1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

I wasn't really looking for another project but I couldn't pass this up. It came from Arkansas and appears to be a legit 50,000 mile truck that has been off the road since 1992. It's straight and clean except quite a bit of rust in the passenger cowl/kick panel area which somebody crudely patched long ago. For now, I had to install a new radiator. The previous owner went through the brakes and did a valve cover gasket, belts and a tune-up. The 250/powerglide is not something you see too much anymore but I have no desire to change it. I have several other higher horsepower V8 trucks and cars, this can cruise the way Mr. Chevrolet intended.

Next up will be new thin white tires, windshield (cracked), factory style mirrors, new seat cover, steering wheel and *maybe* a chrome rear bumper. I don't have big plans for it and I don't want to molest it too much because I think it's a neat time capsule that can be enjoyed as-is. How about that "custom comfort & convenience" package two-tone seat cover!?

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

The bed floor is clean as they come. One dent. Tailgate is really nice too. It was kind of sad to put a crappy plastic radiator in the truck because it was clear that nothing had ever been touched. I kept the leaky original just in case.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Well just took Pappy for a spin, he drives easy...but runs hot. Dang I hope that's not a head gasket issue because I like the ole' stovebolt.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Wow, I've never seen power steering in a 67-72 Chevy 6 banger pickup, 73 and up yes....

With something that old and original, I'd be starting with all the basics. My initial thought is a bunch of crud in the engine..........

Water pump shaft loose?

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Yeah, I was surprised to find power steering too. I bought it sight-unseen and when I drove it off the trailer I was like "SWEET SHE STEERS!!!". Haven't checked the water pump yet, hoping the radiator just burped. The old coolant was fairly clean but the radiator was leaking badly so somebody may have let her get too warm and cooked the head gasket. Could be the gauge as well which was reading about half. I'll get it hot again and use my laser thermometer to see whats really going on. I have an iphone FLIR unit on order, that would be handy right now!

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

What a great find! Awesome truck, look forward to seeing it cleaned up!

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Well, I think the cooling system is under control. 170 at the upper hose, 130 at the lower, 160 at the t-stat housing, 170-180 at the block. Guage is probably just reading high. I forgot what it was like to drive a stock suspension truck, not bad! So everything works except the headlights and radio. I like 'er...

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Add a front sway bar if it doesn't have one.
Very cool truck!

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Glove box says it does...don't laugh but it's parked in the middle of a shop bay with a lift and I haven't even taken time to look underneath yet LOL

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

That is a very nicely preserved truck! I like it. On a side note, how do you like your Challenger?

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Well, I guess I dreamed it up, no sway bar. I think I have one laying around though.

Love it! 18,000 miles, zero complaints. It's a big, loud muscle car that does exactly what I want which is to scare the crap out of me sometimes when I hammer it. I got the 6-speed but the 8-speed auto is really bad ass, if it made sense $ I would trade.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Leevon,... shoot me a PM if you ever decide to sell this.
I doubt I can afford it, with todays sky-rocketing c10 prices, but I just like this truck.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Score. What a find. Funny how they sometimes find you when you are not looking. I scored a 71 GMC a few weeks ago and need another one like another hole in my head, but could not pass it up. Not as nice and clean as yours though. Enjoy it.
I am also usually all about higher horsepower & 6 speeds, but not on my new one.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

That's awesome! I know a guy that has a Hell Cat and I try to stay away from it. It makes me want to sell a couple of things and get at least a SRT. I have to quit thinking. :lol:

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Pappy's wheels came off and went to get powdercoated today. He won't be going anywhere for at least a week since he's on jackstands. But soon as they get back and he has new rubber we'll hit the streets again.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

What a find!

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Pappy came with a set of hub caps, so I cleaned them up a bit. The picture does them way too much justice. Two have a split in the side and all of them have pitting, faded paint and dents. But they'll match the truck, good enough for now.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Like it!!!!! I'm curious about the "Two Special Colors"....any info on that?

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Thanks. Yes! me too on the colors. I haven't really been able to figure that out, wondering if it's for the two-tone paint? I thought they called it "two-tone" on the SPID. The seat cover and interior is addressed in the other two lines but even though it says "cloth" it's actually like a woven vinyl insert. I know these SPID's can be kind of a mystery at times. Funny thing happened just this morning though. There is a guy here in Springfield, MO who is the largest supplier of stamped vinyl seat covers and door panels, etc for these trucks. Chances are if you have a repro seat cover it came from him through a vendor. Anyhow, we met at awhile back. He called me this morning about another truck and we got to talking about this seat cover. I am sending him these photos to see if he can make anything remotely close, or at least a two-tone medium blue/dark blue. I am curious to see if he knows anything about this option? The PO replaced the dash pad, but I'm guessing the original was dark blue like the steering wheel, door panels and half of the seat.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Very nice ride, looks like a nice one :chevy:

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

I guess I should assume the truck is 508 Dark Blue?

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

That truck is too cool...Possibly a special trim/color package for a particular Dealer Zone or a fleet order? I remember seeing a '69 or '70 C10 & '70 Chevelle SS in light blue that was a special order in North Carolina, like the Tarheels blue. I've looked at lots of these over the years and have never seen that color or the seat cover style. It's very obviously the factory upholstery....the inserts almost look like a Chevelle pattern, maybe Camaro and the center scroll pattern is a total mystery....Neat!

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Pappy got new shoes and mirrors. What a difference powder coating the wheels and new tires made. They are 225/75/15, good for stock height or lowered.

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Looks great!

Re: 1969 long bed "Pappy"
 

Amazing the difference that makes....looks great!