Project: 1972 K30 Crew Cab Duramax
 

Been collecting parts for this one since project penicillin was unveiled years ago and finally putting some work in on it. I have seen a couple of new builds that had different ideas that I have seen and am copying but this the plan.
1972 K30 Cheyenne Super 4x4 crew cab short bed
*1971 Suburban 4x4 freebie (thanks Leon)
*1971 c30 157" wb cab & chassis frame
*1989 v3500 axles (freebie)
*03 lb7 duramax 6.6L, Allison 5spd, and dodge cummins np205 29 spline (89-93)
Though I already have freebie drive train parts from the v3500. TBI 454,rebuilt th400, and np205
*Factory dual Cheyenne inner roof panels
*factory buckets & console
*c30 roof with cab clearance lights
*factory dual shoulder harness setup
*AM/FM
*8 track player

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Getting started:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Progress: lots of cutting

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Progress: getting the back of truck cab roughed in

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Floor board fix

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Starting on 4th door pillar:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

More pillar work:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

looks like a sweet start!

I would say if you go with the BBC, you may want to look into an OD trans. TH400 is a beefy unit, but it wont be the most drivable. but given my current project(predicament) i vote 12v!

i do love the TBI 454 in my Jeep. it is hooked to a nv4500 and is pretty easy to drive and fun as well.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

More boring tedious pillar work. (Reminding myself mirror image and details)

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

COOL!! I've been waiting for this one.... Looks like your off to a good start.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Along for the ride Trevor.

Don't see any tow hook mounting holes in the frame. Gotta have those. :lol:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Thanks guys....I have been wanting to work on one of my projects for awhile. You know how that goes though, you get asked favors for friends a lot. I feed off of the encouragement and support though. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Tonights progress: big step in the pillar project.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Oh and Shannon, one frame rail had the holes, the other didn't?????

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Looking forward to see more I am a sucker for crews!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Very cool.

Gonna be a sharp truck.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Very cool....ill go along for the ride

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I'll be watching! Looks good so far... Go with a 12v/nv4500/205!!!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

is this going to be a dually? or do you plan to convert that 60 to SRW? was it a C&C truck or did it have a bed?

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Subecribed!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Dang you make it look easy

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

You have some good metal fabricating skills Trevor !!!

Gary

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Thanks guys!

Ryan, I plan to make this a srw crew short bed, I still need to gather the hubs for the swap. The 89' was a C&C wrecker that I got for working a trade on putting the wrecker bed on a v10 Dodge and hand painting his business along all of it.

And no, not a great metal fabricator but have a desire and drive to always get better.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Sounds good. that rear housing makes it pretty easy to get back to a normal width. i wish i had a spare set of SRW outers laying around. i wouldnt mind making that trade. i sold the spare set i had a while ago. i have always toyed with the idea of making the yellow truck a dually...

i admire your work so far. i want to build a crew, but i dont think i could manage to do extra door and the roof pancake. i dont trust my sheet metal fab skillz. i am looking forward to seeing how you takle the chassis and 12v swap:exit:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Progress: 4/15/14
Managed to get a couple hours after work to tackle some more on the pillar. Everything is measuring accurate to the passenger.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I think I may change my frame plans and rob the 4x4 pieces off mine now to this one.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Long wheel base 1 ton frame would get my vote! Would you build a dually 4x4 going this route?

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Comin' along nicely, nice idea on the frame.....

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

It will still be a crew short bed 1 ton srw.... Looking it over I might be able to get away with chopping the frame at the back end and scooting the up the spring perches. It will be close. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Your doing awesome Trevor!!!!!!!!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Did you decide on what your going to do for the headliner(s) Trevor? Project is looking good man! Nice work!:metal:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Hey jamie, thanks for your pics again. The way you have yours is how I had it imagined in my head, but I have also thought about stretching the cab to 2 full doors on each side and finishing off both doors in the truck curve but have the squared off burb front. That way you could use factory trim and I could run two front door panel setups. If I go that route, I may stretch the headliner to one larger single headliner and fab up the custom factory looking trim. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Awesome work on your cab! I think my next project for the winter will be the same thing. But I'm thinking DRW and using my 72 for the rest. :lol: Going with that 1 ton frame is a good idea too.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Looking like a super start ...... !!!! I vote for full size rear doors.... That is how I want to do one.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Man, I love these crew cabs!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

X2, that is how I plan to do mine or like a mega cab.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Great Start,Along for the ride............

Rick

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I'll ride along. What size lift and tires are you going with this one?

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

No new pictures yet, but did acquire my new c30 157" frame and my new srw axles. Progress will be slow between working on my brother in laws 76 k5 converted to a 73-75 convertible, this truck, and my busy season at work. That's what you get when you are your own fabricator and body man. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

The full size (or nearly so) doors do change the look visually a lot.
The 157" numbers out very close for a 42" stretch cab (Scott-Bilt style) and a short bed. Need to remember that the axle kickup is higher on a 157" frame than a 133", 3" IIRC. Something I had looked into wanting a 149" wb C30 frame. PM me you email for a couple of drawings to reference.
Now here is an unknown assumed period crew cab conversion I found that appears to have the modifications you are debating. IIRC it was on the board here, my thought is it might be a Stageway and if I can locate the post I'll link it.
Finally here is a quickie "what if" chop I did years ago before we out grew a shortbed.