I BOUGHT A $15,000 CHEVY SQUARE BODY LIMO THAT'S FIT FOR A KING!

This is Episode 244 of Mike Finnegan's Garage and it's all about revealing a new tow rig. Of course I bought another Square Body Chevy and you're not at all surprised by that fact. However, you probably weren't expecting it to be an actual red neck limousine, though! This stretch limo has all the creature comforts and a history that involves shuttling patrons to a local strip club!
In this video we replace the original Th400 transmission with a new 4L80E automatic overdrive transmission from the good folks at Gearstar. Want more info on this or any other transmission that Gearstar offers? Go here:
gearstar.com
Want to support this channel? Go here:
FINNEGAN SPEED AND MARINE MERCHANDISE
www.fsmgarage.com
Thanks for watching!
-Finnegan

[@philgrimsey3637]

Definitely make it fully functional but maybe use a door popper kit.

[@camerongrant7533]

💯 % agreed

[@suicidalsanchez]

This is the correct answer

[@smartgorilla]

I thought it was locked off for rigidity and hence no handles

[@mycosys]

yeah, solenoid with buttons in the front and a button just inside the other door would be so much cleaner and so much less work.

[@WilliamTythas]

@@mycosys if going electric he could also get a Key fob popper for that door too - but if you wanted to keep it old school .. could just work it out as a cable pull hood style latch with springs to pop it out (2 levers in the center console)

[@midwestpowersports9407]

My grandfather had almost the same truck but it was a black 6 door. He picked it up from a guy in Texas who used it for hauling horses and his race car. It's crazy to see another one of these!

[@revtoyota]

Just put a handle on the inside of the middle door, leave the outside of the door shaved. You do not need to open it from outside since you have the other doors.

[@illmannered1]

I agree 💯

[@safjistnipnog]

Me as well

[@johngrepo9976]

The perfect solution

[@jasonosteen1755]

I personally would not put door handles back on the outside but I would have the inside all hooked up like factory so it looks good works as a "limo" but can still be used if needed Maybe do a hidden door pop mechanism that would be cool

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

I think the doors being fully functional will help you a lot with restoring the interior, you know better access Edit : you can use hidden mechanisms to keep it look balanced

[@UmmmmmmmWhat]

Pull the ashtray and pop the door... A.k.a How to keep ppl from smoking in your newly restored squarebody limo. 😂

[@alfonsoalonzo]

definitely a convenience thing while building if they screwed the door closed thats extra effort to make it no longer work and it looks perfectly sized for the seats to go in probably a open once and never again deal

[@MeleeTiger]

Indeed, doesn't have be an old school one either, could install some electric system just for the hidden doors.

[@CooterTravenport]

You were a mini trucker just put door poppers in the middle doors

[@tombrenes2411]

Stretch the dually fenders 20" 10 lug Alcoa wide custom Hoosier slick (period correct) If you have the floor board You need the visor

[@jamescardwell3254]

I would make the doors function but leave the handles shaved and use a door pop kit

[@mikeeru]

Yup. The first thought is to use electric actuators activated by a button from the inside, or one of the channels of the car alarm if you're outside.

[@captaincouldverc]

For the extra doors: I think you should investigate the structural integrity surrounding that door. They may have disabled it because they knew the truck cab structure wouldn't handle the stress of that extra large/ custom door.

[@Arthur-ej5gi]

I think this is a fair point, but would just disabling the door actually increase the structural integrity? After all the gap in the cab is just the same, does it make a difference if a hinged door is there? Anyway just curious. Ty :)

[@smartgorilla]

​@@Arthur-ej5gi have you see the size of people in Texas 😂😂😂 probably needs strengthening

[@captaincouldverc]

@@Arthur-ej5gi Yes. From an engineering aspect: the hinges and closing latch system, act as structural points of contact. Which both have have a load bearing capacity. Think if they didn't do the proper roof structure. Stuff like this is very common in the world aftermarket customization. The stress of the extra heavy door, that it does on a hinge and pillar, designed for a door that 30-40% smaller in size. Exactly how much extra weight would that add up to? Then when the door is open, the weight is at its highest stressing point cause a outward pulling force at the very top. While a forcing inward at the point, all while incorporating a slight twist. I've seen this in many older cars I've restored. If it were mine, I'd be pulling the interior and investigating the roof structure, aswell as the rocker structure. A little extra time is fair expense for peace of mind on longevity.

