Will it run? 1978 Chevy Camper Special 4x4 left to rot.

You might have seen this truck in the background of the 1950 Dodge video. It is a K20 4WD Camper Special. A very rare truck, but it has driven hard and been sitting outside for 13 years. Will it come back to life?

[@davida.p.9911]

I think it's worth rescuing, personally. With the rust, it would definitely be a long term project, but worth it in the end. These square bodies are only going up in value. And it being a Camper Special, even more so. Awesome job getting it running!! 👍👍 The year can also be found on that silver emissions sticker under the hood , it will say "This vehicle comforms to emissions standards for (enter year) model year" if the driver door sticker is faded. Thanks for sharing! I'd definitely buy this truck if I had the money.

[@whattherust]

Hi David. The emissions sticker says 1979, but the air cleaner says 1978. Very odd. You are right, Camper Specials are crazy hot right now. Looking under it I can see why. There are heavy-duty parts everywhere.

[@davida.p.9911]

@@whattherust It's possible the cleaner housing was replaced. Perhaps from a wrecking yard. Someone mentioned that was possibly a newer GM crate motor, due to the valve covers and the engine being black. And they do say "GM Goodwrench 350", so they're probably right. Coincidentally, the emissions sticker would also mention cubic inch displacement, which would probably have been a 7.4 or 454 for the Camper Special...again, I don't know why they would replace a 454 for a 350. It could have been for gas mileage considerations. It is intriguing!

[@ethankennedykennedy]

I just bought this exact truck Saturday

[@richardbates2367]

​@@ethankennedykennedy, you mean one setup the same as this one

[@BrodieBr0]

From stuck to running. Amaing work! Stuff was made to last back then!

[@whattherust]

Thanks! This is a tough truck. The Camper Special package added heavy duty parts all over.

[@robertgorman5622]

Mine was a 74 Sierra grande camper special built like a tank 😊

[@Spennyman10]

Looks to me like that's a late model crate engine judging from that Goodwrench decal and being all black. Kudos on getting her running!

[@RpmAuto]

Yes sir. It sure is.

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@monicaburgueno4664]

Good luck

[@whattherust]

@@monicaburgueno4664 Thank you

[@SuperTundra08]

Yeah i think the camper special came from factory with a 400... ??

[@brumbleyjerry8177]

Growing up I had a 77 silverado 400 with 4 speed 4x4. Great video.

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@Mondelo76]

I love these old GM trucks so this one is so much better than any new vehicle.

[@whattherust]

100% agree.

[@derrickjackson6737]

Hell yeah old skool classic Chevy goes a long way

[@dannyhullihen966]

Definitely keep it! It will recover. Those 350 Chevy engines are awesome!

[@SUBZEROinfinity]

If I had the money or ability I would jump on that truck. I just don't and live to far away. Nice find man. Absolutely love these square bodies. Great vid.

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much. I think that truck is still sitting there. Last time I saw it I tried to move it, but it has no forward gears.

[@SUBZEROinfinity]

@@whattherust WOW Trans for that Is not hard to get and fairly easy to replace. Would make A great farm truck but I am In S.C. and oh well. Still great truck and video. Loving watching your vids.

[@johnclements6852]

Buy it, clean it up and then decide based upon what rust and deterioration it has. It appears to have many useful parts if not a candidate for restoration.

[@whattherust]

It does for sure. Underneath it was good.

[@Johnpf1969]

Chevy has some the best engines going.

[@randyriggs5463]

Good to see it running. Sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere. Do a fix it up video. Nice truck.

[@whattherust]

I think so too, but I was not able to find it. Perhaps it is the host to the brake booster. I did not check that.

[@MP-io7yj]

Some of those qudrajets made that sound like they had a vacuum leak when they didn't

[@danielplummer6385]

As a GM parts man I can tell you from the sticker on the valve cover that is a GM crate motor, so it has been replaced at some point.

[@1HotRob]

Another terrific job!… and that’s a YES 👏 on the V8…Just need to fix that awful exhaust leak and she’s back on track.

