6 hours ago
The Legacy of the Chevy C70 and C7000 Series
Chevrolet’s C70 and C7000 medium-duty trucks were workhorses of the 1970s and 1980s, widely used in agriculture, municipal fleets, and construction. Built on GM’s heavy-duty chassis platforms, these trucks featured robust frames, leaf spring suspensions, and a variety of gasoline and diesel engine options. The 366 cubic inch big block V8, especially in LP (liquefied petroleum gas) configuration, was a popular choice for grain haulers and dump trucks due to its torque curve and longevity under low-RPM load conditions.
Though exact production numbers are hard to pin down, GM’s medium-duty truck sales in the 1980s exceeded 100,000 units annually, with the C7000 series contributing significantly. These trucks were often paired with Omaha Standard or Heil dump beds, and many were customized with scissor hoists, grain sides, and PTO-driven hydraulic systems.
The Rust Bucket and Its Resurrection
The subject of this rebuild was a severely rusted Chevy 70 dump truck with a failing clutch, deteriorated cab mounts, and a barely functional electrical system. The cab was so compromised that adjusting the clutch became impossible, and the transmission was described as “junk.” Rather than invest in repairs, the owner acquired a 1985 C7000 with a 366LP engine and Allison automatic transmission for $500—sight unseen.
Initial observations:
Finding a suitable dump or grain bed proved challenging. Local salvage yards quoted $2,200–$3,000 for used beds, many of which required extensive repair. One 14-foot contractor bed had been in a wreck and needed welding, while another 16-foot Omaha Standard bed had a rotted floor and an attached hoist that couldn’t be separated.
Eventually, a promising lead surfaced: a 15-foot steel grain bed with 4-foot sides, a wood floor overlaid with 1/8" steel sheets, and a complete hoist and pump assembly for $2,000. The package included pivot hinges, pins, and guides—critical components for mounting and operation.
Tips for sourcing used beds:
The donor truck had a broken torque leaf on the right rear spring pack. A replacement was found locally, along with a new bushing. The repair restored suspension integrity and allowed the bed to be mounted safely. The rear pivot for the dump bed also required fabrication, and new LP lines were ordered to replace aged fuel plumbing.
Terminology:
The Beast and Its Predecessor
Before acquiring the C7000, the owner had built a custom dump truck from a 1969 Dodge W300. Originally equipped with a slant-six engine, it went through multiple powerplants—including a 318, a 345, and finally a 383—each suffering from thrust bearing failures due to mismatched gearing. The truck was stretched 18 inches to accommodate a 1973 extended cab and fitted with a flatbed. It earned the nickname “The Beast” and was eventually sold to a landscaper who wrecked it twice in one year.
Lessons from The Beast:
Older GM medium-duty trucks often used hydraulic brake systems with steel lines prone to rust. Juice brakes (hydraulic without air assist) were notorious for line failures and rotor degradation. In one case, a brake rotor rusted into two pieces—a rare but dramatic failure.
The LP system on the C7000 required new lines and fittings. LP fuel systems are pressurized and must meet safety standards for routing, shielding, and leak prevention. Dual-fuel setups add complexity but offer flexibility in fuel sourcing.
Recommendations:
Reviving a rusted-out Chevy dump truck into a functional yard hauler is a labor of grit, resourcefulness, and mechanical know-how. From sourcing a grain bed to repairing suspension and fuel systems, the process demands patience and creativity. While the original truck was a “money pit,” the donor C7000 offered a solid foundation for a reliable workhorse. With careful upgrades and a few lucky finds, even the rustiest relic can be reborn into a useful machine.
Chevrolet’s C70 and C7000 medium-duty trucks were workhorses of the 1970s and 1980s, widely used in agriculture, municipal fleets, and construction. Built on GM’s heavy-duty chassis platforms, these trucks featured robust frames, leaf spring suspensions, and a variety of gasoline and diesel engine options. The 366 cubic inch big block V8, especially in LP (liquefied petroleum gas) configuration, was a popular choice for grain haulers and dump trucks due to its torque curve and longevity under low-RPM load conditions.
Though exact production numbers are hard to pin down, GM’s medium-duty truck sales in the 1980s exceeded 100,000 units annually, with the C7000 series contributing significantly. These trucks were often paired with Omaha Standard or Heil dump beds, and many were customized with scissor hoists, grain sides, and PTO-driven hydraulic systems.
