2446.jpg

I sold the TH400 transmission today. I think the factory fill coolant protection may need to be looked at though, haha.

https://i.postimg.cc/HLz0hppb/IMG-2452.jpg

Off to its new home!

https://i.postimg.cc/Y9SNcJ9J/IMG-2459.jpg

Cleaned out the interior. Someone stripped the dash pretty bare, including the harness. The only part I’m really upset about is that they cut the dash. I’ll have to figure out a patch for this.

https://i.postimg.cc/BnGzKcM3/IMG-2454.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/gjZMwnhM/IMG-2455.jpg

Replaced the missing wing window, door handle, and door card from a spare door I had. Also replaced the door locks.

https://i.postimg.cc/sfk6k4Fm/IMG-2453.jpg

Replaced the headlight switch, key switch, turn signal switch, and brake light switch since they were all missing.

https://i.postimg.cc/SNcTkYkh/IMG-2456.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/FHmPRFHg/IMG-2457.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/vmZ3rP9G/IMG-2458.jpg

Ordered all replacement lights - tail lights, all side marker lights, and bulbs. Also a high beam switch and new rear brake hose.

https://i.postimg.cc/Y94RVhbT/IMG-2462.jpg

New front calipers

https://i.postimg.cc/ZR1Hh4QR/IMG-2463.jpg

New ignition switch, headlight knob, and window crank handles for the rear doors.

https://i.postimg.cc/QN1kTLPF/IMG-2466.jpg

Painted the wheels!

https://i.postimg.cc/kgXxz25c/IMG-2460.jpg

Getter-Done 03-01-2026 12:33 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Hopefully you can find a doner truck for the dash patch.

Those are defiantly 1974 door panels.

Is the front passenger side door panel missing or just removed?

Nick_R_23 03-01-2026 02:33 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
One of my friends has a scrap cab that I think I can cut the patch out of. I’m also considering having the windshield removed and just replacing the entire dash assembly.

The passenger side parts are missing just like the drivers side were, but luckily I also have the passenger side parts as well from a pair of spare doors I got with the truck.

Nick_R_23 03-02-2026 03:27 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Pretty good load of marketplace finds today!

Blue dash pad for $100!

https://i.postimg.cc/CL9KmmmD/IMG-2468.jpg

Brand new BBC fan shroud for $20!

https://i.postimg.cc/zfrG13my/IMG-2472.jpg

LED 7” headlights for $50!

https://i.postimg.cc/vmtH8MM7/IMG-2471.jpg

Picked up a new master cylinder and brake pads while I was in town today

https://i.postimg.cc/y8985cGC/IMG-2470.jpg

Painted the other side of the wheels also

https://i.postimg.cc/tTRRYfCv/IMG-2469.jpg

r8rs4lf 03-02-2026 10:21 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Great job! Things are moving pretty quick.

kwmech 03-02-2026 01:03 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Did they make reverse rotation 454s for boats???? or was that just for the small blocks

Nick_R_23 03-02-2026 01:45 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Yes, they did. This one had a tag indicating the rotation, but inspecting the timing set is the easiest way to tell, as reverse rotation use a gear to gear set instead of a timing chain to reverse the cam direction.

dagnabbitt 03-02-2026 10:46 PM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Really cool truck, my favourite year of square. Those woodgrain rear door panels have to be pretty much priceless, nice to see them still on the truck.

Nick_R_23 03-03-2026 02:30 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Thank you. I found out on the RPO list that this truck is a Cheyenne Super 30, so that explains the wood grain. Are the door panels not reproduced? I’m a little surprised this doesn’t have things like A/C, sliding rear window, etc with that high of a trim package.

Cleaned up the brake rotors on both sides, they actually seem to not have much wear. Must have been replaced like the rear shoes were. Installed the new calipers as well

https://i.postimg.cc/xqDFRJJ4/IMG-2476.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/nVjF0y9Q/IMG-2477.jpg

Shark_13 03-03-2026 02:41 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Free always ends up costing $$ :)

jayoldschool 03-03-2026 11:27 AM

Re: FREE 1974 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark_13 (Post 9424933)
Free always ends up costing $$ :)

An amazing motivator, though. "I have only spent 5k on parts!"


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