Need some input - '80 K30 Flatbed

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by rich weyand

Hey, I would rather have a recent 454 conversion than a 35-year-old 350, so I don't see the VIN-to-vehicle mismatch being a problem if the job was done right.

That's my only hangup is not knowing if it was done properly or not.

Originally Posted by Anchorism

The way I see it is your using it for beater work. As long as its not rusted through or running poorly I would jump on it. Weve got an 82' flatbed K30 and its been used hauling horse trailers up and down a bumpy dirt road its entire life. Running on LP no less. It just had its first engine rebuild and is still a fricken beast! Almost the exact same look too!!

Yeah, I try to remind my self that it's not a daily driver, but just a beater.


Of course I've got this one on my mind when I see another "true" K30 show up in another ad.

It's an '86 model, BB, 4-spd, Dana 60/14-bolt axles, etc.... Currently waiting on Vin confirmation and more pics. It's further away, but a cheaper price.

[Anchorism]

would you prefer flatbed or regular truck bed? If the answer is flat then the cost difference may not be worth it. I know we use the flatbed all the time on our rig. I personally prefer a regular bed for the looks but the flat is sure handy!

[sdailey]

Flatbed is what I'm looking for mainly. The cost is low enough that I could possiby sell the truck bed, buy a new or even a used flatbed and still not be out too much extra money. I like the fact that the green one is "original" and unmolested. I know without a doubt now that the red one is a combination of parts.

On a side note, I know a guy who happens to live near the red flatbed and he's going to look at it for me on Fri/Sat of this week to give me his opinion. We'll see what happens.


Thanks for all of the feedback/opinions.

[sdailey]

Ok, I'm still on the hunt for a K30 ton truck.

The green one apparently belongs to someone who doesn't want to sell it because they won't return phone calls or texts.

The red one is still available, but I'm not 100% committed to it just yet.

I have since found an '83 K30, that is actually inside the state lines, that has peaked my interest.

Can someone help me decipher the VIN? I'm coming up with something different with each VIN deciphering site I go to.

1GCHK34J5DJ125173

Specifics that I know, but can't confirm just yet.

454 ("low mileage" with a RV cam)
4spd
Dana 60 front
14 Bolt rear

[rs74]

Originally Posted by sdailey

Ok, I'm still on the hunt for a K30 ton truck.

The green one apparently belongs to someone who doesn't want to sell it because they won't return phone calls or texts.

The red one is still available, but I'm not 100% committed to it just yet.

I have since found an '83 K30, that is actually inside the state lines, that has peaked my interest.

Can someone help me decipher the VIN? I'm coming up with something different with each VIN deciphering site I go to.

1GCHK34J5DJ125173

Specifics that I know, but can't confirm just yet.

454 ("low mileage" with a RV cam)
4spd
Dana 60 front
14 Bolt rear

You can use this to decipher it. If you come across another year just change the year in the link and you can break it down from there.
https://service.gm.com/dealerworld/v.../vincard83.pdf

c=pickup
H=9001-10000 gvwr
K=conventional cab 4x4
3=1 ton
4=two door cab
J=6.2 diesel

[rs74]

If there are links to the trucks you are interested in then post them up if you can. There may be others interested if you decide not to buy them.

[sdailey]

Thanks Roy. One site actually had it listed as a 2013 model instead of a 1983.

With this information then, is it safe to assume that this truck has been converted to a dually from a standard pickup?

[rich weyand]

1 - US built
G - General Motors
C - Chevrolet Truck
H - 9000-10000 pound GVWR with hydraulic brakes
K - Conventional Cab 4WD
3 - 1 ton
4 - Two Door Cab
J - 6.2 liter V8 Diesel
5 - Check Digit
D - 1983
J - Mfg Plant: Janesville
125173 - the 25,173rd unit built at this plant this model year.

[rich weyand]

Originally Posted by sdailey

Thanks Roy. One site actually had it listed as a 2013 model instead of a 1983.

With this information then, is it safe to assume that this truck has been converted to a dually from a standard pickup?

I don't see a call-out in the VIN decoders for duallies, so not sure if yo ucan decide that from the VIN.

[sdailey]

I guess a C&C would imply a dually rear end. I guess you're right though, probably no way to truly decipher a dually. I'm just trying to avoid buying someone's cobbled up mess.

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by rs74

If there are links to the trucks you are interested in then post them up if you can. There may be others interested if you decide not to buy them.

I'll do just that once I get closer to purchasing one of them.

By looking at your signature, your '85 would be similar to this '83, correct?

[mrolds88]

Originally Posted by rich weyand

I don't see a call-out in the VIN decoders for duallies, so not sure if yo ucan decide that from the VIN.

No vin for dually. Its an option code R05.

[rs74]

My 85 is the pic of my avatar. It is a 6.2 and was originally a 4-speed but was changed over to a 400 turbo.

[sdailey]

Little update:

The '83 that was located here in GA sold earlier last week before I had a chance to look at it in person. No biggie though, because it was pretty rough after I finally saw pictures of it. It was a good candiate for a drivetrain donor.

The '80 model that started this whole thread ended up being a bust. Alan (Alan'sClassic) and I drove 250 miles roundtrip Sunday morning to go look at it. The truck had a few issues that were understandable i.e leaks, little rust, etc.. but the longer we looked at it the more issues we found. The main issue why I walked away was due to the rear axle tube having some bubble gum looking weld on it where it goes into the passenger side of the differential. The weld was a big as my thumb and looked like what I call a "California weld" (i.e. cluster of grapes). Also, the upper shock mount stud on that same side was sheared off smooth flush with the face of the mount. The upper part of the shock was actually being held in place with a bungee cord. I can only imagine what caused that much damage to a GM 14 bolt rear end. And according to the owner he was not aware of the axle issue.

I was ok with a little rust and a few leaks, but a rear axle swap was not in my plans, so I walked. We never even heard the truck run.

I was a little dissapointed but I was kinda expecting the worst already, so it wasn't that bad of a let down.

All is all we had a good road trip and the search for a clean K30 continues....