Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I have a question for you truck guys. She left it to me after she died over 25 years ago. It was in Kansas for 10 years before I brought it here to New Orleans. When my grandmother passed, the truck had 48,000 miles, and since I've had, I've put 5,000 miles on it. One of the trips I took in the truck was to south Texas to haul my boat back to New Orleans. This truck has been in my family since new, and my grandmother used it only carried her trash to the dump, since there was no trash pickup in the country. This truck is original, down to the bolts and the spiral shocks. I can get in this truck today and drive it to California without a problem. There's work to be done on it, but I'm confused on selling the truck or restoring it. The only way that I would sell is if someone would restore it and not try to make a quick buck or sell it off for parts.

Here's the good and the bad on it:
1. Small pin holes in truck bed
2. Right door bottom has some rot
3. Passenger side quarter needs patch
4. Tailgate bottom has some rot
5. Both rockers replaced (in my opinion)
6. Right fender needs patch, which can be done
7. Needs a fuel tank
8. Needs carpet and bench seat bottom needs reupholstered
9. Transmission leaks, but will drive as long as there's plenty of fluid
10. Air condition needs to be fixed
11. Needs a radiator core support
12. Needs right interior fender well

Here's some photos:
[IMG]http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0013.jpg[/IMG]
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0355.jpg
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0356.jpg
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0014.jpg

For someone who has rebuilt and restored trucks, this would be a darling. I have an idea what the truck would be worth but am confused on whether to sell the truck or restore it myself. I have two '69 Camaros and one '72 Chevelle that takes all my space up. I'd sell the truck if I knew it was going to a truck enthusiast who would restore it to original.

What would you do?

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I would keep it unless you just have no sentimental attachment to the truck. I think its worth way more as a family piece than the amount you could get for it.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

+ 1 ^

Its been in the family since new, definatly a keeper IMHO. You will regret selling it later, trust me i know. I gave up my grandmothers caprice, and i regret it still to this day, that was 20 years ago.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Keep it. It's your grandmother's truck. Even if you're not ready to restore it yourself now, you might later, and you could never get it back.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

x4^ Keep it.
You could sell it. You regret it later. You try to find one to replace it, but the new truck will not have the stories like this one does. The problems you stated are not that bad to repair. I would on the other hand put some kind of rust killer on the spots so they don't get any worse.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I would agree with the above, and I also know what's it's like to have too many vehicles, like I do right now. But if it were my grandmother's truck, and I had memories of the truck that were good, then find somewhere for it and let yourself thinks about it for a while. What you would get for it isn't much.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I would definitely keep it. There are too many stories of regret. If it is mechanically sound then there is no reason to get rid of it. You always need a truck around and the problems you listed aren't that hard to fix.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

-
The thing is once you sell it you have no control over it. The person you sell it to may say they will restore it and in fact use it as a parts truck. If you can't keep it I would see if I could find someone in the family that might want it. My '36 Ford Coupe will go to my son when I'm gone. If for some reason my son would go before I do it will go to my wife's brothers son. Check on both sides of the family. It would be a shame to see it leave the family after this many years...

Just my 2¢ worth.

LockDoc

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

This always cracks me up when guys do this because they already know the answer they want to hear. Otherwise you wouldn't come to 67-72chevytrucks.com to ask the question. After all you know what everyone is gonna say especially after that story.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Yep, keep the truck, sell a camaro to fund the restore and create space...

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Keep it, and keep driving it. It doesn't sound too bad off so just use it until your mind is made up one way or another.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I think you should keep it. I have my father-in-law's old truck & I wouldn't give it up for anything.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

True, but some people just like to be re-assured and validated.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

First let me say welcome to the forum .

Second sounds like your a Chevy guy already . Fix the tranny leak and the gas tank . Drive it every now and then to keep it functional . If you get around to it replace the carpet and recover the seat . See if it hasn't grown on you by then . These trucks have the distinct Chevy lines of your Camaros and Chevelle and are quickly becoming the last vehicles of that era that are still somewhat affordable . If you took a poll here everyone on here would also love to have a Chevelle or Camaro in there garage . These trucks give you the same styling and still maintain the function of a truck if need be . I am with the others , look to sell in the family if possible to give someone else a chance at a family owned classic .

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

you would regret handing it over trust me...
the truck i have now i have inherited from my grandfather
i have ideas to sell it as well when i wasnt handy enough to do work myself
or when i came apon bumps in the road but now that i have kept it and ive seen it progress little by little im glad i never sold her

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

If I were you, I'd sell it to me. I'd take care of it.;)

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

It's my truck's twin. Even from the same momma (Kansas).

Keep it and make it something you're proud to cruise around in. Your grandma would enjoy knowing she left you something that you enjoy I'm sure. Plus.. right now you won't get a good price for it. Either way, I'd say hold on to it and start updating it tastefully.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Keep it an slowly fix the rust , I think it would be cool to show up at a car show pulling a trailor with the camero on it with an old pickup. I have a 70 an cant wait to get it done so i can go to car show with it along with my father in laws 63 imp. SS

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I knew you'd say that:lol::lol::lol:

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Keep it and use it until you decide to restore it. We all need a truck around for hauling.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Since your truck has a history, hang on to it. As far '' restorin'' goes who cares fix the rust and paint. It don't have to be a frame off build. I'd like to have one like it for a work truck.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

That's what you think... SELL IT! HAHA

Man, you have to decide what you want. If you like the truck, make it yours. In that condition, being original isn't making or breaking it. Being in good shape and doing a good quality resto on it will make a difference.

