Newbie from AZ Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nationsfinestra · 03-13-2003, 11:54 AM

Ok its my first time posting here, so I've got a few questions.

First I'm debating between an '89 Stepside and a 67-72 SWB, or LWB, but preferrably a Suburban. The main reason why I'm going to purchase a new truck is for towing. Of course I'm going to make it cool too, however the main purpose here is to pull my van. After looking on these boards, I noticed there are a lot of people here from AZ. I'm from Scottsdale myself, and I'd love to meet up with some of these guys and ask them a ton of questions.

The other thing here is I'm curious about swb vs lwb. I know that the "preferred" route is a swb, but I find lwb trucks all over the place. Before I get a bunch of people saying which way I should go, I'll just say that I'm not sure yet. I do know that you can cut up a long bed and make it a short bed -- so who has done it and where do you have to cut the bed? The frame I'm not so worried about, but I am curious about the bed.

I'm also wondering what I should expect to pay for a truck or suburban. The one 'burban I've found was going for $6g's, and I've found 72 lwb's going for as little as $1500. My concern isn't the shape of the body, its the running condition of the motor. Hell I'll even build one from the frame up if thats what it takes. Any suggestions?

ckhd · 03-13-2003, 12:26 PM

If you are going to tow a van GET A LONG BED!! I have towed heavy stuff with a SWB and it can get scary as *%$#!!! Suburbans are the same wheelbase as a long bed, so it would be fine to tow with one of those too.

Seriously, if you are towing anything heavy, the longer the wheelbase, the more stable you'll be.

ckhd · 03-13-2003, 12:27 PM

Oh, and "Hi" from another Arizonan! I'm 4 hrs away from Scottsdale, but I do get down to 'The Valley' now and then!

nationsfinestra · 03-13-2003, 12:29 PM

Ok, so if thats the case why was it so scary?

Also what does the swb and lwb measure end to end?

trailwart · 03-13-2003, 12:30 PM

in my opinion i would get a long wheel base if you are using the truck to pull a car trailer. the shorter trucks tend to get a little crazy in windy conditions, really can get whippin if you are gonna trailer a van. just my opinion that the long whellbase trucks trailer better. you really got a tough choice to make,hope i gave you a point to consider. in the end though you should purchace what you will be happy with, after all it is your money.

GOOD LUCK!!!

68 Suburban · 03-13-2003, 12:34 PM

Welcome, I am in Central Phoenix.

Dito what "ckhd" said. If you main purpose is to tow, either get a LWB or Burb. SWB will not be as comfortable to tow with.

ckhd · 03-13-2003, 12:42 PM

It's a leverage thing. You have a heavy trailer pushing a swb around, and it can cause some serious sway. I towed a '88 Chevy pickup on a flatbed car-hauler from Springerville to Holbrook with my '69 swb, and I could only do 45mph the whole way because if I got over that, the sway would get out of hand. With a lwb, then that extra 12" of wheelbase helps quite a bit. The sway isn't as bad. Getting a 3/4 ton would help too, because they have heavier springs, etc. I can tow an amazing amount of weight with my '68 K20, and I don't have the sway problem. Heavier springs and a longer wheelbase help control the situation.

I don't know what they measure end-to-end. The wheel bases are 115" for a swb, and 127 for a lwb.

lpaine · 03-13-2003, 12:48 PM

Welcome to the board from B.C.- I would think you would be better off with the lwb(wheelbase is measured from the center of one wheel to the other. ) Suburbans are nice, especially if you have rug rats; but its hard to beat a truck. As previously mentioned the swb may not be as good for towing. Anyway whatever 67-72 you get will bring you 'miles of smiles' Happy Motoring.

kenele · 03-13-2003, 01:14 PM

Glad to see another Arizonan on the board. I am in Paradise Valley which is close to Scottsdale. We will have to meet up spme time.

Project1970 · 03-13-2003, 01:34 PM

Welcome from yet another Arizonan. We really oughta have a get-together at the Pavillions sometime...

(By the way, if you ever go to Pavillions and see a blue GMC parked next to a black Opel GT...it's me

)

70 longbed · 03-13-2003, 01:54 PM

And another Arizonan pops in and sayy welcome.

