Old truck still knows how to work... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GCncsuHD · 11-03-2009, 11:31 PM

It was raining out, and my 03 Duramax had just been washed/waxed, so I decided to put the 78 K30 to work. Don't worry it got a bath after I was done as well.

Only loaded picture I got. Not too heavy of a load, but it pulled like a dream.

Not surprising though, since it carried 250 gallons of water, pumps, and hoses in the bed for the last 30 years.
This is the only picture I could find of it in it's heyday, about a year before I bought it.

**old Rusty C10** · 11-03-2009, 11:34 PM

nice looking truck..if it had FD duty it was prolly speced pretty good to begin with

GCncsuHD · 11-03-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

nice looking truck..if it had FD duty it was prolly speced pretty good to begin with

I had the liberty of keeping up with the maintenance duty of this and our other trucks once about every other month for the last 6 years (checked at least once a week by someone in the FD) so I know it inside and out.

Its just a base, 350, sm465, NP205, 4.11 gears, no ac or any of that nonsense, but is in great shape, and runs/drives great with only 75k mi. Runs too good to touch as is, but when I get the extra time and money, I plan to swap in a big block or possibly a 12v Cummins, maybe a nv4500 5spd if I can find one for a decent price, and a mild lift with 35s all around. Just enough so that it is still capable for weekend tow rig duty.

Hottrucks · 11-04-2009, 12:01 AM

I thought you said old truck well heres my kinda old truck.with 3/4 cord of wood on her...3 or 4 loads a day I have about 7/8 cords to move ......I'm going to be worn out first I think.....I'm 6 years older than the truck and I have taken care of me worse then the last PO's took care of the truck...that doesn't say much

gchemist · 11-04-2009, 12:28 AM

I'd rather drive the 78 over the 03. Install the I-6 Cummings turbo diesel.

thirdstreettito · 11-04-2009, 12:32 AM

Nice 78!

Hottrucks · 11-04-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gchemist

I'd rather drive the 78 over the 03. Install the I-6 Cummings turbo diesel.

How about a 3208T and an Alison......

Driveway Dreams · 11-04-2009, 12:57 AM

Very nice truck!! When I read the title, I pictured a beat up old truck working its guts out. Then it opened and I saw a very nice (as you would expect based on it's history) truck just doing light duty work for ya. Very nice truck though.

GCncsuHD · 11-04-2009, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gchemist

I'd rather drive the 78 over the 03. Install the I-6 Cummings turbo diesel.

Na, I drive 3 hours to school and back every weekend, Ill keep the 22mpg, AC, ipod hookup, Bose radio, smooth and quiet ride of the 03 over the 8mpg, blistering heat, 1 speaker radio, bouncy ride, and 4000 rpm wound out 350 with no overdrive and 4.11 gears down the interstate of the 78.

Although it is bout impossible not to have a huge grin on my face when I hop behind the wheel of the 78.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

I thought you said old truck well heres my kinda old truck.with 3/4 cord of wood on her...3 or 4 loads a day I have about 7/8 cords to move ......I'm going to be worn out first I think.....I'm 6 years older than the truck and I have taken care of me worse then the last PO's took care of the truck...that doesn't say much

Well old to me, it's 9 years older than I am. And I'd say rolling with over 2500lbf in the bed for almost 30 years, never once being unloaded until this past year, with at least 50% of it's life spent off the road in the woods, it's had its fair share of hard work. I'd like to think of it as working through it's retirement easily.

Pyrotechnic · 11-04-2009, 01:23 AM

6.0 LS + ZF 6 speed manual. Useful AND fun.

GCncsuHD · 11-04-2009, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

6.0 LS + ZF 6 speed manual. Useful AND fun.

If I get my hands on a ZF6, first place it goes is behind either my Dmax or my 01 6.0.

Besides, the LQ4 6.0 + T56 plan is for my 68 c10 one day.