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@Bonazzoliband]

Such a shame with all that rust. I love the Camper Specials and it’s even a 4x4.

[@whattherust]

I really appreciate the Camper Specials after seeing how heavy duty this truck is underneath.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@whattherust What is that comment about? Thicker skid plate?

[@eric_seguin]

That's a crate replacement motor from Chevrolet. That alone makes the truck desirable.

[@philipcollins5440]

That was fun 😊, I enjoy learning from all the different vehicles you work on. Thanks 👍🙏👍

[@whattherust]

I am happy you enjoyed it. More to come!

[@robertpimpo4698]

Chevys never say die

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great work bringing her around , make a great tow truck for you , thanks for sharing 👍

[@whattherust]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@davekuzma2912]

I wouldn't mind having it

[@tonyfreeman5048]

In 78 I was 22 years old if I knew then what I know now I would have bought 3 or 4 of them new and put them in storage somewhere

[@C-loke78]

With that sticker on the valve cover it looks like it a mr good wrench rebuilt engine

[@johnmontague4245]

Hi from Scotland. It’s actually a decent looking truck. The underside looks a bit worse for wear, and I wasn’t sure if the leaf springs looked knackered ?. The engine of course would need a real good check also. Another excellent video,and great job in getting it unlocked and running. It’s a shame to leave it lying to rot away…. Cheers John

[@whattherust]

Hey John! It could be a useable truck. Underneath it was fine, and everything is heavy duty. The wild card is the transmission. There were empty fluid jugs all over, so something is up with it.

[@tombob671]

@@whattherust back in the day a reman TH400 was like 800 bucks, those days are gone forever

[@joshuabrooks4907]

I'm a Ford guy, but I have a soft spot for square-body Chevys.

[@stevehei8035]

Bases on the driver valve cover it looks like it maybe a GM replacement motor.

[@whattherust]

Right, it is a crate block for sure.

[@inkslinger2143]

i wish i was able to find one around here in that shape that is not really that bad could be a great fishing or hunting truck and cleaned up and running top shape would make a good cruiser truck

[@Hotrodford]

We used to always pour transmission fluid down the carburetor to help loosen and lube the valves

[@oliverw3646]

That's quite a cool truck. I hope you ended up taking it home

[@fordfandiecast]

Great job, could make someone a good work truck

[@whattherust]

Thanks! It really would, and it could be fixed up.

[@jamesrisner5880]

You should bring a weed eater with you that way you can read around the vehicles love your videos

[@craigpalmer3528]

1978 Chevrolet Silverado it's best class 4x4 head block needs everything battery full detail they don't make those anymore old school vehicle roll down windows clean inside the truck awesome video friend bless you

[@whattherust]

Thanks Craig!

[@DennisMurphey]

That engine sounds like my Moms Jeep Wagoneer when she came to visit me. I heard it and said I to check that. I got it down to her spark plug Wires and found two that were broken inside. Replaced them all and the engine was smooth and purring like a kitten. She was thrilled too. D

[@jacobbishop686]

kool video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,,

[@whattherust]

Thank you!

[@robertbusin9983]

Buy it One more won't hurt take it home give it a clean up get it running better it's a nice colour 👌 combo.

[@whattherust]

It is very tempting.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

The liquid engine rebuild works pretty good on those old geriatric motors.

[@daleschuler1720]

Hard to beat a small block Chevy Good job bringing her back around.

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@yeahright302]

junk chevy

[@bigdaddy9864]

ya it's rusty but there getting hard to find ,they make tons of new sheet metal for these trucks !needs plugs and wires

[@whattherust]

Right, the plugs were in really bad shape. They had been in there a long time before the truck was parked.

[@charlesw.hopperjr.5236]

Amazing,would make a great work truck. Great Video Richard,you saved the Chevy 4 by 4 Pickup! Take Care, Your Oregon Friend ☮️

[@bubbarichard6608]

It’s a ‘79 you can tell by the steering wheel and the grill.

[@jamierushing8811]

Hi bro from west Alabama peace and love

[@whattherust]

Hello from Nashville!