As you can see from the number of my posts, I am relatively new also, and I can tell you that the board is great! There is a bunch of knowledege out there, and most are willing to share that. Also, there are some parts guys out here, that will help, both with parts and technical questions.

There are at least three places in the Phoenix area; Grumpy's on 17 north (access road) around bell road, Pioneer classic auto up on deer valley road, and Rick's down in Mesa. Let me know if you here of more.

Keith

70 longbed · 03-13-2003, 01:57 PM

Project 70,

You're right, we need to have a little get together.

I travel for the government alot, but would be willing to help out in in way that I can to help coordinate something. It would be good if we could coordinate around a local show in Tucson or something.

Please post when you guys up there have something that you know there are going to be some trucks. I would make the drive to come see.

68 Suburban · 03-13-2003, 02:31 PM

Here is a Burb in AZ. I don't know anything about it. It is not my style, but seems like it could be a decent vehicle (except that some moron cut the roof for a moon roof

)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6247

stepn67 · 03-13-2003, 03:13 PM

Welcome, I'm not too far away in Tucson - Man, just watch out, this forum is addicting - soon you could become a "junkie" like me.

nationsfinestra · 03-13-2003, 03:18 PM

Wow -- thanks for all of the replies!

Thing is, I'll level with you guys, I'll probably piss off quite a few of you at some point or another, just because I'm not a "resto" guy, I'm a custom guy. My truck will be dropped and shaved and all sorts of stuff, just like the cars I've built in the past. Sorry, its just my style. I've got nothing against resto-rides, its just not what I'd do for myself.

Anyways, I'm leaning now towards lwb trucks or burbs, but finding a burb seems to be a project. No luck online or anywhere, and certainly not for under $2k, which is what I'm looking to spend. That one off of ebay is clean, but I'm not looking for anything in anywhere near that good shape. The truck I will probably pick up will be a bit dented, maybe bad paint, but runs great.

You guys let me know when you're going to Pavillions and I'll be there. I live about 10 minutes away, so no biggie. If you are into customs, you may wanna cruise by my house sometime and check out my van or my Amgio. Both are kinda nutty. BTW, that amigo is for sale

Project1970 · 03-13-2003, 03:27 PM

Heh, don't worry about pissing someone off about something as simple as custom vs original; pretty much everyone here knows that some people do one and some people do the other and some of us are in the middle.

smokekiki · 03-13-2003, 04:32 PM

Like Project1970 said,it seems there are as many resto's as there are custom on this board.Most on this board are happy to answer any question that comes up.I am more into the customs myself.I came out your way for my suburban.

nationsfinestra · 03-13-2003, 04:43 PM

Here's another q:

3/4 Tons: Are the 8 lugs like the new 3/4 tons or are they 6's, or 5's? I've got my eye on a 72 LWB but I have yet to check it out.

ckhd · 03-13-2003, 05:06 PM

On 67-72, all 3/4 & 1 tons are 8 lug. They didn't start that silly light duty 3/4-ton 6 lug stuff until '88.

Like Project1970, we don't get offended over things like that. There are people here who shave, slam, and chop it all, there are people here who have to have NOS parts for everything. Me, I'm in the middle, closer to wanting it original. I want it to look stock, but I'll put on better brakes, a 700r4, better axles, etc. I still want to retain a lot of the stock look.

Most of us appreciate the time and work put in one and like them no matter what is done, as long as it's done 'right'!

Bowed · 03-13-2003, 10:41 PM

Welcome from yet another Arizonan . Many of the members are close neighbors right here in the valley . You will find they are a great group and always willing to help . I too prefer custom . Good luck.

Chevy Wrench · 03-14-2003, 12:23 AM

Welcome from a former "Desert Rat". I lived in Tucson for 31 years and now reside in Salt Lake City. ( Boy does that lake stink). If you guys down in Tucson need help locating parts, I know people down there. Anyway, I would opt for the lwb for towing purposes.
John

JadeEmperor · 03-14-2003, 11:49 AM

Welcome Kevin, haven't seen your latest but I'm sure that its killer sweet. I know your rides were back in your days of "Xile".

Its good to see you in for the classics. This is definately the board for it. I'm new to the board also but have floated around for a while, these guys are just full of info.

