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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 12
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Too many options!
Hi -
I posted this over in the welcome center etc, but i figure everyone likes pictures, right? I am looking at restoring a '71 short bed stepside that belonged to my dad + grandad. Currently has an inline 6 (250?) and three on the tree. The i6 burns a bit of oil and I am told it needs a rebuild In the same yard is a '67 that is in a bit worse shape, but has a 283 and limited slip diff. Don't know about the state of the 283, transmission, etc. I like the 67 front best, but the 71 is in much better shape and has all the options, disc brakes, etc, so I am thinking about making a mashup with the better body and all the parts I want from the 67.. opinions welcome! Also there is a wrecked chevelle in the yard that has a 350 motor and probably t350 xmission, but lord knows if any of it is salvageable. There is a tree that has grown over it since it was parked 30+ years ago, and the pine needles/dirt are up to the middle of the hubs! So considering the options A) rebuilding + keeping all original with i6, +/- rear end. "old school" B) rebuild 283 and front clip swap, rear end swap, maybe move some other pieces. "period-correct" C) 350/350 from chevelle rebuild and swap, front clip and rear end from 67 or chevelle if salvageable "frankentruck" Here are some photos - please correct me if the years are off, I am just repeating what I heard. Take a look and tell me what you think! |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Central NC
Posts: 830
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Re: Too many options!
Welcome to the site!
I think the 67 is a 70, but I am no expert. The grill is the big difference in them and would swap right over I believe. You will spend as much getting that 350 running as you would a crate motor (I know, I just rebuilt mine). You are right...you have a lot of options.
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1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green" My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983) My first vehicle (1983) Original 350 (3 rebuilds) 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives ![]() |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Marianna Arkansas
Posts: 7,270
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Re: Too many options!
Put the 350/350 in the 71 and then the rest of the better body parts onto it. It looks like you have plenty to make two good trucks from the three you have why don't you make that part of the plan keeping that in mind in the back of your head for later. If you use the 71 stuff you will have the more desirable 5 lug setup and also the 350/350 will be a easy swap, most anyone on here can help talk you through it. That would leave you with two trucks a 67 and what is a 69 or 70. When and if the first project is done and it leaves for some reason or you find it is a lot more fun to build'm than to drive'm [that is the way it is with me after the shake down runs I could care less about them basicly]. But most of that is due to the fact that I work on them all day for a living and they all are for sale at some point. So I would think about the two truck Idea it is not gonna cost any more to build the first truck going that way than if you were using all in one package. Jim
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,200
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Re: Too many options!
Save 'em all!
(lol) In any case, those are a couple sweet trucks. Good luck with your decisions and your rebuild(s). Our first truck was a '69 GMC stepside with a straight six and three on the tree. We warmed the six up and installed a 3.11 low gear Saginaw four speed with a floor shifter; 3.73 posi rear axle. It was a sweet little package with a lot of off-the-line grunt. K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Forestburg, Texas
Posts: 659
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Re: Too many options!
Welcome to the madness.
The first truck is a 71/72, the second is a 69/70. The 69/70 should be a 307 or 350 engine. The 69/70 looks a little worse for wear, but maybe still salvagable. Post a pic of the SPID label inside the glove box and post it. It will help us figure out what you have. I agree, after an engine has sat this long it is usually cheaper to replace it with a brand new create engine from GMPP. I would see no benifit grafting the Malibu front end on to these trucks. The time and money spend could be used upgrading the existing suspension with better handling results. See the guys at No Limit.
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Mark Jesus is the Way! 2003 2500HD CCLB Duramax/Ali (Clifford) 2014 2SS/RS black on black Camaro (Betty) 2006 Pontiac SOLSTICE silver/black (Lula-Bell) 1970 C/10 Short Wide (Peggy) 1964 C/10 Short Step (Hambone) RIP Jimmy Hamilton Thank you for the trucks |
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#6 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 3,331
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Re: Too many options!
Both are nice trucks, but the 71 has a camper in it and a roof over it. It is probably in better shape, and you can take the camper off. The second truck appears to have a '69 front end, and I would agree with you that it is an upgrade over a 71 front end, so you may as well swap
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 12
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Re: Too many options!
Thanks for the info, MMiddle -
To be clear, I wasnt thinking about putting the malibu front clip on - just the motor and transmission from it.. front clip was supposed to come from the 69-70 truck. 307 is less exciting to me than a 283 - I would probably rebuild the i6 and keep it original or get a crate 350 in that case. I will be back down there (grandparents house) for thanksgiving and try to get the SPIDs etc. What is the best way to move these things 700 miles- tow dolly? pay somebody to flatbed them? |
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#8 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: Too many options!