[@erichancock6815]

Possible, but based on the roof, I'm wondering if they didn't stretch it by hacking up the sides & tail of a Suburban, stretching & adding the extra door jams as well as a cab back to the suburban body tub. During the inevitable future restoration of the body, I'd probably add a little structure to the stretched door but since most things back then were engineered with a little beefier overkill, the hinges & such can probably take it, especially considering the weight of doors on a two-door full size car that were easily just as long with hinges not quite as stout.

[@mycosys]

@@captaincouldverc It might even just be too much for the hinges.

[@12ncfrank]

Can I just take a moment to say how much I appreciate the tool organization at 9:18?

[@darrylyoes414]

I'm so OCD about this... The Navy burned it into me.

[@mikedrop4421]

You can tell by the way the Gearstar tech was talking they love building a quality transmission. Couple that with the fact they've been misspelling your name for over a decade and you just know you're getting a solid unit.

[@FinnegansGarage]

Everybody misspells my last name. lol

[@xmo552]

@@FinnegansGarage Why did you go with this trans vs a 700r4?

[@GrayMatterBBC]

​@@xmo552 Cause it was free😂

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

@@xmo552 Internally more stout. 3-4 Clutch input drum on 700r4 weak point. The 4L80 will handle the weight of this truck much better.

[@xmo552]

@@Rick-O-Shay60 Thanks

[@subcoolman]

Nice, and thank you for another interesting episode! With regards to zip ties (and this may have been covered already in an earlier comment), Back in The Day, black zip ties were manufactured with a higher UV rating than clear/white zip ties, and thus they tended to last longer. Today that is no longer the case, and one can no longer assume that black zip ties are automatically "better", as manufacturers can build either type (color) to meet a given Spec. If the application REALLY matters (planes, for instance), read the Spec, otherwise it's pretty safe to assume that "you get what you pay for". Regardless, looking forward to the next installment/episode for this tow rig!

[@michaelward_GoVentureFab]

Hell yes! Love that square body! Put door poppers on the center doors. That will keep the look and still make them functional if you needed. Bonus: you have additional content about something most of us haven’t messed with.

[@TitoRigatoni]

Don't even need poppers really, just make the doors open from the inside and be done with it. That door is never going to be a primary entry door or anything, it doesn't need to be openable from the outside at all.

[@mdavidson101]

Push button door poppers on the middle doors, working handles on the inside. This truck is fricken sweet!!!

[@patinopower2792]

Make those doors work. Use a remote door popper. Hide the button in the door jam for entering and make another button inside to open.

[@EvanMoon]

I say no middle door handles but can open from the inside. Having people inside the vehicle being able to open six doors is awesome but also hiding them as doors in the middle looks really cool.

[@stevec5280]

Best part is it's big enough to live in when you wife throws you out.

[@doczspec4502]

Hahahaha. Nailed it

[@firebry23]

That's why you NEVER get married. You can live with some chick and NOT have a contract saying she get half you shit when she decides to screw around.

[@picklefart]

​@@firebry23 lol you ever heard of a domestic partnership? You don't have to be married for a chick to take half your shit. I had a buddy who dumped a girlfriend after some years and she legit took half his shit.

[@doczspec4502]

@@firebry23 I had to be cheated on 3 times before i figured that out. My boss told me one time, what are you going to do on mad day. I planted gardens, bought furniture, bought appliances, and still lost

[@Nick210]

There’s always that one guy that takes the wife joke too seriously. Christ, some of you are wound up too tightly.

