72 Cheyenne Super
 

I drove a 72 back in high school so I always had a soft spot for them. Fast forward a few decades and I began looking for one to restore and.

Anyway here is the start: 72 Super Cheyenne short fleet side.

I have not decided the path for the project yet but it varies from leaving it bone stock to a mild drop, ls motor, overdrive blah blah blah. I also always wanted a blower poking out of the hood though being older now may prevent me going down that path.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Nice truck! Found of 72's also.

:gmc2:

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Prebuild
Before I tear into this thing I wanted to document everything. I went over it pretty good before I bought it but now that its home I can go over it in more detail.

Jam sticker indicates a Jan 1972 build date for the truck.

Looking over the engine it appears to be the original. Casting date of Dec 28, 1971. Build date of Jan 11 which is consistent with the casting date. Engine code is TDJ. The engine came from the St. Catharines plant in Ontario.

I had a hard time finding the casting date as it was not on the rear flange area near the transmission mount. Rather it was on the passenger side of the block between freeze plugs. This appears to be unique to St Catharines cases.

The next major driveline piece was the TH 350. It had a code of Y2A 20D indicating a Jan 20, 1972 date, again consistent with being the original transmission.

Because it was so easy I also checked the code on the alternator. it had a date code of Jan 19, 1972.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Wow, you're going to restore it? Looks like a great truck, whatever direction you go it's a great starting point!

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Rear End
Moving on the the 12 bolt rear end. I spent a little time looking for the build stamp but could not find it. Ill attempt again another day. However the cast date was easy to find and it was A102 indicating Jan 10, 1972.

So far all three major drive line pieces appear to be original, or at least consistent with being original.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Still documenting and deciding on what to do, restoration or just an over the top detail. The back window is dated January, 1972 so could be original. However it was in pretty poor shape with 43 years of water spots. It was even difficult to see through, especially at night.

It took awhile but I got it looking much better. Between 0000 steel wool, window polish and even metal polish I can finally see through it.

Admittedly I feel a little silly wanting to document everything such as the glass. Especially seeing the great builds on this site. Those builds make me want to tear into this but I sort of also like originality too.

The pictures show what I was dealing with. The spotting are even after I cleaned it the best I cold

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

I have been driving around the last few days without problems then yesterday the engine started sputtering. It progressively got worse and I was lucky to make it home. I don't know what the problem is but I thought I would check the fuel filter. It needed replaced so I set off to do that. The filter housing came out real tough and come to find out the filter housing is cross threaded. The carb is the original so I am hoping I don't have to throw it away. It clearly needed rebuilt anyway and you can see in one picture the sludge that was in the float bowl.

Sadly, I don't even know if the dirty carb was the original problem I was trying to fix regarding the sputtering. And now I have the cross threaded issue too.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Nice truck there!

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Thanks Tommy...and Semper Fi

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Any parts, questions you have about the carb, contact Cliff @ cliffshighperformance.com You need to email him, he can't take phone calls all day long. He is the Q-Jet answer man!!! Do NOT stick an e-carb on your engine!!!

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Thanks! I already have an email into him, just not heard back yet. Im going to see if he can repair the threads and I will probably have it recolored at that time. I found a carb from a 77 GMC which is essentially the same but without the fast idle solenoid. I've bypassed the TSC so don't really need the solenoid anyway. I will reinstall it on the original carb though.

The fuel line and carb are temporary because my wife has to be able to move the truck while I am away for the next few months.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

With the replacement carb installed I still had a hard time starting the truck. So thinking the problem was fuel or spark, I looked at the spark. I replaced the points and it immediately ran like a top. SO...after damaging my carb I found the problem and it was not even related. Frustrating.

The carb needed cleaned up and rebuilt anyway so I guess it was not all a waste.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Man, that truck is awesome looking just as it sits. I think those wheel covers are super underrated and are really cool. I'd just super detail it and enjoy it.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

subscribed

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

I'm still having a hard time getting the truck to run. When it does run it is very rough. I rebuilt a spare carb, took it apart again just to make sure all was right. Replaced plugs and points. Seems to run decent at times, but only for a shot time, then back to rough. So rough that it frequently dies.

Having no idea what is causing the rough running I checked dwell and timing. Dwell was right on 30degrees with little fluctuation. Timing...well thats a different story. It bounces all over the place, sort of explaining the rough running.

To trouble shoot I removed the distributor 1112047. Date code is December 13, 1971 (1M13). Checking the end play it looks to be about .080. I am unsure if this is too much because I find conflicting specs online. If anyone knows, I would appreciate any input. I may post this question in the general forum as well.

I am hoping this is out of spec and would explain the jumping of the timing mark.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Do yourself a favor and go purchase a pertronix module and replace those points. You'll never have to mess with them again.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor3/default.aspx

:gmc2:

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

That's a really nice looking Cheyenne, and I like how you're documenting everything. I'm subscribed.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Thanks for the subscribes.
I had the seat out the other day. The sear is in remarkable shape and I was initially reluctant to believe it was original even though I was told that it was. The only flaws I can find are some breaks in the piping. I did find evidence that there was a seat cover installed such as strings tied to the underneath to hold on the seat cover. There is also a tag tied to the frame with numbers I don't know about yet. If anyone really knows how to decipher the tag please let me know.

The seatbelts are date coded either the 52nd week of 71 or the 2nd week of 72. All consistent with a Jan 72 build date for the truck. Also the tank has a date of September 22, 71.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Awesome truck!

