Need help....any info? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jb4short · 04-09-2007, 06:50 PM

I'm thinking of buying a truck but something doesn't add up. I am hoping someone can enlighten me or offer their thoughts.

The truck is a '73 shortbed stepside 2wd with a 350 column shift automatic. It's got 5 lug wheels and it's completely rust free.

Here's the rub: The VIN from the title decodes as a 3/4 ton 454 4bbl (CCZ243F444644)

Did they make C20 shortbed with a 454? Seems like that combination would want to swap ends when you get on the gas. If the truck is (was) what the VIN says someone changed the suspension and motor but bolted plywood over the bed wood. This just doesn't add up to me but I don't know these trucks that well.

Any thoughts?

Jonboy · 04-09-2007, 07:03 PM

They did make a 1/2 ton 2wd 454 shortbed. With all 235 HP, it wouldn't swap ends as much as you might think.

I would bet the cab was swapped rather than everything else.

boatpuller · 04-09-2007, 07:07 PM

your the second guy in just a few days with the same vin question.

ccz is chevy,,,,2wd,,,,,z stands for diesel.i was in that same boat wondering what the heck ? i have a former diesel too.does it have hydoboost brake system? that's another giveaway.

hiway · 04-09-2007, 07:17 PM

73 diesel? Sounds like a cab swap.

boatpuller · 04-09-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiway

73 diesel? Sounds like a cab swap.

your on the ball there arky.....

.....that one slipped right by me. z is diesel so something got swapped

jb4short · 04-09-2007, 07:35 PM

CCZ243F444644
Model Year 1973
Division (unknown code)
Chassis 2 Wheel Drive
Body Style Pickup
Series 3/4-Ton
Engine V8-454 4 bbl.
Assembly Plant Flint, MI
Sequential Number 444644

This is from American Classic's decoder and I ran it on another site w/same result. I don't doubt that something was swapped; but a 5 lug 350? I hadn't even thought of a cab swap.

boatpuller · 04-10-2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiway

73 diesel? Sounds like a cab swap.

i think hiway hit the nail on the head.

boatpuller · 04-09-2007, 07:50 PM

your probably right.z may have been diesel in 79-80,but 454 in 73.i'm gonna check around.

jb4short · 04-09-2007, 07:51 PM

This is what I found. Cab swap makes more sense than suspension AND engine swap

1973-1975
Q=250 6 cyl.
T=292 6cyl.
X=307 V8
V=350-2
Y=350-4
U=400-4 V8
Z=454-4 V8

boatpuller · 04-09-2007, 08:01 PM

your info is right on.78-79 years the ccz was a diesel vin.in 73 it was 454.so it could be original cab.if it was a diesel it would have a hydroboost,unless that got changed to.

jb4short · 04-09-2007, 08:06 PM

that's the issue....there's no 454 in it and with a 3/4 ton VIN I don't think it should have the 5 lug wheels either. I wanted opinions because the title doesn't really seem to fit the truck and I don't know how common that is on these older trucks.

knightlife · 04-10-2007, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive

This is what I found. Cab swap makes more sense than suspension AND engine swap

1973-1975
Q=250 6 cyl.
T=292 6cyl.
X=307 V8
V=350-2
Y=350-4
U=400-4 V8
Z=454-4 V8

LMC catalog...

Jonboy · 04-09-2007, 10:25 PM

You are pretty much right on, according to the 1973 Chevy service manual. Is the SPID label still in the glove box, by any chance?

bigblock73 · 04-09-2007, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive

Did they make C20 shortbed with a 454?

There is no such thing as a 73-87 C20 shortbed, or even a K20 shortbed.

EDIT: From GM that is...but there are plenty of ppl who have made their own.

longhorn71 · 04-09-2007, 10:52 PM

or was it a vin and title swap?

jb4short · 04-10-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

There is no such thing as a 73-87 C20 shortbed, or even a K20 shortbed.

Good to know. I have the title in hand with that VIN and this is the truck

bigblock73 · 04-10-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive

Good to know. I have the title in hand with that VIN and this is the truck

That is a good looking truck.

I once saw a 80 something short bed fleetside once on a car lot, it was a 2wd truck with five lug wheels...and it had 3/4 ton 4wd emblems on the fenders...I looked at it because it was soo clean...but thought to myself "Gee, why in the hell wouldn't they change out the emblems on the fenders if they swapped fenders?". You gotta remember, these trucks are now 20-34 years old...leaving the door wide open for owners to modify, repair these trucks, and possibly confuse the hell out of future owners.