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

A buddy has a lowered 94 Chevy 3500 dually crew cab and we call it the living room on wheels. The seats are basically cushy, leather recliners, center console ice chest, and old-school crt tv in the back. The best tow-rig aside from fuel mileage

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

14:25 - Hey, Mike,.. y'see that section on the rear end of the transmission, the extension housing bit,.. that comes off when fitting the trans in to a Four Wheel Drive transfer case. Thing is, that same transfer case went in Jeeps behind the New Venture Gear 3550 transmission, which just so happens to have the same pilot bushing and input shaft length as the MoPar transmissions that went behind Slant Sixes and IIRC LA series V-8's in the '60's. The clutch disk in those is 1/4 smaller diameter then the Jeep unit, so the Jeep one fits under the pressure plate used on the same engines, meaning that with a custom made bell housing adapter, and the GM extension housing, and NVG3550 will go in A-Body MoPar's from the '60's. :D

[@MattBucknerProductions]

Make the door so that it's an emergency exit. Handle on the inside and as someone else commented, install a door popper kit in.

[@Datsuntech]

I came here to say this.

[@mrmoss149]

Loved leaving the squeaky wheels noises in. Editing is still killing it. Thanks

[@MRC_Garage]

I would add a handle to the inside and possibly a door popper for when you need to open it from the outside.

[@scottmagnuson724]

My friend here in Phoenix bought that truck new. They also built the show truck and took it on tour. I thought I recognized it. Weird coincidence, they are retired ski racers and still have a super cool Flatty.

[@Coalblack79k10]

I almost wanna believe they used a suburban to build this and just moved door post then made the doors whatever size they wanted so they didn’t have to cut the roof little as possible once or twice 🤷‍♂️

[@jonmurraymurray5512]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@americanman911]

It has a suburban roof i was just thinking the same thing

[@rupbret]

I had a 95 caddy limo with 6 doors, no door handles on exterior for middle doors, but driver had door popper buttons. You could add door poppers in inconspicuous place so still functional.

[@zacjenkins1258]

Do it mini trucking style, put the electronic door popper via a key fob. To me that would be cool

[@darrinstone49]

They are so Cool! I'm building an 85 C30 4wd Silverado on a Gen 4 Ram chassis with rolling airbags to replace the coil springs front & back. You know Chevy built the first Mega Cabs back in the 70-80! It's still in the back of my mind to streatch the cab behind the rear doors & install longer rear doors with full glass that rolls down. Custom yes but it would be so nice! Cummins 24V Ppump with stand alone Allison trany with Chevy HD241 Tcase..

[@scottbutts6703]

Tip for your zip ties: after you cut off the tail, if it's still sharp, wave a lighter under it for a second like heat shrink. It'll melt and round off the corners so you don't cut your arm up reaching for bell housing bolts

[@dhstube]

Or buy a zip tie flush cutter. Worth every penny

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Since that truck used to make runs to a strip club, There's No Way I would ever let a blacklight anywhere near the inside of it. Sometimes it's just better not knowing.

[@mikeeru]

Sometimes it's just better to use a cleaning/detailing service for the interior before you blacklight anything :)

[@kencreten7308]

TRANSMISSION TESTER! Outlandish! Preposterous! Outstanding!

[@marksnyder2232]

Love the truck! If you want to have people riding on the running boards, you might want to add an expedition rack to the cab roof, so they can use it as a set of handles. For the transmission controller, is there enough cabling to run it to the ashtray, and maybe fit it in sideways? Also, you need to do something to make the car phone functional, maybe find some way to wire it so you can plug a cell phone into it so it can be used.

[@jdspeed99z]

I read somewhere that the white zip ties are not UV stabilized, so they deteriorate quickly when exposed to sunlight. I always use the black ones and flush cut them. Definitely make the middle doors functional, but no handle on the outside. You never know when you'll need to load something extra bulky into the cab that won't fit through a regular side door. lol

[@zackeryfleming6323]

Put door poppers on the center doors so you can open them if you want/need too

[@stevenrobertson9583]

I really like the fact that they work like I do CLEAN and ORGANIZED! The only way to work!

[@79series]

Decent rig. Wouldn't mind that downunder.

[@jefferyholcombe5189]

Use electronic actuator with button inside but on the outside put the button hid underneath the rocker panel. This would retain the no handle look but be able to open the door with the pop latch!

[@1SCRAMBLD]

Yes make it a legit 6 door. I'd go with handles inside and remote poppers for opening from outside

[@jeffallen5387]

I’d make the door functional but add a remote opener. Then switch the a/c to something from a Tahoe or similar with rear air controls. Add a Holley injection set up and your golden. Great truck.