I would vote for LWB or a Burb because they're stout. It makes a difference when your trying to haul across the 10 to Cali with those wonderful cross winds. The extra girth helps out.

Longhorn Man · 03-14-2003, 12:12 PM

Welcome to the board from a yankee who has never stepped foot in Az.

I can't believe no one has mentioned getting a longhorn...we have quite a few longhorn Fanatics on here, and we will all agree...they are awsome when it comes to towing.
(the longhorn has a 133 inch wheel base making it 6 inches longer than the 'normal' longbeds. The added length can be seen in the front of the 8 1/2 foot bed)

Project1970 · 03-14-2003, 01:06 PM

Good point...if long is good, longer is better

I haven't seen that many Longhorns out here, though. Mostly SWBs and the occasional longbed.

nationsfinestra · 03-14-2003, 02:39 PM

Well I think I'm leaning towards a burb. Now I've just got to find it.

Hey Jade -- you knew me from Xiles? We ever meet? It's been a long time since then. The civic was on 2 covers, then I moved onto the Focus that was on 1 cover, now I'm workin on my van. But I digress...

03-13-2003, 11:54 AM	#1
nationsfinestra Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 8	Newbie from AZ Questions Ok its my first time posting here, so I've got a few questions. First I'm debating between an '89 Stepside and a 67-72 SWB, or LWB, but preferrably a Suburban. The main reason why I'm going to purchase a new truck is for towing. Of course I'm going to make it cool too, however the main purpose here is to pull my van. After looking on these boards, I noticed there are a lot of people here from AZ. I'm from Scottsdale myself, and I'd love to meet up with some of these guys and ask them a ton of questions. The other thing here is I'm curious about swb vs lwb. I know that the "preferred" route is a swb, but I find lwb trucks all over the place. Before I get a bunch of people saying which way I should go, I'll just say that I'm not sure yet. I do know that you can cut up a long bed and make it a short bed -- so who has done it and where do you have to cut the bed? The frame I'm not so worried about, but I am curious about the bed. I'm also wondering what I should expect to pay for a truck or suburban. The one 'burban I've found was going for $6g's, and I've found 72 lwb's going for as little as $1500. My concern isn't the shape of the body, its the running condition of the motor. Hell I'll even build one from the frame up if thats what it takes. Any suggestions? __________________ Kevin Whipps ///Relaxed Atmosphere '86 Chevy Astro Van '89 Isuzu Amigo '01 Ford Ranger

03-13-2003, 12:26 PM	#2
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	If you are going to tow a van GET A LONG BED!! I have towed heavy stuff with a SWB and it can get scary as *%$#!!! Suburbans are the same wheelbase as a long bed, so it would be fine to tow with one of those too. Seriously, if you are towing anything heavy, the longer the wheelbase, the more stable you'll be. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

03-13-2003, 12:27 PM	#3
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	Oh, and "Hi" from another Arizonan! I'm 4 hrs away from Scottsdale, but I do get down to 'The Valley' now and then! __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

03-13-2003, 12:29 PM	#4
nationsfinestra Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 8	Ok, so if thats the case why was it so scary? Also what does the swb and lwb measure end to end? __________________ Kevin Whipps ///Relaxed Atmosphere '86 Chevy Astro Van '89 Isuzu Amigo '01 Ford Ranger

03-13-2003, 12:30 PM	#5
trailwart Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: michigan Posts: 356	in my opinion i would get a long wheel base if you are using the truck to pull a car trailer. the shorter trucks tend to get a little crazy in windy conditions, really can get whippin if you are gonna trailer a van. just my opinion that the long whellbase trucks trailer better. you really got a tough choice to make,hope i gave you a point to consider. in the end though you should purchace what you will be happy with, after all it is your money. GOOD LUCK!!! __________________ 72 chevy 3\4 ton 4 speed 4x4 84 1\2 ton 4x4 (gone but not forgotten, thanks for the memories) 1999 suburban 4x4 1982 chevrolet S-10 V-8 (Thanks uncle EARL)

03-13-2003, 12:34 PM	#6
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	Welcome, I am in Central Phoenix. Dito what "ckhd" said. If you main purpose is to tow, either get a LWB or Burb. SWB will not be as comfortable to tow with. __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

