1981 Chevrolet C50 Pick-up Conversion

[JRANGER]

Thats awesome

[superduty_59]

That's awesome!! Love the 2-stroke Detroits.

[matchstick321]

That's awesome I've never seen a bus converted to a motor home before.
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[Dieselholic92]

That bus is awesome!

[JRANGER]

Dude!!! I want to see some updates!! I miss the frantic pace again especially since im on one! Im on vacation all week so

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by JRANGER

Dude!!! I want to see some updates!! I miss the frantic pace again especially since im on one! Im on vacation all week so

I would love to get back on to finishing it as well... I have been stuck in my office way to much.

Hope things will slow down a little and I can get back to working on it.

[MadManAndrew]

Originally Posted by UPNADM

I would love to get back on to finishing it as well... I have been stuck in my office way to much.

Hope things will slow down a little and I can get back to working on it.

Ugh. Every time I start following a really cool build like this the builder always either gets caught up in something else or drops off the face of the planet. Come on man, I'm trying to live through you here!
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[kustomrust82]

Originally Posted by UPNADM

Good to be back and even better that I can be back in my shop. Too much time to think when your away... ha!

I got the firewall in primer and got a little head of myself and did some topcoat. What does everyone think of the color? I think it will go well with the blue block and black accessories.

Here are some photos, not the best resolution, left my camera with my wife in Florida.

Started on the rear of the cab.

I would be kool to cut out the rear window an put a full window

[MadManAndrew]

Originally Posted by kustomrust82

I would be kool to cut out the rear window an put a full window

I disagree with you and everyone else that is saying that, and I can tell you it wouldn't happen even if UPNADM agreed. After reading back through this entire thread yesterday (I'm getting really into the idea of a medium duty project) I realised UPNADM doesn't weld! And to be honest I was stunned. You do amazing work man, absolutely beautiful, but you're bolting together things that need to be welded, and welding is not hard! A welder is only a couple hundred bucks, and it only took me a couple hours to get my bead acceptable. That back part of the frame REALLY needs to be welded in, the bed frame would look so much better seam welded, and that carrier bearing adapter too! Anyway, back to the window, I personally think the small window just makes it even more unique.
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[superduty_59]

Originally Posted by MadManAndrew

Anyway, back to the window, I personally think the small window just makes it even more unique.
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I agree. Even if I liked the big window better I would still keep the small window. You just don't see them everyday anymore. Besides UPNADM said it would take away his speaker locations up in the corner. These cabs are still a bit different from the standard pick up cabs.

[meatwagon83]

your truck is really cool, just one question, why a small block and not a big block or diesel? did these even come with small blocks?

[Bigasstrux]

Small block V8s were standard in the C50 series. C60/70s had 366 gas or 8.2 Detroit Diesel, Topkicks and Kodiaks had Cat 3208 power.

[matchstick321]

I've actually seen some old farm trucks equipped with a 250 v6. It does not surprise me that this truck has a 350.
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[Bigasstrux]

Late 70s and early 80s C60s were available with a Duetz air-cooled diesel, 453T Detroit Diesel and Cummins VT-225. They are rare, but I have seen them.

[UPNADM]

Greetings all... Its the new year, holidays over, back home now its back to getting working on this truck.

I am supposed to be picking up a Chevrolet tail gate tonight... as per attached photo.

Its cold out up here and I hate the cold... Time to lay low in the shop. Besides I think my wife is ready for me to not be so close around her for a while... ha.

Plan on getting the tailgate in primer and the inside of the box in paint over the weekend.

[JRANGER]

YES!!! HE IS BACK!!!! LET THE FUN BEGIN!! lol

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by MadManAndrew

I disagree with you and everyone else that is saying that, and I can tell you it wouldn't happen even if UPNADM agreed. After reading back through this entire thread yesterday (I'm getting really into the idea of a medium duty project) I realised UPNADM doesn't weld! And to be honest I was stunned. You do amazing work man, absolutely beautiful, but you're bolting together things that need to be welded, and welding is not hard! A welder is only a couple hundred bucks, and it only took me a couple hours to get my bead acceptable. That back part of the frame REALLY needs to be welded in, the bed frame would look so much better seam welded, and that carrier bearing adapter too! Anyway, back to the window, I personally think the small window just makes it even more unique.
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MadManAndrew thanks for the compliments.

As for the welding... your right I don't weld. This is the only class I never took in high school. I really wished I had. However, all my other friends (and two close cousins) took welding. They now work for large companies who build compactors, stackers etc.

I can always get them to do any of my welding I need (Usually requires a few pints in the cooler).

With all that in mind, my cousin did weld my subframe to my frame in addition to me bolting it. It is stitched in tight now.

I still have to do the carrier, but I did not want to do that until I really get a feel on just how I have my pinion angle and driveshaft geometry.

As for the back window debate it will be staying with me... I need to get my speakers up there... lol.

So thanks for the kind words and thanks for getting me motivated.

All the best to everyone in the new year.

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by JRANGER

YES!!! HE IS BACK!!!! LET THE FUN BEGIN!! lol

I have been going through major withdrawal of not being able to work this project... The MCI took a bit of time getting it serviced and ready for me to head south.

Then the 26th came and the family and I headed south, destination Myrtle Beach, SC.

All was well until we got into Pennsylvania going down I-79. Hit that winter snow storm and spent the night at a Pilot Travel Center in Portersville, PA.

After looking at the long range forecast and seeing it was just as cold in SC as at home I made the executive decision to go back home. Although we did have fun in Erie at the indoor water park.

Better luck next time. All was not lost, I got a little drive time in the Bus.

Moral of the story, keep working on your truck, lol. Hopefully in March we can head back down south.

[kustomrust82]

Glad to see you back at it, im new to the form but ive already went through you whole build! like the big trucks! i was looking at a late 80's kodiak for sale a while back but i didnt have time or space for it! hope to see you finished product soon!

[UPNADM]

I forgot how much I am not a fan of stripping paint...

Minimal supplies in my shop. Got a little start on it though...

[JRANGER]

Order some of these
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=520066

...4.5" Paint Stripping disc for Angle Grinders the price even better since they are almost $5 cheaper then lowes

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by JRANGER

Order some of these
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=520066

...4.5" Paint Stripping disc for Angle Grinders the price even better since they are almost $5 cheaper then lowes

I have never tried those, I will try them...

[UPNADM]

Got some stick its this afternoon and some more paint stripper.

Got one side done, minus a bit of touch up...

Hopefully get everything done and in primer tomorrow afternoon.

[UPNADM]

Still working on stripping paint but the end is near...

Should have tailgate in primer tomorrow night and in paint the next... While I was applying stripper to the tailgate started working on the front bumper. Many layers of paint over the years.

Thank goodness for good product. It takes a lot of the elbow grease out of getting these parts back down to bare metal.

I need to get this done as I am running out of floor space... ha.

[JRANGER]

Truck looks awesome