[@zackatron925]

Those doors are cool as hell. The function to open and the ice chest built in is just an absolute home run

[@jimking7143]

You rock! Loved the backup soundtrack as I’m unable to actually watch 90% during work! Keep it up “King of the Innovators! Jim king

[@rjleftlane]

Make the door function but definitely no exterior handle

[@charleswarden291]

INVINCIBLE MIKE!!!!! Taking scorpion hits and rocking on!

[@illmannered1]

Most unexpected plot twist ever

[@quickdeuce]

It did our hearts good to see Mike and the entire crew wearing SAFETY GLASSES while working under the 'stretch' pick 'em up truck. SMART! Yeah I know Mike's glasses don't have the side shields so they're NOT technically legit safety glasses BUT I'm betting the lens are impact resistant. SOO MUCH BETTER than nothing.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

5:00 - Fully functional - yeah, but, turn the rear doors in to suicide doors, and then scallop out a door hidden door handle at the edges where the two rear doors meet, getting rid of the large chrome handles.

[@steverebuilds152]

Gloss black. Chrome drip rails trim front fascia and wheels. Lowered like 2in. Dually. Diesel.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Make the doors fully functional. Just my opinion the handles will look good on it. Was kind of blown away by the mini tour of the trans dyno. That unit's gonna hold up.

[@brianlafollette7530]

Don't totally agree with Mike all the time just mostly. Finnegan is ALWAYS entertaining!

[@diamantegerardo]

This truck is an excellent restoration candidate for show truck, towing boats, motorhomes or other trailers, family and friends hauler or as a limousine, The 1973-1991 Chevy and GMC CKRV light, medium and heavy duty truck and SUV platforms are one of the best products made by GM in it's heydays, these trucks can give you many years of joy and these are truly workhorses too This reminds me the Armbruster Stageway Suburbans with six, eight, ten door vehicles, practically a bus in a SUV platform Get those middle doors fully enabled and functional, let them open either form inside or with solenoids and buttons on the dashboard or with full factory type door handles in and out Make it look like if that truck came from the factory with that conversion, by adding the period correct emblems, furnishings and style for a stock 1986 YE9 Silverado truck plus a custom 3+3+3 emblem The LE8 454 Mark IV Big Block engine will give you plenty horsepower and torque besides somehow poor fuel economy for today's standards, it can be improved with a engine rebuild, raise a bit the compression ratio, porting the heads for better flow, better carburetor jetting for the Q-Jet and improved camshaft, you did the most wise decision swapping the M40 Turbo Hydramatic 400 auto gearbox for the aftermarket MN8 4L80E to get some improvements in fuel economy and reliability You can learn the GM RPO codes by looking the Service Parts Identification sticker inside the glovebox and compare it with the factory service manual and parts catalogues for these trucks The best blooper on the video is, the runaway little scorpion that got fried in the last minute and the zip ties mumble blah blah blah

[@transmissionman9377]

I would but only make it functional from the inside. Finnegan you and your team /friends look like you have a blast with all this stuff.

[@NTM2009]

For the center doors add power latches with remote control. No handles on the outside

[@grtych]

Never needed to purchase a transmission. But when I do I'm sold on Gearstar being the first entry in my search bar!

[@travisbeard6838]

Love the new purchase sir can’t wait to see more episodes

[@sam_i_am6410]

I'd be all over this thing, square bodies are so fun to work on. What a beast of a truck... absolutely love it.

[@petercasper224]

This truck deserves a full makeover like the ramp truck Mike. This would look epics cleaned up. Alcoa pulling your drag boat(s)! I would make the doors functional but leave the exterior handles off. Body work, fresh paint and a color matched canopy or tonneau. Wicked vid guys.

[@scottmagnuson724]

It was built by DaBryan Coach in Springfield MO and it was the first limo truck ever built. It looks like it still has the Oki B3 Cell phone I installed in it.

[@joeyjustin6895]

6:30. YEP. IT NEEDS THE ISUZU DURAMAX INSTALLED. BUT AFTER WATCHING. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO GO IF WE KEEP GAS ENGINE GREAT TRANNY. EXCELLENT

[@stevenrobertson9583]

Use wire loom around your wires, easy to install and it looks awesome 😎 plus no cut to your fellow workers under the vehicle!

