Special Production Trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Front Range · 02-04-2016, 01:04 PM

I've recently seen a few threads mentioning Gentleman Jim, Beau James, Big 10 trucks. I had heard of the Big 10 but not the other 2. I'm wondering just how many special production models there were in square bodies. Was this just limited to pickups or did they manufacture special Blazers & Suburbans too?

chrismoore701 · 02-04-2016, 01:23 PM

Don't forget about us SPORT Owners

DBLSPRT68 · 02-04-2016, 01:58 PM

Here is a great site about stuff just like that. http://www.73-87.com/Special_Edition...l_Editions.htm Enjoy!

**hatzie** · 02-04-2016, 02:50 PM

The GMC Mule looks suspiciously similar to the Dodge Warlock.

ElGracho · 02-04-2016, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Front Range

I've recently seen a few threads mentioning Gentleman Jim, Beau James, Big 10 trucks. I had heard of the Big 10 but not the other 2. I'm wondering just how many special production models there were in square bodies. Was this just limited to pickups or did they manufacture special Blazers & Suburbans too?

It really depends on what you call "Special Production". GM Literature calls the GMC Gentleman Jim, Beau James and Indy Haulers "Limited Edition" trucks.

The Chevy Sport and GMC Street Coupe trucks were regular production options but certainly were produced in small numbers compared to the total trucks produced for any given year.

Big 10 and Heavy Half were not special whole truck packages, but higher GVW half ton suspension packages that put those trucks into a class not requiring catalytic converters for the first three years they existed. They dropped the packages a year after they didn't help dodge that requirement...

There were several other special packages put together from the factory to stimulate sales (Impact 76, Spirit of 76) plus several dealer constructed packages, canadian only packages and regional packages that this group (to my knowledge) hasn't seen great documentation yet.

77 Big 10 · 02-05-2016, 01:52 AM

....

andrewmp6 · 02-05-2016, 04:08 AM

A nice list http://www.73-87.com/Special_Edition...l_Editions.htm

Front Range · 02-05-2016, 11:09 AM

Thanks guys, appreciate the responses. I did not realize just how many variations there were.

bilfman · 02-05-2016, 10:57 PM

Us Canadians had a Wrangler edition.

bilfman · 02-05-2016, 11:01 PM

Here is a pic.

*gmachinz* · 02-05-2016, 11:14 PM

I seen a 79 Big 10 today in a truck junkyard....it was a 400 SB, 2WD truck with factory buckets (trashed) and a center console. Fairly scarce stuff in a pickup but as it is not salvageable.....sad.

68Timber · 02-06-2016, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmachinz

I seen a 79 Big 10 today in a truck junkyard....it was a 400 SB, 2WD truck with factory buckets (trashed) and a center console. Fairly scarce stuff in a pickup but as it is not salvageable.....sad.

Not even the seat bases and pedestals that attach to the floor? I thought those were still pretty hard to come by.

*gmachinz* · 02-06-2016, 12:11 AM

Well, I take that back-the drivers seat looks like 3 racoon's had an all-you-can-eat-contest at one point but, the bases and tracks appear clean. Its too bad the high back buckets are so ratty tho.

68Timber · 02-06-2016, 12:18 AM

So you're going back to get them right?

**jocko** · 02-06-2016, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

A nice list http://www.73-87.com/Special_Edition...l_Editions.htm

Now THAT is a great link - thanks for sharing. Mostly GMC stuff, really like the ol 'Desert Fox'. Certainly remember seeing a bunch of these back in the day, but never gave them much of a 2nd look, seemed too flashy.. But gotta say I wouldn't mind having one now.

*gmachinz* · 02-06-2016, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber

So you're going back to get them right?

Yeah I will be. I have a few parts to get for a friend so I may just save what I can from the buckets....if/when I get them I'll try to let ya know. I already have buckets in my Shortbox so I don't need another set.

**hatzie** · 02-06-2016, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmachinz

Yeah I will be. I have a few parts to get for a friend so I may just save what I can from the buckets....if/when I get them I'll try to let ya know. I already have buckets in my Shortbox so I don't need another set.

I've recovered rare buckets that were little more than the steel pieces and the plastic backs.
Foam can be sculpted with an electric turkey carving knife if it's not re-popped.

