1997 Chevrolet C7500

1997 Chevrolet C7500 Aerolight Conversion

The Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick are a range of medium duty trucks that were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980 to 2009. The final medium-duty truck, a GMC TopKick 5500, rolled out of Flint Truck Assembly on July 31, 2009.

For consignment, a former alcohol dragster team truck in the form of a Chevrolet C-7500 Kodiak truck which has been modified on the interior with all the creature comforts for a traveling from track to track team, and looking great doing it!

Exterior
Retaining its original hood and cab design with integrated fuel tanks on either side, a large forward tilting hood and towing capacity of 31,000lbs this cab presents in very nice condition. A few dents and dings in the black paint, and a gaffer tape repair on the bottom of the grille, it has 156,000 miles clicked on the engine. From the cab rearward it is then total custom with a sleeper-like box attached to the chassis. This big beautiful box has plenty of creature comforts within, and has the ability to be lived in comfortably on a short term basis, fully tricked out on the inside, (see interior). The \"box\" has all tinted windows, a side door with 3 step entrance, plenty of lower storage areas on the lower drivers side and dual rear wheels. A 5th wheel style hitch is mounted to the rear of the frame and this consignment comes with a 50 ft fully functioning working trailer with mobile garage. The custom Aerolite \"box \" is fully air conditioned, has a power generator to run all the creature comforts, and in addition to the A/C provided by the engine for the cab, a top unit is on the box for the living area. Looking from the exterior it looks much like a typical tractor setup with a sleeper on the back, but with extra room. 10 lug shiny 22.5 inch wheels are on the front, and dual wheels of the same size on back.

Interior
Full on tan leather covers the air ride seats which are captains chairs and offer plenty of adjustments. These seats are nice and clean, and show slight wear. A standard dash is in front of the seats and is showing a push button automatic transmission. A Delco sound system in digital form is in this dash as well as A/C for the cab and a CB radio for that ten coder chatter. For the back living quarters we note dual couches in leather which are of a foldout variety to create two beds. An A/C & heat unit is on top. A full sink, refrigerator, microwave, TV and plenty of channels to stream in with a satellite dish. The walls are covered with a suede broadcloth, and this is holding true for the interior coverings of the cab. Also, a toilet and private shower is within this space. All this menagerie is powered by an ONAN Generator, and offers up the creature comforts of a full motorhome in a smaller space. Overall, the interior is clean and shows little wear.

Drivetrain
A 6.6 liter 316ci Cat 6-cylinder diesel provides the pulling power, and this is moving the truck forward and back with its 6-speed Allison automatic push button transmission. EFI feeds the diesel, and under the flip forward, easy access hood all is nice and clean.

Undercarriage
Strong rust free structural steel abounds underneath, and we see full airbag suspension, air brakes which are disc braking in front and drums for the dual rear wheels.

Drive-Ability
My partner in crime and I were using this space as our break room/office for a while and we can report the A/C blows cold, all the appliances work and even the shower and toilet are fully functional. The truck drives effortlessly even with the 50 ft trailer on back, pulling strong, and coming to a quick stop if needed. Power steering was effortless, and the 6-speed automatic gives a wonderful cruising gear for the highway.

The Trailer:
Tagging along with this C7500 just happens to be a 50 ft fully working racing team trailer by Champion. This is equipped with a 20 kW generator, air compressor, a lift which also provides storage for a second car, 4 A/C units, Lista Cabinets, a digital weather station, water tank, and all the storage one could need for a full garage. On the exterior we see a power rear gate, a HD winch in case there is a blowup of the engine, and it needs to be winched on the truck, power awnings with poles and full tungsten high intensity lighting.

For the trailer it is a 3 axle version with aluminum wheels, air ride, and air over hydraulic braking. There are 2 spare tires, and a water tank. Essentially a fully functioning automotive garage fit for the road and competition. Plenty of room on the exterior of the 50 ft trailer to adorn it with some snappy graphics, go team!

A full on racing team trailer, this one accommodated an alcohol dragster team, and provided all the creature comforts for the driver, test mechanics and OTR truck driver. If you are looking to get into the profitable sport of drag racing, or road racing, here is a key piece of equipment priced right, and all looking great!