And one comment, which is a tough pill to swallow: If you sell it, don't worry yourself with what someone else is going to do with it. If someone wants to make ashtrays out of it, that is their business. It's hard to see, but if it isn't yours anymore, just let them do as they please and be at peace with it...

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

KEEP IT !!! I have my Grandmother's 1963 Buick Special. I don't us it but it is full of memories!

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Keep it as it is and drive it like you should. Then just tinker with it as the truck ages with you.:chevy:

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Keep it, I am sure your Grandmother would like for you too. If you are not really into it,as others have said offer it to someone in your family. Once its gone you never know what could happen with it. I sold a truck my dad had although he didn't buy it new, I really regret it now.

Ray

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Isn't it illegal to sell members of your family? I don't know how you could sell it since you like GM vehicles of the era. 3 cars and no pickup wouldn't work for me, but all I own are trucks anyway so I can't be very impartial.

I've got 2 trucks that have been in the family 30+ years and they will remain that way till I'm dead. They aren't super rare or in great shape but most everyone else in the family isn't either! LOL

Really it's your truck and just do with it what you need to do for your situation. No way to be sure what a new owner will do with it. It's a great truck by the way!

Later---DAC

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Thanks so much, everyone, for your advice. This site has opened my eyes and my mind is finally made up to keep the truck and restore it slowly. However, many of you may regret the advice to keep and restore it when I start asking for help! I'm surprised at all the responses--this seems like a great site. Okay, let's get started...would someone point me to a GM passenger door that's in excellent shape? I'm looking for rust-free, if possible. Since I'm not a metal man, I'm thinking of sending it to The Installation Center outside Atlanta for all the metal work. They did an outstanding job on my '69 SS Camaro--I highly recommend them to anyone. Once again, thanks everyone for your time and advice. Casey

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Try and keep all the original metal you can. If the rust isn't too bad, patch the spots that need it. My Grandfather gave me his pickup. It's not a 72, but it's a Chevy. The good thing is it's mint and needs only a few minor items. My kids will get it sometime.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Good move 72Cheyenneman!

:thumbs: :clap:

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Merry Christmas to all my fellow Chevy Truck guys! I told you I'd be asking some questions about my 72 Cheyenne, so here we go... Since my truck is 100% original, where can I find NOS parts? I know about eBay but haven't been able to locate anything there. I don't know any truck people and don't know a whole lot about these trucks; i.e., which parts, doors, radiator core support, inner fender wells, etc., will work from the Blazer or Suburban from the same year (1972). And, I definitely don't want to use after-market parts on my project if I can help it. Also, my gas tank needs to be changed--I believe it's an 18-gallon tank. What year tank will work, and is the after-market gas tank just like the original? If so, can I use my old sending unit with the after-market tank? Like I said, my goal in restoring the truck is 100% originality. Take it easy on me guys....my sole experience in restoration is with first generation Camaros! I'd love to have a photo of my completely restored '72 Chevy Cheyenne truck pulling my completely restored '69 SS Camaro:chevy: Here's some pics of my SS and '69 Z28--both original, matching number :chevy:[IMG]http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0181.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Oh that is just so wrong! I mean for any one guy to own two *****in 69's like those. I'll take the SS, thank you. ;)

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

I love that 69 Z28. I'm guessing it is an early build date car?

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Thanks, Andy. A lot of work went into that Z, as well as the SS. Both are early builds--the Z is all original metal. Since my '72 Cheyenne was given to me by my grandmother after she passed away from cancer, there is no way I can bring that wonderful woman back, but I can restore her truck. I guarantee it's going to look like those Camaros! With that being said, where are all the NOS parts for these trucks, or like I asked previously, do the Suburban/Blazer parts work with the Cheyenne? Can someone chime in and help me with some direction on parts? I know in the Camaro world, you can still find NOS parts, but I'm clueless with these truck parts. Any help would be appreciated :chevy:

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

ttt

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Happy Mardi Gras to all! I thought I'd skip the parades today and instead pull the seat out of my '72 Cheyenne and look for a build sheet. I didn't see one so I decided to take the carpet out and check the floor pans--absolutely mint shape! I did find a bunch of my grandmother's possessions she had, along with about 78 cents. This truck is going to the body shop in the next couple weeks, and I'll keep you posted. Here are some pictures of the inside cab and floors, along with my grandmother's odds and ends (including a bobby pin):
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0545.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0548.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0549.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0551.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0552.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0553.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0555.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0557.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0558.jpghttp://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...72/Cnv0559.jpg

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Hey Casey I think it looks better than you described to me. I like it, same color as our new longhorn. Paul and Jason

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Im glad you kept the old girl ,nice Camaros too .Did you also mention a Chevelle?

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Wow, that thing is solid.

On the NOS parts, swap meets and the classified section of this board are your best bets, but I'd make sure you know the hallmarks of the NOS parts your looking for before you head to the swap meets. For $25 you can become a member of this board and post a "WTB" (wanted to buy) thread in the classifieds, after you've identified exactly which parts you'll be needing to replace, etc...

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Don't forget to check under the seat for the build sheet. Nice truck and Camaro's.

Re: Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton
 

Man I am glad you decided to keep that truck. People on here would have had your hide if you had sold it after the story. After all the truck is a member of the family now.

I sold project heaven once due to some struggling times and then missed her horribly. Luckily the guy I sold her to was a good friend and when he decided he didnt have the time to continue with her he called and now she resided in my workshop again with my name on the title AGAIN. wont make that mistake twice. Eventually my son will drive the truck!

Good luck with the build, and by the way I hate you for having two 69's (Just kidding) I have wanted one since I was in high school! Great looking cars!