1972 Cheyenne Custom Camper 400bb with Mitchel camper

[Autoblueprint]

Originally Posted by 71chevy72

I just bought this truck and need suggestions to get it ready to travel.......

Originally Posted by 71chevy72

It has a 402 6.6 ltr a turbo 400 tranny 136,000 or 36,000 miles on it we arn't sure yet.

My 2 cents:

For now...forget about the motor home part.

Why?

Well, I looked at all the photos you posted of the engine...the truck has 136K on it...it's been my experience that with 36K the engine would be quite a bit cleaner...especially the carb.

Do yourself a favor...do a MAJOR tune on this engine:

Check compression ( dry and wet ) and record the results.

Replace spark plugs, spark plug wires ( you have acouple of non-HEI wires on there ), cap, rotor, coil and check the reluctor wires ( yellow and green inside the distributor for cracks or for being brittle...if they are brittle...bite the bullet and buy a re-manufactured HEI distributor ), replace ALL the coolant / heater hoses and thermostat, replace all the belts, replace the water pump, change the engine / transmission oil / fluid and filters, overhaul the carb ( make sure there is no play in the primary throttle shaft, if there is, take the base plate to a carb shop and have them re-bush the primary shaft ) and replace all the valve seals in the engine.

When you get done with all of this you will have a much better idea of the running condition of your truck and it will be much more dependable.

I know, this sounds like quite a bit...but think about being stranded somewhere with this beast...it will cost you a fortune for an emergency repair.

I would also pull ALL the wheels and inspect / replace cylinders / linings / pads and brake hoses as necessary.

Check your tie rods, center link, idler and pitman arms and ball joints for excessive play.

Check / replace axle bearings, pinion seal and diff cover gasket.

If you don't already have one...purchase a factory service manual to help guide you through the repairs.

Be safe and have fun.

[Bert W]

That camper is a time machine. Id have to agree with John. Get all of the mechanical's done. You have to keep the Duke picture.

[71chevy72]

Yes the duke was my addition... Thank you Johm and everyone!!! I am off to work on her. I wil posts and pics.
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[cleanfreak]

I've had lots of cheap campers - they are great! , But john is right . Do your maintenance. Might also check for play in the timing chain , they are cheap to change at home , expensive to change on the road , old big blocks like to skip them at the worse times.

[71chevy72]

So I am having issues with mu brakes. I was having trouble stopping. The booster was working but I had a lot of air in the brake lines after bleeding them several times over the last few weeks I still would have to pump them quite a few times to stop. The lines were all good the booster passed the tests so we replaced the master cylinder. Now the booster seems like it is not engaging. And the brake pedal os very hard.
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[70cst]

I love this truck. I agree it would be cool to keep it as original as possible. Not many campers like this still around.

[ole dollor]

now thats a cool ride.....and a place to sleep...

[71chevy72]

Yes we do often. I really need some help with this brake issue if anybody has any insight.
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[thecatseye66]

Sweet campstation! I really like your new rig! Welcome!

Finish the brake work you've started with a rebuild of the booster, MC and front discs. That thing has to stop for ya so we get some more pics!!!!

Chris

[67mater]

i cannot get over how much ass is hanging behind the axle. very cool ride!

[71chevy72]

Help
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[71chevy72]

Well after a lot of investigating the rear wheels needed to be adjusted.... now it stops on a dime!!
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[71chevy72]

well I thin I bit off more than I can chew. I know I can't sell her on here but does any one know the best place to start and how much I should ask or her???

[Already Gone]

I remember seeing the Camper on Craigslist last spring. I was thinking about checking into it when I found this post and you had already bought it. I wouldn't mind having it but I dont know how I'd get her home the 1100 miles between me and you.
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[71chevy72]

This wasn't the one on Craigslist... It had a 350 and was standard. The shell is still west of WY. Good for parts... Mine is Automatic T400 and the 402 engine. I bought it off a friend in Eads Colorado. It sat on a farm out there for almost 30 years only driving from there to Kansas, TX and back. I drove it out Denver with NO problems. Even with 60mile and hour winds... Almost 300 miles....It loves cruising at 70. It does need some minor work (Spark plug wires and new heater hose maybe tranny filter and another oil change) and tires. But I have all the parts. I just have no where to work on it anymore now that I'm in the city. It also only gets 8- 10 miles to the gal. city. I will put it on Craigslist with all the information. I was scolded by my Elders NOT to sell on here. So, I think I will list it on there.