Will it run? 1978 Chevy Camper Special 4x4 left to rot.
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- You might have seen this truck in the background of the 1950 Dodge video. It is a K20 4WD Camper Special. A very rare truck, but it has driven hard and been sitting outside for 13 years. Will it come back to life?
I love these old GM trucks so this one is so much better than any new vehicle.
100% agree.
Hell yeah old skool classic Chevy goes a long way
From stuck to running. Amaing work! Stuff was made to last back then!
Thanks! This is a tough truck. The Camper Special package added heavy duty parts all over.
Mine was a 74 Sierra grande camper special built like a tank 😊
Looks to me like that's a late model crate engine judging from that Goodwrench decal and being all black. Kudos on getting her running!
Yes sir. It sure is.
Thanks!
Good luck
@@monicaburgueno4664 Thank you
Yeah i think the camper special came from factory with a 400... ??
I think it's worth rescuing, personally. With the rust, it would definitely be a long term project, but worth it in the end. These square bodies are only going up in value. And it being a Camper Special, even more so. Awesome job getting it running!! 👍👍 The year can also be found on that silver emissions sticker under the hood , it will say "This vehicle comforms to emissions standards for (enter year) model year" if the driver door sticker is faded. Thanks for sharing! I'd definitely buy this truck if I had the money.
Hi David. The emissions sticker says 1979, but the air cleaner says 1978. Very odd. You are right, Camper Specials are crazy hot right now. Looking under it I can see why. There are heavy-duty parts everywhere.
@@whattherust It's possible the cleaner housing was replaced. Perhaps from a wrecking yard. Someone mentioned that was possibly a newer GM crate motor, due to the valve covers and the engine being black. And they do say "GM Goodwrench 350", so they're probably right. Coincidentally, the emissions sticker would also mention cubic inch displacement, which would probably have been a 7.4 or 454 for the Camper Special...again, I don't know why they would replace a 454 for a 350. It could have been for gas mileage considerations. It is intriguing!
I just bought this exact truck Saturday
@@ethankennedykennedy, you mean one setup the same as this one
Definitely keep it! It will recover. Those 350 Chevy engines are awesome!
Such a shame with all that rust. I love the Camper Specials and it’s even a 4x4.
I really appreciate the Camper Specials after seeing how heavy duty this truck is underneath.
@@whattherust What is that comment about? Thicker skid plate?
That was fun 😊, I enjoy learning from all the different vehicles you work on. Thanks 👍🙏👍
I am happy you enjoyed it. More to come!
Buy it, clean it up and then decide based upon what rust and deterioration it has. It appears to have many useful parts if not a candidate for restoration.
It does for sure. Underneath it was good.
In 78 I was 22 years old if I knew then what I know now I would have bought 3 or 4 of them new and put them in storage somewhere
Bases on the driver valve cover it looks like it maybe a GM replacement motor.
Right, it is a crate block for sure.
As a GM parts man I can tell you from the sticker on the valve cover that is a GM crate motor, so it has been replaced at some point.
You should bring a weed eater with you that way you can read around the vehicles love your videos
Tow the truck here an i'll put a 454 big block in it ....
1978 Chevrolet Silverado it's best class 4x4 head block needs everything battery full detail they don't make those anymore old school vehicle roll down windows clean inside the truck awesome video friend bless you
Thanks Craig!
Ive seen the guy from Jennings motor sports get shit running 10x worse than this. Stop bitching about rusty plugs.
Good to see it running. Sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere. Do a fix it up video. Nice truck.
I think so too, but I was not able to find it. Perhaps it is the host to the brake booster. I did not check that.
Some of those qudrajets made that sound like they had a vacuum leak when they didn't
Hey on automatic transmission make sure it has fluid in it before you started it otherwise you will burn the automatic transmission pump up
It’s a Chevy of course it will run!
Love the exhaust view….
Hard to beat a small block Chevy Good job bringing her back around.
