1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler

[MTCK]

Sure thing. Head unit is pretty basic Alpine with 3 pair of pre amp outputs (4volt) and Bluetooth calling / audio. Amp is a 5 channel JL xd series, 75x4 and 300x1. Coaxial speakers are 6.5 and 6x9 JL TR series (bottom of the line) and sub is called a microsub 8.2 I think. It has two 8w3's and the box is ported. I had the smaller microsub with a single driver in my 77 K10 and it sounded great. That was a four channel amp with the back two bridged to the sub and pair of MB quart front components. Simple and clean.

I haven't played with this system too much yet but it sounds very clean. Also it's NOT loud outside the car even at high volumes inside. Probably need to give the fatmat some credit there. When I was 16 I wanted everybody to hear my stereo, now just I want to hear it...

[COS399]

Looking great. Looks like you've been busy. What caused your block heater issue?

[MTCK]

Thanks. Yes been busy for sure. Good question on the cause of the block heater popping out. When I fixed it, the bolt that holds it in was very loose. I'm not sure how it got so loose, as I torqued it down when I installed it. Hopefully there is no other underlying problem. Only other time I have seen this happen it was a blown head gasket, but I don't have any other symptoms.

My damn radiator is still leaking though. I'm going to have to pull it out and get it to the shop to pressure test and repair.

[MTCK]

Installed some steel roller rockers. Summit and Comp couldn't tell me if they fit under the factory rocker covers. Short answer: no. The locking nuts were too tall. I shortened them about 1/4" and they fit after that.

[MTCK]

Well the block heater issue didn't go away either. I took it apart and the bolt was stripped. Flipped the nut around which put it on a different part of the thread. Was hoping it would hold so I could go claim the topper I found on Craigslist but it wasn't to be.

Hope this isn't a ride the truck needs again...

[deejaaa1]

put in a freeze plug until you can figure it out.

[COS399]

Bummer on the break down. I just put 4,600 miles on my truck in the last two weeks and luckily it didn't leave me stranded. I was towing a trailer most of the the time and it has 220,000 miles on the odometer. Good luck getting it figured out. Look at the bright side, it wasn't below freezing.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[MTCK]

Topper is on. Big test tomorrow we are driving down to Denali with some out of town guests. 180 miles each way and planning to sleep in the back with the mutts. The weather is wet down there so I hope it doesn't leak.

[MTCK]

Built a sleeping platform. Queen mattress fits on no problem. Full height space in the back for gear. Spare tire, tools, recovery gear, water, camp chairs and stove fit under it.

[MTCK]

Plenty of space for all the gear.

[Greenlee]

Nice! That is the perfect rig for that type of trip. Makes me miss having a long bed.

[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.