1972 C20 Custom Order Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 02:37 PM

Hello Everyone,

Awesome board and great information, just to say it.

I have a question that I have been trying to resolve for a couple weeks. I traded up to a 1972 C20 Custom Camper recently. I am starting the whole restoration process and have a few questions as to the original equipment on the truck. The VIN and all stickers match on the vehicle, the codes define the C20 and all the major items, including color, trims and accessories. The 2nd owner I got it from removed the dual battery configuration and I want to restore it back to original config, but the original motor was swapped with a crate 350. I can't seem to find any details on the dual battery config, what it looks like or how to restore the setup.

I am also trying to establish if the 400 CID V-8 called out on the equipment list is actually the 402 Big Block, and why the Model# does not match any listing here I have found for my model and year. It may be a custom order from the factory but it is very hard to tell for me so far. I have attached the pics of the glove box SPI, Placard and Door Jam Sticker for reference and a shot of the actual truck. Its an awesome truck and I am having a blast going through it, but I want to be sure everything is up to Par on the details. It does have Big Block motor mounts in it which is why I am wondering if the OE was the 402 Big Block.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, you folks are the experts from everything I have read and need some expert info.

alsriv2 · 08-24-2012, 03:28 PM

Welcome to the board!

That is a very nice looking truck. I am not an expert on the optioning on SPIDs, but you will find others who will be able to give you exactly the information you need. I suspect your truck did indeed have the 402BB installed when it was new.

I too have a Custom Camper ('69 GMC), but it was more of a base model with a SB 350.

This board loves pics, so feel free to add more!

neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 04:04 PM

Thanks so much for the reply and the compliments. I hope it does in fact have the 402 because that seems to be a great motor. Hopefully someone will know and can clarify for me. Here are a few more pics as requested, both before and as it sits now.. ;-)

Sicklajoie · 08-24-2012, 04:43 PM

That's a sweet looking C/20!

**too much stuff** · 08-24-2012, 04:44 PM

Welcome aboard. It does appear it was a big block truck originally. Looks good.

neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 05:05 PM

Thank you everyone!!

Now that you have solved the engine part, could someone tell me if the custom order model can\could include the CE20934 for the 1972 year? Only ones I have seen so far are on 71's and earlier. Closest thing CE21034 on the 72 3\4 ton but has the 133 wheel base. I imagine you could order anything you want as my dad did years ago from Chevy..LOL.

Also the outstanding "Dual Battery" config, or even some pics and ideas of how it was supposed to look would be a big help. Maybe someone has this year, or close, with it in place to reference. I would really like to keep it as much to ordered condition as possible, but I am not putting the big door length mirrors back on. No camper so no need..:-). I need a custom camper emblem for the passenger side as well, but step by step wins the race right?

I appreciate all the help and comments, I love this truck and am having a blast working on it. I will continue to update pics as I go through it if you all would like.

I am also going to start posting some of the original parts on here that are still in good order, if you think anyone would be interested, but will be replacing on my restoration.

Thanks again to all..

bruceman1968 · 08-24-2012, 05:25 PM

Welcome to the board, I love the 463 Paint!
CE20934 is a very common model number.
C is 2WD
E is V8
2 is 3/4 ton
09 is LWB 127 inches
34 is fleetside bed
nice lookin truck and a great list pf options. congrats.

neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 05:41 PM

Thanks Bruce, I figured as much but you folks have a lot more experience on these than I do at this point. :-)

I am however, learning VERY quickly.. LOL..

Much appreciated

whoryou1979 · 08-24-2012, 06:56 PM

Sweet truck. I too have a 72 3/4 Custom Camper. In the process of putting back together. My glove box sheet does not go into the detail your's does, but it is authentic. I was wondering if the sticker info varried from plant to plant?
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 07:11 PM

Thank you. I think it may be based on options. At least from what I have seen. Any pics of yours available as well? It's a blast working on this, but I am nowhere near as far as you. Lol.
Posted via Mobile Device

davepl · 08-24-2012, 07:17 PM

I would definitely pick up an assembly manual for your truck. My copy (not handy or I'd post a pic) has the schematic and info you need for the dual battery setup.

My truck (70 402 Custom Camper) has the dual battery option, and looks like it was all complete and original before I pulled it out in the teardown. There's a battery, a relay, and for some reason what looks like another voltage regulator.

If you're unable to find the schematics, PM me and I'll see what I can dig up. But having the assembly manual (particularly if you number the pages and make use of the great index board members put together) is really invaluable.

BTW, if you have a moment, post a good pic of the front stabilizer if the truck still has it. I've not seen a good photo of an original front steering stabilizer from a big-block truck.

davepl · 08-24-2012, 08:02 PM

This might help... it's actually filed under "Camper Wiring" but shows the dual battery setup.

whoryou1979 · 08-24-2012, 08:51 PM

Here is a copy of my SPID. You can see how mine is different than your's. Oh, and I may not be that far ahead of you in my rebuild. LOL

whoryou1979 · 08-24-2012, 09:00 PM

By the way...Did your's still have the auxiliary fuel tank still with the truck?* Mine had already been removed by the PO, and am going to have one made.* Just finding the right sending unit is going to be the chore.

neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 10:23 PM

Thanks Dave, that really helps. I do have both the assembly manual and a couple original Installation manuals, plus the Haynes one (not good at all) but didn't see that part. Great find and much appreciated.

Whoryou,

That is a big difference, wow... Yes, mine has the original factory aux rear tank under the bed, not the after market dealer add on from what I am told, along with the behind the seat tank and both operational. The only thing the PO did was wire in a secondary fuel pump on the frame and added a double toggle switch. I am guessing he had a problem and was having a hard time fixing it as you described. Both tanks worked beautifully and was able to switch on the fly, but it looks like the harness was hacked a bit so it will be replaced all new as well,

Here are some pics of what was operating in there if it may help at all...

I don't think the way he did it by bypassing one of the lines out of the main tank was preferable, but it did give it switch on the fly gas between both tanks and an accurate fuel gauge reading (from what I could tell while driving it). Hope it helps give an idea or solve something for you. Once I pull the bed liner out and drop the tank, I will add some pics of that part for you as well.

whoryou1979 · 08-24-2012, 10:34 PM

Wow, the PO went to alot of work to rig that up. If it works, it works. Mine still had the factory switch valve by the driver seat, and had the gage switch and pigtail. Just getting the tank and sending unit will be my journey. Butvlike the saying goes...If it was easy everybody would be doing it. Great pics. I will try to post some of mine, though they are not as detailed as your's.
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neteng01 · 08-24-2012, 11:06 PM

Agreed, I didnt say it was pretty, just said he had it working.. LOL. I would be interested in your pics as well so I can see how it "should be wired up". I hope to switch it back to stock with one switch like it is supposed to be. I look forward to seeing yours as well. Oh, the reason mine are so detailed (thanks for noticing) is I take MANY pictures as I do this. One reason is to document the restoration, the second and more important one is so I can go back and see where the heck everything was supposed to go.. LOL

Once I have the tank down, I will post the sending unit so you can reference if you need to.

Thanks again.

**MusicMan70** · 08-25-2012, 02:27 AM

Some pics of my Aux battery tray and in the truck. Also a diagram from this forum with credit to unknown saviour.

neteng01 · 08-25-2012, 04:30 AM

That's great MusicMan, thank you very much for the input. Now I know what some of the vacant areas on the fender wall were originally for.

Much appreciated.

**jocko** · 08-25-2012, 02:11 PM

this is great info - I've always been somewhat amazed at the small diameter (higher gage #) wiring used on the aux batts. So, it begs a dumb question - was the aux batter ever intended to be used to augment the primary battery (as in for starting, etc) or is it solely designed to provide power to a camper, etc without draining the primary battery so you can start in the morning!? Considering the aux batt cable gage, I'd assume the latter, but just wanted to ask.

neteng01 · 08-25-2012, 02:38 PM

From what I read in the forums and in some very hard to find exerps, it seems when the AUX battery is setup properly, it not only powers the camper stuff, but charges the main battery when needed. It was a pretty cool function. I think the regulators help balance it out between the 2, and, with this setup, should you have an issue, I read some folks actually jump started the main battery. But that didn't make sense to me if it was supposed to switch over... Who knows.. LOL All in all great stuff and very thankful to all for the comments and assistance.

08-24-2012, 02:37 PM	#1
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Hello Everyone, Awesome board and great information, just to say it. I have a question that I have been trying to resolve for a couple weeks. I traded up to a 1972 C20 Custom Camper recently. I am starting the whole restoration process and have a few questions as to the original equipment on the truck. The VIN and all stickers match on the vehicle, the codes define the C20 and all the major items, including color, trims and accessories. The 2nd owner I got it from removed the dual battery configuration and I want to restore it back to original config, but the original motor was swapped with a crate 350. I can't seem to find any details on the dual battery config, what it looks like or how to restore the setup. I am also trying to establish if the 400 CID V-8 called out on the equipment list is actually the 402 Big Block, and why the Model# does not match any listing here I have found for my model and year. It may be a custom order from the factory but it is very hard to tell for me so far. I have attached the pics of the glove box SPI, Placard and Door Jam Sticker for reference and a shot of the actual truck. Its an awesome truck and I am having a blast going through it, but I want to be sure everything is up to Par on the details. It does have Big Block motor mounts in it which is why I am wondering if the OE was the 402 Big Block. Any help would be greatly appreciated, you folks are the experts from everything I have read and need some expert info. Attached Images

08-24-2012, 03:28 PM	#2
alsriv2 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Formerly MD and San Diego, now loving life in Arizona Posts: 1,636	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Welcome to the board! That is a very nice looking truck. I am not an expert on the optioning on SPIDs, but you will find others who will be able to give you exactly the information you need. I suspect your truck did indeed have the 402BB installed when it was new. I too have a Custom Camper ('69 GMC), but it was more of a base model with a SB 350. This board loves pics, so feel free to add more! __________________ Alan 2012 Ram 3500 Dually Crew Cab 6.7 Cummins 2014 Palomino Columbus 340RK 5th wheel '69 Chevy C10 396BB

08-24-2012, 04:04 PM	#3
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Thanks so much for the reply and the compliments. I hope it does in fact have the 402 because that seems to be a great motor. Hopefully someone will know and can clarify for me. Here are a few more pics as requested, both before and as it sits now.. ;-) Attached Images

08-24-2012, 04:43 PM	#4
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,499	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions That's a sweet looking C/20! __________________ "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/

08-24-2012, 04:44 PM	#5
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,787	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Welcome aboard. It does appear it was a big block truck originally. Looks good. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

08-24-2012, 05:05 PM	#6
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Thank you everyone!! Now that you have solved the engine part, could someone tell me if the custom order model can\could include the CE20934 for the 1972 year? Only ones I have seen so far are on 71's and earlier. Closest thing CE21034 on the 72 3\4 ton but has the 133 wheel base. I imagine you could order anything you want as my dad did years ago from Chevy..LOL. Also the outstanding "Dual Battery" config, or even some pics and ideas of how it was supposed to look would be a big help. Maybe someone has this year, or close, with it in place to reference. I would really like to keep it as much to ordered condition as possible, but I am not putting the big door length mirrors back on. No camper so no need..:-). I need a custom camper emblem for the passenger side as well, but step by step wins the race right? I appreciate all the help and comments, I love this truck and am having a blast working on it. I will continue to update pics as I go through it if you all would like. I am also going to start posting some of the original parts on here that are still in good order, if you think anyone would be interested, but will be replacing on my restoration. Thanks again to all..

08-24-2012, 05:25 PM	#7
bruceman1968 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,549	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Welcome to the board, I love the 463 Paint! CE20934 is a very common model number. C is 2WD E is V8 2 is 3/4 ton 09 is LWB 127 inches 34 is fleetside bed nice lookin truck and a great list pf options. congrats. __________________ CHEVY/GMC VIN DECODERS Last edited by bruceman1968; 08-24-2012 at 05:26 PM. Reason: spelling

08-24-2012, 05:41 PM	#8
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Thanks Bruce, I figured as much but you folks have a lot more experience on these than I do at this point. :-) I am however, learning VERY quickly.. LOL.. Much appreciated

08-24-2012, 06:56 PM	#9
whoryou1979 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Deer Park, Tx Posts: 107	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Sweet truck. I too have a 72 3/4 Custom Camper. In the process of putting back together. My glove box sheet does not go into the detail your's does, but it is authentic. I was wondering if the sticker info varried from plant to plant? Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ All Day Every Day '72 C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549132

08-24-2012, 07:11 PM	#10
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Thank you. I think it may be based on options. At least from what I have seen. Any pics of yours available as well? It's a blast working on this, but I am nowhere near as far as you. Lol. Posted via Mobile Device

08-24-2012, 07:17 PM	#11
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions I would definitely pick up an assembly manual for your truck. My copy (not handy or I'd post a pic) has the schematic and info you need for the dual battery setup. My truck (70 402 Custom Camper) has the dual battery option, and looks like it was all complete and original before I pulled it out in the teardown. There's a battery, a relay, and for some reason what looks like another voltage regulator. If you're unable to find the schematics, PM me and I'll see what I can dig up. But having the assembly manual (particularly if you number the pages and make use of the great index board members put together) is really invaluable. BTW, if you have a moment, post a good pic of the front stabilizer if the truck still has it. I've not seen a good photo of an original front steering stabilizer from a big-block truck. __________________ 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

08-24-2012, 08:02 PM	#12
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions This might help... it's actually filed under "Camper Wiring" but shows the dual battery setup. Attached Images __________________ 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

08-24-2012, 08:51 PM	#13
whoryou1979 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Deer Park, Tx Posts: 107	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Here is a copy of my SPID. You can see how mine is different than your's. Oh, and I may not be that far ahead of you in my rebuild. LOL Attached Images __________________ All Day Every Day '72 C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549132

08-24-2012, 09:00 PM	#14
whoryou1979 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Deer Park, Tx Posts: 107	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions By the way...Did your's still have the auxiliary fuel tank still with the truck?* Mine had already been removed by the PO, and am going to have one made.* Just finding the right sending unit is going to be the chore. __________________ All Day Every Day '72 C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549132

08-24-2012, 10:23 PM	#15
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Thanks Dave, that really helps. I do have both the assembly manual and a couple original Installation manuals, plus the Haynes one (not good at all) but didn't see that part. Great find and much appreciated. Whoryou, That is a big difference, wow... Yes, mine has the original factory aux rear tank under the bed, not the after market dealer add on from what I am told, along with the behind the seat tank and both operational. The only thing the PO did was wire in a secondary fuel pump on the frame and added a double toggle switch. I am guessing he had a problem and was having a hard time fixing it as you described. Both tanks worked beautifully and was able to switch on the fly, but it looks like the harness was hacked a bit so it will be replaced all new as well, Here are some pics of what was operating in there if it may help at all... I don't think the way he did it by bypassing one of the lines out of the main tank was preferable, but it did give it switch on the fly gas between both tanks and an accurate fuel gauge reading (from what I could tell while driving it). Hope it helps give an idea or solve something for you. Once I pull the bed liner out and drop the tank, I will add some pics of that part for you as well. Attached Images



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08-24-2012, 10:34 PM	#16
whoryou1979 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Deer Park, Tx Posts: 107	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Wow, the PO went to alot of work to rig that up. If it works, it works. Mine still had the factory switch valve by the driver seat, and had the gage switch and pigtail. Just getting the tank and sending unit will be my journey. Butvlike the saying goes...If it was easy everybody would be doing it. Great pics. I will try to post some of mine, though they are not as detailed as your's. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ All Day Every Day '72 C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549132

08-24-2012, 11:06 PM	#17
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Agreed, I didnt say it was pretty, just said he had it working.. LOL. I would be interested in your pics as well so I can see how it "should be wired up". I hope to switch it back to stock with one switch like it is supposed to be. I look forward to seeing yours as well. Oh, the reason mine are so detailed (thanks for noticing) is I take MANY pictures as I do this. One reason is to document the restoration, the second and more important one is so I can go back and see where the heck everything was supposed to go.. LOL Once I have the tank down, I will post the sending unit so you can reference if you need to. Thanks again.

08-25-2012, 02:27 AM	#18
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions Some pics of my Aux battery tray and in the truck. Also a diagram from this forum with credit to unknown saviour. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-25-2012, 04:30 AM	#19
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions That's great MusicMan, thank you very much for the input. Now I know what some of the vacant areas on the fender wall were originally for. Much appreciated.

08-25-2012, 02:11 PM	#20
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions this is great info - I've always been somewhat amazed at the small diameter (higher gage #) wiring used on the aux batts. So, it begs a dumb question - was the aux batter ever intended to be used to augment the primary battery (as in for starting, etc) or is it solely designed to provide power to a camper, etc without draining the primary battery so you can start in the morning!? Considering the aux batt cable gage, I'd assume the latter, but just wanted to ask.

08-25-2012, 02:38 PM	#21
neteng01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Temecula CA Posts: 48	Re: 1972 C20 Custom Order Questions From what I read in the forums and in some very hard to find exerps, it seems when the AUX battery is setup properly, it not only powers the camper stuff, but charges the main battery when needed. It was a pretty cool function. I think the regulators help balance it out between the 2, and, with this setup, should you have an issue, I read some folks actually jump started the main battery. But that didn't make sense to me if it was supposed to switch over... Who knows.. LOL All in all great stuff and very thankful to all for the comments and assistance.

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