Propane from the Factory? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70chevytruck · 12-10-2010, 04:52 PM

Looked at this truck today....never realized they had propane option from the factory. He converted it over to fuel but still has the propane carb (is that what you call it?) and all the underhood stuff.

Truck was bought in California but never had a title....what does it take in Texas to get a title? I have been told you would have to go get a Bonded Title from California and it is a pain.....For $700 for this Big Block w/ A/c super long bed it might be worth it...it even runs!

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Critter · 12-10-2010, 05:09 PM

I don't know for a fact, but I would guess it's a "dealer installed" system as opposed to a "factory" system.

Allensracing · 12-10-2010, 05:36 PM

I thought most of those propane trucks were dual fuel, running on gas or propane?
I have no clue about factory propane, but I have seen a few dual fuel trucks over the years.
to title a truck in california they would most likely need to see the truck. if the truck has not been registered for 10 years or so, it would no longer be in the computer at all. if you have a california license plate number and VIN you can check online to see if it is still registered here or what the fees are to get it registered. if it comes up as not in the computer at all, you might as well pick any state to register it in

70chevytruck · 12-10-2010, 05:46 PM

Now all he wants is $500.....Going to get it tomorrow. Whoo Hoo....Dual Batteries, Rebuilt 396, 400 trans and best of all looks like one cab corner to replace since it came out of California.

**special-K** · 12-10-2010, 09:10 PM

Yep,the factory offered LPG as an option.

70chevytruck · 12-10-2010, 09:32 PM

How safe do you think a 40 year old propane option is to run today?

crushermechanic · 12-10-2010, 10:41 PM

i would replace the hoses and probably replace the lock-off valve. they get gummed up. the inside of the engine should be clean if run on lp.

ChevLoRay · 12-10-2010, 11:27 PM

My '69 Truck Data Book lists the Propane conversion option and discusses it in a few pages. This is the book that the dealerships used to order new vehicles.

Critter · 12-11-2010, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Yep,the factory offered LPG as an option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

My '69 Truck Data Book lists the Propane conversion option and discusses it in a few pages. This is the book that the dealerships used to order new vehicles.

Well, that just goes to show what I know...very little!

**special-K** · 12-11-2010, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Critter

Well, that just goes to show what I know...very little!

Well,you knew enough to say "I don't know for a fact,but..." and "I guess...".There's a fine line between many factory or dealer installed items and you need the "books" or to have come across the topic before to "know for a fact".Many deals were made at dealerships where a truck would come through w/o a factory option and the customer had the dealer install it through the parts department.Door edge guards are one thing that was a factory option "and" offered in the GM accessory book.Full wheel covers is another.But,yeah,even the GM parts book lists LPG parts.

chipflyer · 12-11-2010, 10:37 AM

As stated above it was a factory option. Here is a SPID from 72 GMC that shows the "LIQ PETRO GAS CONV" OPTION.

Jeff

hcaz095 · 12-31-2012, 09:38 PM

Any new on what happened to this truck? I'm intersted in how things worked out, what the conversion was like, etc...

~Zach

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-01-2013, 02:01 AM

I own the truck now and have the propane carb and regulator if you are interested. $200 + shipping.

bigdog57 · 01-01-2013, 02:09 PM

considering cost on converting mine to propane, thats a good price for the propane carb and regulator

hcaz095 · 01-01-2013, 03:53 PM

I am interested but apprehensive on a few things... has it been run on propane? i.e. is the carb even work on LPG? Are rebuild kits available? how much are they? I realize it may be original and/or cheaper than a new IMPCO, but the truck was sold for $500 earlier in the thread, and I don't know the cost or getting the LPG carb to work, and if its even possible to source parts.

Can anyone chime in on these issues?

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-01-2013, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcaz095

I am interested but apprehensive on a few things... has it been run on propane? i.e. is the carb even work on LPG? Are rebuild kits available? how much are they? I realize it may be original and/or cheaper than a new IMPCO, but the truck was sold for $500 earlier in the thread, and I don't know the cost or getting the LPG carb to work, and if its even possible to source parts.

Can anyone chime in on these issues?

I am not sure what the relevance of what the truck was bought and sold for is, but if it matters, I paid $1200 for the truck running, with a regular quadrajet installed and an extra 5 lug 1/2 ton leaf spring rear. I sold the wheels tires and rear bumper back to 70chevytruck for $200 and his old 16.5 wheels and tires off another truck. I sold the 5 lug leaf spring rear for another $200. I have not run the propnae set up since I don't have a tank.

The carb for sale is propane only, not dual fuel.

I don't have any idea if it needs work or what it would cost to fix if it doesn't work. I really wasnt concerned since I am not going to use propnae, as the cab, front clip engine and trans are going onto a 69 swb chassis with a 72 disc brake front crossmember and 5 lug rear, and a stepside bed.

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-01-2013, 06:29 PM

The carb in the photo is not the LPG carb. Here is a photo of it.

bigdog57 · 01-01-2013, 07:12 PM

they sell kits to repair them for fairly cheep. the propane carb needs to be on a holly carb base ( it apears to be on one already)

Moline_Puller · 01-01-2013, 09:35 PM

Hey,

I might be interested in the carb (mixer), but are you selling the evaporator with it?

I've been thinking of running propane, and it would be cool to have original parts.

