If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

I've been wanting a nice regular cab K30 for a while. Scouring CL hasn't paid off. All of the ones I find are beat up, rusted out, or WAY over priced. I decided to build my own.

I found a smoking deal on a C30 GMC dually with the engine blown up. It's a 4-speed truck which plays right in to my plans. The body is in pretty decent shape with the cab being excellent (aside from the grab handles screwed in beside the doors!) It was also a diesel that also works out good for me.

Next up I won a GSA auction on a M1031 for less than I have paid for a pair of d60 14FF axles in the past! It had been a fire department truck and still had the big box on the back. I parted and scrapped the whole body.

What I'm left with is where I started this morning. I rolled the chassis in the shop and started stripping it down to get ready for paint. Pulled the 6.2l, 400/205, fuel tank , front and rear bumpers, and other odds and ends. Then I wire brushed the areas that needed it, followed by a coat of rust converter. Then it was time to mix up some paint and go to town.

Here's a picture of the dually, and my progress from today:

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

With paint:

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

I have been gathering parts for a while. I have a set of 37 inch BFG hummer tires to go on it, and a set of old school aluminum saw blade wheel sourced for $150. (not crazy about them, and they will eventually get replaced, but keep thinking budget) I scored a set of front lift springs and rear blocks for next to nothing. Eventually I'll be replacing the blocks with lift springs. I will be running the CUCV 6.2 engine with a NV4500 and NP208 transfer case. It's nice having all of the factory brackets, A/C parts, and flywheel/clutch setup from the dually. I thought about mating the NP205 to the NV4500, but this is a BUDGET build. The NP208 will bolt right to the 5-speed and ends up being almost the exact same length as the 400/205....meaning no drive shaft length changes. And since the 208 came from a M1008 the speedo gears are even correct (off with the bigger tires).

As for the body I plan to use the cab and doors from the dually. I have a good set of front fenders from another part out. I also have a 89-91 blazer/suburban core support...can't decide if I'm going to use it. Scanning CL the other day I found a fairly straight almost rust free long bed 20 minutes from me that I picked up for 2 bills. I think inner fenders, battery trays, and a few small odds and ends are all I lack.

I have most of the parts I need to get this thing together and running. Now it's time to get busy!

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

Are you keeping it a dually? Are you gonna repaint it or keep that beautiful original paint? Will it be a hauler, mud truck, what's the job for it? Look forward to the progress

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

No, single wheel. I would keep the original paint but I'm having to replace the bed, so I'll end up painting it. Probably the factory colors and paint scheme. It will be a driver. I'll use it as a parts runner for my shop, and just a general driver. I probably won't be hauling anything too heavy with it, at least not until I can get a turbo setup.

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

This should be fun! Ill watch this build!

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

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Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

I knew it wouldn't be long before you started on another truck :four:

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

Mike what happened to this project? Wish I could get some parts from this beast!

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

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Any updates on this project?

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Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

Sorry for the delay. Shortly after starting the project I had some life changes. Changed jobs, sold my house, moved and bought a new house, and best of all built a new shop. Still working on the shop and getting it like I want. Need to finish up the air compressor and air lines, then she'll be done. I'll be back on this project soon. Here's the shop:

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

Should be a cool rig. Nice shop too.

Re: If you can't find it, build it - K30
 

Nice shop!

looking forward to seeing some progress