1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I've been asked by several people to start this so here it goes....This is my newest project...a 72 Cheyenne Super Short fleet with a 402 big block!:metal:

It was in fact originally a LWB but it is a true Cheyenne Super. It has the cheyenne super, bb, etc codes on the SPID. It has the right things (woodgrain glovebox, door panels, and dash, cargo light, headliner, bucket seat supports, high hump for the BB, screw holes for the carpet gas tank cover, etc....

It was converted using the leafs (also on the spid) and posi rear (on the spid) onto a shortbed frame because the longbed frame had tweaked frame horns. It has the correct 72BB mounts. A 402 with a TH400 (30K on rebuild on both and very clean inside the engine)

Original options are super high as seen on the SPID. The buckets/console, tach and AM/FM are long gone....but the rest is there. And I have the buckets/console and tach....and plan to get an AM/FM.

Right now it's a cab mounted to a painted frame with rally wheels. NOS core support with aftermarket fenders(already sold) (I will put good originals on). Pass door rust free drivers has slight bubbles in outer skin but great otherwise. Will need cab corners, 2 cab mounts, inner and outer rockers, and two spots on the floor fixed. It has NO bed right now....but one will be here in the morning!!!

Here are the pictures I took when I went to look at it

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5019.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5021.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5020.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5027.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5028.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5029.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5030.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5031.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5032.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5033.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5041.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5045.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5043.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5039.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5055.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5050.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5036.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5037.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5038.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5039.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5042.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/truck010.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/truck011.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/truck014.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/truck012.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5050.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5040.jpg

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Got it home and it was a little dusty so I decided to clean it....

Getting ready for a bath
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5241.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5243.jpg


After the bath
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5247.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5251.jpg


Since it's been home I've been cataloging what I have and don't have. Also have been stripping the remainder of the interior to prepare for rust repairs. Got the headliner, visors, glovebox, A/C unit, gauges, dome light and cargo light out as well as removed the rest of the weatherstrip.

Got the TH400 cleaned up... (pics to follow)
And I've been ordering parts also

As I mentioned I got the steel floor short bed and a super nice tailgate on the road to me right now. Fine 69 will be here in the morning.
NOS hood hinges
NOS upper SWB molding
NOS Parts of the lower molding (Cab forward)
NOS taillight moldings
NOS door edge guards
NOS Cheyenne 10 emblems
NOS Chrome Headliner trim
NOS light lenses
NOS Tailgate trim

Also have a nice tilt on the way. The one in the truck needs rebuilding so I'll do that at some point.
Super Emblem Repros
Big block fan shroud
Big block clamshells
4 core radio (almost new)
4 core upper & Lower mounts
Tach dash (still looking for a great bezel)
Bucket seats with good foam (with NEW PUI black covers ready to go on)
New Windshield trim and gasket
New 71-72 repro outer grille
New 71-72 repro inner grille
Super nice original 72 black armrests
Super nice original black headliner
Super nice original black sunvisors
Super nice restored black seatbelts
PERFECT inner fenders painted factory semi gloss.

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I have compiled a basic parts list I'll need....sure I'll find more later but this is the definite list

I prefer NOS on these but open to nice repro's at the right price
Lower woodgrain molding for a SWB (NOS preferred)
Tailgate Chevrolet woodgrain band (NOS preferred)
Cheyenne super woodgrain door panels, glovebox door, and chrome/woodgrain dash bezel (NOS preferred)
"Super" emblems (NOS only)
AM/FM radio (want a super nice one)
Super nice chrome antenna
Super nice factory or NOS outer door handles
Super nice factory or NOS inner door/window handles
NOS outer grille for 71-72
Super nice 5 lug center caps with chevy emblem
15X8 5 lug rally wheels (at least 2 but will take 4 and I have two 15x7's I could swap)

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

WHat do you guys think on the frame? It's painted a nice gloss black but was painted once together....I'm leaning towards all new front suspension and repaint everything....but know that will add a couple weeks to the build...

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

will be watching this one.

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Looks good, subscribed.

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I'll try not to disappoint :D

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Look, we all know how this story goes. "While your this far, you may as well go ahead and..." Given all the nice parts you plan to put on it, it would be a shame not to go the extra mile and do it all right.

I gotta tell you though, this doesn't sound to me like this is one you're going to want to let go of.

