New truck incoming

[Laser145]

After a great deal of searching I've snagged a new truck.

1976 SWB 4x4. Truck is Arizona raised, rust free. the 350 was rebuilt by a local machine shop and a 700r4 was rebuilt and installed as well. Running 4.10 gears on the rear and the NP205 T-case. It's a camper special with an extra leaf on the rear.

The bit I don't like is a sunroof was installed. But I've been told it's leak-free, I'll learn to love it or I'll deal with it down the road.

Dash pad is in poor shape and no radio is installed right now, but dash isn't cut.

Now for pics...

[Eyegore]

Yep that's an AZ truck alright, can tell from the dash. Nice find!!!
Keep checking the sunroof though, they don't leak because it hardly rains here.

[greg64]

Nice looking truck! I really like the front-end. It's what mine would look like if all spruced up.

[73Super8]

Beautiful truck.

[Laser145]

Thanks!

The steering wheel and dash pad will be replaced first, baring any mechanical issues.

Some confusion on which dash pad will work... 73-78 was the same, then 79-80 was different? (Obviously 81-87 is different).

Cheers
Taylor

[ray_mcavoy]

Nice truck!! Looks like your time spent searching for a good rust free one paid off!

Originally Posted by Laser145

Some confusion on which dash pad will work... 73-78 was the same, then 79-80 was different? (Obviously 81-87 is different).

Yes, 73-78 dash pads are the same. For these years, the VIN plate is riveted to the cab's door jamb area (just below the striker bolt) so there isn't an opening in the dash.

The 79-80 pads have a rectangular opening in the dash for the VIN plate to show through. Otherwise, they look the same as a 73-78 pad.

Originally Posted by Eyegore

Yep that's an AZ truck alright, can tell from the dash.

LOL! ... and here I was thinking that doesn't look all that bad for an AZ dash.
It looks way better than the one in my 77 plow truck ... I'm not sure what made this one crack so bad.

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

the other thing I noticed is that is not a 76 column that's an 84 up column better make sure they didn't ddo a cab swap and leave another VIN in there

Yeah, I noticed that 84+ steering column too. And the door panels look to be 81+ style as well.

However, it has the wiper switch on the dash too so there's still a good possibility that it's the original cab. Someone probably just swapped in the newer column to add tilt. And swapped on newer doors to add power windows & locks.

[old Rusty C10]

beautiful truck the other thing I noticed is that is not a 76 column that's an 84 up column better make sure they didn't ddo a cab swap and leave another VIN in there

[77c10]

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

beautiful truck the other thing I noticed is that is not a 76 column that's an 84 up column better make sure they didn't ddo a cab swap and leave another VIN in there

Good eye!

[Laser145]

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

beautiful truck the other thing I noticed is that is not a 76 column that's an 84 up column better make sure they didn't ddo a cab swap and leave another VIN in there

Where is the VIN stamped on a 76? Same as my 87?

[68post]

Truck looks great ! I've didn't think "Camper Special" was available on a shortbed !?

One tip for your sunroof. On a full sunshine day - open ,or remove, the sunroof and clean the seal with glass cleaner , or anything, then coat the seal with petroleum jelly and let it sit with sun on it for at least an hour. Alot will soak-in and you can wipe off any excess.
It will make the seal feel like new - soft and pliable , and seals better.

[Laser145]

That rubber seal trick sounds similar to something I've done to soften old carb boots on motorcycles... Use a mixture of wintergreen oil and xylene to soften them. Works great.

[truckin 79]

That is one nice truck

[Shifty One]

Fine looking truck!

[77K10Silverado]

Sweet truck! Whats your plans on her?

[Laser145]

Good eyes on ya'll!

The PO wanted something he could get up to interstate speed with, so he ditched the 3 speed for a 700r4 (kept the 4.10 rear). He added power windows and locks, and tilt wheel. He's been using the truck as a camping vehicle and wanted a little more comfort.

My plans are to take it back a little closer to stock, at least appearance wise. It's to be my daily driver.

Stock wheel, new dash pad, stock radio. I'm going to install a modern stereo behind the seat or in the glove box... I want it hidden, but I want the modern functions.

I'm also going to lose the 4.10 gears. They're more than I need. I'll be searching for 3.42 maybe, haven't done my research yet.

She'll get a spray-in bedliner, the carpet will come up and sound deadening will go in, then carpet back down.

I'll keep her civilized.

Cheers

[natedogg]

Nice truck! First thing I noticed was the 79-80 hood.

[old Rusty C10]

the trans swap explains the newer column The VIN is supposed to be riveted to the pillar but I was gonna say pop off the dash cover and make sure there is nothing in the way of a VIN on the dash left

[Laser145]

The vin on the pillar is present and matches the title.

I'll be removing that dash before long regardless!

I believe the guage cluster is original, therefore won't indicate a setting for overdrive.