Heads Up: 1986 Chevrolet Ambulance up for auction

[Matthew Reid]

Originally Posted by rob love

As I recall, the ambulances were particularly problematic wrt the charging systems. They had a different setup from the other CUCVs. Seemed like once you started the run of changing alternators and DUVACs (Dual voltage control regulators), it never ended. The ambulances seemed to dislike being slaved. Every time the user slaved the vehicle, he blew the DUVAC.

Sounds like a unit made an improvement over the factory item.

I personally didn't think the price was out of line at all. In Manitoba, the CUCVs sold for around $8K each. I watched the ambulance sell for almost $10K. Seems like even today the remains of the CUCVs go for as much as yours went for.

Ya I always thought the twin alternators idea was kinda goofy.

This dual voltage alternator seems like a better idea. But the results of the install are piles of wires underhood that now have no where to go and are taped up lol.
I will sort out the wiring BEFORE I strip the truck apart that should save big time on the headache factor when it comes time to reassemble it. I will clean up the wire harnesses and remove the now redundant wiring befre stripping it apart. If it was a M1008 pick up I would just convert it to 12V but there is too much 24V gear in the Ambulance body to even consider that move.

Those CUCV's out there went for some good dollars. I do know out here even the clapped out privatly owned CUCV pickups regularly fetch $4000 to $5000. The heavy duty axles, rear locker, low gears and stronger frames make them pefect candidates for off road 4x4ing units. I have seen a more than a few here with larger tires on them and out fitted for off roading.


Matthew