Thanks,

Chris
Posted via Mobile Device

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-02-2013, 12:12 AM

I am not familiar with propane nomenclature. I have the regulator in original photos and "carb" in photos I posted $200 plus shipping.
Posted via Mobile Device

Moline_Puller · 01-02-2013, 09:53 AM

Hey,

I just sent a message.

I've run LP in my pulling tractor for a while now, and I really like the way it runs...it's about 108-110 octane, with very little carbon in it, so the spark plugs last a long time, and the oil changes don't have to be as often either.

Does anyone know what the fuel tank would have been in a factory LP-equipped truck?

Thanks!

Chris

12-10-2010, 04:52 PM	#1
70chevytruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 865	Propane from the Factory? Looked at this truck today....never realized they had propane option from the factory. He converted it over to fuel but still has the propane carb (is that what you call it?) and all the underhood stuff. Truck was bought in California but never had a title....what does it take in Texas to get a title? I have been told you would have to go get a Bonded Title from California and it is a pain.....For $700 for this Big Block w/ A/c super long bed it might be worth it...it even runs! __________________ 70chevytruck

12-10-2010, 05:09 PM	#2
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Propane from the Factory? I don't know for a fact, but I would guess it's a "dealer installed" system as opposed to a "factory" system. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

12-10-2010, 05:36 PM	#3
Allensracing Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Paradise, ca Posts: 295	Re: Propane from the Factory? I thought most of those propane trucks were dual fuel, running on gas or propane? I have no clue about factory propane, but I have seen a few dual fuel trucks over the years. to title a truck in california they would most likely need to see the truck. if the truck has not been registered for 10 years or so, it would no longer be in the computer at all. if you have a california license plate number and VIN you can check online to see if it is still registered here or what the fees are to get it registered. if it comes up as not in the computer at all, you might as well pick any state to register it in __________________

12-10-2010, 05:46 PM	#4
70chevytruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 865	Re: Propane from the Factory? Now all he wants is $500.....Going to get it tomorrow. Whoo Hoo....Dual Batteries, Rebuilt 396, 400 trans and best of all looks like one cab corner to replace since it came out of California. __________________ 70chevytruck

12-10-2010, 09:10 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Propane from the Factory? Yep,the factory offered LPG as an option. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-10-2010, 09:32 PM	#6
70chevytruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 865	Re: Propane from the Factory? How safe do you think a 40 year old propane option is to run today? __________________ 70chevytruck

12-10-2010, 10:41 PM	#7
crushermechanic Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl Posts: 361	Re: Propane from the Factory? i would replace the hoses and probably replace the lock-off valve. they get gummed up. the inside of the engine should be clean if run on lp.

12-10-2010, 11:27 PM	#8
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Propane from the Factory? My '69 Truck Data Book lists the Propane conversion option and discusses it in a few pages. This is the book that the dealerships used to order new vehicles. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

12-11-2010, 10:37 AM	#11
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: Propane from the Factory? As stated above it was a factory option. Here is a SPID from 72 GMC that shows the "LIQ PETRO GAS CONV" OPTION. Jeff Attached Images __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

12-31-2012, 09:38 PM	#12
hcaz095 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 61	Re: Propane from the Factory? Any new on what happened to this truck? I'm intersted in how things worked out, what the conversion was like, etc... ~Zach

01-01-2013, 02:01 AM	#13
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: Propane from the Factory? I own the truck now and have the propane carb and regulator if you are interested. $200 + shipping.

01-01-2013, 02:09 PM	#14
bigdog57 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: krugerville Tx Posts: 81	Re: Propane from the Factory? considering cost on converting mine to propane, thats a good price for the propane carb and regulator __________________ Bigdog

01-01-2013, 03:53 PM	#15
hcaz095 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 61	Re: Propane from the Factory? I am interested but apprehensive on a few things... has it been run on propane? i.e. is the carb even work on LPG? Are rebuild kits available? how much are they? I realize it may be original and/or cheaper than a new IMPCO, but the truck was sold for $500 earlier in the thread, and I don't know the cost or getting the LPG carb to work, and if its even possible to source parts. Can anyone chime in on these issues?

01-01-2013, 06:29 PM	#17
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: Propane from the Factory? The carb in the photo is not the LPG carb. Here is a photo of it. Attached Images

01-01-2013, 07:12 PM	#18
bigdog57 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: krugerville Tx Posts: 81	Re: Propane from the Factory? they sell kits to repair them for fairly cheep. the propane carb needs to be on a holly carb base ( it apears to be on one already) __________________ Bigdog



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01-01-2013, 09:35 PM	#19
Moline_Puller Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sussex, NJ Posts: 202	Re: Propane from the Factory? Hey, I might be interested in the carb (mixer), but are you selling the evaporator with it? I've been thinking of running propane, and it would be cool to have original parts. Thanks, Chris Posted via Mobile Device

01-02-2013, 12:12 AM	#20
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: Propane from the Factory? I am not familiar with propane nomenclature. I have the regulator in original photos and "carb" in photos I posted $200 plus shipping. Posted via Mobile Device

01-02-2013, 09:53 AM	#21
Moline_Puller Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sussex, NJ Posts: 202	Re: Propane from the Factory? Hey, I just sent a message. I've run LP in my pulling tractor for a while now, and I really like the way it runs...it's about 108-110 octane, with very little carbon in it, so the spark plugs last a long time, and the oil changes don't have to be as often either. Does anyone know what the fuel tank would have been in a factory LP-equipped truck? Thanks! Chris

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