Need any other advice? Let me know - I've got plenty, it's free, and worth every penny. :lol:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

x2 ;)

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I look at it more under and inspected closer. I've decided I'm going to clean up the frame some more. But the truck has 66K documented miles on it and has the original ball joints riveted in and all the suspension looks and feels tight so I'm going to leave that.


Have you noticed my other build threads ;):lol:
I really enjoy tearing them down and rebuilding them more than showing or driving them. I still want a nice patina'd shop truck...just looking for the right deal.....at the right time... :chevy:

Sure, you can send your two cents to 72cheyennesupershortfleetbigblockbuild@67-72chevytrucksdotcom
:lol::lol::lol:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

In for the win... :)

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Looks like a good foundation for a nice truck...I'll be following along!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I'm gonna be watchin' you!!!:lol:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

So i'am i, keep pictures coming :metal:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Of course I want in on this thread too :metal:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

In you are

Welcome

Will do...I'll get some more up tonight!

Are you guys always hanging out now? Even on the forum :lol: I'm jealous ;) Thanks guys :chevy:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

That's going to be a nice truck. I would do the little extra detailing on the frame it will be worth it in the end. You better get to working, we all expect it to be done when Super Chevy gets here.:lol:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I am subscribed for sure. It sure looks like it would be a keeper to me! With all those options and such a solid start it is going to make an amazing truck!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I don't think I have a chance to have it done by then but I'm wanting to at least be getting close to getting it painted by then :chevy:

Keeper? What's a keeper?;)

I think it's going to be great!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I think I may have found something you are looking for - http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/2213086555.html
good luck

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Thanks, I'll check into that!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Why do u have a pic of your kitchen?

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

It's not mine....it's one I designed for a customer and my former company installed it. My full time job was estimating and designing kitchen, bath, and other interior remodeling projects and new construction bids. Now my full time job is looking for jobs....and working on the truck and selling parts....

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Time for some more cleaning....

I think the Turbo 400 needed it pretty bad.....don't you ;)


Before
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5285.jpg

After
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5288.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5290.jpg

Before.....I think there is an electrical connection in there somewhere :D
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5286.jpg

After.....there it is!
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5289.jpg

Still going to get the last bit off and degrease it. Then it can be primed, painted, and mated to the engine with the flywheel and torque converter. But before that I'll have a friend of a friend who's a tranny expert check it out.

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Then I moved on to disassembly of the interior....

...if I hadn't had about a billion and one interruptions over the weekend and church/family obligations it would be all completed....but between the distractions and things like the ignition cylinder getting loose but not coming apart yet...I'd be done...

Before I forget...anyone know the trick to get the inner A/C box out-the one with the heater core in it....it's stuck on after removing what I think are all the bolts....is it just the gasket holding it and I need to pull harder?

Here are the holes for the factory carpet cover over the gas tank (one of the items that identifies it as a true super....I think the gun rack holes are going to have to go....
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5299.jpg

Shot of the dash
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5300.jpg

Were the white trucks painted with this flat black from the factory to reduce glare? Either way I'm going to tape it off when I paint because it is in perfect shape
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5301.jpg

Headliner is out now (actually came out w/out breaking any of the molding for it and only leaving a little of the cardboard backing behind
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5302.jpg

Dash vents were originally olive...not sure when someone painted them black but the door panels were also olive under black....
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5303.jpg

Getting there.....just need some time w/out iterruptions :)
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5310.jpg

It's amazing how much stuff fits in/under the dash in a loaded truck. I'm going to take a picture of it all once it's all out...it just amazes me....

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Here's the bed and gate I got today from Mike AKA Fine69

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5306.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5305.jpg


No, not that gate....that's to sell.....it's decent with no rust, but a slight bow and a couple dings. THIS is the GATE :metal:
It's got the couple surface rust spots and one tiny pit hole under where the tailgate band goes....that'll be an easy fix and then it'll be better than NOS (holes drilled for me ;)) NO I repeat NO dings. None!!!


http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5319.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5317.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5316.jpg

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I'm doing this in my garage which is under my bedroom in our split level house. Blessed to have a nice house and garage....but it could always be larger....a lot larger :D

Maybe one day. Until now check out my clearance (or lack thereof)...this is why most of my builds take place in Jason's shop who does all my welding work for me.....truck will be headed over there soon to get it's last bit of rust surgically removed :metal:

Here's the garage in all it's (cough) glory :lol:

Got a little room on the driver's side (like 3 inches). Those shelves hold hundreds of itemized parts for our trucks so it's like having a parts store right in my own garage :chevy:
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5312.jpg

Passenger side is tighter still (basically touching the engine and actually touching the toolbox)
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5308.jpg


No speeding in my garage.....note the "new" fenders....temporary fixes until I find some super nice originals w/ trim. Sold the aftermarket ones Saturday.