[@neilcarter77]

Ive seen the guy from Jennings motor sports get shit running 10x worse than this. Stop bitching about rusty plugs.

[@matthewpiper3288]

Would love to have that truck,cannot beleive someone would leave it to rot away.

[@whattherust]

It is unfortunate what happens to these old rigs sometimes. At least this one is not in the junkyard, and I think now that it runs it will live on.

[@richardcline1337]

When GM's engineers were designing the hood for the square body trucks, both GMC and Chevrolet, they really showed how little they know about the consequences of not testing. They put a crimp in the middle on both sides and if the owners were not careful to keep the hood hinges well lubricated the hood would bend right at the spot where those stupid crimps were requiring a new hood or else some expensive body shop repairs to straighten it back out.

[@whattherust]

Right, I have seen a few of these hoods damaged in the same way over the years. It is a poor design.

[@henryduke722]

Hey on automatic transmission make sure it has fluid in it before you started it otherwise you will burn the automatic transmission pump up

[@SlyDellian]

Another excellent vid! Also, can you tell us the meaning of your channel’s name?

[@whattherust]

Thank you Sly. My channel name takes me back to the first will it run video I published back in 2009. I was living in Prague in the Czech Republic, and KZbin asked for a channel name. I wasn't sure what that really was, so I just put in Prague Life, since I was living in Prague. I moved back to the US in 2013, so I really need to update the channel name to something more descriptive.

[@SlyDellian]

@@whattherust Got it! Thanks. I’ve been wondering.

[@koolkatkustomdiecast801]

It’s a Chevy of course it will run!

[@willyphast2509]

fix exhaust full tuneup change fluids check breaks. and some love she will run wit the rest of um. those gm 350ci 4bolt mains are very reliable. shes one tough girl yet. thanks for the show,,

[@whattherust]

You're welcome!

[@michaelduncan5248]

I think you want to see about buying it and then do a quick quick flip like fix the rust fixed add a little bit and maybe see about Sunday and see if maybe somebody will buy it if not use it yourself

[@whattherust]

I have been thinking the same thing.

[@tnjbadboy000]

Such a shame to see those dependable trucks just rusting away

[@RpmAuto]

That's one thing I like about you. You get right to it and not a lot of jibber jabber. And what luck you have getting them running.

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support.

[@JanitBianic]

You aren’t holding the camera or editing. 😊

[@collinpolhill6920]

Hello hun the UK in Liverpool I'm collin I think my friend this truck deserves to be saved if I was you I'd buy it given the bodywork it's wel worth doing cos you wood get your money back probably a profit to think about it you no it makes perfect sense

[@whattherust]

True. It is worth saving and could be made driveable and sold to someone who wants to take the next step with it.

[@noampitlik2332]

My thing is to clear away the jungle, bug bomb under the car, and blow everythng the hell away. You are right about snakes, but the spiders, wasps, and ants will also get you. I bring plywood an jack stands if I can't pull it out to a clear spot. Try tbe DeWalt 64 volt blower. Really strong. Well done. That's a good crate engine.

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@davidhicks2178]

Nice truck! I think that might be a replacement engine, I think the factory engine color was blue in 1978, I noticed it was black with GMGoodwrench valve covers which I think are like replacement crate engines

[@whattherust]

Yes, it is a Goodwrench crate engine. It runs very good.

[@terryeustice5399]

Great start Richard. This might make a farm truck. But as a personal truck no way. Sounds like a overhaul on that 350. And transmission overhaul. Thanks Richard for this will it start. 💯👊❤️

[@LANTHENS]

Looks like a Good wrench crate motor. Engine replaced.

[@nicksnarski5973]

That Goodwrench decal is a replacement ehco en Mexico 4 bolt main engine

[@matthrivnak6572]

I'd clean the fuel system and tank, and work on breaks, find a good used steering column

[@whattherust]

That would pretty much take care of it assuming the transmission is OK.

[@reichard2318]

Goodwrench motor it's been replaced.. I would keep it .

[@clems6989]

Must live in south. We dont reach into dark spots. We very carefully flip boards over etc.. However snakes dont seem to like junkyards and old cars etc....idk unless its the oil ?