Pyrotechnic · 11-04-2009, 02:19 AM

Yeah it's a shame that ZF6 Duramax trucks were so rare, and that they just discontinued them all together.

*JCampbell* · 11-04-2009, 11:20 AM

Nice rig, Man.

Lots of reg cabs popping up lately.

cochino12 · 11-04-2009, 11:56 AM

Nice truck

Dooley · 11-04-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCncsuHD

I had the liberty of keeping up with the maintenance duty of this and our other trucks once about every other month for the last 6 years (checked at least once a week by someone in the FD) so I know it inside and out.

Its just a base, 350, sm465, NP205, 4.11 gears, no ac or any of that nonsense, but is in great shape, and runs/drives great with only 75k mi. Runs too good to touch as is, but when I get the extra time and money, I plan to swap in a big block or possibly a 12v Cummins, maybe a nv4500 5spd if I can find one for a decent price, and a mild lift with 35s all around. Just enough so that it is still capable for weekend tow rig duty.

Nice truck!
What size tires/wheels on this truck? Standard equipment on a K30 in 1978 was 9.50/16.5's. If you have these switch them out for the optional 16" wheels and run at least a 235/85 series tire. I have a T400 with 3.73 and get 10-11 mpg on the freeways. I run 255/85's,(33.3" tall), on my 86 K30 with 4.56's. No lift required for these tires. Interco has some 34's which should work also. The taller tire will help your cruising mileage.

GCncsuHD · 11-04-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dooley

Nice truck!
What size tires/wheels on this truck? Standard equipment on a K30 in 1978 was 9.50/16.5's. If you have these switch them out for the optional 16" wheels and run at least a 235/85 series tire. I have a T400 with 3.73 and get 10-11 mpg on the freeways. I run 255/85's,(33.3" tall), on my 86 K30 with 4.56's. No lift required for these tires. Interco has some 34's which should work also. The taller tire will help your cruising mileage.

It had 9.50R16.5's when it had FD duty, and right after I bought it. They were tinnnny.

I swapped them out for a set of 16s with 235/85/16s. I don't know exactly how many rpms it turns at highway speeds, because well it doesn't have a tach, and I'm too lazy to calculate it from the gear ratio/tire size. I was looking at the buckshot mudders in 305/85/16 (36/12.00/16). I am using dodge 16" wheels which have a larger offset than GM wheels, so there is currently about 2.5" between the tires in the rear so tire rubbing should not be an issue with that width, although I have thought about 255/85's as well.

grinch4om · 11-04-2009, 05:13 PM

so jealous....

**truckfan** · 11-04-2009, 05:46 PM

Killer.

If any of you saw my posts about trucks for sale on www.govdeals.com these trucks are out there. i have even passed on some 3/4 tons that were sweet (and reasonable) because they were too far away.

get a chrome front bumper. that would just finish it off

GCncsuHD · 11-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckfan

Killer.

If any of you saw my posts about trucks for sale on www.govdeals.com these trucks are out there. i have even passed on some 3/4 tons that were sweet (and reasonable) because they were too far away.

get a chrome front bumper. that would just finish it off

We have purchased an 98 F150, 2000 E350 Van, 95 Chevy 1500 off of gov deals, and turned each of them over for a profit, there's plenty of good deals and interesting vehicles on there.

I plan on getting a chrome front and rear bumper, but for now the silver paint will do.

willett · 11-04-2009, 09:04 PM

thats a beautiful truck,
i love the look of single cabs with duellys

Damien · 11-05-2009, 02:02 PM

Do they ever forget how to work! That truck is super nice. I wouldn't mind having an old FD truck, They are always so clean. Too bad you didn't get the light bar with it.

GCncsuHD · 11-05-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

Do they ever forget how to work! That truck is super nice. I wouldn't mind having an old FD truck, They are always so clean. Too bad you didn't get the light bar with it.