The Rust Bucket and Its Resurrection
The subject of this rebuild was a severely rusted Chevy 70 dump truck with a failing clutch, deteriorated cab mounts, and a barely functional electrical system. The cab was so compromised that adjusting the clutch became impossible, and the transmission was described as “junk.” Rather than invest in repairs, the owner acquired a 1985 C7000 with a 366LP engine and Allison automatic transmission for $500—sight unseen.
Initial observations:
- The cab had extensive rust-through, including window track failure and floorboard degradation.
- The power steering brake booster required frequent fluid top-offs due to leaks.
- The engine exhibited cold-start valve train noise typical of GM big blocks but ran smoothly when warm.
- The truck had both LP and gasoline fuel systems, indicating mixed use over its life.
- Scissor Hoist: A hydraulic lifting mechanism using crossed arms to raise a dump bed.
- Hydra-Boost: A hydraulic brake assist system powered by the power steering pump.
- LP System: A fuel system using liquefied petroleum gas, often cleaner-burning and longer-lasting than gasoline.
Finding a suitable dump or grain bed proved challenging. Local salvage yards quoted $2,200–$3,000 for used beds, many of which required extensive repair. One 14-foot contractor bed had been in a wreck and needed welding, while another 16-foot Omaha Standard bed had a rotted floor and an attached hoist that couldn’t be separated.
Eventually, a promising lead surfaced: a 15-foot steel grain bed with 4-foot sides, a wood floor overlaid with 1/8" steel sheets, and a complete hoist and pump assembly for $2,000. The package included pivot hinges, pins, and guides—critical components for mounting and operation.
Tips for sourcing used beds:
- Look for complete assemblies with hoist, pump, and hinge hardware.
- Inspect floor integrity and sidewall straightness.
- Avoid beds with twisted frames or missing tailgates unless heavily discounted.
- Consider grain beds with removable sides for dual-purpose use.
The donor truck had a broken torque leaf on the right rear spring pack. A replacement was found locally, along with a new bushing. The repair restored suspension integrity and allowed the bed to be mounted safely. The rear pivot for the dump bed also required fabrication, and new LP lines were ordered to replace aged fuel plumbing.
Terminology:
- Torque Leaf: A leaf spring component that helps control axle wrap and load distribution.
- Pivot Hinge: The rear mounting point for a dump bed, allowing it to tilt during unloading.
The Beast and Its Predecessor
Before acquiring the C7000, the owner had built a custom dump truck from a 1969 Dodge W300. Originally equipped with a slant-six engine, it went through multiple powerplants—including a 318, a 345, and finally a 383—each suffering from thrust bearing failures due to mismatched gearing. The truck was stretched 18 inches to accommodate a 1973 extended cab and fitted with a flatbed. It earned the nickname “The Beast” and was eventually sold to a landscaper who wrecked it twice in one year.
Lessons from The Beast:
- Matching engine torque to axle gearing is critical for longevity.
- Upgrading brakes and suspension can extend service life.
- Cab swaps and frame stretches require careful alignment and reinforcement.
- Thrust Bearing: A bearing that handles axial loads in an engine; failure can lead to crankshaft movement and engine damage.
- Extended Cab: A cab configuration with additional seating or storage space behind the front seats.
Older GM medium-duty trucks often used hydraulic brake systems with steel lines prone to rust. Juice brakes (hydraulic without air assist) were notorious for line failures and rotor degradation. In one case, a brake rotor rusted into two pieces—a rare but dramatic failure.
The LP system on the C7000 required new lines and fittings. LP fuel systems are pressurized and must meet safety standards for routing, shielding, and leak prevention. Dual-fuel setups add complexity but offer flexibility in fuel sourcing.
Recommendations:
- Replace all brake lines with stainless steel or coated tubing.
- Inspect rotors and drums for structural integrity.
- Use DOT-approved LP hose and fittings.
- Pressure test the LP system after installation.
Reviving a rusted-out Chevy dump truck into a functional yard hauler is a labor of grit, resourcefulness, and mechanical know-how. From sourcing a grain bed to repairing suspension and fuel systems, the process demands patience and creativity. While the original truck was a “money pit,” the donor C7000 offered a solid foundation for a reliable workhorse. With careful upgrades and a few lucky finds, even the rustiest relic can be reborn into a useful machine.
