60-66 or 67-72?

[the_goat]

I am never scared to show my ignorance so here we go once again. Here is what I want, a simple daily driver not a show truck with a basic v8 and auto trans. Which route would be the least expensive project to work on? I know it's situationally dependent but generally which one would be easier in terms of finding parts, swapping motor and tranny if needed, ect.
I hope this question makes sense to at least someone. I appreciate all the help I can get.
Thanks,

[PanelDeland]

Goat,go with a 67-72 because of parts availability.There is little difference between them after 63? and so they are about as easy to build either way.The earlier trucks just don't have the aftermarket support the later ones do.If you are looking to find a complete truck the big diff is price.The early trucks are a little cheaper to buy usually but since they are older and have less support they cost more to restore.Also you will find the later trucks generally had more options(PS,PB,Auto,AC).Rear gearing on a manual truck will be lower and may need to be changed to run an auto tranny comfortably.
I think most members here will agree with what I've told you but you should make up your mind and buy what you really want.There is no sense in doing a different truck than you want when complete.Read thru a lot of the posts and some of the truck related FAQ's and you can learn more about what it takes to get and keep one of these trucks on the road.If you want a reliable trouble free hands off drive anytime anywhere without having to do anything to it look for a late model truck with the options you want.Buying and fixing up an old truck is not cheaper than starting with a working truck of a later model.

[72freak]

All of them will cost you about the same up front.........but there is more availability of parts for the 67-72's and if you want a real daily driver a 1972 would come with power disk brakes and power steeing. You can of course ad all this to any of them at more expense.

[Frizzle Fry]

Well, If looks weren't a factor I guess you wouldn't go for a classic. That said, go for the one that you like best as both bodystyles can me made into reliable drivers. Your best chance of simply buying a nice driver with "modern" conveniences would be with a '72 as stated by 72Freak.

[sighlurr]

Age also sometimes determines the amount of rust on a truck, and the amount of previous owners that may have created problems for you. The newer the truck, the less janky it may be.

Since both trucks are available with a coil spring rear suspension and the basic structure is the same, you have to get excited about the looks of the truck, - grille, body lines, longbed, stepside, etc.

Warning - Feedback and comments may be a bit biased since we're on a 67-72 website.

[Longhorn Man]

A large part of the typical restoration... or just maintaining an old truck, will come from junk yards. You'll be hard pressed to locate a 60 - 66in a junk yard. (desert southwest is the exception, but you get the idea)

[bartstoy]

If had to do over a again, I would go with the '72 in a half ton, fleet or step. Get as much of the new stuff as you can find on it, PB, AC, PS, then upgrade the items if you need to. The cost might be a bit more, but well worth it.

[67CHIP72]

Look for exactly what you want for as long as it takes. Mine took me over 5 years to find and it will take me more than that to get it restored. Good thing is that it's a blast to drive as is and I don't regret buying the wrong one. Good luck with your decision.

[see ten]

I was originally loking for a 60-66 4x4 when I found my 72K10. All these guys are right on target with their replies. If you are buying a completed truck that needs nothing buy what you like the best. Heck if you are buying a project buy what you like best. There is considerably more aftermarket support for 67-72 trucks than there are for 60-66. There are more parts available for the 60-66 models that weren't available 5 years ago and I'm sure more will come around eventualy. I read an article in a truck mag a few years back stating that aside from a 56 Ford the 72 chevys were the most popular to collect and build. Classic lines combined with more modern features such as A/C power brakes, power steering etc. I guess it all boils down to whatever floats your boat.

[BarryB]

with everything stated. Even though I personally prefer the 60- 66's. I would go with 67-72's for parts availability.

[62 short step]

I would choose 60-66, I might be a bit biased though!! What ever you chose they both are great looking trucks. I did have 72 short step once, missed it every day since I sold it.

[Black 95 TSI]

I owned a 66 and i have a 70 now, I loved my 66, I still kicking myself for selling it, but its hard to find parts for it With the 67-72 you can buy just about any part for them