[@whattherust]

I saw a few snakes around this truck, but they left me alone. It does creep me out when I have to open a trunk or something like that. Thanks for watching!

[@vidalhernandez6054]

Yo pensé que sabía algo de mecánica comparado con usted soy un resien nacido.felicidades

[@whattherust]

Gracias!

[@johnnicholls8721]

Just watched a vid of you and ?, on a trip through the Countryside looking for a project. I then had a thought (could'nt find the vid again), that you and any else might find of interest. It refers to some of the older U.S Small Trucks being to narrow to match to a frame of later 4x4's. Have a look at the P38 Range Rover. I hav'nt looked at the spec, twas just a thought.....

[@whattherust]

That would be an interesting swap. I have an old truck that might benefit from it.

[@Ray-lo4hr]

His that good wrench 350 a 2-bolt or 4 bolt main.

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

would be a good mud truck project but thats it.thanks - nick

[@mikeromine6495]

Love the exhaust view….

[@lindasnook6735]

I used motor oil, trans. oil, Mystery Oil and some times in combinations. I soaked the motor in my 63 Riviera for about 6 months. I had about 1/2 to 2/3 movement in the motor. A gentle man I met in Trinidad, CO put me on to diesel and I mixed it with Mys./Oil. I let it soak for a few days. I went out to turn it like normal and made the most progress I ever had in one day. When it moved like that I thought that by the end of the day the motor would spin the whole way around. 15 minutes later the motor was entirely loose like normal. It starts and runs today like normal.

[@whattherust]

That is awesome! I love those Rivieras. I rescued a 1964 just a few months ago.

[@noampitlik2332]

Nailhead!

[@joeybrown1784]

You buy it and let everyone see there are still good work trucks still in the woods that needs love to bring them back to life where someone else gave up on them

[@whattherust]

I am thinking about buying it. It needs a transmission, a steering column, and a lot of brake work, but it could be saved.

[@essexdavenorton]

It is great watching your videos Watching the revivals of Vehicles haven’t run or drive or even seen I think this one is worth a second chance maybe try to get it on the road that would be a good video to watch keep them Videos coming Dave from good old England

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support Dave. I hope things are going well across the pond.

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Parque :) find this nice condition GM truck in Camper Edition rare for sure 👍 and light heavy duty 20 3/4 ton also 4×4 plus 350 V8 4 barrel carb, Automatic transmission possible 700SR 4speed Overdrive or Turbo 350 or 400 of 3 speed types and 411 rear end gears too with 206 transfer case for 4×4 to ! Plus 2 chrome bumpers rare too get also and 4 core rad hopefully got too ! Also Parque hope you get to own too be nice too own it ! Also talk about tilt steering problems I had fix up my Cousin Nancey 1989 Cheverlot Astro van when gave use my car used back 2007 and was Winter Season months drive to my home 10 miles away ! What happened got patch of black ice heading my home also slip in small ditch also knock person mail off and yank Steering wheel right snap dash so had get tow truck to back home ! Thank goodness had my Tow Truck home to and tow to my work next day! Had get Good used Steering wheel whole from Wrecking Yard and all steering parts underneath plus rest my Cousin Nancey need done but she forgot tell me Steering wheel was in Repair to ! But did charge for Tow truck fees but Steering parts yes but she sorry accident happened too and she help me get new mailbox also pole fix up ran over to owner! But cops talk to Nancey about Accident and understand that Steering Wheel could happen to anyone no fine for unsafe vehicle too! But she got rid Van year late in 2008 and her Husband Steve said his Steering wheel went lose on his 1995 Chevrolet truck but got fix too in 2008 replacement parts did himself after told how easy do it also did together Lol! Also Parque I like any vechiles make or models to work on to Lol and seen lots them and rare ones never worked is LADA or Fiat but lots others have to! Funny part my truck 1978 GMC High Series 25 2 wheel drive truck my late Dad also uncle had farm it leak on motor bad but never lost much at all had tons miles on but always started old 350 4 barrel and never lost hp or torque too ! But ran like new had oil changes done 3 months or 3.500 miles with 10w30 engine oil no synthetic type with Fram small 8A or 13 A tall one to only quit was digits on speedometer but need worked after 15 years they had it!

