87 Half ton crew cab

[SQ HAF KRU]

Squarebody, Half ton, Crew Cab……

How did this project develop? New trucks were upwards of 60K…..I would not spend that kind of money……so build something you want…Right!!!!

When we started this project, we lived in northern Indiana….rust free capital of the world, maybe not!!!

We bought 2 rust free trucks from Southern California, a ½ ton shortbed, and a crew cab dually, shipped them both to Indiana. We blew them apart, kept the stuff we wanted, and sold off the rest of the parts.

We cut the frame in half and lengthened it, installed the body. The interior is from a 2014 Silverado, power is GEN V LS Direct Injection, backed by a 4l60 trans.

Could not have built this without the help from my Wife Sue…she has block sanded, chased down wiring, and put up with my frustration.

Many years later, and lots of help from friends…its now a daily driver

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[R Carnella]

Very awesome project, congrats on a job well done!

 

[R Carnella]

Did you paint the door handles black? I wanted to to that on my project but afraid it would eventually chip and peel. I think they look more modern painted black.

 

[Soundmound]

Welcome from the PNW and excellent work! This has been firmly planted in my mind as the next truck I want(minus the LS swap) after seeing several of y'all build one. I don't think I have the wherewithal to tackle something at this level yet. Patience has never been one of my virtues. My wife refers to me as Verruca's brother, Victor Salt lol.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

 

[Bennyt]

Did you paint the door handles black? I wanted to to that on my project but afraid it would eventually chip and peel. I think they look more modern painted black.

Sorry to hijack...
I powdercoated and cerakoted some handles and other chrome pieces in black. You have to bring it to a chrome shop 1st and they will strip the chrome. I had 3 bumpers done for roughly $175 each, straightened and stripped and handles for $15 or less when brought in with other parts. I believe the lowest was $6. I would think $50 if brought in alone.

 

[1979 c20]

That crew looks absolutely gorgeous! You and your wife do great work.

Welcome aboard

 

[Bennyt]

What material did you use to lengthen the 1/2 ton frame with? The 1t is taller, correct?

 

[89Suburban]

Nice!


@Old77

 

[Old77]

Wow!! Don't think I've ever come across someone who cut a SWB in half and lengthened it. You always see people take the longer frame and then shorten. Very interesting. Thinking outside the box for sure. Any pics on how the interior came out? Also, what color is that on the truck. I like the color and was curious if it was an OEM color from something or a custom mix.

 

[dvdswan]

Super clean. KUDOS!

 

[animal]

 

[Catbox]

Welcome from Oregon.
That is a spiffy ride you have built for sure.

 

[R Carnella]

Also did the thermal wrap on your intake piping help with inlet air temp's? I get insanely high inlet air temperatures sometimes and if it helps, I'm thinking of doing the same thing.
I've always wondered how much the metal intake pipe heats the incoming air?

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[Corvette Ed]

Welcome aboard from East Tennessee. That’s one sweet ride.