Actually I have it, its sitting in storage at the FD.

Damien · 11-05-2009, 03:32 PM

Nice, That and the gold leaf lettering would make it look sweet.

Keith Seymore · 11-09-2009, 08:35 AM

These old trucks can still git 'er done....

Here's "lil Red", overworked and underpaid, from last Saturday -

Picture taken at Milan Dragway during a tune & test session.

K

JohnC · 11-09-2009, 10:32 AM

That's a sharp looking truck GCncsuHD.

11-03-2009, 11:31 PM	#1
GCncsuHD Charlie Daniels w/ a Tq Wrench Join Date: May 2009 Location: Statesville, NC Posts: 1,570	Old truck still knows how to work... It was raining out, and my 03 Duramax had just been washed/waxed, so I decided to put the 78 K30 to work. Don't worry it got a bath after I was done as well. Only loaded picture I got. Not too heavy of a load, but it pulled like a dream. Not surprising though, since it carried 250 gallons of water, pumps, and hoses in the bed for the last 30 years. This is the only picture I could find of it in it's heyday, about a year before I bought it.

11-03-2009, 11:34 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,287	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... nice looking truck..if it had FD duty it was prolly speced pretty good to begin with __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-04-2009, 12:01 AM	#4
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... I thought you said old truck well heres my kinda old truck.with 3/4 cord of wood on her...3 or 4 loads a day I have about 7/8 cords to move ......I'm going to be worn out first I think.....I'm 6 years older than the truck and I have taken care of me worse then the last PO's took care of the truck...that doesn't say much Attached Images __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

11-04-2009, 12:28 AM	#5
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... I'd rather drive the 78 over the 03. Install the I-6 Cummings turbo diesel. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

11-04-2009, 12:32 AM	#6
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Nice 78! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

11-04-2009, 12:57 AM	#8
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Very nice truck!! When I read the title, I pictured a beat up old truck working its guts out. Then it opened and I saw a very nice (as you would expect based on it's history) truck just doing light duty work for ya. Very nice truck though. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

11-04-2009, 01:23 AM	#10
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... 6.0 LS + ZF 6 speed manual. Useful AND fun. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

11-04-2009, 02:19 AM	#12
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Yeah it's a shame that ZF6 Duramax trucks were so rare, and that they just discontinued them all together. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

11-04-2009, 11:20 AM	#13
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Nice rig, Man. Lots of reg cabs popping up lately.

11-04-2009, 11:56 AM	#14
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Nice truck __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

11-04-2009, 05:13 PM	#17
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... so jealous....

11-04-2009, 05:46 PM	#18
truckfan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lawrence KS Posts: 821	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Killer. If any of you saw my posts about trucks for sale on www.govdeals.com these trucks are out there. i have even passed on some 3/4 tons that were sweet (and reasonable) because they were too far away. get a chrome front bumper. that would just finish it off __________________ 1981 Chevy C30 440 Holmes 42K one owner miles

11-04-2009, 09:04 PM	#20
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... thats a beautiful truck, i love the look of single cabs with duellys __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

11-05-2009, 02:02 PM	#21
Damien Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Farmington, MN Posts: 928	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Do they ever forget how to work! That truck is super nice. I wouldn't mind having an old FD truck, They are always so clean. Too bad you didn't get the light bar with it. __________________ I can still count my vehicles on two... wait three hands.

11-05-2009, 03:32 PM	#23
Damien Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Farmington, MN Posts: 928	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... Nice, That and the gold leaf lettering would make it look sweet. __________________ I can still count my vehicles on two... wait three hands.



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11-09-2009, 08:35 AM	#24
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,193	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... These old trucks can still git 'er done.... Here's "lil Red", overworked and underpaid, from last Saturday - Picture taken at Milan Dragway during a tune & test session. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

11-09-2009, 10:32 AM	#25
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Old truck still knows how to work... That's a sharp looking truck GCncsuHD.

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