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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Custom Camper vs Longhorn
I want to make sure I know what I'm talking about, because I'm not sure that I do :-)
What should a 133" GMC (Longhorn) be called? They were all Custom Campers, but the Custom Camper nameplate was available seperately on 127" trucks as well. On Chevrolet it's easy, they called them a Longhorn. What's the right way to look at a GMC "Longhorn"? How do you differentiate a 133" GMC Custom Camper from a 127" GMC w/ Custom Camper nameplate? Or put another way, other than the wheelbase, what on the SPID makes a GMC a "Longhorn" (but not called that)?
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Backwoods, OR
Posts: 888
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Well...
I'm not sure but the longhorn nameplate is wheelbase determined whilst the custom camper nameplate was based on a group of options not wheelbase. Theoretically with the correct options group one could have a short wheelbase custom camper but never a short wheelbase longhorn. However I'm not really sure what I just said above is fact so hopefully somebody will either prove it right or wrong but I think I'm close. Cheers! Posted via Mobile Device |
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#3 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
You have a C3500 Wideside, but what would a C2500 133" Wideside be called? I now here was no trade name, but how did anyone involved differentiate between the standard C2500 and the 133"?
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Actually mine's a C2500 wide-fleet 133", and it's a Custom Camper, but could you get one that wasn't? Sounds like you could, but I don't recall ever seeing one.
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#5 |
Senior Member
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Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Yes, you can have a Longhorn that is not name-plated as a Custom Camper. That does not mean it could not haul or carry what a Custom Camper could - that's strictly a GVWR thing. 133" wheel base and Z81 can be on the same truck, 3/4 or 1 ton - but neither requires the other - and neither includes the other. The confusion centers around the fact that both are HD-related, and, as such, Z81 was often clicked off on the option list for whatever reason the original owner chose when he was also buying a longhorn - which, by the way, normally chosen to support carrying the long camper that required an 8.5 bed - so Z81 is common to see paired up with Longhorn - but, again, not required or included.
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#6 |
Senior Member
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Location: Godley, TX
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
We've all seen plenty of 3/4 ton Custom Campers with 127" wheelbase. But here are some of many non-Z81 Longhorn examples:
EDIT - Dave, I realize now you're talking specifically to GMC - I BELIEVE that the same applies to both Chev and GMC, but I don't have any pics of GMCs (except for yours of course!) Last edited by jocko; 09-21-2016 at 08:18 PM. |
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#7 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Yes, the custom Camper option was by itself. You could have either WB C2500 and not a Custom Camper.
Longhorn Man had a blog on Longhorns and in that he said the GMC 133" WB P/us were called Custom Campers. But I don't think that was accurate. I think that is where the confusion comes from. i have never seen any literature to support that. It would make no sense to use an already in use name on something of a different definition. There would be C2500 Custom Camper Custom Campers, C2500 Custom Campers, and C2500 Custom Campers with no Custom Camper option. Just like all the other models, GMC just went with what it was, a C2500 Wideside with 133" WB
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#8 |
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Tampa Bay
Posts: 1,549
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Here is 3 that are 133'WB and not a custom camper.
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CHEVY/GMC VIN DECODERS |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Homedale, Idaho
Posts: 160
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Mine just says Custom 20. There were no Longhorn emblems on the rear fenders, and no camper designation on the SPID.
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Grandpa ![]() 1989 GMC K2500 1958 Alaskan Camper all original WORK : A necessary evil that finances what I really like to do. |
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#10 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Just so you guys know, this thread is about "GMC 133" wheelbase Wideside pickups". We know Chevy named all 133" WB Fleetsides "Longhorn" and the "Custom Camper" option was no different with those than with any other truck that option was available on. The question is, more or less, what were the GMC 133" WB Wideside pickups called? It has been suggested that those were called "Custom Campers" and I saw that can't be. Surely, if they had a name at all, it wouldn't be the same name given to a specific option.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 09-22-2016 at 10:00 PM. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Let's back up a step maybe - what's the actual difference on a Chevrolet between a 133" truck that IS a Longhorn and one that is not? Besides the badge on the side, what's the option code and what does "Longhorn" actually include?
Once we've got that locked away we can look at the more complicated GMC side...
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#12 | |
The Niner
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Location: Broad Brook, CT
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Quote:
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"A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/ |
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#13 |
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Only Chevy's had "Longhorn" badges.
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#14 |
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
And not all trucks with the extra 6" in the bed were Longhorns. So what makes a Longhorn a Longhorn if NOT merely the bed, since you could get that without being a Longhorn?
