Modified 1988 Chevrolet R30 Custom Deluxe One-Ton Dually 4-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

This 1988 Chevrolet One-Ton Dually Pickup is a custom-built hauler based on a P3/R3 series ambulance chassis, converted into a CK series “square body” pickup with classic 1973–1987 styling. Finished in a two-tone combination of Emerald Green Metallic (177B) and Mesa Brown (37), the truck underwent a professional restoration in 2014 that included a solid bed replacement, new body panels, and a re-chromed front bumper. It is powered by a rebuilt 454ci big block V8 paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a two-piece driveshaft. 

Mechanical updates include a new clutch, overhauled driveshaft, rebuilt steering gear, and four new shock absorbers. The exhaust system was upgraded with headers, and the original Rochester carburetor was replaced with an Edelbrock unit. The truck is equipped with a heavy-duty towing hitch and has been used primarily to trailer vintage cars to East Coast shows. It is AACA Driver Participation Class certified and comes with extensive documentation, including the correct GM Light Duty Truck Service Manual.  

This modified pickup is now with an accident-free CARFAX history report, some documentation and spare parts, and a Virginia title in the seller’s name.

Factory Equipment 

• 454ci V8 engine  

• 4-speed manual transmission 

• Dual rear wheels (1-ton capacity) 

• Two-piece driveshaft 

• Manual front disc and rear drum brakes 

• Power steering 

• Air conditioning 

 Modifications 

• Ambulance P3/R3 1-ton chassis with 1987 CK series pickup truck body 

• Removed cab lights 

• Chromed bed light with NOS clear lens 

• Original chassis wiring modified  

• Rochester carburetor replaced with Edelbrock unit 

• Exhaust manifold replaced with headers 

• Steering gear replaced with RedHead rebuilt unit 

• Heavy-duty towing hitch installed 

• Electronic brake control 

• Reupholstered interior 

• Antenna-embedded windshield 

• SFC Model 1530 “AutoPort” sunroof 

• Gentex GENK3320S compass/temp/rear camera display 

• AutoSound AM/FM/CD/USB “Concours Series” stereo (non-functional) 

• Replaced speakers  

 Servicing & Documentation  

• September 2019: Service receipts available from Cavalier Garage in Virginia Beach, VA

  • A/C compressor

  • Fuel pump

  • Water pump

  • Thermostat

  • Clutch assembly

  • Coolant hoses

  • Ignition components

  • Muffler

• March 2019: Service receipts available from Gregory's Driveshaft in Virginia Beach, VA

  • Engine fully disassembled and rebuilt (see service receipt for details)

• February 2019: Driveshaft rebuilt and flywheel machined at Gregory's Driveshaft in Virginia Beach, VA

• Replaced shock absorbers 

• Firestone TransForce HT2 LT Tubeless Load Range E Radials; 215/85R16 

• In preparation for sale: 

  • Adjusted door latches 

  • Replaced door gaskets 

  • Replaced sheet rubber bolted to lower sections of front fenders 

  • Installed aftermarket turn signal switch 

  • Tightened steering column bolts  

  • Installed correct windshield washer tank and pump 

Known Imperfections  

• Tire tread depths range between 3/8” to 1/8”  

• Exterior chips, scratches, and a rust spot behind driver’s door 

• Dash fading and shrinkage on left side 

• Radio powers on but does not function 

• Missing front spring air cylinders and cruise control equipment 

• Complex wiring system from ambulance conversion 

• Typical CK series steering column bolt issue  

• Accident-free CARFAX vehicle history reports branded title for “exceeding mechanical limits”  

  Ownership History 

This custom 1988 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually Pickup was purchased in 1995 by a friend of the seller and converted from an ambulance into a CK series-style pickup. In 2010, the current owner inherited the vehicle and continued to use it primarily to trailer vintage cars to East Coast shows. It also saw occasional use for hauling building materials and household goods and has seen trips as far as Virginia Beach to Niagara Falls! The truck underwent a professional body restoration in 2014, but the seller emphasizes that the underside is in factory condition. It is AACA Driver Participation Class certified and has appeared in multiple car shows. The owner notes that the vehicle has been kept outdoors for much of its life, with wear consistent with regular use.

 Included Items 

• GM Light Duty Truck service manual  

• Original sales paperwork and manuals

• Factory Rochester carburetor and removed engine parts 

• Spare wheel and tire 

• Correct jack  

• Some original documentation 

• Westin step bars 

• 3 keys 

• Used spare parts (photos in gallery)

 Additional Information 

From the seller: “A close friend Robert Eddy acquired this ambulance from a junkyard in Hampton, Virginia in the mid-90's. Bob removed the ambulance body, shortened the frame, installed a CK bed from a very early pickup, and painted the resultant vehicle white. Bob gave it to me when he passed away around 2010. I replaced the bed with a very solid one and brought it to its current condition. Both Bob and I had used it extensively for utility work, car shows, and towing. We put lots of miles on it-perhaps 40 to 50K. It is remarkably smooth running and handling. Bob was the first principal of the Virginia Beach Votech Center on Northlanding Road in Virginia Beach. He was old-enough to be my dad, but we were great friends!”