[@craigwiess1656]

Six door limos are common,mostly funera cars . In tue fall of 1993 Superior Coach built a one off six door Suburban. Middle doors were just modified rear doors. Interior was mostly stock GM. It was built as a prototype for airport shuttle service. It didn't sell as a passenger van sat more people and was cheaper. One of the shop employees bought it.

[@matchboxcustomsandrestos]

When Chevy built the NBS ext cab trucks, They made the back open with the handle inside. I would leave it without a outside handle and open it from inside. That is a beautiful truck.

[@pilsnerfamilymotorsports3275]

You say nobody needs it but damn, that thing with some well thought through work could do literally everything i need any vehicle to do

[@pilsnerfamilymotorsports3275]

I wanna use it for motocross, sleep in the cab, water tank in the box, little enclosed trailer for the bike (after fixing it up and adding some frame bracing)

[@867diesel]

id leave the center door the way it looks. but add a door popper to make it functional . this is so cool to see . i was dreaming of building one some what like this for camping at national atv races . but id want a cummins engine and 4x4 .

[@ricksteinbauer9970]

I only saw the thumbnail and I was instantly jealous whether it runs or not!

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Emergency exit mid-doors always a '+', and Only open from inside.Awesome that you included the video from the Trans Shop. You're like many of us guys Finnegan; a couple parts short of working order,and need to trim the uh,drive down to fit...Nice meeting Patrick,and Matt too. (Would love to see your wife's face when you say,"but Honey,the kids will love it when you drop them off at school"..)

[@jon112492]

I would keep it two door handles per side but keep a functioning door handle on the interior so when the truck is full of people you all can get out at once. Getting in doesn't need all the doors. Definitely had more thoughts into this but lost them on the way to typing my response 😅

[@majobis]

In addition to having that extra gear to help with the fuel mileage, you may want to consider adding a fuel injection kit and it can be TBI or Multi port. I am assuming that new trans computer is adaptable to the newer fuelie stuff With this being my opinion should help gain a few more mpg down the road The electric door popper kit should work fine for the middle doors or just a couple of hood release lever controls just behind both front doors should work too.

[@alphaboltz]

another trick for the zip ties if you dont have good flush cutters, cut them as close as you can then hit the bit sticking out with a bic lighter. works really well

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

If you require an Ignition on 12V power source a great way to turn stuff on and off is a 4 pin fused relay. My 2cents

[@TireSlayer55]

Yes of course make the center doors functional! Just as a flex if for no other reason. Damn I thought the '84 3+3 crewcab we had as a work truck back in the day was roomy. This truck is next level. 😍

[@gokarting1018]

I’d try and use one of the electric door openers on the middle doors so you don’t need the handles on the inside and out side of them

[@nelsonlowery5864]

Make it fuction with shaved handles and door poppers all around. On remote key fob. Love your show. Its always great fun and adventures

[@davidpittman5649]

Put it on beast mode!!! By putting in a Monster (biggest) LS motor you can find or build.... pumped out, stroked out, twin turbos, in that red Beast!!!

[@morophineswordphich8229]

Leave the outside handles off but add a structural bar inside or something and work out some handles for the interior.

[@jedsterr7546]

Our limo had the centre doors built by using front half of a back door, welded to the hack half of a front door. Add a second centre post and every thing will match. hinges and latch post. then they made a custom door skin to match the body lines. It looks like they did the same on Mike's truck. Only difference was our drivers centre door was welded in and the passenger centre door was left to open. We had only the rear bench seat in and a sideways facing bucket seat up against the centre door that didn't open. This left plenty of leg room and room for the fridge but left the car short enough to park in a regular car park.

[@johnkropp3793]

Yup, no question those middle two doors need to be fully functional. Flip that middle seat around for better functionality!!!

[@Duck734]

Ken dig it door handles all around for center doors.. or door poppers for center doors only!