Oh, one more thing. That truck does not have a 73 grill in it...and if it has rain gutters above the doors, then those won't be factory for a 73 either. Also, the front headlight bezels are 79-80 units, and the front signals should be amber, not clear. This truck has been messed with a lot, not that it is a bad truck, but there is a lot that has been changed. I bet of you posted pics of the inside I could point out stuff in there too...especially if it has had a cab swap.

jb4short · 04-10-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

That is a good looking truck.

I once saw a 80 something short bed fleetside once on a car lot, it was a 2wd truck with five lug wheels...and it had 3/4 ton 4wd emblems on the fenders...I looked at it because it was soo clean...but thought to myself "Gee, why in the hell wouldn't they change out the emblems on the fenders if they swapped fenders?". You gotta remember, these trucks are now 20-34 years old...leaving the door wide open for owners to modify, repair these trucks, and possibly confuse the hell out of future owners.

Oh, one more thing. That truck does not have a 73 grill in it...and if it has rain gutters above the doors, then those won't be factory for a 73 either. Also, the front headlight bezels are 79-80 units, and the front signals should be amber, not clear. This truck has been messed with a lot, not that it is a bad truck, but there is a lot that has been changed. I bet of you posted pics of the inside I could point out stuff in there too...especially if it has had a cab swap.

My father went and looked at the truck for me; and this IS the truck. I'm worried that the VIN tag has been changed to match a title because this doesn't appear to be the truck the title says it is.

Thanks for the information!

87 STEPPER · 04-10-2007, 08:42 AM

Verry nice looking stepper there!

Now i'm as confused as the truck is, Are you the new owner or not?

Ivan D. · 04-10-2007, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive

Good to know. I have the title in hand with that VIN and this is the truck

That looks just like my '79 C10!!! Except yer bed has the marker lights on the sides of the rear fenders, I ain't lucky enough to have those. All in all sweet truck, and for 3k if it runs as good as it looks it's just a steal.

On a side note, that is a '79 grille it has, the '80 model has those weird rectangular headlights. Also every '79 I've seen has clear markers in the grille, must have been a one-year-wonder.

NitroMike · 04-10-2007, 08:19 AM

Jon,

Looks like a good start. Hey, I turned out okay and I have a very questionable past and ancestory!

jb4short · 04-10-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitroMike

Jon,

Looks like a good start. Hey, I turned out okay and I have a very questionable past and ancestory!

LOL...I'm still working on the "Denying I have 27 year old kids" mod myself

Srubydo1986 · 04-10-2007, 09:35 AM

Well if you what to know if alot has been done to it you could always look for the vin on the frame. (that year did have one right) problem is you not were the truck is so you cant just check it.

Either or for 3k and that clean of a truck id say go for it. With virginia law all i need is a title, truck doesnt have to be with me at dmv.

boatpuller · 04-10-2007, 11:16 AM

yeah..........i can see why you were interested.nice find.i like it.

87 STEPPER · 04-10-2007, 12:11 PM

Yeah i'd grab it for that price and if theres any snags in the paperwork that can allways be corrected one way or another.

She's a real looker

04-09-2007, 06:50 PM	#1
jb4short Damn Yankee Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 2,261	Need help....any info? I'm thinking of buying a truck but something doesn't add up. I am hoping someone can enlighten me or offer their thoughts. The truck is a '73 shortbed stepside 2wd with a 350 column shift automatic. It's got 5 lug wheels and it's completely rust free. Here's the rub: The VIN from the title decodes as a 3/4 ton 454 4bbl (CCZ243F444644) Did they make C20 shortbed with a 454? Seems like that combination would want to swap ends when you get on the gas. If the truck is (was) what the VIN says someone changed the suspension and motor but bolted plywood over the bed wood. This just doesn't add up to me but I don't know these trucks that well. Any thoughts? Last edited by jb4short; 04-09-2007 at 06:52 PM.

04-09-2007, 07:03 PM	#2
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Need help....any info? They did make a 1/2 ton 2wd 454 shortbed. With all 235 HP, it wouldn't swap ends as much as you might think. I would bet the cab was swapped rather than everything else.