[@whattherust]

Those steering columns were a bad design. I ended up replacing mine with a non-tilt I found at a junkyard. Thanks for the support.

[@AndrewHCann]

@@whattherust yes agree and never like Tilt Steering wheel also but way solved again put pipe in right length plus size !

[@redneckbryon]

It should be saved. It’s definitely a classic and starting to get hard to find.

[@whattherust]

So true. Finding a 4WD C20 is very difficult, even in the South,

[@prevost8686]

They built millions of them but the corrosion protection was so bad that even Southern trucks rusted out. If GM could do a limited run of the square body shape with a basic v6 & v8 offering they’d knock it out of the park. Obviously they would have to add additional safety items that the original square body trucks didn’t have but it could still be done without violating the original square body. I’d buy one. Would anyone else?

[@RussellFreeman-c3o]

I use Berryman b12 cemtool it’s instead of sea foam works just as good and it’s a hole lot cheaper I also on cars and trucks like these I pull the vacuum off of the power brake booster and put it in there works really good

[@whattherust]

That is a great tip! I will try it. I like Berryman better too.

[@brandonbell3089]

As long as it spins over and has a few pistons left in the bores she will run. It’s a Chevrolet 😂😂

[@whattherust]

Exactly.

[@fraserobrien3828]

great truck i hope you pull it out of there and wash it lol it needs it ,wow

[@whattherust]

Thank you Fraser.

[@wesleyshoemaker2]

Make another video of it driving out of it's hole

[@stevenmenary2862]

Have you looked up or spoken to Derek of Vice Grip Garage? I know he relocated to just south of Nashville. You both need to do a video together.

[@whattherust]

I haven't yet. I am sue our paths will cross at some point, but he has a very full schedule.

[@stevenmenary2862]

Wow thanks for the reply most don't. Absolutely love your videos. From a 69 year old who used to do the same in my day but no video capabilities were avaulable

[@احمدذربالبصراوي-ظ6ط]

Chevy Good💪🏿

[@RattleTrapGarage]

Ok turn the idel mixture screws in all the way back them out 4 turns and that is the best idle mixture setting for a quadrajet

[@frankwurth5375]

I had a 79 K 20 back in the day only difference was mine wasn't 4 WD. The transmissions and torque converters were crap. GM used standard duty car transmissions, they didn't hold up, that's why I got rid of mine and went to a Ford and manual 4 gear box. This one your working on would make a good farm runner, if mine would have had the 4 WD, I would have kept it as it didn't bring much in trade back then. If mine I would install a newer heavy version trans and converter with lock up and over drive. Make a real truck of it. I wouldn't mind finding one like that again.

[@whattherust]

I am concerned the transmission might be shot too. I'll take a stick shift any day.

[@williamsouthard9663]

is too good of a truck to just let it go waste

[@hallmark2511]

Not a Chevy guy. But! Those older motors where tough. I seen Derek's video with the camper special. 454... Thanks for sharing my friend enjoyed it.....

[@hallmark2511]

@@brandonlisenby9220 it's crazy. But enjoyable...

[@whattherust]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the continued support.

[@whattherust]

And both in Tennessee!

[@hallmark2511]

@@whattherust yes sir. I lived in Tennessee for about 45 year's. Then we retired to Virginia. Love your videos....

[@Dany-oj2jv]

I hate snake, great video,thank you for sharing... 🙂

[@whattherust]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@rickbudrow2230]

Just discovered this channel and already subbed btw Vice Grip Garage recently did a revival on a similar truck I’m pretty sure it’s the same color model truck.

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support! The truck VGG has is similar but 2WD.

[@reichard2318]

Vic grip garage is awesome 👌

[@ronaldgebo7233]

I think the smoke came from the sea foam!

[@whattherust]

No doubt, but not the blow-by. It is amazing how much that cleared up after running the truck a while.