Thanks!
junk chevy
Another excellent vid! Also, can you tell us the meaning of your channel’s name?
Thank you Sly. My channel name takes me back to the first will it run video I published back in 2009. I was living in Prague in the Czech Republic, and UA-cam asked for a channel name. I wasn't sure what that really was, so I just put in Prague Life, since I was living in Prague. I moved back to the US in 2013, so I really need to update the channel name to something more descriptive.
@@whattherust Got it! Thanks. I’ve been wondering.
ya it's rusty but there getting hard to find ,they make tons of new sheet metal for these trucks !needs plugs and wires
Right, the plugs were in really bad shape. They had been in there a long time before the truck was parked.
Such a shame to see those dependable trucks just rusting away
It’s a ‘79 you can tell by the steering wheel and the grill.
I think you want to see about buying it and then do a quick quick flip like fix the rust fixed add a little bit and maybe see about Sunday and see if maybe somebody will buy it if not use it yourself
I have been thinking the same thing.
That's a crate replacement motor from Chevrolet. That alone makes the truck desirable.
With that sticker on the valve cover it looks like it a mr good wrench rebuilt engine
That engine sounds like my Moms Jeep Wagoneer when she came to visit me. I heard it and said I to check that. I got it down to her spark plug Wires and found two that were broken inside. Replaced them all and the engine was smooth and purring like a kitten. She was thrilled too. D
That Goodwrench decal is a replacement ehco en Mexico 4 bolt main engine
Goodwrench motor it's been replaced.. I would keep it .
Amazing,would make a great work truck. Great Video Richard,you saved the Chevy 4 by 4 Pickup! Take Care, Your Oregon Friend ☮️
Chevys never say die
His that good wrench 350 a 2-bolt or 4 bolt main.
Hello hun the UK in Liverpool I'm collin
I think my friend this truck deserves to be saved if I was you I'd buy it given the bodywork it's wel worth doing cos you wood get your money back probably a profit to think about it you no it makes perfect sense
True. It is worth saving and could be made driveable and sold to someone who wants to take the next step with it.
Nice truck! I think that might be a replacement engine, I think the factory engine color was blue in 1978, I noticed it was black with GMGoodwrench valve covers which I think are like replacement crate engines
Yes, it is a Goodwrench crate engine. It runs very good.
My thing is to clear away the jungle, bug bomb under the car, and blow everythng the hell away. You are right about snakes, but the spiders, wasps, and ants will also get you. I bring plywood an jack stands if I can't pull it out to a clear spot. Try tbe DeWalt 64 volt blower. Really strong.
Well done. That's a good crate engine.
Thanks very much!
Would love to have that truck,cannot beleive someone would leave it to rot away.
It is unfortunate what happens to these old rigs sometimes. At least this one is not in the junkyard, and I think now that it runs it will live on.
I'd clean the fuel system and tank, and work on breaks, find a good used steering column
That would pretty much take care of it assuming the transmission is OK.
kool video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,,
Thank you!
Buy it and put a little money into it and then sell to someone else.
is too good of a truck to just let it go waste
That's one thing I like about you. You get right to it and not a lot of jibber jabber. And what luck you have getting them running.
Thank you for the support.
You aren’t holding the camera or editing. 😊
i wish i was able to find one around here in that shape that is not really that bad could be a great fishing or hunting truck and cleaned up and running top shape would make a good cruiser truck
Make another video of it driving out of it's hole
I wouldn't mind having it
great truck i hope you pull it out of there and wash it lol it needs it ,wow
Thank you Fraser.
would be a good mud truck project but thats it.thanks
- nick
Great start Richard. This might make a farm truck. But as a personal truck no way. Sounds like a overhaul on that 350.
And transmission overhaul. Thanks Richard for this will it start. 💯👊❤️
newer crate motor, spiff it and flip it
Chevy has some the best engines going.
As long as it spins over and has a few pistons left in the bores she will run. It’s a Chevrolet 😂😂
Exactly.