[@fluoridezombieslayer]

I remember that truck and the truck it used to haul around..that yellow and orange truck inspired the shit outta me as a young painter

[@EdPetra]

White zip ties are not UV resistant is what we were always told. Thank you for using the close cuts! 🙂

[@davidpittman5649]

And then put two bucket seats fully electric in the front with a nice little console you know stereo and coffee holders and stuff and keep your little ice chest in the doors in the back

[@coreylucero5145]

As a father of 5 kids no pick up will fit all of us. This is a dream of mine and it’s a Chevy and it’s a Dooley.

[@andrewduncan-tm1mk]

What about suiciding the back doors and use an interior door release similar to that of a passive door on a Chevy van. That way you still conceal the center door functioning and it would be so much easier to get in and out.

[@draggonhedd]

I would put door poppers on the center doors so they can be opened if necessary, but leave the outsides shaved.

[@dannyoliver9328]

Auto pop the middle doors, you won't need to add door handles. Heck I know a guy that would sell you a Plymouth fury that was restored for drag racing that comes with the entire kit. trunk button, 4 door lock actuators, all controlled by a push of a button

[@badad0166]

The Gearstar guy sounds like he teleported from the 40's. Stiff, scripted hyperbole. Love it. "This is another outstanding transmission from Gearstar performance..."

[@T-bone1950]

If you make the doors functional then you should turn the middle seat to face forward, but for structural strength you should weld the doors shut. Also find another cap for the bed like it was originally.

[@vedob5163]

Yes i would definitely make those doors functional, it looks so cool with the doors open

[@jamesalexander7540]

I agree with your attitude about zip ties. Historically I have been cut by cardboard box staples far more frequently than by zip ties.

[@cochip__5897]

Exit only door on those middle ones. Leaves them somewhat funtlctional but clean looking on the outside.

[@Tattman111]

I would put a remote door popper on that middle door. I love that rig!!!!

[@rs2mike]

Open the middle doors and as suggested either a door popper kit or just open from the inside.

[@smolanchad]

Was that dog a Chug? Also you should gullwing the middle doors because it would be awesome and the existing hinges are inadequate for a door that size. Probably why someone disabled them.

[@CaneAtvse]

That old phone in the floor board needs to stay and be hooked up somehow to a PA loudpseaker on the outside of the truck 😂

[@Dying2Live220]

Make the middle doors functional, but hide the outer handle so that they can open only if the back doors are open. Maybe just a cable or a handle off of extended cab truck with the hidden handle...

[@timwhiting6854]

I would add some door poppers to the middle doors like you use on a shaved door handle Hot Rod or Mini-Truck. Then you could just put a hidden switch somewhere in the dash or glove box to open it.

[@DutchmanOverland]

Mike re the middle doors, remember the electric door poppersback in the day if you smoothed out the handles. They would work plus still keeping it smooth

[@jasonhovey815]

I put a remote latch on it, so you just push a button and it opens like you do with a shaved doorhandle that would be pretty cool. All in all really awesome track.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

JUst watched the new road kill. The car you bought for it came from Iron Trap Garage, Matt is a pretty cool guy who does great work, all the floors and metal work have been done as he did the car, and engine swap a couple years ago. Cool Episode of road kill

[@axelrajr]

i think, make it functional, but only from the inside. restore the normal handle to release them from the inside but then put something to release them if you really want to. either electric or perhaps something like the door release for the 'second' door on a van with two side doors or an extended cab, positioned so when standing in the open rear door, you can reach forward to about where that access opening is. since there is no outside handle, you probably don't need to do anything about door locks.

[@therallyguy1]

Get the middle 2 windows functional and add switches to operate them at the front and rear.

[@cbcowart933]

I think the "REDNECK LIMO" looks better without the side doors opening. Also it gives you more room inside where you can stick a cooler and a couple tables and probably 1 big stable chair. Entertainment, Tinted windows and a beverage cooler device. Oh and a designated driver. I dig it nice square body, enjoy Mike! You don't need all them doors, you need the ones by the seats the middle one is just another hole that could be put to better use. Personally I would have welded them two doors up to hide them and body strength.

[@BATTLECRUISERJKU]

I picked up a set of those old school weld dually wheels from a junkyard, need to polish them up and mount them on my rig, they look so nice on this square body

[@michaeloliveras9672]

Too cool I love the house phone in the truck.