03-13-2003, 12:42 PM	#7
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	It's a leverage thing. You have a heavy trailer pushing a swb around, and it can cause some serious sway. I towed a '88 Chevy pickup on a flatbed car-hauler from Springerville to Holbrook with my '69 swb, and I could only do 45mph the whole way because if I got over that, the sway would get out of hand. With a lwb, then that extra 12" of wheelbase helps quite a bit. The sway isn't as bad. Getting a 3/4 ton would help too, because they have heavier springs, etc. I can tow an amazing amount of weight with my '68 K20, and I don't have the sway problem. Heavier springs and a longer wheelbase help control the situation. I don't know what they measure end-to-end. The wheel bases are 115" for a swb, and 127 for a lwb. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

03-13-2003, 12:48 PM	#8
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	Welcome to the board from B.C.- I would think you would be better off with the lwb(wheelbase is measured from the center of one wheel to the other. ) Suburbans are nice, especially if you have rug rats; but its hard to beat a truck. As previously mentioned the swb may not be as good for towing. Anyway whatever 67-72 you get will bring you 'miles of smiles' Happy Motoring. __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

03-13-2003, 01:14 PM	#9
kenele Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Vaugh, WA Posts: 191	Welcome to the board Glad to see another Arizonan on the board. I am in Paradise Valley which is close to Scottsdale. We will have to meet up spme time. __________________ '71 GMC Suburban C1500

03-13-2003, 01:34 PM	#10
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Welcome from yet another Arizonan. We really oughta have a get-together at the Pavillions sometime... (By the way, if you ever go to Pavillions and see a blue GMC parked next to a black Opel GT...it's me ) __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

03-13-2003, 01:54 PM	#11
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	And another Arizonan pops in and sayy welcome. As you can see from the number of my posts, I am relatively new also, and I can tell you that the board is great! There is a bunch of knowledege out there, and most are willing to share that. Also, there are some parts guys out here, that will help, both with parts and technical questions. There are at least three places in the Phoenix area; Grumpy's on 17 north (access road) around bell road, Pioneer classic auto up on deer valley road, and Rick's down in Mesa. Let me know if you here of more. Keith __________________ Keith 70 CST longbed in progress. Hoping to get it back on the road soon.

03-13-2003, 01:57 PM	#12
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	Project 70, You're right, we need to have a little get together. I travel for the government alot, but would be willing to help out in in way that I can to help coordinate something. It would be good if we could coordinate around a local show in Tucson or something. Please post when you guys up there have something that you know there are going to be some trucks. I would make the drive to come see.

03-13-2003, 02:31 PM	#13
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	Here is a Burb in AZ. I don't know anything about it. It is not my style, but seems like it could be a decent vehicle (except that some moron cut the roof for a moon roof ) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6247 __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

03-13-2003, 03:13 PM	#14
stepn67 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 140	Welcome, I'm not too far away in Tucson - Man, just watch out, this forum is addicting - soon you could become a "junkie" like me.

03-13-2003, 03:18 PM	#15
nationsfinestra Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 8	Wow -- thanks for all of the replies! Thing is, I'll level with you guys, I'll probably piss off quite a few of you at some point or another, just because I'm not a "resto" guy, I'm a custom guy. My truck will be dropped and shaved and all sorts of stuff, just like the cars I've built in the past. Sorry, its just my style. I've got nothing against resto-rides, its just not what I'd do for myself. Anyways, I'm leaning now towards lwb trucks or burbs, but finding a burb seems to be a project. No luck online or anywhere, and certainly not for under $2k, which is what I'm looking to spend. That one off of ebay is clean, but I'm not looking for anything in anywhere near that good shape. The truck I will probably pick up will be a bit dented, maybe bad paint, but runs great. You guys let me know when you're going to Pavillions and I'll be there. I live about 10 minutes away, so no biggie. If you are into customs, you may wanna cruise by my house sometime and check out my van or my Amgio. Both are kinda nutty. BTW, that amigo is for sale __________________ Kevin Whipps ///Relaxed Atmosphere '86 Chevy Astro Van '89 Isuzu Amigo '01 Ford Ranger