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Back along the documentation trail: I have not been able to find much on Harrison radiators for Chevy trucks. There is some stuff out there for Yenko, Chevelles, Z28s etc but nothing much for trucks. Which tells me I am overthinking, once again.

I can't find anything on the JO radiator code, but the radiator appears to be as manufactured with the tanks matching the tag (driver side =IA) (passenger side = AT). Rad build date of November "L", which matches a truck assembly in January

Wheels
 

Pulled wheels to see if I could authenticate them. They measure about 8.25" wide, which I do think would be correct. If someone knows please let me know. I was not a fan of the raised white letters but I was actually digging the look without hubcaps.

The shocks appear to be the original shocks. Build date 347th day of 1971. 45 year old shocks do not make for a good ride.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

sweet ride

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Wow, this thing is amazing. I'm one of the last guys to push for stock/original anything (I LS'd a documented GTO Judge), but this is too cool exactly as is to mess with in my opinion. Looking forward to see what you do with it... there's no way it will be anything less than great.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Wow ,that is a nice truck .

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Thanks guys for the nice words.

Gutsy move, but I bet it was cool. Though I like originality, I absolutely appreciate nice custom work. Some of the custom trucks on here make it hard to stay stock for sure. With this one, I don't see how I can do anything other than keep it stock. Im working on another deal on a 67 to satisfy the custom itch.

I drove it around today and snapped some pics. its 50 / 50 at work whether to go with caps or no caps.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Caps and find a set of tires with the white stripe...Cooper Trendsetter SE will have it and are relatively inexpensive. Super nice truck, btw. I have a '71 that I have spent much time and effort to make original and cover past sins but no matter what it will never be the same as a survivor like yours. Please do keep it, there aren't many left that haven't been messed with.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Great looking truck!

Have you figured out the engine issue yet?

If not, you might want to check for a stretched timing chain. That will make it start hard sometimes and could lead to all kinds of issues.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Thanks! I think I was chasing a couple of bugs and was going around in circles. I ended up rebuilding my temp carb while my original was being worked and refinished by Cliff Ruggles (Looks great btw). I also rebuilt the distributor, added a new vacuum advance, condenser, shimmed etc. Its running pretty well now so it was one of the two or the combination. Waiting to borrow a dwell meter to get it dialed in but Im pretty happy with the way its running.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Really nice truck! I'd be inclined to keep it as original as possible were it mine.

And caps... definitely caps.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Thanks. Thats my plan.

Brakes have always been a little less than stellar so I've been working on those. Fronts look great but we were not able to get any fluid out of the back during bleeding. Wheel cylinders were a little wet but fluid was not as clean as I would like. So rebuilding wheel cylinders and flushing the lines. Shoes looked good but will replace while everything is apart.

SPID shows heavy duty springs but mine look like the heaviness wore off. Middle looks a little squished to me. i like the current stance though. You can see original Delco spiral shocks and the lovely F-78 15 spare with new tread.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Wheels are easy to change and make the biggest statement of any mod. I know it doesn't match the trim level of the truck, but a set of dog dish hub caps on those stock 8" wheels would fit the tough look of the truck really well. Or, for a period correct aftermarket look, a set of 15x8.5 slotted mags would be perfect!

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Finally found the elusive axle stamp. RHA W0111. I believe for 72 (from what I found on this site) is 3.07. Any one know the whole identification?

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

You never know what happens with these trucks over the course of 40+ years. I thought I would check differential oil and it looks like the gears are original 3.07.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Beautiful truck. I'd love to find a survivor like this

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

I was wanting to dress up the engine area a bit and learned from the general forum area that my truck had an incorrect air cleaner lid. Probably added to allow for a bigger filter. I found an original and cleaned it up to get back to factory. New "Keep your truck GM" sticker on order.

Also, the SPID and grease pencil discussions in general forum got me to looking at mine. I have not seen this on any other SPID or grease pencil postings, but my SPID appears to have the same "182" from the firewall on glove box, under the SPID. The marking is visible under the clear laminate. Its on upside down. I just thought it was interesting and wondered why I have not seen any others with grease pencil under the SPID.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Wow, what a find, it is a time capsule, I hope you keep it all original, like another member said, pertronix makes an electronic device that eliminates the points, it works great....

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

I think it would be a shame to do anything other than keep it as original as possible. Which can be challenging at times. I am trying to replace the few things that would not have been original, such as the air cleaner lid and the master cylinder.

I have the correct pump to carb fuel line on order.

Some compromises are necessary for as much as I want to drive this. I have looked at the pertronix and plan on ordering one soon. I am just trying to decide between the igniter or igniter II. Obviously, she won't be a strong performer engine wise so the 1 would be adequate.

I appreciate all the nice comments. Thanks!

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Wow, this is a super nice truck! I'd almost clean it up and leave it a lone. I dig the look without caps but a poverty cap like the copo cars had would look killer the way your truck sets.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

Worked on some more details with the air cleaner. Also corrected the fuel line pump to carb. Detailed the interior a bit. Not sure what to do with the worn glove box door and faded belt. Door panels are showing their age as well.

Also replaced the speaker with a correct replacement. Back to listening to AM Wahoo! Talk radio and sports is about all I get.

Re: 72 Cheyenne Super
 

The truck was running great all summer, but then started acting up again. Traced the cause to another bad fuel filter. Turns out the tank had some sediment. I pulled the tank out and washed it out with hydrochloric and then phosphoric acid. I then coated it with Red Kote. While I had the tank out I noticed more grease pencil markings on the tank itself and the back of the cab.

While doing this I also dismantled and detailed the seatbelts and buckles.