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Big Dooley: 1978 Chevrolet C30 Camper Special

1978-chevrolet-cheyenne-30-camper-special

If you’re in the market for a truck to pull your camper trailer, then do we have something for you! This ’78 Chevy truck is decked out and ready for some serious towing action. Not only is it a one-ton C30, but it’s equipped with a 454 big block and “Big Dooley” dual rear wheels. The seller claims that it has been well maintained and is in excellent condition. Take a closer look here on eBay and let us know if you think it would work for your next expedition.

454-v8

This thing was totally optioned out! Besides the engine, there’s a/c, heavy duty power brakes, auxiliary fuel tank, and all the Cheyenne package additions. The 454 was the biggest engine you could get in your C30 back in ’78! The seller believes that the 41k showing on the odometer is correct, but I do see some things that do make me question that. They mention that it was “meticulously maintained and garage kept since new”, so perhaps there’s documentation with the truck to prove everything?

cheyenne-interior

It’s not uncommon for heavy hauling trucks like this to see minimal use. Many people only hook them up to tow their camper around during the summer. There’s lots of upgrades to prove that this truck saw some action though. The seat belts look kind of dirty, but I suppose it only takes one swipe of a greasy hand to foul things up. The CB radio and gun rack are nice touches.

plush-bed

So is the carpet covered bed insert. I’m not sure if anyone would want to travel back here, but there’s a couple of cup holders and it could make a nice bed in a pinch – perhaps for when you get kicked out of the camper by your significant other? All these little add ons would really start to add up if you installed them all on your own truck. Someone obviously spared no expense on this rig, so it will be interesting to see what it ultimately goes for.

ready-to-tow

Here’s a shot of those Big Dooley rear wheels! There’s a pair of mudflaps in place and a roof rack on the topper. I also see some auxiliary lighting and running boards too! There are a few things here that make me question the mileage, but there is no denying the fact that this is a serious hauler. It sounds like it’s ready to go too so perhaps you could fit in one more excursion before the snow flies?

Comments

  1. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    Man. What’s with all the 70’s duelleys popping up?

    I drove one for work in the late 70’s…real beasts on the road. An no one tried to cut you off :)

    Like 0
  2. Avatar DrinkinGasoline

    The Baby Boomers can’t afford the fuel costs on a fixed income. Dang shame I tell ya ! Dang shame !. Still…way better than the white scammer deal.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar DrinkinGasoline

    My Grandchildren would love romping around back there !

    Like 0
  4. Avatar ChevyTruckGuy

    So many fond boyhood memories attached to these trucks. My grandfather owned several over the years. Every single one equipped with a 454 Big Block. Effortless towing – with plenty of power to spare – you had to check the rearview mirror to be sure the trailer you were towing was still behind you. As a 16yo kid, I felt like King of the Road. I totally agree with “wuzjeepnowsaab”, no one dares to pull out in front of a Big Dooley!!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar seth karpen

    Gas for one of these 454 is still cheaper than the payment of a new sixty thousand dollar truck if you don’t use it for a daily driver

    Like 1
  6. Avatar geomechs Member

    `We sure are getting our fair share of Dually trucks. It reminds me of the good ol’ days when I was working in a GM dealership and these trucks were new. Good trucks, all around. I can’t really think of anything that ought to be changed. Keep the big block and use it for pulling the RV. It might be a little hard on gas pulling it but by itself, it really shouldn’t be all that bad. I might add that ’74 models were the absolute worst for guzzling gas. A customer of mine bought a new pickup with a 454 and a new 6500 3-ton with a 427. He told me that the 3-ton got better economy; he said that the pickup didn’t even have a gas tank; he just poured it all on the ground. It took some fooling around with the advance curve and carburetor settings but I eventually got the pickup into the mid teens. By the later 70s GM seemed to have them tuned quite well. I’d take this if I didn’t already have a workhorse to haul/pull stuff around…

    Like 0
  7. Avatar VR LIVES

    I am a tried and true blue oval guy, but I always had a weakness for these trucks. The tu-tone white and any other color was just sharp. I could never have one because my Dad would have skinned me alive. Short bed 4X4 would be my choice. Nice trucks in any configuration.

    Like 0
    • Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

      Agree with the color scheme! Mine was blue with white insert and blue patterned interior.

      Cool trucks and all of these postings are making me nostalgiac *sniff* Where are my bell bottoms and Frye boots?

      Like 0
  8. Avatar John H. in CT

    Now that you can put in aftermarket throttle body injection for under $2K, you can ditch the carb and get better mileage and great performance out of these. That makes these a bargain if they are low mileage.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Jay M

    It’s nice, but not a “fully optioned truck” as claimed.
    My 78 also has power windows, cruise control, the factory tach dash, amongst other things.

    Like 0
  10. HoA Howard A Member

    Fuel mileage on these, especially when pulling a 30 foot behemoth behind you, was measured in gallons per mile. And make no mistake, it’s going to ride like a truck. Still, I always thought GM had a much nicer unit than the others.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar PaulG

    Drove a crew cab dually version of this truck, fully optioned out. Was the company owners “toy” before he ordered a new suburban. Installed a lumber rack and towed a gen/compressor for work. Great truck, but only managed 12 or so mpg. Hauled the crew in comfort though…

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Chebby

    GM seat belts get that way from being caught in the door and pinched in the greasy latch mechanism.

    Like 0

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