Dad's 1978 Chevy K30 Farm Truck

[USSkoval]

That is a big part of the problem. the frame is nearly rusted in half in the middle and needs to be replaced. The cab is no longer held together with enough good sheetmetal to patch without replacing 60% of the sheetmetal in the process. The fenders, doors, and core support were all replaced previously and need to be replaced again. The bed that is on the truck is the third one since the truck was new and has serious rust in need of patch work.

I don't think I could do a real restoration on this truck in my lifetime and even if I did, 75% or more of the truck is getting replaced in the process. I've started this build about 6 different ways with 3 parallel paths in progress right now.

I also recently picked up a 1986 Chevy K30 cab chassis truck with a 454 big block and hydro clutch SM465. This gives me a good frame and cab to start this build if I go with a tribute build.
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Then, I have a very nice pair of doors from the RV cutaway parts truck with very nice West Coast mirrors. As well as the rust free but not perfect floor to use to patch a cab.
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I'm also stripping the 1978 C30 frame down to bare so I can paint it and start the build if I strip my dad's frame for the axles.
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Imho, you gotta at least use something meaningful from the original truck, even if using a completely different cab. Like the dash. It's essentially just a few bolts and a series of spot welds at the base of the windshield.

Those houndstooth seats in the cutaway are awesome. I didn't realize those were available past '82... or at all in a pickup. Are they in good shape?

*edit* Thought it was an '85 for some reason. Maybe because the fender and door striping.

 

[tarussell]

Gotta question: On your Dads ‘78 K-30 Cab Chassis gas tanks - is the impact barrier bracing a factory item ?
I’ve seen many Cab Chassis exposed tanks with those but not all inclusive through the years.

Are these aftermarket ?
I searched the GM Heritage History page for a RPO or option mentioned but they don’t really address Cab Chassis models in all areas.

 

[kennyw]

Gotta question: On your Dads ‘78 K-30 Cab Chassis gas tanks - is the impact barrier bracing a factory item ?
I’ve seen many Cab Chassis exposed tanks with those but not all inclusive through the years.

Are these aftermarket ?
I searched the GM Heritage History page for a RPO or option mentioned but they don’t really address Cab Chassis models in all areas.

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That was a recall after the fake videos Nader put out in the 80s showing the saddle tanks could explode from a side collision. Not everyone had them installed though.

 

[kennyw]

Imho, you gotta at least use something meaningful from the original truck,

I agree and it has been part of my dilemma with this build and not much of the original truck being in good shape. But if I convert the 2wd chassis to 4x4 using a much of my dad's truck as possible, I think we'll make the best start to the build.

The RV seats were aftermarket garbage left exposed to the elements too long and growing everything green WA state has to offer.

 

[imiceman44]

That was a recall after the fake videos Nader put out in the 80s showing the saddle tanks could explode from a side collision. Not everyone had them installed though.

Are those on your dad's truck or the new replacement?
If it's on your dad's truck that's something to keep

 

[imiceman44]

That was a recall after the fake videos Nader put out in the 80s showing the saddle tanks could explode from a side collision. Not everyone had them installed though.

Ralph Nader was a scum that was constantly trying to stir up trouble to make money.
He seemed to have a problem with chevy.
He attacked the corvair, "unsafe at any speed"
And the trucks