Here is a long photo sequence revolving around repairs and modifications to a 1988 
Chevrolet R30 1-ton dually.  This was the last model year for the old “R” series pickups 
(73-87), the C/K series also began in 1988 with the ½ and ¾ ton versions..

4 projects were completed in the series:

1.	Replace left side fuel pump (had gone bad while driving, switched to the RH tank 
to continue)
2.	Relocate RH gas tank filler neck to the LH (drivers side) of the pickup..  Filling up 
opposite sides while towing a long trailer is an exercise in frustration as the 
gasoline pump hose won’t reach across the bed, and the entire rig must be turned 
around while the pump is held open.
3.	Install a B&W Turnover-ball gooseneck hitch (the old one was rusty with ratty 
looking bolts from underneath and I didn’t trust it, plus have a need for a flat-bed 
for hauling from time to time)
4.	Fabricate pickup-bed tie-down points

The results are following in the pictures.  Several notes.  Copper pipe was chosen for its 
ease of fabrication, availability, and resistance to corrosion, unlike steel..  Also I was not 
confident enough in my Tig welding skills to choose aluminum pipe.  To attach pipe to 
hose with a  hose-clamp, some kind of a retention bead must be fabricated.

Enter the vise-grip tool, given to me by a retired toolmaker, saying I might need it 
someday.  He was correct!!  The other picture is of a smaller ½” ID pipe where the 
rolling tool won’t fit, a couple turns of a #14 AWG copper strand, and a dab of solder, 
and the retention bead is done.

The pickup bed tie-down points are 304SS, tig welded in the shop, and glass-bead 
blasted.  They replace some rusted carriage head bolts which formerly attached the 
diamond-plate aluminum bed-rail covers.  ½” button head bolts are held with unistrut 
square washers and deformed-thread nuts for pullout-resistance.

The copper pipe was installed under the pickup bed, next to one of the bed-channels, 
along with the smaller vent-pipe.  The RH filler neck was installed into the LH fender 
well, there is an impressive amount of room above.  Still to do are add a “scattershield” 
guard.  POR-15 paint was used for it’s claimed abrasion resistance.

Matt Isserstedt
mattofvinings@aol.com
06July2006