Square body extended cabs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rare86 · 10-05-2009, 09:53 PM

Information on these trucks is somewhat scarce. I have found several that I know where made by Custom Vehicles International in Arlington Texas, and one made by Stage Coach conversions. From the information from owners that I have talked to, I have come to the conclusion that most of the trucks were built by Custom Vehicles International, and then shipped to various conversion companies that finished the interior and paint upgrades. The most extravegant ones, interior and exterior wise, are the Western Hauler, Overland Coach, and Tra-Tech conversions. I have one Tra-Tech extended crewcab, and two half ton extended cabs. The halftons do not have the fancy interior, which leads me to believe they may have been completed at CVI before delivery. I have found that the majority of these trucks were special order through dealers at a cost of $6000 according to one owner who has had his truck since new. I have contacted Western Hauler, and have been told they dont have any records of these trucks, though I have seen several with their badges on them. I have not been able to get any information on CVI, Tra-Tech, Overland Coach, or Stage Coach conversions. Its like they just disappeared. I am still looking though. I have found one guy who says he has a brochure from CVI with one on the cover, but cant get in contact with him for a copy.
Production numbers are all over the board. I have heard that 2510 total were made between 84-87, and I have heard that only 50 were made in 84 and 500 made in 85. I have not heard any production numbers for the extended crewcabs, of which I have only seen 8 total. This is why this site thread has been started, so we can try to document as many as possible.

Currently, these are the stats that I know of:
20-1/2ton extended cabs: 1-83, 2-84s, 13-85s, 2-86s (both GMC's) and
2-87s.

5-1/2 ton 4wds (all 85 Chevys)

3-3/4 ton 2wds

4-3/4 ton 4wds

2- 1 ton extednded cabs (cabs are correct, dont know for sure if they were orignally 1 ton duallies)

8- extended crewcabs- 4 have the pickup bed, and the other 4 have the Western hauler beds.
This is just what I have so far. I have more photos and info on http://conversiontrucks.net

This is where you come in. Any information you may have will be very valuable to putting the peices of this puzzle together. Any information is just speculation until we can find the hard documentation. For now, we just keep our eyes and ears open for the truth.

Here is information to help determine the difference between one made in the 80's sold through dealers, and ones made more recently.
I know that all of the CVI conversions had these interior peices ( note the back wall, jumper seats, and window surrounds. Some of the Overland Coach and Western Hauler interiors have more, padded type window surrounds)

The back portion of the cab used the floor section that was removed from the bed.

And this is how the bed was modified

LiveAnimals · 10-05-2009, 11:34 PM

Good Info

JohnC · 10-06-2009, 09:35 AM

Great info. I'm glad you are a part of the boards. These trucks are becoming more popular, and to have someone with information, and a dedication to them is invaluable. Thanks, and I look forward to learning more about them.

bobs84 · 10-06-2009, 04:48 PM

Keep up the search I sure apreciate the info. Good luck on the search.
Bob

rare86 · 10-06-2009, 07:43 PM

Thanks guys. I dont know everything about them, but Im continually searching. I also have those like Bobs84 that are invaluable in keeping an eye out. The info I have is based off of info from owners. I know of only one original owner, and have been waiting for documents from him, if he can find them. I will make the 2 hour trip to see him soon and hopefully get the missing peices. I encourage anyone who has the info to prove me wrong on my research. If you have the documents, I'll happily say Im wrong. For now, I just have to go by what I know.

JohnC · 10-06-2009, 08:17 PM

Well you can count me in as another set of eyes. Anything info I come across on these, and any that I see I'll send your way. Keep it up man.

**truckfan** · 10-06-2009, 10:07 PM

in 1989 i looked to buy an 1985 or so extended crew off a lot in Muskogee OK. i think it was a "trail boss", though that was 20 years ago. had a western hauler style bed but i don't think it was a WH. i had not seen another at that point. i think it was streched as it seemed to have the full length bed. it was two tone red w/ that conversion paint scheme.

rare86 · 10-07-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckfan

in 1989 i looked to buy an 1985 or so extended crew off a lot in Muskogee OK. i think it was a "trail boss", though that was 20 years ago. had a western hauler style bed but i don't think it was a WH. i had not seen another at that point. i think it was streched as it seemed to have the full length bed. it was two tone red w/ that conversion paint scheme.

