new C30 flatbed project

[Eisen]

Hi All,

I'm a new member and happy to have something to actually post. I am based in Colorado and run a steel fabrication/blacksmithing business.

I acquired this truck off craigslist about a week ago. I think I made a decent deal at 4k. This is my first 'project' - I have always wanted a Chevy from this time period. I'll mainly use the truck around town with the occasional hour trip to Denver for materials, supplies and machinery. It seems to run pretty good and drive fairly safe. I had it up to 75mph on the highway, with no major rattles or clangs. The truck was apparently built in Fresno and ended up in Wyoming. I did a magnet test for body filler- all good, no real rust and everything is solid underneath. I also checked under the hood for bent supports etc. - all was pretty straight. The interior is in pretty good condition.The previous owner recovered the seat and put in new carpet, wheel and stereo. Odometer reads around 89k and the previous owner seemed to think it was correct. It has factory a/c, but no compressor.

Now on to the bad...

The brakes work and function but I have to push the pedal pretty hard. I will have this looked at professionally. The emergency brake cables are basically hanging loose and need to be redone.

There is an oil leak. Not bad... about 3 inch diameter spot after sitting one week.

Needs new rear tires

It probably needs a tune up.

It starts after a couple tries (and yes I know 'one pulse' of the gas pedal before turning ignition), but idles hard - I will try to adjust the choke and idle.

My plan is to redo the shoddy flatbed and make it safe to use for my business. I will cut off the ramp and existing support structure and paint the frame. Then fabricate a new bumper, headache rack and deck. From the images, it is clear someone tried to lift the rear of the bed by adding blocks on top of the leaf springs. Anyone have an image of a similar stock suspension? The wheelbase from center of front tire to center of rear tire is 16'. If you look at the images of the frame, it has been extended. Is this something they would do on special orders at the factory or did somebody else do this? The welds look pro...

Eventually I am going to paint the cab. For now I just want to get it reliably running and make it safe to drive.

Anyone see anything stands out as not safe or must fix immediately? I am looking for advice or suggestions!

Thank you !

[Eisen]

More images. oil spot, bed etc....

[LockDoc]

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Nice truck! It looks like you could just jack the truck up by the frame and slide the blocks out. Not sure why they would need those there.

I would remove those, get the brakes and other safety equipment working reliably and drive it. On the choke, the "one pulse" you mention should include pushing the pedal all the way to the floor for a couple of seconds to "set the choke". That closes the choke plate and bumps the high idle cam up.

LockDoc

[72cs20]

Nicely optioned C30 you've found. With that wheelbase and framework, I'll bet that truck was built out with a large camper way back when.

[Mike C]

That's a great looking project. I would bet they blocked the overloads just so it would engage them sooner rather than "squatting" down to that point. Must have driven it loaded A LOT.

[Chevyland]

Eisen, welcome
Looks like a very nice start
I bet that truck originally had a motor home on it
They would buy the truck and do the stretch
I’m sure it was done right( it has not failed in 48 years)
Also I’m sure your cab is in great shape because of the motor home
Congrats on your purchase
Good luck with whatever you do with it
And please keep the pics coming as you dial it in

[collin70k/20]

Looks like a nice truck to start with. I’m excited to see your progress on it.

[Turnip Truck]

I would remove those blocks welded to the helper springs before hauling anything heavy. With enough weight on the rear, the blocks will put pressure on all the wrong areas.