*gmachinz* · 02-06-2016, 02:23 AM

Hmm....well, maybe I'll price some new seat covers and see what I can do to restore them....they're tan now but can be recovered in any color....may have to hunt down the correct pattern of vinyl and see what I can do.

ElGracho · 02-06-2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber

Not even the seat bases and pedestals that attach to the floor? I those were still pretty hard to come by.

That's the key. Almost all of the blazers had those buckets, the pickup bucket seat brackets are unique and much harder to find than decent usable seats...

68Timber · 02-06-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmachinz

Hmm....well, maybe I'll price some new seat covers and see what I can do to restore them....they're tan now but can be recovered in any color....may have to hunt down the correct pattern of vinyl and see what I can do.

Well, if you decide to sell them...

pound41 · 02-06-2016, 05:47 PM

My dad order a heavy half stepside with a 454 turbo 400 and 373 posi and avoided the catalytic converters

02-04-2016, 01:04 PM	#1
Front Range Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Longmont, Colorado Posts: 252	Special Production Trucks I've recently seen a few threads mentioning Gentleman Jim, Beau James, Big 10 trucks. I had heard of the Big 10 but not the other 2. I'm wondering just how many special production models there were in square bodies. Was this just limited to pickups or did they manufacture special Blazers & Suburbans too? __________________ Folks that throw dirt on you aren't always trying to hurt you, and folks that pull you out of a jam aren't always trying to help you.

02-04-2016, 01:23 PM	#2
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,326	Re: Special Production Trucks Don't forget about us SPORT Owners __________________ Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE

02-04-2016, 01:58 PM	#3
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Special Production Trucks Here is a great site about stuff just like that. http://www.73-87.com/Special_Edition...l_Editions.htm Enjoy! __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

02-04-2016, 02:50 PM	#4
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: Special Production Trucks The GMC Mule looks suspiciously similar to the Dodge Warlock. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

02-05-2016, 01:52 AM	#6
77 Big 10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: La Quinta, CA. Posts: 131	Re: Special Production Trucks .... Attached Images __________________ Paul

02-05-2016, 04:08 AM	#7
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Special Production Trucks A nice list http://www.73-87.com/Special_Edition...l_Editions.htm

02-05-2016, 11:09 AM	#8
Front Range Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Longmont, Colorado Posts: 252	Re: Special Production Trucks Thanks guys, appreciate the responses. I did not realize just how many variations there were. __________________ Folks that throw dirt on you aren't always trying to hurt you, and folks that pull you out of a jam aren't always trying to help you.

02-05-2016, 10:57 PM	#9
bilfman Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Regina, SK, Canada Posts: 622	Re: Special Production Trucks Us Canadians had a Wrangler edition. __________________ 1979 Chevy Dually Crew 4X4 454, D60 Tru-trac, D70 Detroit Locker, 3.73, 4L80E/NP205 1971 GMC 3/4 Ton 4X4

02-05-2016, 11:01 PM	#10
bilfman Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Regina, SK, Canada Posts: 622	Re: Special Production Trucks Here is a pic. Attached Images __________________ 1979 Chevy Dually Crew 4X4 454, D60 Tru-trac, D70 Detroit Locker, 3.73, 4L80E/NP205 1971 GMC 3/4 Ton 4X4

02-05-2016, 11:14 PM	#11
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Special Production Trucks I seen a 79 Big 10 today in a truck junkyard....it was a 400 SB, 2WD truck with factory buckets (trashed) and a center console. Fairly scarce stuff in a pickup but as it is not salvageable.....sad.

02-06-2016, 12:11 AM	#13
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Special Production Trucks Well, I take that back-the drivers seat looks like 3 racoon's had an all-you-can-eat-contest at one point but, the bases and tracks appear clean. Its too bad the high back buckets are so ratty tho.

02-06-2016, 12:18 AM	#14
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Special Production Trucks So you're going back to get them right? __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

02-06-2016, 02:23 AM	#18
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Special Production Trucks Hmm....well, maybe I'll price some new seat covers and see what I can do to restore them....they're tan now but can be recovered in any color....may have to hunt down the correct pattern of vinyl and see what I can do.

02-06-2016, 05:47 PM	#21
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,268	Re: Special Production Trucks My dad order a heavy half stepside with a 454 turbo 400 and 373 posi and avoided the catalytic converters

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