68 c30 longbed stepside questions

[catch2otwo]

Im going to look at a rolling chassis this weekend. Seller states its a 68 long stepside. non dually. Did these come factory like this? His pic shows 8lug wheels. Is the wheel base the same as other reg cab/long bed trucks from this era? Ultimately I'd go dually. Can I swap in c30 squarebody front suspension to get discs and adapters?

Lastly, hes asking 1000 for the chassis with a 6cyl and manual trans. thoughts?


Ooops I put this in the suburban section, can a mod move it to the pickup section please.

[68bowtie]

Yes those came from the factory like that. 133” wheelbase longhorn. 6” longer than a standard longbed. GM rear ends and complete front crossmembers through the 70’s and 80’s should bolt in fairly easily. If by “rolling chassis” you mean the body is included the price might be ok, but if it’s just the frame and suspension that’s probably too high. The 292 engine seems to be a lot more desirable than the 250.

[catch2otwo]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

Yes those came from the factory like that. 133” wheelbase longhorn. 6” longer than a standard longbed. GM rear ends and complete front crossmembers through the 70’s and 80’s should bolt in fairly easily. If by “rolling chassis” you mean the body is included the price might be ok, but if it’s just the frame and suspension that’s probably too high. The 292 engine seems to be a lot more desirable than the 250.

Interesting, never knew about this config. Hes asking 1000 for rolling chassis, motor and trans. No body. I'll have to look into this more, not sure if I like the extra length

[HO455]

It is possible for it to be the 133" chassis but it's not likely. Much more common would be a 127" chassis. Have the seller measure the wheel base to confirm.
I would also confirm if the transmission is a 4 speed. A 250 three speed would be a base model truck, popular as a fleet vehicle back in the day. As stated the 292 is worth more as the power is better with little difference in fuel mileage
Ping LockDoc if you still want this moved.

[michael bustamante]

ive got a dually rolling chassis here for sale as well. good rear end. from a 78 chevy c30.
you willing to travel over here to NM?

[catch2otwo]

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

ive got a dually rolling chassis here for sale as well. good rear end. from a 78 chevy c30.
you willing to travel over here to NM?

Na thats pretty far. There are some options here

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by HO455

It is possible for it to be the 133" chassis but it's not likely. Much more common would be a 127" chassis. Have the seller measure the wheel base to confirm.
I would also confirm if the transmission is a 4 speed. A 250 three speed would be a base model truck, popular as a fleet vehicle back in the day. As stated the 292 is worth more as the power is better with little difference in fuel mileage
Ping LockDoc if you still want this moved.

If it is a C30, it will not be a 127". All 1 tons were at least 133" or longer.

Also, if it a true C30 stepper, will have a 9' box, not the 8 1/2" length like the Lornhorn. The 9' steppers are an odd duck, and kinda look funny, but are cool because you don't see many of them at all.

To answer the question about squarebody disc brakes - Yes, you can do that, but you do have to change to the '71 - up size upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by catch2otwo

Im going to look at a rolling chassis this weekend. Seller states its a 68 long stepside. non dually. Did these come factory like this? His pic shows 8lug wheels. Is the wheel base the same as other reg cab/long bed trucks from this era? Ultimately I'd go dually. Can I swap in c30 squarebody front suspension to get discs and adapters?

Lastly, hes asking 1000 for the chassis with a 6cyl and manual trans. thoughts?


Ooops I put this in the suburban section, can a mod move it to the pickup section please.

First of all, yes GM built C/30 single rear trucks.

Second, yes the full a-frame assembly will swap right over.

Third, the top of frame rail will have a partial VIN stamped with the prefix CS3.

Fourth, you can leave the "long" out of the description since it is actually a SWB C/30. C/30s came in 133" and 157" WB, so this one would technically be a SWB C/30. Stepside beds were only offered on the 133, so no need to specify WB.

Fifth, no need to use the term regular cab when talking about any 67-72 since GM never offered a crew cab until '73. Any pre-73 will be an aftermarket conversion, so when referring to one of those you'd say "crew cab conversion"

Sixth, $1,000 is not out of line for it coming with engine and transmission as well as rolling. I'd venture to guess the engine would be a 292. Quite likely, although standard engine was 250

[cypressbog]

I've owned 2 of the 9 foot step side trucks (68 and 72). Seams a little high priced for what you're getting. I sold my 68 last fall for $1500 and it was running and driving. The 72 rolling chassis got taken to the scrap yard. A lot of people say they like them, but finding someone willing to purchase was next to impossible.

[Steeveedee]

Oof. If I could find one locally for that kind of money, I'd gladly irritate my wife by buying it.