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5315.jpg


Here are the engine and tranny for now...
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5314.jpg

And the rest of the junk....somewhere buried in the packaging and boxes are 6 rust free doors, several rust free fenders, vent windows, etc etc etc :D
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5311.jpg

Last one for now...
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5313.jpg

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

cool project! havent been on much and just saw this! should be real nice one to work on and sweet once finished!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

nice, tuned in for more

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

That tranny was even nastier than my jimmy's, will probably need some gaskets, dipstick o-ring, seals, etc. Looks like a solid foundation for a very nice truck. I thought my garage was crowded until I saw the pics of yours. I've got tons of room!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Thanks!

I'll try to keep the updates coming!

I'm having it professionally inspected by a friend of Jason's who is a 30yr experienced tranny rebuilder...hopefully won't need much more than gaskets/seals....we'll see ;)

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I plan to get the rest of the wiring out of the truck tonight. It is AWESOME. I haven't found a single cut wire or connector. I will need the engine harness but I have everything otherwise in great shape!

I sent in two sets of door panels and two cheyenne super glovebox doors to the cheyenne man. He's going to rebuild them to show quality original and provide two new bezels also. I will install one set in the truck and sell the other set to offset some of my build costs.
I am also getting a fully rebuilt console from him. I have one that is very nice but has a couple screw holes in it. I will sell this with the other set of parts I'm having him re-do with another bucket seat set I'm recovering...

I will be sure to take detailed pictures when I get all the parts in a few weeks for those considering getting new woodgrain items or a console.

I also got in some of my bead blasted parts from member tll74. They look like brand new!!! I sent him a huge box of parts to do for me. Some for this truck and some also to resell....again to offset my costs....

Some have unlimited or at least healthy budgets for their builds. I on the other hand, have to get creative :D

More pictures to follow this evening....

for now (to keep the picture hounds happy :lol:) here are my already professionally painted inner fenders with the patch panels and battery tray, the new outer grille, chrome front bumper, PUI seat covers for the buckets, and the one of my tach dashes....I am going to use the original gauges to keep the mileage correct (67K original documented miles) (and it will have the correct woodgrain bezel)

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5323.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5324.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5284.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5321.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5322.jpg

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Love CSM's work. They did an awesome job on the woodgrain for me, and I was astounded at how my emblems came back - like new!

Looking good!
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Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

WOW... I love that spid..it goes on forever! A very well optioned truck. Can't wait for the end pics!

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Thanks! I am excited to see the parts. Everyone has spoken highly of him and the prices seem reasonable since the parts I've seen look better than NOS that's been sitting on a shelf ;)

I knew I had to build this truck when I saw the SPID....not much else you could throw on one of these trucks :D

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

Well, just got in from the garage. The wiring harness was winning for a while but in the end it is out....

It's late so only a few pictures. Have a long day of non-truck work to do tomorrow so maybe a small update in the evening if I get a few minutes but not much else otherwise...

Notice the ignition still won't come out....and I'm being too gentle with the inner A/C box...any suggestions on that?

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5362.jpg

Still have to unbolt the pedals....but waiting to get it to Jason's shop to make it easier to get on/off the trailer....

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5363.jpg

Not nearly as many wires as a new vehicle....thankfully ;)

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5364.jpg

And I am SUPER pleased with how nice the wiring is. Not brittle at all...no corrosion on the ends, the fuse panel looks great with the letters intact and easy to read. If I didn't know better I'd think it was replaced at some point....sure doesn't look or feel almost 40 years old...

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...B/IMG_5366.jpg

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

EVERYBODY Loves Pictures! :metal:

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

lookin good.

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

That fuse box is crazy - not even dusty.

Re: 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!
 

I know I know...more to come :D

Thanks Bill!

I was stoked! I seriously had figured the cost of a full replacement wiring harness when I bought it. I just assumed the wiring would be bad. Pleasant surprise!!!! It's perfect. Just need the engine harness which I'll try to find a nice orignal....it's going to be modified anyways since I am using vintage air :chevy: