The soft doctrines of Desdinova, a bedtime story for a C30

[71Dually]

Greetings everyone, a noob member here. I hoped to share my first Chevy Truck with everyone. A class C motorhome purchased to become a pampered hauler.

A little back story: Needed a hauler and after a $600 deal fell thru for a 1990 Ford F150 that hadn't been started for 6 years I started searching. Realizing I needed something beefier than a 1/2 ton to haul steel and fabricated products I started looking at 3/4 tons. Wanted something affordable that was smog exempt so I was looking at 71-72 F250's.

On day looking at my 1978 Dodge 1 ton dually class C van/motorhome that had 66,000 miles I realized a low mileage motorhome would be easier to find and more reliable than a worn over beat to death 41 year old work truck, but I didn't want a van. I recalled in the late 60's and early 70's chassis cab trucks were used for motorhomes albeit in smaller numbers than the van chassis so the search began anew.

Side note: When I was a cocky teenager I fabricated sand rails in my fathers shop. In 1971 my fathers best friend and business partner purchased a new Hugger Orange Chevy Cheyenne Super C10 SB from Cormier Chevrolet In Garden Grove California. I was with him when he took delivery of the truck and rode in it quite often as their new sand buggy business was established. I always liked the truck and grew quite fond of it and was sad to see it sold in 1975.

During my tenure at my father's business they purchased a white 71 C30 stake bed that I drove quite often on pick ups & deliveries.

Back to the story: My fondness for my fathers friend and his truck lead me to contemplate a 71 Chevy for my hauler so they were included in my searches.

I scoured CL for hours on end everyday for over a month like an addiction. One day a 1971 26' Motorhome popped up that was local enough (110 miles away) that caught my eye.

Here is the ad I answered.


With 38,651 miles listed it looked hopeful and the $2,500 price seemed reasonably within reach. I called within 45 minutes of the listing post and spoke with a very nice gentleman regarding the vehicle. I asked his bottom line price and he said he'd take $1,800 for it. I arranged to drive out and inspect the vehicle.

Within 26 hours of the ad post this girls potential was before my eyes on the sellers rental property. The cab chassis surely was a low mileage rough diamond but the camper section severly suffered from wood rot due to water leakage. The seller was the 3rd owner and possessed documentation from the 2nd owner showing the housecar had logged just under 1,000 miles since April of 1990.

After looking her over I negotiated a deal that was within my abilities and agreed upon the $1,800 price as long as the vehicle would start and run for 10 minutes. The PO accepted my terms and a $100 non refundable deposit was left with the balance to be paid within 14 days. The PO agreed to delete the CL ad and did so within 2 hours of my departure.

These are the photos that appeared in the original ad:
Image #1


The image after #1


The image after #1 (part 2)


The bonus image after #1


The image after #1 (reprise)


The image after #1 proving way to much emphasis on the motorhome


The image after #1 (the redundant edition)


The image following #1 (the burned out franchise version w/ alternate ending)


The return of image #! (the alternate angle backwards masked edition)


And for some extra bonus fun here are some google map images of the big girl.
View from space, X marks the spot where she appeared in the CL pictures


And the exclusive street view privacy invasion option


I returned home to raise the funds and research what was needed to do to get the 402 big block properly prepared to start up after a 6-8 year hiatus. I used many sites for information and fell upon the 67-72chevytrucks site and it's wealth of information.

I regularly stayed in touch with the seller regarding my fund raising status on the deadline. By the 12th day I had acquired the balance due and the additional monies needed for the supplies for the initial restart. I called the seller and made arrangements to come out the next day to start the truck.

With 2 quarts of Marvel Mystery Oil, 5 gallons of motor oil, 2 gallons of Prestone full strength coolant, 2 gallons of Dexron III, 1/2 gallon of gear oil, 2 tubes of chassis lube, a Purolater oil filter, a TH400 trans filter and pan gasket, 2 gallons of acetone, 2 cans of gumout carb cleaner, a pint of seafoam gas treatment, 3/8" fuel hose, an in-line fuel filter, a 2 gallon gas can, a declining fully charged 10 year old side post battery, a spool of 14ga. electrical wire, 2 quarts of DOT 3 brake fluid, a 20 ton bottle jack and all the tools necessary to perform the task at hand I headed for the girl of my dreams.

Engine prior to wrench application (photo courtesy of the PO)


The SPID


The odometer when purchased


After a little tinkering I had MMO in the cylinders, the cam and top end lubricated, all the vital fluid levels topped off and a couple wires repaired that some malnourished opossum or bulimic raccoon nibbled on (I presume they were in poor health and not very hungry as they didn't chew on much).