[@hippydippy]

New subscriber here & have been enjoying your content. Watched the episode on the Rover today. Whatever happened to it? That was an interesting car. I was hoping to see more on it's progress. Did you sell it?

[@whattherust]

As a matter of fact I worked on the Rover today! I have had a tough time finding brake parts and allocating the time to fix the brakes, so it has been sitting in the garage for months. I made a lot of progress today and will post a video of the progress soon. I really want to get the care driveable. There is nothing like it around here. Thanks for the support!

[@kennethfeist5504]

@@whattherust what did you decide on the 78 Chevy? Did you buy it like you said a good work truck or maybe snow plow

[@whattherust]

@@kennethfeist5504 I have not bought it, but I spoke with the owner recently and he is now thinking of keeping it.

[@ghettsumm7949]

That's a nice angle grinder in the passenger seat. You should check if it works LoL,.... good vid sir.

[@whattherust]

So true. I bet it does work. It looked like a quality one.

[@TinoGutierrez-n3u]

Why don't you spray the carb out to blow all of the junk out?

[@albertrodriguez3330]

How much I had a 72 Malibu I would go through about 2 quarts a week but she kept going. This is back 1n 1984. You can't kill

[@lotharrenz4621]

judging from everythign around everybody would have said, "scrap it". but then you come and make it run again. :D enough said, I hope someone comes around and saves it, or maybe it's already saved? would be a shame to let it rot away again now.

[@whattherust]

It is still there. In a few weeks I plan to see if I can get the transmission to work. If I can, I will buy it.

[@richardbates2367]

Honestly if it wasn't as rusty I'd offer my 2000 dodge ram Laramie slt longbed quad cab 1500 4X4 for it without thinking about it lol

[@MUN.A1988]

Good chevy..you're lucky to have it. Cooling water you didnot show us putting in it. So all the time We were worry about getting hot .also the cooling fan cover was moving .it needs fixing. We were waiting diving it in roads..thanks.

[@dominicdevone2684]

Hey Richard, awesome work as always. My Dad had a '76. Silver with white accents and a dark red interior. I think if someone has the time and resources it's worth the effort. I'm not really a fan of the square bodies, but to each his own..

[@whattherust]

Right Dominic. With some work this could be a good truck, but I prefer the earlier years.

[@theawakening5548]

You should contact Clunkers and Classics to put that 350 in the Nomad he is doing. That way he does not have to do the LS swap.

[@markamcampbell6340]

buy it the running gear is worth it.

[@bjduhon1528]

Anything GM worth saving ❤

[@frankpetrone2966]

Great job Richard! I had a 1978 K10 4x4 with a 350 great truck, I think you should keep it and fix it up.

[@whattherust]

Thanks Frank!. This one is definitely worth saving.

[@richardbates2367]

8600gvw my custom deluxe longbed 86 Chevy was also a camper special rated truck

[@informyourself4074]

I think it´s worth to put a little more effort in it, when it runs properly I´m quite sure there will be someone who want´s to have it - maybe that´s a project for #Waldo´s World

[@bryanyoung2963]

I don't think a freshest spark plugs and some spark plug wires, fuel filters and a clean carburetor would help matters.

[@TinoGutierrez-n3u]

More than likely the carb is junk. Most quadra pukes don't run right unless you know someone who can fine tune it and make it sing.

[@matthewowens455]

Chevy 350 only engine that will sit for 10 20 years and with a little bit of work starts right up and rinds Ford or dodge would never do that

[@CarolusRex1346]

Great video as always! Btw what kind of snakes do you have to look out for?anyway thanks for sharing 👍

[@whattherust]

Thanks! Copperheads are the concerns around here. They aren't deadly, but they are aggressive, and a bite will make you sick.

[@WilliamSmith-gk6qk]

I think you should let me know how I could buy that truck and give me an idea of what It's worth text me back please if you have time

[@paulfellows2094]

hi there yet another awesome video i love watching you do your stuff she sounds like an awesome v8 beauty engine you are the man you got it right a work truck well done

[@whattherust]

Thanks Paul. Those Chevy V8s are tough!