You don't need to swap the front clip between the 69-71 chevys, only the inner/outer grille shell, everything else is the same.
I would not restore the 71. Rebuild the front and rear suspension. Clean up the interior. Get everything to work. 350/700R4 and drive it. You should sell the 71 to me, no need for a tow dolly ![]()
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Forestburg, Texas
Posts: 659
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Re: Too many options!
700 miles.... bit the bullet and have them professionally hauled down to you. By the time you tow a trailer that far fight half the day gettting one on then driving all the way back home 3 times you have spent that money and more. Unless you just want excuses to go see granny and grandpa.... Then I certainly would not fault you.
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Mark Jesus is the Way! 2003 2500HD CCLB Duramax/Ali (Clifford) 2014 2SS/RS black on black Camaro (Betty) 2006 Pontiac SOLSTICE silver/black (Lula-Bell) 1970 C/10 Short Wide (Peggy) 1964 C/10 Short Step (Hambone) RIP Jimmy Hamilton Thank you for the trucks |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Forestburg, Texas
Posts: 659
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Re: Too many options!
The more I look at these pictures.... Oh my gosh, these are unmalested time capsules. Something that many of us dream about finding. I look forward to seeing more pictures.
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Mark Jesus is the Way! 2003 2500HD CCLB Duramax/Ali (Clifford) 2014 2SS/RS black on black Camaro (Betty) 2006 Pontiac SOLSTICE silver/black (Lula-Bell) 1970 C/10 Short Wide (Peggy) 1964 C/10 Short Step (Hambone) RIP Jimmy Hamilton Thank you for the trucks |
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#11 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: Too many options!
Is the primered car in the first pic a 55-57 chevy?
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 1,370
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Re: Too many options!
Welcome from Charleston!
If the '71 is as clean as it looks in the pictures I would be tempted to pull the camper, clean it up, rebuild everything mechanically, lower it, and drive it as it. But, I think you could take the best of both trucks to make a real nice keeper for yourself and put the other together enough to sell for someone else to restore. But....they are your trucks so do what will make you happy. I'm too curious what the primered car is in the first pic. So, I'm guess these aren't in Charleston? They are somewhere 700 miles away. Look me up if you need anything around here.
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2006 Silverado CCSB, 1939 Ford Sedan, 1962 BelAir Wagon, 1976 Vega Panel Charleston, South Carolina |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 12
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Re: Too many options!
it is indeed a 57 - belongs to someone else though - good eye!
Cool about the grille as well, that will be an easy swap if I decide to do it. I guess I should also clarify that when I say restore, I mean restore to running driver/cruiser condition. I don't have any delusions of grandeur getting these ol things back to showroom condition or anything - Thanks for all the feedback! k5 i am on johns island - very likely will need your help at some point! haha |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oakley, Michigan
Posts: 735
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Re: Too many options!
Drive the 71 as is. The patina is really nice on that one. If you like the look of the other truck (its a 69 or 70) than you can just find a new grill somewhere (or buy new) and it should bolt right up to the 71 (don't know if the center piece for the core support/hood latch is different or not though). That truck has the options like you said. Drive the I6 for a while and maybe transplant a v8 in there at some time. When time permits, start tinkering on the 69-70... I think that has potential as well.
That's just my 2 cents though. |
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,500
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Re: Too many options!
There is no hard and fast rule of what is cheaper as far as engines go. In my experience, sitting for years really has no effect on the engine as long as no water has gotten inside it. I would say when evaluating an engine, first check out the condition of the oil. If it is a gunky sludge filled mess, you are probably best to stop there, but it might still be salvageable. Change the oil if its really bad. Next is to be sure its not stuck. Pull the plugs and squirt some engine oil in the cylinders and try to turn it over with a socket on the crank bolt. If it turns, then check the compression using a gauge. I wont go into the details of that here. If they are all even and good, next perform a leak down test. This will give a pretty good indication of engine status. If it passes, I like to pull the dist and use a home made oil pump primer my uncle made me from an old dist and get oil pressure before trying to start the engine. Of course i also changed the plugs, and addressed any other issues with the ignition an fuel. I usually drain the radiator and just put straight water dor initial start up, as there is no point in losing antifreeze from a popped hose or faulty water pump, and on the flip side, i dont like to invest in a whole new cooling system until i know if its worth the expense. I have gotten engines running and driving that have sat for 20-30 years so it is do able.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 6,421
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Re: Too many options!