With the oil pump primer installed it was now time to turn the crankshaft with the harmonic balancer bolt as oil was sent thru the galleys and the bearings. Well being a BB with heavy duty cooling it was not possible to get a socket and ratchet on the bolt without removing the fan shroud and/or radiator so the decision was made to prime the pump without turning the crankshaft and develop pressure in the oil system for a couple of minutes. After reinstalling the distributor to the reference marks made prior to its removal the weak battery was installed to use the key to turn the motor without the spark plugs installed.

After checking the lights for power the seller turned the key on and the gauges showed life. Turning the key further to start made the illuminated brake warning light go out but nothing further happened at the starter. Crawling under the beast I jumped the solenoid with a screwdriver but with nothing more than a few slight clicks it was obvious that this was not going to spin the starter.

The seller was disappointed the engine wouldn't turn and determined it may have seized from sitting to long. He then asked if I would pay $1,000 for the truck. I told him my wife would freak out and perhaps even begin divorce proceedings if I dared drag another non operational vehicle home. I quoted the "in motion staying in motion" and the "at rest staying at rest" stuff and told him a junk yard would not give him more than $400 so I would offer him $500 and have the truck gone in 3 days. However I still had to think it over and speak with the wife first.

It was decided that I would continue to tinker and then spend the night in the motorhome and we would discuss the situation further in the morning.

We pulled the motorhome from behind his rental properties locked automatic gate to a concrete foundation of a burned down house in the front portion of his property. His tenant didn't want me sleeping in their yard and the owner was supposed to be getting his multiple vehicles stored on the property out of the yard for the tenant anyway so that was the option we took.

The seller went home and I went to dinner to contemplate the purchase. I determined a used short block would get the truck operational for under $1,000 and a tow home wouldn't run over $500 so I felt comfortable with the $500 purchase price. After dinner I sat in the cab and concluded I had to buy the truck as a $500 price was to good of a deal to pass up. In addition if I didn't purchase the vehicle I would lose my deposit.

The next morning the seller showed up just as I was finishing loading up all my tools and supplies. He got out of his truck and asked if I had made a decision. I told him I had thought about it and asked if he was OK with my $500 offer. He replied that was acceptable. I asked if the price included my deposit and he responded that he thought that that was the fair thing to do after all the work I had done. I asked if he had the title on hand to which he responded "yes". The transaction was concluded with a $400 cash transfer and the sellers ink stain on the document.

I told him I'd be back after I titled and registered the vehicle and found a transporter home. He headed home and I too departed, the new owner of a 1971 Chevy Custom Camper/30 motorhome and a pocket full of unexpected cash.

I've been an auto club member for 24 years so I went to the local contract tow company to check the towing charge discount for members and was told there was no discount and the rate was $285.00 per hour. Well it's about 2 hours back home so that was a little over the $500 I figured it would cost to get the behemoth home but was still OK with the price. Then the operator said it was actually a $1,200 tow as I had to pay for the drivers round trip. Well screw that budget busting deal so I headed off for the auto club office to do the title transfer and registration stuff.

Back in 1975 when I rode a 1974 Honda XL350 (and still do) I went to the local repair shop and saw their $35.00 per hour labor charge. Well I only made $4.50 per hour at that time so I bought a $10 Clymer repair manual instead and fixed the problem myself. With that kind of frugal experience behind me I knew I could easily figure out a way around a $1,200 towing charge

My first stop was at Faxon Auto Literature in Riverside, CA to pick up a factory service manual. I believe a proper manual should always be the first thing someone buys when they get a new vehicle. I then headed off to the auto club and decided to upgrade the membership to premium as that included their 200 mile emergency towing service. With the new motorhome being 110 miles from her new home she was to be added to the membership. Well after forking over $200 at the clubs cashier's desk I walked out of the club with vehicle title, current registration, insurance and a financially reasonable manner to get the big girl home. Accomplished all that club business within 30 minutes too. Now I just had to exceed the "3 days" specified on the deal as the motorhome would not be effective on the membership for 7 days. Oh well, all was still good being $1,122.00 ahead over the tow charge.

After talking with the overpriced towing company I figured that I needed to replace the dry rotted tires and make sure all the maintenance items, belts, hoses, fluids etc… should be done just in case I was questioned by "the club" about them when I utilized the emergency services to get home so a new parts quest began.

And I bought it all, belts, hoses, filters, thermostat, brake master cylinder (to replace a seized one), distributor cap, rotor, points, condenser, spark plugs, carb rebuild kit, carb float, fuel pump, fuel additives, front brake pads.