Thanks guys. I do appreciate any and all info. Even if I have seen it before, it helps me keep up with it if it changes owners. I have alot of owners who dont repsond to emails or anything else. (I dont hammer them to much either)
My 86 has "The Boss" badges on it. All of them are solid braass, and are very heavy.
Once again, Thanks

Scootin 81 C20 · 10-07-2009, 10:44 PM

I remember seeing a flat bed extended cab when I was prolly about 5 or 6 years old. I remember it distinctly because I used to see it every Saturday at the gas station that my dad worked at. It was a 4x4 and had the 1 ton clearance lights. I'm not sure what year it was, but I remember it having a 1980 Silverado style grille in it. IDK if this helps any, but it's a truck that I wish I could see it again. Sadly, the guy that owned it was a fireman and he passed away a few years back and his house and the truck were sold at an auction and I haven't seen it since.

Thanks
Benjamin.

JohnC · 10-08-2009, 08:19 AM

I have some pictures of one that was for sale here in OKC several years ago. I'll see if I can try and dig them out, and get them posted.

rare86 · 10-08-2009, 07:52 PM

Scootin 81 C20, i enjoy reading stories about these things whether there are pics or not. I just enjoy the stories. Thanks
John C, that would be great. I am trying hoping to find at least 50 by the end of the year, and so far Im only at 40. And tis taken 3 years to get to that. Thanks again

clinebarger · 10-08-2009, 10:14 PM

Well you already have my info CVI#178. glad you joined the site!

rare86 · 10-09-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinebarger

Well you already have my info CVI#178. glad you joined the site!

Yes sir. Havent heard from you in a while, but glad your here too. I may have to make a trip out that way to look at you truck in person some day.

JohnC · 10-09-2009, 08:00 AM

I know Joe231 found one for sale in OKC a month or so ago. I'll see if I can find the pics he posted on here.

clinebarger · 10-09-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rare86

Yes sir. Havent heard from you in a while, but glad your here too. I may have to make a trip out that way to look at you truck in person some day.

Your welcome to come look at it anytime

rare86 · 10-09-2009, 08:41 PM

When you get a chance, can you send me somemore pictures of you truck. I want to post them on my site, and only have the one small one. Or you can do it when you get a chance.

clinebarger · 10-11-2009, 05:44 PM

Heres one, I hope its bigger

rare86 · 10-13-2009, 08:02 AM

Definately better. Any interior?

JohnC · 10-13-2009, 09:23 AM

That looks like a nice truck. Very clean.

Kaysenmc · 10-15-2009, 11:25 PM

Here is one I found that has a shortened short bed on it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...RCHQ3aUSQ3a101
I have wanted one of these for a long time now and almost bought one locally but at the time I wasn't ready to tackle a project that big. it has since changed owners a few times and is now about a half mile from my house, I just know i am gonna wind up with it eventually.. lol

rare86 · 10-16-2009, 10:59 PM

if you would, get me some info on it, or have the owner contacts me. Id like to know if its another one, or if I have info on it. Id really appreciate it.

jgh64pkup · 10-27-2009, 10:15 PM

wow one of my buddies has a 3/4 ton 4x4
so there is 3 other than his
WOW!!!

**scotts62** · 11-01-2009, 09:36 AM

Cool! i have only seen one ever and thought at the time that they made it, i didn't know the factory made some also.

mbgmike · 11-01-2009, 10:30 AM

I used to live in Wise county Tx. The dealership in Decatur Texas used to sell alot of them. They were the largest dealer in the area cause their was not much out there. He sold a lot of them but you did not see many driving around the area. I thought they did them right next door cause they always seemed to have new cut up trucks there

joe231 · 11-12-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaysenmc

Here is one I found that has a shortened short bed on it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...RCHQ3aUSQ3a101
I have wanted one of these for a long time now and almost bought one locally but at the time I wasn't ready to tackle a project that big. it has since changed owners a few times and is now about a half mile from my house, I just know i am gonna wind up with it eventually.. lol

wow, that went cheap!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotts62

Cool! i have only seen one ever and thought at the time that they made it, i didn't know the factory made some also.

the factory didn't make them, they were conversions......