If you decide to get rid of the side spare tire mounting and cutout fender on the first truck (one with camper) LET ME KNOW.
My 1972 cut out fender is full of bondo and those are hard to find. I would drive to SC to pick it up, pay you cash, and even hit you with a case of beer/soda. |
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#17 |
425hp409
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Prosper Texas
Posts: 841
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Re: Too many options!
I would keep the 6 cylinder in the truck and drive it as it already has AC, Power steering, and disc brakes. install the 69-70 grill and you will have a great cruiser. I restored a friends 69 with the 250 and 3 on the tree and he drives it all the time.
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Charles 68 SWB, Dad bought new, now 396 & factory ac 64 Impala SS, 409 425HP, 4 speed AC 64 Bel Air Wagon, 400 Small Block 57 Bel Air all original 283 w/Factory Air 77 GMC Sprint, 454/425HP 67 Olds 442, all original 90 ZR1 Corvette |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: Too many options!
I'd keep and fix them both up to running condition first then consider options after that, you may find you like something about both of them enough that you keep them both.
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 12
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Re: Too many options!
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#20 |
I have a radical idea!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sweet Home Alabama!
Posts: 6,513
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Re: Too many options!
That '71 looks like a very solid truck! As far as being desireable, the '71 is usually more desireable to more people than the 69-70 grill, although the 69-70 grill does have its fans. I'll just say this - WAY more people put 71-72 grills on 69-70 trucks than the other way around.
As far as the engine, there's nothing wrong with a 6 cylinder, but V8's are morev desirable. V8 - autos are even more desireable, although some people (like myself) prefer manual trans. Now this last part is just my opinion, so take it as such! ![]() That '71 has the patina that a lot of people LOVE. I would recommend either leaving it as it is, or doing all the body work and having it painted it nice. Priming spots or changing panels and not painting it will actually hurt the value of the truck. I I personally would drop a V8 (the 307, the 350, or maybe even a new 350) in the '71, cleaning it up and dropping a little, and drive the fool out of it.
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'67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club! |
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#21 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 3,331
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Re: Too many options!
Quote:
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#22 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Whidbey Island/Edmonds,WA
Posts: 360
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Re: Too many options!
What a great legacy! I would probably ignore the chevelle with the exception of mounting supplies on the v8 like the alternator, ps pump, etc. which you might need to upgrade cheaply. I would absolutely get both trucks running and driving. I would decide which truck I liked best after getting them running and driving. Then I would put the best of the two together into the truck I liked best. Sell the remaining truck. Part out the chevelle when you're done. $$$ Then find out how much the other owner wants for that '57!!!
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If I have to be on 4 wheels, It has to be a classic Chevy 1967 c10 Longbed (Hawghauler/Icy weather transport) 2003 BMW K1200GT (Rain bike) 2007 Softail Deuce (Sun bike) 2009 Ultra Classic Electra Glide (Everything else bike) |
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#23 | |
I have a radical idea!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sweet Home Alabama!
Posts: 6,513
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Re: Too many options!
Quote:
Again, I'm not knocking 69-70's, I'm just saying what I've seen and heard from people who really know the trends of these trucks. Heck, the 67-68 front end is my favorite of all of them, but I like all of them! ![]()
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'67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club! |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: PA.
Posts: 178
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Re: Too many options!
Wow ! Both those trucks look like they have great potential...
Like what was previously posted, first check to be sure engines aren't seized. When I let my 69 sit out in the yard for 5 years untouched, I pulled the plugs and squirted a little Marvel Mystery oil in each cylinder and turned the crank with a socket and breaker bar. Once I determined it spun freely, I drained the stale gas from tank, put in fresh points,plugs cap , and rotor, changed oil and filter, dumped some fresh gas in the tank,and it fired up fine. Have fun with your project.
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_____________________________________________ 69 C-20 292, 4 spd O/D, 4:56 rears. No a/c p/s p/b p/w......restoration project,"Operation:Stovebolt" 78 C-10 305 TH350 new (old) daily driver 02 Suburban Z71 a.k.a. the family truckster 99 Silverado 1500 Z71 |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: Too many options!
Seeing more pic's i'd give my ..... for one of them.. They are about total unobtainium around here.
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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