04-09-2007, 07:07 PM	#3
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Need help....any info? your the second guy in just a few days with the same vin question. ccz is chevy,,,,2wd,,,,,z stands for diesel.i was in that same boat wondering what the heck ? i have a former diesel too.does it have hydoboost brake system? that's another giveaway. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

04-09-2007, 07:17 PM	#4
hiway Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Enola Arkansas Posts: 380	Re: Need help....any info? 73 diesel? Sounds like a cab swap. __________________ Everythang relates to Beer! 86 1/2ton on tons! sbc/465/208/D60/14/35's 81 Postal....with 468 bbc 97 Merc Marq comuter 07 Suburban 02 Danger Ranger

04-09-2007, 07:35 PM	#6
jb4short Damn Yankee Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 2,261	Re: Need help....any info? CCZ243F444644 Model Year 1973 Division (unknown code) Chassis 2 Wheel Drive Body Style Pickup Series 3/4-Ton Engine V8-454 4 bbl. Assembly Plant Flint, MI Sequential Number 444644 This is from American Classic's decoder and I ran it on another site w/same result. I don't doubt that something was swapped; but a 5 lug 350? I hadn't even thought of a cab swap.

04-09-2007, 07:50 PM	#8
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Need help....any info? your probably right.z may have been diesel in 79-80,but 454 in 73.i'm gonna check around. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

04-09-2007, 07:51 PM	#9
jb4short Damn Yankee Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 2,261	Re: Need help....any info? This is what I found. Cab swap makes more sense than suspension AND engine swap 1973-1975 Q=250 6 cyl. T=292 6cyl. X=307 V8 V=350-2 Y=350-4 U=400-4 V8 Z=454-4 V8

04-09-2007, 08:01 PM	#10
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Need help....any info? your info is right on.78-79 years the ccz was a diesel vin.in 73 it was 454.so it could be original cab.if it was a diesel it would have a hydroboost,unless that got changed to. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

04-09-2007, 08:06 PM	#11
jb4short Damn Yankee Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 2,261	Re: Need help....any info? that's the issue....there's no 454 in it and with a 3/4 ton VIN I don't think it should have the 5 lug wheels either. I wanted opinions because the title doesn't really seem to fit the truck and I don't know how common that is on these older trucks.

04-09-2007, 10:25 PM	#13
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Need help....any info? You are pretty much right on, according to the 1973 Chevy service manual. Is the SPID label still in the glove box, by any chance? Last edited by Jonboy; 04-09-2007 at 10:26 PM.

04-09-2007, 10:52 PM	#15
longhorn71 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: CANADA Posts: 1,681	Re: Need help....any info? or was it a vin and title swap?

04-10-2007, 08:42 AM	#19
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Re: Need help....any info? Verry nice looking stepper there! Now i'm as confused as the truck is, Are you the new owner or not? __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE

04-10-2007, 08:19 AM	#21
NitroMike Active Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 346	Re: Need help....any info? Jon, Looks like a good start. Hey, I turned out okay and I have a very questionable past and ancestory! __________________ The older I get, the faster I was!!

04-10-2007, 09:35 AM	#23
Srubydo1986 The Crazy Machanic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nokesville Va Posts: 1,437	Re: Need help....any info? Well if you what to know if alot has been done to it you could always look for the vin on the frame. (that year did have one right) problem is you not were the truck is so you cant just check it. Either or for 3k and that clean of a truck id say go for it. With virginia law all i need is a title, truck doesnt have to be with me at dmv. __________________ 1986 Sliverado longbed 400 small block mean as hell, 700r4 trans (5 speed coming one day) 1970 chevelle 2dr sedan Latest update June 24 2007. 1957 4 door stationwagon - pink all original needing a good restore (body great, floors bad) newest additions 1965 shortbed fleet great granddads. Been told im nuts to bring it back from the dead (still going to happen) plans-all stock with a turbo 292 inline 3 speed column shift. and thats it big block 427 and 5 speed trans and ford 9 inch theyhave no home yet thinking what to put them in and a 79 c60 trash truck um no idea i have one Last edited by Srubydo1986; 04-10-2007 at 09:36 AM.*

04-10-2007, 11:16 AM	#24
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Need help....any info? yeah..........i can see why you were interested.nice find.i like it. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."



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04-10-2007, 12:11 PM	#25
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Re: Need help....any info? Yeah i'd grab it for that price and if theres any snags in the paperwork that can allways be corrected one way or another. She's a real looker __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE

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