10-05-2009, 11:34 PM	#2
LiveAnimals Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Antelope, CA Posts: 681	Re: Square body extended cabs Good Info __________________ Kameron YESTERDAY IS HISTORY - TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY I'm a Middle ClASS HOLE 07.5 Dodge 3500 CTD -- Daily 73 C10 Factory BB SWB 2WD

10-06-2009, 09:35 AM	#3
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Square body extended cabs Great info. I'm glad you are a part of the boards. These trucks are becoming more popular, and to have someone with information, and a dedication to them is invaluable. Thanks, and I look forward to learning more about them.

10-06-2009, 04:48 PM	#4
bobs84 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Rosemount mn Posts: 45	Re: Square body extended cabs Keep up the search I sure apreciate the info. Good luck on the search. Bob

10-06-2009, 07:43 PM	#5
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: Square body extended cabs Thanks guys. I dont know everything about them, but Im continually searching. I also have those like Bobs84 that are invaluable in keeping an eye out. The info I have is based off of info from owners. I know of only one original owner, and have been waiting for documents from him, if he can find them. I will make the 2 hour trip to see him soon and hopefully get the missing peices. I encourage anyone who has the info to prove me wrong on my research. If you have the documents, I'll happily say Im wrong. For now, I just have to go by what I know. __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.

10-06-2009, 08:17 PM	#6
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Square body extended cabs Well you can count me in as another set of eyes. Anything info I come across on these, and any that I see I'll send your way. Keep it up man.

10-05-2009, 09:53 PM	#1
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Square body extended cabs Information on these trucks is somewhat scarce. I have found several that I know where made by Custom Vehicles International in Arlington Texas, and one made by Stage Coach conversions. From the information from owners that I have talked to, I have come to the conclusion that most of the trucks were built by Custom Vehicles International, and then shipped to various conversion companies that finished the interior and paint upgrades. The most extravegant ones, interior and exterior wise, are the Western Hauler, Overland Coach, and Tra-Tech conversions. I have one Tra-Tech extended crewcab, and two half ton extended cabs. The halftons do not have the fancy interior, which leads me to believe they may have been completed at CVI before delivery. I have found that the majority of these trucks were special order through dealers at a cost of $6000 according to one owner who has had his truck since new. I have contacted Western Hauler, and have been told they dont have any records of these trucks, though I have seen several with their badges on them. I have not been able to get any information on CVI, Tra-Tech, Overland Coach, or Stage Coach conversions. Its like they just disappeared. I am still looking though. I have found one guy who says he has a brochure from CVI with one on the cover, but cant get in contact with him for a copy. Production numbers are all over the board. I have heard that 2510 total were made between 84-87, and I have heard that only 50 were made in 84 and 500 made in 85. I have not heard any production numbers for the extended crewcabs, of which I have only seen 8 total. This is why this site thread has been started, so we can try to document as many as possible. Currently, these are the stats that I know of: 20-1/2ton extended cabs: 1-83, 2-84s, 13-85s, 2-86s (both GMC's) and 2-87s. 5-1/2 ton 4wds (all 85 Chevys) 3-3/4 ton 2wds 4-3/4 ton 4wds 2- 1 ton extednded cabs (cabs are correct, dont know for sure if they were orignally 1 ton duallies) 8- extended crewcabs- 4 have the pickup bed, and the other 4 have the Western hauler beds. This is just what I have so far. I have more photos and info on http://conversiontrucks.net This is where you come in. Any information you may have will be very valuable to putting the peices of this puzzle together. Any information is just speculation until we can find the hard documentation. For now, we just keep our eyes and ears open for the truth. Here is information to help determine the difference between one made in the 80's sold through dealers, and ones made more recently. I know that all of the CVI conversions had these interior peices ( note the back wall, jumper seats, and window surrounds. Some of the Overland Coach and Western Hauler interiors have more, padded type window surrounds) The back portion of the cab used the floor section that was removed from the bed. And this is how the bed was modified __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention. Last edited by rare86; 10-05-2009 at 09:57 PM.