On CL I hunted down a decent set of tires and wheels from an 86 Chevy dually in Taft, CA. Well that was just as local as the motorhome (albeit 110 miles away in the opposite direction) so I made the day trip and picked em up and scoured the local Bakersfield pick your part yards for the new truck.

By this time I almost had the master plan all in place, I'd spend 2-3 days doing all the work, push her out on the street to park, come home and then have someone take me back out so I could call "the club" for the tow home. With all the part receipts dated prior to my "emergency" and the parts installed I figured I had any questions covered that may arise from the club.

I determined for the ride out I'd pay a friend $100 for their time, buy them lunch and/or dinner, pay for the gas and fill up their tank when they got home. All told I estimated this would cost $225, but being the frugal miser I proclaim to be I figured there had to be a cheaper way to make this trip. I decided to get a $45 Greyhound bus ticket and leave the driving to them. Score again with a $180 savings

On the third day with parts, tools, repair manual, vittles, the "new" used tires, the 10 year old weak battery and my $45 bus ticket I headed off to the far off land where the truck awaited. However this time I wisely took some blankets and pillows as the previous sleep over didn't go so well. With nighttime temps in the low 40's I had a tough time sleeping in the cold.

Being it was the third day the PO eventually showed up to check on my progress. I stopped working and laid out my big master plan to him. I told him I had already titled and registered the truck in my name, I'd do all the maintenance work, move the truck on the street, go home, catch a Greyhound back and then tow her home. Unfortunately, due to the clubs time restrictions, I was not going to get it out for another 4 days. I showed him the bus ticket and he smiled and said the extra few days and sleep overs would be no problem. He was just happy the big green monster would finely be gone.

While he was there he commented about the truck previously running and stated he'd really like to hear her run again and didn't understand why she wouldn't turn over. I told him I was not giving up hope as the MMO had been doing it's magic going on 5 days now. I told him I'd continue to see if she would turn after I got all the other work done. The PO again stated he'd really like to see her run again. We concluded our conversation and the PO headed home as I continued to work.

I did it all. I replaced a seized master cylinder, a brake fluid change, bled the brakes, a brake inspection, a lube job, etc… Everything that needed to be done for a full maintenance service was done less a tune up and carb rebuild.

After 2 days (I say I may be slow but I'm not sloppy) I completed all the work and sat in the cab with the key in the ignition. I looked at the key and thought "why not" and turned the key to on as the gauges jumped to life showing promise, I turned the key to start. Nothing!!! Oh well, everything was in place to get her home with a tow. I knew the truck had sat for a long time and electrical gremlins could be a factor. I jiggled the shift lever in park and turned the key again and a heard familiar rrrrrr, rrrrrr come from the starter. I eagerly peeked thru the cowl and open hood, hit the starter again and observed the fan turn.

Awesome, she turned over. I joyfully jumped out of the truck and removed the loosely installed spark plugs poured some more MMO in the cylinders and jumped back in the drivers seat. I hit the key observing the fan again and quickly turned my attention to the oil pressure gauge. I continued cranking and watched her rapidly develop oil pressure. Spewing MMO out the open spark plug holes I continued cranking for about 15 more seconds until the weak battery finely gave out all it would. Life was good and I knew she would fire up.

I went to the gas station and got a gallon of gas. Arriving back I mixed up some MMO to the fuel and hung the can from the open hood with some wire. I gravity fed the carb, installed the spark plugs and wires and got the fire extinguishers ready. I pulled up next to the truck with my SUV and hooked up my jumper cables. Now I was all in and it was time to show my cards.

With one press of the accelerator pedal (like your supposed to do with a carburetor) I lightly pressed the pedal and turned the key. She immediately breathed life, no starter crank crank crank, no pedal pump pump pump, just pure fire up bliss. I was stoked.

I kept her at about 1,500 RPM and there was no expected lifter clatter as they pumped up or other odd noises from the big block. I let her drop to idle and everything sounded and acted fine. I toggled her between idle and 1,800 RPM's checking the hoses for leaks, coolant flow and general correct operation under the hood. Firmly holding the brakes I shifted the transmission into reverse and she smoothly engaged, Put her into 1st with another smooth engagement. Put her into 2nd and Drive with no problems. I put her back in Park and took my firm foothold off the brake pedal. I let her continue to run for about 10 minutes until she coughed, sputtered a little and died. I jumped out and checked the fuel tank, the hose had vibrated out of the fuel so she just ran out of gas. Cool no problems.

