1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler

[MTCK]

At least it wasn't 40 below! Block heater was junk like so many parts you buy these days. I'm putting the freeze plug in and installing a circulating heater instead of the block heater. Also using this down time to take the radiator in and get that leak fixed.

Topper claimed with the help of a buddy. All good glass, struts, and even has a key for the lock.

[Greenlee]

Originally Posted by MTCK

At least it wasn't 40 below! Block heater was junk like so many parts you buy these days. I'm putting the freeze plug in and installing a circulating heater instead of the block heater. Also using this down time to take the radiator in and get that leak fixed.

Topper claimed with the help of a buddy. All good glass, struts, and even has a key for the lock.

Nice find! Looks like it's even the right color.

Once you get the kinks worked out this thing will be as reliable as a new truck.

[MTCK]

Originally Posted by Greenlee

Once you get the kinks worked out this thing will be as reliable as a new truck.

I sure hope so!!! Got the radiator back from the shop today. Had a leak by the drain petcock... Go China.

Thanks guys I'm pumped about the topper too. Will post pics as soon as its mounted. Need to straighten the wow in the front of my bed.

[y5mgisi]

Can't wait to see the topper on the truck!

[Matt Man]

I loved my camper shell on my old truck, I would like to find one for my k10 when I paint it.

[whitels1]

This truck is awesome! Nice camper, I like the pedestal you made for the mattress and storage.

[daddyjeep]

I'm liking the raised bed frame as well. The only thing I would add would be a slide out tray for underneath. Stuff will slide under there and I know I am not skinny enough to fit under there, maybe you are.

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

I'm liking the raised bed frame as well. The only thing I would add would be a slide out tray for underneath. Stuff will slide under there and I know I am not skinny enough to fit under there, maybe you are.

I'm digging it to but surprised nobody mentioned privacy. I'd have to add window tint or maybe some dowel rods to hang sheets on.LOL I wouldn't sleep too well knowing someone walking by could stop and stare. Yeah I've misplaced my tinfoil hat...

[watahyahknow]

seen a few of those on youtube , most build long drawers under the bed with a kick out leg . usually holds the stove and a cuttingboard too so you can somewat cook behind the truck on top of the fully pulled out drawer
prolly be able to fit a jerrycan with water and a tap in there too if it isnt too fat and laying on its side
they usually make some trapdoors in front of the wheelwells under the matras (against the cab) to store camping gear like backpacks and tents and stuff

prolly be a good idea to make foam sides that sit on top of the matrass so you dont roll against the cold metal / sharp sides , that would wake you up in a hurry

[COS399]

Nice set up. I like to see that your using your truck and the topper is a fine addition. I hope you don't have to call the rollback again. Take some pictures for us. I would like to make a trip up there in the next year or two.

[Dieselwrencher]

Very nice score on the topper! Nice work on the mattress stand/storage compartment. Good luck on the trip! That really sucks good parts are hard to get these days!

[MTCK]

Thanks guys appreciate all the compliments and ideas. I'm not sure how much more work I'm going to put into this specific side project. We are hoping to upgrade to one of these next winter, so the sleeping platform isn't made to last forever.

http://www.fourwh.com/product/grandb...er-8-foot-bed/

I'm not a skinny guy, but I can reach everything that could need to come out. The spare tire is most difficult, but possible with patience. I've seen some of those slides, and they are slick! Curtains would be good, but we try to stay where it isn't too crowded, and I've never had trouble with folks up here peeking in windows. Might get a .44mag peeking back...

Truck did great. Over 350 miles, quite comfortable, hauled my wife, two dogs and a passenger without issue. I was kind of wishing for cruise control, but no biggie. AC worked great, topper kept us dry and power ports kept everybody's junk charged up. It really likes 65 mph at about 2250 rpm. I almost wish it was geared a little taller as the motor pulls like a freight train at 1500. Haven't filled up yet to calc mileage but should be north of 12.

[COS399]

That will be a nice camper. I like the low profile for when your going down the road. Glad you made it up and back without any issues.

[MTCK]

Pulled a little maintenance on the truck. Front diff oil was milky, rear was super black and looked like the original pan gasket. I had to use the die grinder with a scotch brite wheel to clean both surfaces.

[MTCK]

Painted both diff covers and filled with 75w90. When I dropped the transfer case oil it scared the crap out of me: ATF! A little reading revealed that sometime in the late 80's GM went to ATF in the NP205's, so I refilled with some dextron 6. The problem with a shiny part is that it makes all the other parts look like they need a coat of paint.

Going to run her hard over the holiday weekend. Pretty good trip up into Canada, camping, hauling along some friends and over 1000 miles on the schedule.

[whitels1]

Awesome Marcus, enjoy your trip!

[watahyahknow]

dont worry bout the newly painted stuff after a few tours through a mudhole they all look the same again

[MTCK]

Originally Posted by watahyahknow

dont worry bout the newly painted stuff after a few tours through a mudhole they all look the same again

Hahaha excellent point.

Thanks guys, I'll be sure to snap some pics.

[MTCK]

So far so good. Happy Fourth from Canada!

[MTCK]

Trip was a success. Only problem was I lost my keys in Canada. Had a hide-a-key, but only with a door lock. Punched the ignition, then found the keys. The show must go on.

Total was a shade under 1300 miles, with average MPG a little better than 11. I'm happy with that. We were loaded to the gills, went over 6 mountain passes, and did a fair amount of 2 lane passing with lots of right foot.

This thing packs a great load. 4 people, 2 dogs, 3 bikes, coolers, camping gear, water and gas. Just as intended.

Our route was Fairbanks to a campground at MP48 Taylor highway, from there to Dawson City, two days in Dawson, then two days in Valdez for fishing, then home.

Took some serious work with the pressure washer to get all the grime and bugs off. Got a new ignition lock from Napa today and she will be ready to go again once I fix that.

Captions:

Loaded and ready to leave the driveway. Sitting level.

Tok AK, stopped for gas and a map with the mutts hanging out the window.

First night camp ground. We slept in the bed but our friends riding along used the tent.

Taylor highway. We use the term highway loosely. It's interesting when two Class A's pass each other.

Unimog on the Taylor. Lots of cool rigs wandering around AK and Canada in the summer.

[MTCK]

Captions continued:

Pull off on the Taylor for a snack. We had an eclectic mix of vehicles: my truck, wife's Rav4, ranger with a flip pac and a class c motor home.

Top of the World Highway in the Yukon Territory. Stunning views along the way and a max elevation of about 4300 FT. Two hands on the wheel.

Frost heaves win. Luckily I noticed the bikes were missing in the side view mirrors before any permenant damage. Bent the rack back, affixed some ratchet straps and slowed down.

Stopped to get a glacier pic near Thompson Pass on the Richardson Highway.

Our longest day of driving. 50 mph average is pretty good considering more than half the day was on unpaved somewhat improved roads.

[COS399]

Glad to hear that you didn't have any vehicle problems. Sounds like it was a good shake down run and more importantly a great trip overall.

[watahyahknow]

punched the lock THEN find the keys
murphy's law at its finest

[deejaaa1]

beautiful truck, and scenery.
hope to be doing that, in my 93, that looks just like yours, soon.
now, i need to get to work......

[MTCK]

Thanks guys. Yeah it worked well thank goodness. I need to get the ignition switch replaced and a few other odds and ends. It has been sitting since I got home and work has been crazy. Hopefully I'll have a little time this weekend.