I will buy it, tell me where it's at and I'll get it. How much do you want for it.
I might be able to work something out for you. Send me an email. rdb6x@yahoo.com
It should be saved.
It’s definitely a classic and starting to get hard to find.
So true. Finding a 4WD C20 is very difficult, even in the South,
They built millions of them but the corrosion protection was so bad that even Southern trucks rusted out. If GM could do a limited run of the square body shape with a basic v6 & v8 offering they’d knock it out of the park. Obviously they would have to add additional safety items that the original square body trucks didn’t have but it could still be done without violating the original square body. I’d buy one. Would anyone else?
Anything GM worth saving ❤
buy it the running gear is worth it.
I hate snake, great video,thank you for sharing... 🙂
You're welcome! Glad you liked it.
I used motor oil, trans. oil, Mystery Oil and some times in combinations. I soaked the motor in my 63 Riviera for about 6 months. I had about 1/2 to 2/3 movement in the motor. A gentle man I met in Trinidad, CO put me on to diesel and I mixed it with Mys./Oil. I let it soak for a few days. I went out to turn it like normal and made the most progress I ever had in one day. When it moved like that I thought that by the end of the day the motor would spin the whole way around. 15 minutes later the motor was entirely loose like normal. It starts and runs today like normal.
That is awesome! I love those Rivieras. I rescued a 1964 just a few months ago.
Nailhead!
Have you looked up or spoken to Derek of Vice Grip Garage? I know he relocated to just south of Nashville. You both need to do a video together.
I haven't yet. I am sue our paths will cross at some point, but he has a very full schedule.
Wow thanks for the reply most don't. Absolutely love your videos. From a 69 year old who used to do the same in my day but no video capabilities were avaulable
chevy is a chevy like a rock
It is great watching your videos Watching the revivals of Vehicles haven’t run or drive or even seen I think this one is worth a second chance maybe try to get it on the road that would be a good video to watch keep them Videos coming
Dave from good old England
Thank you for the support Dave. I hope things are going well across the pond.
Growing up I had a 77 silverado 400 with 4 speed 4x4. Great video.
Thanks very much!
Buy it and restore it
Can't kill a bow tie
How much I had a 72 Malibu I would go through about 2 quarts a week but she kept going. This is back 1n 1984. You can't kill
Chevy Good💪🏿
Hi from Scotland. It’s actually a decent looking truck. The underside looks a bit worse for wear, and I wasn’t sure if the leaf springs looked knackered ?.
The engine of course would need a real good check also.
Another excellent video,and great job in getting it unlocked and running.
It’s a shame to leave it lying to rot away….
Cheers
John
Hey John! It could be a useable truck. Underneath it was fine, and everything is heavy duty. The wild card is the transmission. There were empty fluid jugs all over, so something is up with it.
@@whattherust back in the day a reman TH400 was like 800 bucks, those days are gone forever
Save it please.
Just discovered this channel and already subbed btw Vice Grip Garage recently did a revival on a similar truck I’m pretty sure it’s the same color model truck.
Thanks for the support! The truck VGG has is similar but 2WD.
Vic grip garage is awesome 👌
Not a Chevy guy. But! Those older motors where tough. I seen Derek's video with the camper special. 454... Thanks for sharing my friend enjoyed it.....
@@brandonlisenby9220 it's crazy. But enjoyable...
Glad you liked it! Thank you for the continued support.
And both in Tennessee!
@@whattherust yes sir. I lived in Tennessee for about 45 year's. Then we retired to Virginia. Love your videos....
Honestly if it wasn't as rusty I'd offer my 2000 dodge ram Laramie slt longbed quad cab 1500 4X4 for it without thinking about it lol
I think the smoke came from the sea foam!
No doubt, but not the blow-by. It is amazing how much that cleared up after running the truck a while.
Good chevy..you're lucky to have it.