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03-13-2003, 03:27 PM	#16
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Heh, don't worry about pissing someone off about something as simple as custom vs original; pretty much everyone here knows that some people do one and some people do the other and some of us are in the middle. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

03-13-2003, 04:32 PM	#17
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	Like Project1970 said,it seems there are as many resto's as there are custom on this board.Most on this board are happy to answer any question that comes up.I am more into the customs myself.I came out your way for my suburban. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

03-13-2003, 04:43 PM	#18
nationsfinestra Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 8	Here's another q: 3/4 Tons: Are the 8 lugs like the new 3/4 tons or are they 6's, or 5's? I've got my eye on a 72 LWB but I have yet to check it out. __________________ Kevin Whipps ///Relaxed Atmosphere '86 Chevy Astro Van '89 Isuzu Amigo '01 Ford Ranger

03-13-2003, 05:06 PM	#19
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	On 67-72, all 3/4 & 1 tons are 8 lug. They didn't start that silly light duty 3/4-ton 6 lug stuff until '88. Like Project1970, we don't get offended over things like that. There are people here who shave, slam, and chop it all, there are people here who have to have NOS parts for everything. Me, I'm in the middle, closer to wanting it original. I want it to look stock, but I'll put on better brakes, a 700r4, better axles, etc. I still want to retain a lot of the stock look. Most of us appreciate the time and work put in one and like them no matter what is done, as long as it's done 'right'! __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

03-13-2003, 10:41 PM	#20
Bowed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: where it's hot Posts: 1,059	Welcome from yet another Arizonan . Many of the members are close neighbors right here in the valley . You will find they are a great group and always willing to help . I too prefer custom . Good luck.

03-14-2003, 12:23 AM	#21
Chevy Wrench former desert rat Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: salt lake city, utah Home of the 3 M's Mormons, methlabs and minivans Posts: 320	Welcome from a former "Desert Rat". I lived in Tucson for 31 years and now reside in Salt Lake City. ( Boy does that lake stink). If you guys down in Tucson need help locating parts, I know people down there. Anyway, I would opt for the lwb for towing purposes. John __________________ 94 Chevy Silverado Ext cab 4/6 drop w/ 18's and 2500watt system (work truck). 67 Chevy swb under const. frame off custom, 20's, bagged and a large rat under the hood,and a 1940 Chevy truck under const.

03-14-2003, 11:49 AM	#22
JadeEmperor Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ 85018 Posts: 102	Welcome Kevin, haven't seen your latest but I'm sure that its killer sweet. I know your rides were back in your days of "Xile". Its good to see you in for the classics. This is definately the board for it. I'm new to the board also but have floated around for a while, these guys are just full of info. I would vote for LWB or a Burb because they're stout. It makes a difference when your trying to haul across the 10 to Cali with those wonderful cross winds. The extra girth helps out. __________________ Jimmie Modern Vintage Autoworks - '70 Chevy C10 - '74 Chevy C30 3+3 Dually - '04 Chevy Colorado Built, NOT, Bought. If you build it...they will ENVY! Drive Slow, Scrape Hard, or Take Your Truck and GO HOME!

03-14-2003, 12:12 PM	#23
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Welcome to the board from a yankee who has never stepped foot in Az. I can't believe no one has mentioned getting a longhorn...we have quite a few longhorn Fanatics on here, and we will all agree...they are awsome when it comes to towing. (the longhorn has a 133 inch wheel base making it 6 inches longer than the 'normal' longbeds. The added length can be seen in the front of the 8 1/2 foot bed)

03-14-2003, 01:06 PM	#24
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Good point...if long is good, longer is better I haven't seen that many Longhorns out here, though. Mostly SWBs and the occasional longbed. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

03-14-2003, 02:39 PM	#25
nationsfinestra Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 8	Well I think I'm leaning towards a burb. Now I've just got to find it. Hey Jade -- you knew me from Xiles? We ever meet? It's been a long time since then. The civic was on 2 covers, then I moved onto the Focus that was on 1 cover, now I'm workin on my van. But I digress... __________________ Kevin Whipps ///Relaxed Atmosphere '86 Chevy Astro Van '89 Isuzu Amigo '01 Ford Ranger

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