SOMEDAY has arrived - 67 Custmer Camper

[GMCPerson]

I bought this 1967 Custom Camper over 10 years ago. The body seemed to be in good condition (for Michigan) and with a 327/400 I thought it was an excellent deal for $400.00. I had 3 other 67-72 trucks in the past and really liked them so I had grand plans to bring this one back to it’s original luster. The truck came with a salvage title due to an accident the original owner’s brother had. The front clip was from a 1968 Chevy. For some reason I could not get the holes in the radiator support to line up with holes in the frame but I was able to drive the truck home. I had to empty out the bed since the prior owner had taken the camper apart and just left the remains in the bed. With the bed empty, I was happy to see that there were no rust holes in the steel floor.

I parked the truck in the field since my garage was full. It sat for two years. I then got married and changed jobs so I had to move. My new house did not have a garage so I had to get one built. That process took over 2 years (I was livid with my builder). While the garage was being built, the truck sat in my work parking lot since the new wife and the new subdivision both had rules about parking cars outside. Luckily it was a big parking lot and I moved the truck every once in a while so it did not look abandoned.

As soon as I had purchased the truck, I was amazed how many people stopped by and offered to buy it. Some people were even nice enough to offer to “haul it away for free”! I do not know how many times I said “It is not for sale - I am going to fix it up SOMEDAY”. A few people actually got pretty rude when I told them this. Did they think that calling me names was going to change my mind? Well to all of those people - SOMEDAY has arrived!

We are now to the time that I purchased a digital camera. All of the prior pictures from my original camera still have not been developed so here is the final half of my project.

[GMCPerson]

In the middle of the body work

[GMCPerson]

I found out that the frame was bent which is why the radiator support would never line up. I was disappointed since this frame was in good condition and even had most of the undercoating still on it. I decided it was cheaper to buy a different frame than to straighten this one. I ended up purchasing 1972 camper special frame from a local board member. The truck now has disc brakes!

[GMCPerson]

forgot pictures

[GMCPerson]

I wirebrushed, and used abrasive discs to remove the surface rust from the frame. I then applied Eastwood’s Rust Converter to stop the corrosion. Finally I overcoated with spray can undercoating.

I also had to buy new brake lines. The ones that came with the frame were rusted through in many places. A quick trip to Inline Tube and I had my lines. I was very happy with the quality and fit of the steel lines. I was glad they were local and I could drive to the shop so that the rear line did not have to be rolled up and mailed. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of the installation. I was just to excited to have these wonderful shiny lines on my truck. Unfortunately the front brake hoses from Inline were to short so I had to order another set from LMC. Inline did not think their hoses were to short and they chose not to reimburse me.

[GMCPerson]

Now it is time to move the cab to the new frame. The cherry picker under the roof on the cab worked so much better that lifting with chains from the floorpan as I had done before. It was an easy one person job. Thanks to all of those threads showing this method.

[bucket]

awesome truck! i love them stock.

[BACKYARD88]

That's clean. Kudos on the resto job!

[allgmcs]

The truck looks good. I enjoyed the photo documentation as well. Like you, I enjoy the resto journey more than the result.

[Captain Knievel]

This was great to read. Thanks for putting it all together.

[stllookn]

Great truck and nice job! I love the small back window '67's. I have had that same brain fade on 3/4 t. rear wheels with the hubcaps...LOL...only, once I realized that I had dented the cap,..I made it fit with a BFH!!!!!

[Chevyholic]

Congrats and great job!! Love the 67's!!

[customcamper72]

nice truck!

[Sport/Truck]

Nice job and great story!
s/t

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

That is a sweet truck. Congrats! Great job!

[Rokcrln]

Nice job on the truck but find it very funny that you think you live in a subdivision!! Most of the places here in Ca. that are subdivision's you can jump from roof to roof

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[GMCPerson]

There are only 7 houses in my sub - but it still considered a sub! It was one of the few subs in the Detroit area that would let me build an outbuilding. My wife was used to a smaller house with neighbors so close you could touch both houses at the same time and I wanted at least 10 acres so this was "our compromise". Of course the building had to be sided and bricked the same as the house. But you do what you got to do right?

I do not have the original hubcaps. The truck came with the early 80s caps on it. These caps are not as deep as the ones I need.

[19673ontree]

did you know that in 1967 chevrolet used 1967 3/4 ton custom camper truck's as the official fire truck's for the 1967 indy 500 ? here is some pic's and you can see the hubcaps ,

[Joe67]

Awesome! I love those progress pics all in one place. You should be very proud of that rig

[GMCPerson]

Thanks for all of the comments. I purchased the steering gear seal today. While I was at the parts store, I remembered that I needed the plugs from the undercoating which was done at some point. I went to the ZBart place next door and they sold me nice new plugs for the doors and rockers. They were $.25 each but they will fill the holes I have now.

[grayw0lf]

Very nice work!

[Idaho Outlaw]

Your pickup has turned out really nice. I like the paint color!

[boundstaffpress]

This looks great. I really like the color too. What an inspiration for those of us who are waiting to start our projects till we have the time and space.

[fourty1]

say GMC person,
Great read & totally Great truck !!
I really love the colors
-41-

[19673ontree]

super job super truck , just curious do you have the original hubcap's for the truck ? love the 67 custom camper's ,,,,,nice color's nice all the way around