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#15 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Actually, alll Chevy 133" Fleetsides are what a Longhorn was. There had always been Stepside/Fenderside pickups in C/30 and C3500 series, but in '68 the wide bed was introduced as the Chevrolet Longhorn and GMC made one, too. We just don't know a name for those. The true uniqueness is in the C/20 and C2500s as well. Those were 3/4t trucks but on the 133" chassis which was a 1t chassis. The 133 chassis is the cab & chassis chassis, but there were always 1t pickups. Not until '68 was there ever a 1t wide bed pickup
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#16 |
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Tampa Bay
Posts: 1,549
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Dave, ALL Chevrolet trucks with 133' WB and the extra 6" Fleetside bed were Longhorns.
The GMC equivalent did NOT have a sales name. They were just called by what ever they were badged as Custom, Sierra, Sierra Grande, Custom Camper etc.. EDIT, Tim, We don't know the name because there isn't one. GMC just didn't give them a special name.
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#17 |
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Its really simple,
69 GMC 8-1/2 bed trucks are model coded C_260OD or C-360OD and the 70-72s are model coded C_26034 or C_36034. Chevrolet Longhorns, 68-72, model numbers are C_21034 or C_31034. By definition all of these are an 8-1/2 foot bed Fleetside or Wideside with a wood floor bed. The wood floor normally RPO E81, to generalize, will not be listed on the SPID since it was included in the base build of these models. All of the above model numbers sat on the longer 1-ton C30/C3500 frames giving it a 133" wheelbase. However that was really the only upgrade beyond a leaf spring suspension that was normally optional on the C20/C2500 8' bed trucks. In any event they are not sprung heavier and any HD spring options were just that optional and again should be listed on the SPID. If you don't have one of those six basic model numbers (fill in the engine letter) then it is not a factory 8-1/2 foot bed. If its a GMC it was not called nor identified as a "Longhorn" by any GM reference I can find but simply designated by the model number. GM didn't build 4x4 versions so there are no known K series versions of either brand so all the applicable model numbers will start with a "C". The Z81 Custom Camper option in no way "included" the longer 8-1/2 foot bed. It was a stand alone option. If your truck has Custom Camper emblems they should be on the SPID.
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban Last edited by SS Tim; 09-22-2016 at 08:27 PM. |
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#18 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
The thing is, I have never in all these years ever heard a person refer to their truck by model number. So it's not that simple. In the books, at the factory, and at a dealership are the only places model number was used...oh, and a truck forum 40+ years down the road. We're talkin' street language here, not factory talk. I knew there wasn't a name for the GMCs, but that is what Dave was asking about. The C2500 is the only hard one because a 1t you can just call a C3500 Wideside. It's that simple. With a C2500 you have to include the WB, 133" C2500 Wideside.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
OK, so if I understand correctly:
Chevy 133" -> Implies Longhorn -> Optional Custom Camper available GMC 133" -> "No Name Given" -> Optional Custom Camper available So you can have a Chevy or a GMC 133 without the Custom Camper option. In the Chevy case it's a Longhorn, the GMC version has no name. But I'm still convinced there are two meanings of Custom Camper on the GMC - the 133" camper bed and the Camper Equipment group option. I just don't remember why I think that...
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#20 |
Senior Member
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Nope. 133" is just a longer frame and 6" sheetmetal extension for the bed. While it's no coincidence there are lots of 133" wb trucks (Model # on GMC side and "Longhorn" name on the Chev side) with the Z81 Custom Camper nameplate RPO added on by the original owner (after all, if you were buying a 6" longer truck that was purpose built to accommodate the larger campers, the odds are that you were gonna put a camper on it - so Z81 is a likely RPO to choose), they are indeed entirely separate. Can have a 133" wb truck with or without Z81 option, as shown above.
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#21 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Dave, when you first got the truck you probably went to Longhorn Man's website to learn about your truck and that's where you red that. No one ever contested that on the site. I have a pair of GMC fender badges that say Custom Camper 3500. I asked Andy what he thought those would have come on and he couldn't say. I'm still not sure what would have run those. Has anyone else seen these? I believe mine are N.O.S.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#22 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
I know this is an old thread but it was a good read. I do have a question though. My father in law has a 67 GMC C30 cab & chassis. The vin breaks down to a 133" with. Even though it was built as a c&c does that still mean it could fit a longhorn bed on it? He bought this truck new and it always had a flatbed on it. This has me curious.
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#23 | |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
Quote:
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other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless. |
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#24 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
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Roy 85 Short Bed Silverado- Work in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564818 1987 R10 shortie |
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#25 |
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Re: Custom Camper vs Longhorn
I'm sure the Longhorn bed would work, but I would expect a few hiccups. The bed mounts may or may not be there but shouldn't be hard to find. The dual wheels would stick out so fender extensions like a dually would be needed.
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other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless. |
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