1970 C20 Camper Special

[JoeKan]

I've been looking at this truck to buy but was hoping I can get more information. The motor is bad so that will need replacing, but can someone tell me how well these trucks haul and tow? It has a 4 speed and I thought that was kinds unusual because most I've seen were either automatic or three on a tree. I'm assuming that since it is a Camper Special that it would haul/tow more than a regular C20, is that correct? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[jocko]

"Custom Camper"-equipped trucks (they weren't "Camper Specials" until 1973, even though some of the 67-72 SPIDs occasionally call out a "Special Camper") don't have a higher GVWR than non-Custom Camper trucks. If you see a Custom Camper-badged truck, it only signifies that a certain subset of equipment has been ordered that is geared toward camper hauling - i.e. Z81 is just adding the nameplate to a C20 that could be identically equipped without the nameplate. Having said all that, they are indeed one of my favorite options, just seems right on a C20. Here's an excerpt of what is required to be ordered on a C20 in order to be able to also order the Custom Camper nameplate:

[JoeKan]

Interesting. I never knew that, thanks for posting and sharing. The motor is blown, little rust, has a tach., it's going for 3k. Is it worth it?

[jocko]

Originally Posted by JoeKan

Interesting. I never knew that, thanks for posting and sharing. The motor is blown, little rust, has a tach., it's going for 3k. Is it worth it?

Depends - got pics? 3K may be a little high for one with a blown engine unless everything else is there and in decent shape. Can you post a pic of the SPID?

[JoeKan]

Here it is. He siad it doesn't have a "Custom Camper" or "Camper Special" emblem but its on the SPID

[JoeKan]

Here's what it looks like.

[special-K]

Yes, being a Custom Camper/20 guarantees it can haul more than a C/20 that doesn't have the optional equipment required to get the Custom Camper option. There are minimum equipment requirements in the suspension and tire depts. Three on the tree was standard equipment but is more unusual to find in a C/20 than a 4spd. I'd say the 4spd is about as common as an automatic in a C/20.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by JoeKan

Here it is. He siad it doesn't have a "Custom Camper" or "Camper Special" emblem but its on the SPID

Nice SPID. Yep, true Custom Camper - you have the Z81 RPO. The emblem you need goes on the fender and looks exactly like the “CustomCamper20” in my post above. Same emblem was used on C20 Custom Campers from 69-71, you might be able to find one by posting a WTB ad on the parts board.

[El Dorado Jim]

very clean truck, it looks to be worth the $3000 . you can always offer less

[HO455]

Optional rear leaf springs with the optional heavy duty springs. It looks as if this was originally ordered to tow.
Take a look at the GVW tag to confirm what it's max rated weight is.
This thread may help.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=594086

P.S. Around here that would be a smoking deal if it is relatively rust free.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by JoeKan

I'm assuming that since it is a Camper Special that it would haul/tow more than a regular C20, is that correct?

Back to your original question - no, you cannot assume that a Custom Camper-badged truck can haul more than a C/20-badged truck that is siting right next to it. That is what I believe you are asking based on the wording. The latter can be outfitted to haul the exact same amount as a Custom Camper, the only difference between the two would be that the Custom Camper has RPO Z81 on the SPID and a CustomCamper20 nameplate on the fender.

The C/20 could have less hauling capability than the Custom Camper, but you can't assume that based on lack of the nameplate/RPO alone.

[Chris_oz]

Nice truck with lots of options.

I have a C20 Longhorn with Camper Z81 and almost all the same SPID's as you (no power steer on mine)

II think the truck you have shown is well worth looking at for $3k, put a grate engine in and away you go.

[special-K]

I'll clarify again. Yes, you can assume a Custom Camper badged C/20 can haul more than one that isn't from standing looking at both sitting side by side. Now if you pop your head inside, look at the non-Custom Camper truck's SPID, and see it was built with all the required suspension and tire options that are minimum requirements before the Z81 option is allowed, your assumption would be incorrect. The Z81 "name plate" option does mean the truck is built heavier duty than standard because GM did not allow that "cosmetic" option until the truck was upgraded with other "haul capacity" options they felt were minimal necessities.

If you are looking for better payload capacity you can add Air Lift auxiliary bags to the rear. There are rubber springs sold through towing equipment suppliers for the front.

