New to me Tow vehicle...

[Metal Twister]

I made mention to Moorehouse that I was looking for a cheap tow/ camping vehicle. Something that I could put a 8' cab over camper in and get to the desert. A few days later Just Chad asked if I would be interested in a 1979 GMC camper special that had been sitting for some 8 plus years on his folks property. Today I met him to take a look at it expecting a bucket of rust and rotten rubber. Not at all what I found! Its a beautiful two tone blue and white truck with all the bell and whistles.

After a quick trip back to the shop I grabbed the trailer and Moorehouse, Just Chad, and I loaded it up on the trailer. We probably could of drove it up if the battery was charged. Anyway we got it to the shop threw a power blast on it and its perfect!

I wanted to thank Chad for his kind offer to give me the truck and Dave for being instrumental in making everything happen. They both gave up their Sunday to to help me get it to the shop, off loaded, and cleaned up. Thanks guys, now we need to use this thing!

As mentioned I was plesently suprised. The truck is in really straight shape for its age. Looks like someone Scuffed off the passanger mirror at one time and started the body work to patch it. Its missing a tail gate and that is it. The engine compartment is complete with a few wires knawed on by the rats and mice but nothing serious. The interior is very nice. The sun has faded the blue seat covers purple as well as the dash cover. But the interior has all the stuff intact and appears to be in working order. Over the next few weeks I will be changing fluids, repairing wires, checking into smog requirements for a 79 GMC. and hopefully get some paper work done here soon. My goal is to have it up and on the road by the first of Feb.

Man, I a happy Boy!   Thanks again guys! Anyone want some running boards?

[Chief Gunner]

You knew this was gonna happen.  I mean being a mod and all, you know the rules and such.
 

[Metal Twister]

I dont have any pics... Dave might have a few on his phone?

[moorehouse77]

Good call cheif here ya go...












I think that about sums it up!!!


Dave.

[Chief Gunner]

Wow, good score.  A little flat black and an orange strip and you will be good to go.

[Metal Twister]

The mice were pissed that we took their condo. 8 plus years of mice crap... wow.  They chewed a few wires but nothing too serious that we can see. Thanks again guys for the truck It perfect for what I need! 

[Mikegyver1]

  Sweet deal.. 

[DavidWymore]

the black n orange are already laid out for ya

[HEEP4me]

NICE I see it has AC too!

[Metal Twister]

cruise control and everything. Except a tilt wheel and it only has an am radio. I didnt think you could get them like that in 1980?

Its funny the tanks are close to full with 10 year old gas and it dosnt smell like old gas. I cleaned the crap off the battery yesterday and it charged up and checks good with Jdjamul's load meter? Go Figure

[wiebewagon]

looks like a pretty solid tow vehicle, congrats

[84socal]

big block ????  and what trans?????

[Metal Twister]

Nope, 350 and a Th400, I really wanted something I could use the 8' cabover in and pull the Tube car. Its the camper special so it should work just fine. I do have a line on a 454 but not sure I want to fool with the smog issues. The 350 will get there, just a little slower. 

[DavidWymore]

I have a 454 or 2. Think one vortec

[jeepsterrob72]

if you go with the BB i could use your 350. thats a nice truck. i should have done that instead of paying 20k for one. then i could afford to finish the commando.

[Metal Twister]

Been the full range on vehicles. New, old, small, large, fast, slow. Ive come to the conclusion that its all about getting where you want to go. I'm way past the EGO vehicles. Ive had and sleep in pickup sleepers, trailers, fifth wheels, tents, slip in campers, vans, and motorhomes. I think the cabover camper makes the mot sense for me so I'm going back too one. It has all the comforts of home and I don't have to license it! Leave it stocked and ready to go then throw it on the truck and go. Its light weight a doesn't take up too much room when not in use. It also frees up the pick up to drive. Best part like you say, its cheaper this way! Compared to other camping vehicle they are inexpensive and I can justify getting something like that, it doesn't bother me if it gets dirty and scruffed up. I will get there just not as fast as new B/B. I'm leaving it stock, Might change wheels to something sexier and might even spring for a touch up paint job down the road somewere? Not a high priority though.    

Its all about enjoying the day... for me the less I pay for that day the better it is.  

[JustChad]

Well said MT.  I'm happy that the truck has found the right home to go to.  It has spent the last 12 years sitting around rotting waiting for you to come along and bring it back to life.

[Metal Twister]

Heck if I would of got it 12 years ago it would of saved alot of rotting.   Oh wait, 12 years ago I had a 1980 chevy dually I was driving. LOL thanks again Chad! If ya cant tell, I think its Perfect for what I want... couldnt be happier.

[84socal]

man a cab over and a rig   that motor is gonna hate u      big block   is   the way to go      but will kill u in gas    i  know   i got one       and i  want an over drive

[Metal Twister]

I've had a few trucks with 350's and have pulled trailers loaded with dunebuggys, bikes and cabovers over the mountains many times with them. Its slower for sure but not that big of deal. If the 350 grenades then I will go the 454 route.  Heck I dont care I just want to go!!!