10-06-2009, 10:07 PM	#7
truckfan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lawrence KS Posts: 821	Re: Square body extended cabs in 1989 i looked to buy an 1985 or so extended crew off a lot in Muskogee OK. i think it was a "trail boss", though that was 20 years ago. had a western hauler style bed but i don't think it was a WH. i had not seen another at that point. i think it was streched as it seemed to have the full length bed. it was two tone red w/ that conversion paint scheme. __________________ 1981 Chevy C30 440 Holmes 42K one owner miles

10-07-2009, 10:44 PM	#9
Scootin 81 C20 3/4 Ton Rodder Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manlius, IL Posts: 1,146	Re: Square body extended cabs I remember seeing a flat bed extended cab when I was prolly about 5 or 6 years old. I remember it distinctly because I used to see it every Saturday at the gas station that my dad worked at. It was a 4x4 and had the 1 ton clearance lights. I'm not sure what year it was, but I remember it having a 1980 Silverado style grille in it. IDK if this helps any, but it's a truck that I wish I could see it again. Sadly, the guy that owned it was a fireman and he passed away a few years back and his house and the truck were sold at an auction and I haven't seen it since. Thanks Benjamin. __________________ 1981 Chevy Scottsdale C20 "Orange Crush": SOLD 1989 Chevy Silverado K2500: All Stock (For Now), 350 TBI/700R4. DD/Light Duty Toy.

10-08-2009, 08:19 AM	#10
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Square body extended cabs I have some pictures of one that was for sale here in OKC several years ago. I'll see if I can try and dig them out, and get them posted.

10-08-2009, 07:52 PM	#11
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: Square body extended cabs Scootin 81 C20, i enjoy reading stories about these things whether there are pics or not. I just enjoy the stories. Thanks John C, that would be great. I am trying hoping to find at least 50 by the end of the year, and so far Im only at 40. And tis taken 3 years to get to that. Thanks again __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.

10-08-2009, 10:14 PM	#12
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Square body extended cabs Well you already have my info CVI#178. glad you joined the site!

10-09-2009, 08:00 AM	#14
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Square body extended cabs I know Joe231 found one for sale in OKC a month or so ago. I'll see if I can find the pics he posted on here.

10-09-2009, 08:41 PM	#16
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: Square body extended cabs When you get a chance, can you send me somemore pictures of you truck. I want to post them on my site, and only have the one small one. Or you can do it when you get a chance. __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.

10-11-2009, 05:44 PM	#17
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Square body extended cabs Heres one, I hope its bigger Attached Images

10-13-2009, 08:02 AM	#18
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: Square body extended cabs Definately better. Any interior? __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.



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10-13-2009, 09:23 AM	#19
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Square body extended cabs That looks like a nice truck. Very clean.

10-15-2009, 11:25 PM	#20
Kaysenmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Marietta, Ok Posts: 246	Re: Square body extended cabs Here is one I found that has a shortened short bed on it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...RCHQ3aUSQ3a101 I have wanted one of these for a long time now and almost bought one locally but at the time I wasn't ready to tackle a project that big. it has since changed owners a few times and is now about a half mile from my house, I just know i am gonna wind up with it eventually.. lol __________________ 87 black silverado swb, tbi 350, 700r4, 3.40 gears. 2.5 drop spindles , 2 inches off stock coils, flip kit out back. cragers with radial ta's... ongoing piddle project! 1970 Olds rallye 350, street strip 403/350 3.73 posi. Looks stock/runnin 12's! 86 K5- SOLD!

10-16-2009, 10:59 PM	#21
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: Square body extended cabs if you would, get me some info on it, or have the owner contacts me. Id like to know if its another one, or if I have info on it. Id really appreciate it. __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.

10-27-2009, 10:15 PM	#22
jgh64pkup Sunburst C10!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,560	Re: Square body extended cabs wow one of my buddies has a 3/4 ton 4x4 so there is 3 other than his WOW!!! __________________ Gage 1967 C10 Shortbed Stepside

11-01-2009, 09:36 AM	#23
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: Square body extended cabs Cool! i have only seen one ever and thought at the time that they made it, i didn't know the factory made some also. __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

11-01-2009, 10:30 AM	#24
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Square body extended cabs I used to live in Wise county Tx. The dealership in Decatur Texas used to sell alot of them. They were the largest dealer in the area cause their was not much out there. He sold a lot of them but you did not see many driving around the area. I thought they did them right next door cause they always seemed to have new cut up trucks there Last edited by mbgmike; 11-01-2009 at 10:37 AM.

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