[jocko]

Thanks for clarifying Tim, however, with that kind of logic it’s like saying “that is the tallest tree tree in the field, unless of course, there is another tree that is the same height.” The OP asked if one can assume a Custom Camper can haul more than a C20. The fact that it is possible for a C20 to be equipped exactly as a Custom Camper for hauling capacity means that one cannot say definitively that a Custom Camper badged truck can haul more than one that isn’t CC badged. One simply cannot know until looking at the SPID, as you said yourself. Anyway, I guess it’s not that important, just seems an odd position when we’re both saying it can’t be known for sure without seeing a SPID.

[special-K]

You can't base any comparison on assumptions and that's a fact. So the answer is no. I see the logic you are using, Jocko, your statements are correct. But I'm focusing on black and white fact, not logic, and that tree analogy doesn't fit.

Because the Z81 Custom Camper option, which is just a name plate, can not be ordered unless heavy duty suspension and tires are, all Custom Campers are better equipped to haul than standard C/20s. You can assume they can haul more. The emblem tells you that is so. Fact.

You can't assume any other C/20 can haul as much as a Custom Camper just by looking at it. You need all the facts first. That would mean looking at the SPID or looking at the springs. They can have the same equipment as a Custom Camper, if ordered that way.

A non-Custom Camper could be equipped to haul more, but you can't assume that. An owner could take to spring shop to custom tailor springs to haul more.

Obviously the tires will not be what came on any of the trucks, so they are not even a consideration today.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by Chris_oz

I think the truck you have shown is well worth looking at for $3k, put a crate engine in and away you go.

I'm thinking that also. But the "little rust" should be checked out. Check that windshield visor out, make sure it's not hiding a bunch of rust.

[JoeKan]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm going to try and go by Monday to take a look at it. How much for a new engine (350 4 bolt main, big block) with install?

[Barnfind46]

I bought a replacement GM crate engine from Summit for a little more than $2,000.00. Not sure what an install would cost. I did it my self.

[Steeveedee]

If you can't do the R&R yourself, I think that book time was about 12 hours, give or take- depends on what options are on it. Multiply that by the local mechanical hourly rate and you'll get at least a ball park cost for labor.

[factorystock]

Interesting discussion on the C.C. Hypothetically, if you have a row of new C 20's on the dealers lot, some with the C.C. options, the others without, at first glance, you can assume the C.C.'s automatically has some important suspension options were already ordered to haul heavier weights. The others, you would have to do some investigating on how it was ordered. Its very possible a non C.C. truck has the exact same heavy duty suspension options ordered separately and its also possible another non C.C. C 20 has no options and standard springs. The performance part of it was opened ended by GM, it was up to you to tailor the vehicle to exactly the requirements of your particular job. Cross country carrying a 2000lb camper or pulling a 3000lb trailer or both you probably could get by with a 350. Heavier than these would require a 400. Then comes the ratio, 4.56 for serious pulling in hilly country or 4. 10 for average terrain. Auto or manual trans boils down to preference, both generally a 4 speed or turbo 400 are more durable than a 3 speed or turbo 350. A good salesman would start with the C.C. option for maximum load carrying ability and build up the vehicle with worthwhile options from there.

[StingRay]

When i was a kid we had a 69 GMC 920 Longhorn with Custom Camper equipment and a 350. That truck hauled a 2800 lb camper, pulled the boat and had 7 people and all of our crap in it. Yes back in the day you got ride in the camper. We did that every year over the Rockies and back to to the prairies. That old girl never skipped a beat and was my first vehicle when i got my license. The 350 back then ran on premium and needed it so I assume 9.5:1 or better compression. The 350 did the job very well. I believe it had a 4.10 gear in it. 90 was the top speed even completely empty.

Originally Posted by factorystock

Interesting discussion on the C.C. Hypothetically, if you have a row of new C 20's on the dealers lot, some with the C.C. options, the others without, at first glance, you can assume the C.C.'s automatically has some important suspension options were already ordered to haul heavier weights. The others, you would have to do some investigating on how it was ordered. Its very possible a non C.C. truck has the exact same heavy duty suspension options ordered separately and its also possible another non C.C. C 20 has no options and standard springs. The performance part of it was opened ended by GM, it was up to you to tailor the vehicle to exactly the requirements of your particular job. Cross country carrying a 2000lb camper or pulling a 3000lb trailer or both you probably could get by with a 350. Heavier than these would require a 400. Then comes the ratio, 4.56 for serious pulling in hilly country or 4. 10 for average terrain. Auto or manual trans boils down to preference, both generally a 4 speed or turbo 400 are more durable than a 3 speed or turbo 350. A good salesman would start with the C.C. option for maximum load carrying ability and build up the vehicle with worthwhile options from there.