1996 Chevrolet c3500HD CrewCab BEAST - Junkyard Rescue Take II

[Tavi]

That may work! I am skeptical of spacers though. I think the bigger problem is I would have to have a set custom made at this point.



12 valve would be cool! I took a gander at craigslist and the cheapest 12v I found was $2,200 and wasn't even a P-Pump. If I go the cummins route then I have to figure out what I'd do for a transmission (probably go nv4500) and figure out how to add the parking brake to the back of it. Could always use the Cummins/4L80e adapters but those are pricey and I don't think this truck will have a 4l80 forever.

We shall see as time goes on!

Totally agree with the spacer issue. The debate I was having with myself, I could replace rear axle, but would need custom adapters for the front. Or I could replace both axles. After researching prices on front and rear axles I decided it was far cheaper to go the spacer route.

If you plan on keeping the ford rims you could have the spacers machined with a hub centric ring into them. Or just have them make a few hub rings.

You could also consider a coil spring conversation on the front end. Plenty of possibilities.

 

[gstubbz]

So this may be of some interest, 5,881 3500HDs were built for the 1996 model year, and mine has the RPO code WHV which stands for HANDLING CHARGE - GMTG TO JANESVILLE VEHICLE MODIFICATION CENTER.

There were only 181 other trucks in 1996 that also had this RPO option, and I'm fairly certain this was for the crew cab and it is also the least common similarity with other trucks on my RPO list.

Also picked up metal to make ramps for my new flatbed trailer, hopefully I can get those finished this weekend so I can try picking this truck up on Mother's Day.

For the meantime this is how we loaded trucks... With that 89 k1500 5.7/700r4 on the trailer it only squatted 1/4 of an inch and my dodge squatted 1 inch in the rear. Only using those for reference points lol. This damn trailer needs to be leaf under axle, it sits at 36" in the rear.

You must be registered for see images attach

Once I get the truck to it's future home, I am going to start by stripping the cab down and then removing the cab so I can paint the entire frame. Figured the best time to do it would be now.

 

[gstubbz]

I'm thinking of another cool idea (just some future planning for this truck). In the future I would really like to have two backup cameras, one for bumper pulls and one for gooseneck/fifthwheel stuff.

Since this truck is a C&C it does not require a third brake light, which means the area is completely empty. I'm thinking that I can get a factory 4th gen Ram third brake light with the camera and do some body work to make it fit above the back window, then have the video feed to a double din radio. All the other third party third brake light stuff online looks like ****, the Ram is the only one that looks decent.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

The fourth gen light would fit pretty well I'd imagine. I'm still on the fence between a sliding rear or solid rear window.

 

[deejaaa]

i do not have cab lights or a 3rd brake light. i'm glad. i don't want any holes in the cab. i cringe when i read about holes in the roof that had none before.

 

[cool_as_crap]

I'm lookimg forward to this build, I'd love an HD!

 

[GarrettGmc]

One piece window, I have a slider in my dodge and it leaks a little and was did even with new one it still can which sucks so I sealed it off and some places won't warranty it if it does leak. Also since it's a c&c would u need to stop at the weigh stations?

 

[Tavi]

I vote for the sliding rear window. Just makes trucks better. Like dual rear wheels.

 

[gstubbz]

Found my donor! 1997 c3500 6.5/4l80e with 114k miles that has PMD issues and has sat for 3 years. Bought it for a grand. Plan to use the bed and engine in my HD.

You must be registered for see images attach

Just kidding. A friend of mine just traded a 1977 k10 stepside for it. I'm not gutting it for my truck but I would like the bed from it! So now we will have sort of matching trucks but mine will be 10x beefier.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Dgonz]

I'm thinking of another cool idea (just some future planning for this truck). In the future I would really like to have two backup cameras, one for bumper pulls and one for gooseneck/fifthwheel stuff.

Since this truck is a C&C it does not require a third brake light, which means the area is completely empty. I'm thinking that I can get a factory 4th gen Ram third brake light with the camera and do some body work to make it fit above the back window, then have the video feed to a double din radio. All the other third party third brake light stuff online looks like ****, the Ram is the only one that looks decent.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

The fourth gen light would fit pretty well I'd imagine. I'm still on the fence between a sliding rear or solid rear window.

Ever thought of a custom install of a Toyota Tundra back window? Why you might ask? Its a power sliding back window ! Since you are going strip that sucker and make it a long term project, go big or go home !! [emoji3] [emoji3] [emoji3]

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

 

[Tavi]

Ever thought of a custom install of a Toyota Tundra back window? Why you might ask? Its a power sliding back window ! Since you are going strip that sucker and make it a long term project, go big or go home !! [emoji3] [emoji3] [emoji3]

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

Dude! Totally agree, I have thought about this conversation myself since I first saw a Toyota with the back glass rolling down.

I only recommended the sliding since it would be a bolt in option.