I closed the hood and headed back to the gas station for more go-go mix juice. I made my way back to my new love via a detour to the parts store for a new battery. Arriving back I installed the fresh power box and poured the 91 octane mystery oil mix into the clean holding tank. Turning the key on and flipping a floor mounted toggle switch engaged the electric fuel pump. The pump vigorously whirred as the float bowl filled and the needle valve capped off the flow. Again, one pedal pump and a flick of the switch she fired right up. I tested the transmission once again but this time slowly easing off the brake pedal. Finely, after her 6-8 year "nap" this big girl was once again moving her 8-ply designer shoes under her own power.

What a rush, all the blood, sweat and toil paid off. I had my hauler, my very own highway star.

I closed her bonnet and chained her down with a key operated latch mechanism for security. I packed up the tools, old tires, old parts and headed home.

The next day was torture, the E-ride ticket was for the following day and I had to wait for the journey. Time moved slowly as the minutes ticked into hours but the moment finely arrived for my departure. I was ready, with ticket, club card, registration, insurance documents and a few tools in a sealed orange home depot pail I boarded the bus for the journey back to my new lady.

Arriving at my destination I began the hike to my big lady. The PO called my cell and asked if I was in town and offered a ride to the big girl. Man what service, this seller was so nice, understanding and accommodating. I've never met a seller like this gentleman.

Arriving at our destination we talked for a while and I told him I got her running. He had a big smile and was excited to hear she ran. He eagerly watched as I fired her up. I anticipated he was going to ask for more money since "she ran" but he never did. Instead he was glad I bought the truck and gave her the TLC she needed. He said I had done a lot of work to get her running so no further monies were necessary. He was happy to have sold me the truck as my commitment to her and efforts showed him I would cherish her rather than just take a opportunistic quick flip for a fast buck.

And some more fun photos to document it really happened
Ready to come home #1


The son of ready to come home


Even more ready to come home


The return of the son of even more ready to come home


Interior view #1


Interior view (from the other side edition)


The instrument cluster


Gonna have to plug that big hole in this girl


The PO & I shook hands and piled into our separate vehicles. I fired her up and headed off to the gas station. The PO followed me to the station to make sure I made it and smiled as he waved goodbye. Me and the big girl were on our own.

I drove her around town for a few miles to determine how she would act. Her trans started slipping after she warmed up so I stopped and had to top her fluids off. That was actually the one thing I didn't do was properly check the trans fluid. She was 1-1/2 quarts low and straightened right up with the top off.

After cruising the boulevard for a few miles she ran like a top so I jumped on the interstate for the 110 mile trip home. Hey, what did I have to worry about, I had cash and that premium club membership card in my wallet so together we merrily pressed on without concern.

Now the big girl had 2 fuel tanks and she had a floor toggle switch (next to the fuel pump switch) for the separate fuel level senders. I cleaned the smaller of the 2 tanks as the main tank had a large amount of antique fuel in it. I had bypassed the tank selector valve with rerouted fuel hose so the only tank I had was the small 11 gallon auxiliary tank. The small tanks sender didn't work properly so without an operating gauge I figured I'd stop for gas after 50 miles if she got that far.

Well she drove like a dream. No constant steering correction from a loose worn steering system. She went where I pointed the wheel with no odd thumps, bumps, clunks, whirrs or whines. With 38,615 miles she felt like a brand new 1971 vehicle. Without even a tuneup she purred like a kitten all the way and after 2 fuel stops we safely arrived home with an average 8.2MPG.

I loaded up my other half, Mrs. Dually, and she couldn't believe I got this huge motorhome for the monies I paid (I couldn't either really). My efforts were met with the wife's amazement and approval. Initially when she heard I was going to drag home another old vehicle she wasn't very eager as she wants a new Mercedes. When she saw and then rode in the new girl she was rather impressed.

I've had her home now for about a month and have started on my plans for the big big girl. My goal is to transform her into a pampered stake bed hauler. I'll replace all the 42 year old rubber and get her all sharpened up. I'm basically gonna leave her stock with an HEI upgrade, some Alcoa classics and a decent sound system but nothing to far over the top. I don't think a couple 12" subs, some component speakers, two 600W amplifiers and a way to play some 24/96 FLAC files is to far over the top. Just have to figure out how to hide everything so it all looks stock inside. There are some great ideas on this site for that though. She may even get some new "Hugger Orange" sparkle as a tribute to my father's best friend.

Well that's enough rambling for now, sorry for the long winded posting but there's just so many details to share. I'll update in a few days on where I've gotten on the big girl.

Been contemplating giving her a moniker and I decided upon a name from a song lyric. Just call her, Desdinova, she's sure to be, the lucky one.

Thanks everyone, hope you will enjoy sharing in my journey.