Cooling water you didnot show us putting in it. So all the time We were worry about getting hot .also the cooling fan cover was moving .it needs fixing.
We were waiting diving it in roads..thanks.
That's a nice angle grinder in the passenger seat. You should check if it works LoL,.... good vid sir.
So true. I bet it does work. It looked like a quality one.
New subscriber here & have been enjoying your content. Watched the episode on the Rover today. Whatever happened to it? That was an interesting car. I was hoping to see more on it's progress. Did you sell it?
As a matter of fact I worked on the Rover today! I have had a tough time finding brake parts and allocating the time to fix the brakes, so it has been sitting in the garage for months. I made a lot of progress today and will post a video of the progress soon. I really want to get the care driveable. There is nothing like it around here. Thanks for the support!
@@whattherust what did you decide on the 78 Chevy? Did you buy it like you said a good work truck or maybe snow plow
@@kennethfeist5504 I have not bought it, but I spoke with the owner recently and he is now thinking of keeping it.
just leave them old chevys were they lay!!!there were rust buckets in there day and still not worth nothing.listen to that ole shit box,valve gone or cam lobe is junk!!!typical chevy!!!
Buy it
@What The Rust any updates on this truck???
8600gvw my custom deluxe longbed 86 Chevy was also a camper special rated truck
I'm a Ford guy, but I have a soft spot for square-body Chevys.
More than likely the carb is junk. Most quadra pukes don't run right unless you know someone who can fine tune it and make it sing.
Great job, could make someone a good work truck
Thanks! It really would, and it could be fixed up.
I don't think a freshest spark plugs and some spark plug wires, fuel filters and a clean carburetor would help matters.
I think it´s worth to put a little more effort in it, when it runs properly I´m quite sure there will be someone who want´s to have it - maybe that´s a project for #Waldo´s World
Chevy 350 only engine that will sit for 10 20 years and with a little bit of work starts right up and rinds Ford or dodge would never do that
I think you should let me know how I could buy that truck and give me an idea of what It's worth text me back please if you have time
The liquid engine rebuild works pretty good on those old geriatric motors.
Seafoam is good stuff. Keep it in my shop. But I put it IN the gas, never used it like you do.
You did it again congrats
Thanks! This one wasn't too tough, but it presented some challenges for sure.
Hey Richard, awesome work as always. My Dad had a '76. Silver with white accents and a dark red interior. I think if someone has the time and resources it's worth the effort. I'm not really a fan of the square bodies, but to each his own..
Right Dominic. With some work this could be a good truck, but I prefer the earlier years.
You gave it an Italian tune up as Derek Bieri would say, LOL.
Great job Richard! I had a 1978 K10 4x4 with a 350 great truck, I think you should keep it and fix it up.
Thanks Frank!. This one is definitely worth saving.
Why nit bring a brush cutter ?! Would be way faster and easier...
I think that Chevy you are working on is somewhere between 77& 79& the 75 & 76 were also closely identical just as were the 73 & 74 's.
Right, it doesn't have the door over the gas tank cap, so it is likely a 77 or 78.
It has a Mr goodwrench label. Which means a rebuilt engine
Bet that engine Isn't worn out bet it needs some plugs wires distributor cap n rotor
Just watched a vid of you and ?, on a trip through the Countryside looking for a project. I then had a thought (could'nt find the vid again), that you and any else might find of interest. It refers to some of the older U.S Small Trucks being to narrow to match to a frame of later 4x4's. Have a look at the P38 Range Rover. I hav'nt looked at the spec, twas just a thought.....
That would be an interesting swap. I have an old truck that might benefit from it.
Looks like a Good wrench crate motor. Engine replaced.
Dumps a ton of seafoam in it an wonders why its smoking... 🤣🤣
Another terrific job!… and that’s a YES 👏 on the V8…Just need to fix that awful exhaust leak and she’s back on track.
Thanks very much!
B12 chemtool is better, seafoam Is good as a mix in the fuel