motorhome convert to pickup

[stevecobb76]

I just talked to my uncle. he is a 60 year old lifetime truck driver and knows enough to make the dot officers and inspectors squirm.
He just told me that if I could put a army tank on that box frame, it would haul it across the united states
he said anything that I could possible want to load on it, I could.
I am only limited by the engine torque and horsepower.
.... he he he...
I can fix any horsepower and torque issues that I might have.

 

[Jim Timber]

I bet I could fold it in half with a handful of oak logs...

Box frame is just that - a box (tube). C frame is made of channel (looks like a C from the end).

You should look at the Chevy upfitter's best practices before you go about modifying anything structural on this project. I've done some crazy vehicle changes in the past, and I learned a couple things about the "why's" reading through it.

https://www.gmupfitter.com/pages/body-builder-manuals

My current project is shortening a 189" wheelbase C65 down to fit a 10' 5yd dump box. I hope to have the rear spring hangers loose by Monday.

 

[jclaudii]

Now you need to take a micrometer or calipers to the box frame and measure it's thickness. If you can measure it though like an access hole or other hole in the frame in several locations in the rear, mid section (where transmission is) and toward the front where the bumper mounts or where the engine/front a arms mounts and let us know the thickness.

Material thickness is key here, a box steel tube is strong, but as Jim said above depending on it's thickness, oak logs placed in the middle, behind the cab area, could be enough to cause cracks and failure. To strengthen the frame, you'll need to use some more box tubing or plate steel and add it to the sides of existing frame and bracing side to side to make it stiffer sideways. You can Google truck fame failure and truck frame reinforcement to find out more info here.

After looking at your pictures again, you are going to have to chop off some of the rear end (make shorter) OR move the rear axle back a few feet. The reason is a 5th wheel needs to sit above or slightly before the rear axle. Also, If you did mount it currently I bet there are very few 5th wheel's with a neck long enough to reach without contacting the rear bumper.

Poor rednecks are geniuses when it comes to hydraulics! For example, look up the dump bed utilizing the factory power steering pump (while retaining power steering) and use a diverter valve to lift a used cylinder in a scissor configuration.

 

[stevecobb76]

I think the answer is here
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...formation-kits/G-Van/1995-Chevrolet-G-Van.pdf
and my #'s are on page 2 of this thread
I just dont know how to decypher it.

 

[MossRoad]

just a little more progress...
It took me 2 days of grinding carrage bolt heads off. I would grind some and then lift on the floor frame with a floor jack to pop the ground bolt heads through and find any that I missed.
but now there is 1 more sub frame welded on. I got my angle grinder ready for that
I found out a couple things...
2 loads to the dump yesterday and maybe 1 more. everything else is burnable or scap metal
the vehicle frame is THICK AS **** and straight. it is right close to 1/4" or 3/8".. no curves behind the cab at all.
and it sure does have alot of springs..
also keep in mind that this is my first 1 ton..

I rotated the last two photos...

 

[stevecobb76]

thank you for rotating pics, my brother took those. I am the blurry long hair hippy sitting on the tire without a shirt on. It gets REAL hot here in florida. Also we dont have humidity here in florida.. We have steam...

 

[MossRoad]

..... I am the blurry long hair hippy sitting on the tire without a shirt on. ...

Could be an episode of 'COPS'.

Just kidding. I've often been spotted in that pose looking over the destruction I have just caused. :thumbsup:

 

[stevecobb76]

Could be an episode of 'COPS'.

Just kidding. I've often been spotted in that pose looking over the destruction I have just caused. :thumbsup:

my thoughts at that moment were "what did I get myself into".
I have more cleanup work to do than mechanical work.
mechanically all I need to do is wash out and dry fuel tank and then flush fuel line and return line. and change that stupid little 1" long hose on the gm fuel pump. I put 1 on there 2 years ago but I know it is not the right one.

 

[stevecobb76]

I wrote chevrolet a email asking about details for this vehicle. here is their return email:

Dear Stephen,
Thank you for contacting the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us with regard to your inquiry for the built specifications of your 1990 Chevrolet G30.
In this matter, you may also contact our GM Media Archive at 734-462-5543, extension 163. They can provide build sheets, vehicle invoices, possible copies of original sales literature, press releases, product description/assembly manuals, options catalog, diagrams, paint color/trim package, and general history information on the vehicle. Please be advised that depending on the make/model of the vehicle, the information available may vary. I would also like to inform you in advance of possible fees for some services. They are available Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time. You may also want to visit their website, GM Media Archive, for more information.
If at any point you need any further assistance, please reply back to this email (please reply with history to this email for fastest response) or contact the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020. Customer Relationship Specialists are available Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact Chevrolet.

Cy,
Chevrolet Customer Assistance

 

[Cord]

son and I are cutting down a 70's motor home and are making a car carrier out of it.. What you are about to do is a piece of cake and should be fun.. View attachment 435099

No!!!!!! Here's some better ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=918nQqzsK2A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9zsGu2MCb4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wap2wpjVHC0