Got my Grandpa's truck back after 25 years - advice?

[BanjoDude]

Grandpa was a mechanic in the same shop for 59+ years - the longest-operating inspection station in PA history. He never had much, and wasn't the type to prize possessions, but his C20 was his pride and joy. In Oct. of '97 I watched, heartbroken, as he sold it. I wanted it so badly, but it sold for $3,000 when I didn't have $500. After 25 years, I just found it, and it's back in the family.

I have a fully-equipped shop with a lift and am fairly proficient mechanically, but most of my experience is from a frame-off restoration of a '73 Triumph GT6. I'd love some advice on what I should check out on a new-to-me truck. It had a new paint job about 20 years ago that is still in 9/10 condition, along with new rubber seals, body mounts, carpet/soundproofing and seat cover. The engine, transmission, and rear end are all original, and I'd really like to keep them that way. Something special about working on the same stuff my Grandpa worked on.

Since I'm not familiar with these things yet, I'd love some advice on what to check out mechanically. It starts right up every time and purrs like a kitten. The only thing I've noticed is that the steering (not power) is pretty sloppy. I'd really like to tighten that up as much as possible. Any advice on where to start on that? Anything else to consider? Thanks!

[BanjoDude]

A few pictures.

[Louisvillekytruck]

Congratulations very nice truck

[FRCvette]

Nice that you were able to get your grandfather's truck after all those years and it still being original. I would keep it original too.

[CKfan]

Beautiful truck, congrats.

Most of us wish we had a truck in that condition as a starting point. Wow!

[KQQL IT]

Congratulations.

Tighten the steering up
Refresh the ignition carb and enjoy

[Warrens69GMC]

I think I would get a new steering gearbox, cleanup the rest of the truck and drive it as it. Nice truck.

[special-K]

Welcome to the board! I'd go over the steering and brakes. Not go through, just give it all a good inspection and then see what needs gone through. Sounds like the next owner treated it well. As far as the steering box goes, if you decide to replace it due to being worn out, I have a manual box from a low mile truck you can have for cost of shipping. Manual boxes aren't that heavy. I love this story you have going here (not over yet, right?) and would love to help in that way. Nice looking truck!

* And if you could work on a Triumph this Chevy will be a cinch

[BanjoDude]

Originally Posted by special-K

Welcome to the board! I'd go over the steering and brakes. Not go through, just give it all a good inspection and then see what needs gone through. Sounds like the next owner treated it well. As far as the steering box goes, if you decide to replace it due to being worn out, I have a manual box from a low mile truck you can have for cost of shipping. Manual boxes aren't that heavy. I love this story you have going here (not over yet, right?) and would love to help in that way. Nice looking truck!

* And if you could work on a Triumph this Chevy will be a cinch

That is very kind of you! It's got 145k miles, so it's probably time. All of the slop appears to be south of the steering shaft, but I don't know exactly how to assess it from there. I did buy the factory service manuals, so I'll have a look at those and see if I can more accurately diagnose. I'd hate to take a part out of circulation if it's not needed. If there is a quick way to know for sure, I'm all ears.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by BanjoDude

The engine, transmission, and rear end are all original, and I'd really like to keep them that way. Something special about working on the same stuff my Grandpa worked on.

Awesome story. I would have loved to turn wrenches with my grandpa but never had the chance. Fix what needs fixing and enjoy the heck out of it. Don't ever let that one leave the family.

[PbFut]

Go slow in the beginning. You will likely have this truck a long time so nothing should be in a hurry but don't let it sit either. If the steering is sloppy it is likely a sum of all pivot points being worn. Not one thing will greatly improve the feel, but the total will be a big change. Speaking of steering, I believe the steering wheel is from a newer year. It looks out of place to me. Given this is such a time capsule I think I might look into a more original style given the part is so prominent in the cab. Glad you were able to find the truck. Best of luck to you.

[BanjoDude]

Originally Posted by PbFut

Go slow in the beginning. You will likely have this truck a long time so nothing should be in a hurry but don't let it sit either. If the steering is sloppy it is likely a sum of all pivot points being worn. Not one thing will greatly improve the feel, but the total will be a big change. Speaking of steering, I believe the steering wheel is from a newer year. It looks out of place to me. Given this is such a time capsule I think I might look into a more original style given the part is so prominent in the cab. Glad you were able to find the truck. Best of luck to you.

That's interesting about the wheel. I'll have to look into it. I only remember the one that's installed.

[special-K]

Often it's a bad rag joint. There is an adjustment on the steering box, but at 145k it could be worn out. This box I have was given to me by member Jeff's Bowtie. He took a low mile C/30 and converted it to 4wd, requiring the 4wd steering box. I actually have two, so no problem if you want it. Just let me know. I'll be around.

[BanjoDude]

Originally Posted by special-K

Often it's a bad rag joint. There is an adjustment on the steering box, but at 145k it could be worn out. This box I have was given to me by member Jeff's Bowtie. He took a low mile C/30 and converted it to 4wd, requiring the 4wd steering box. I actually have two, so no problem if you want it. Just let me know. I'll be around.

Thanks! Can't hurt to start with a rag joint. Is there a brand that's recommended, or are the ones at the FLAPS stores reliable? I'm used to Triumphs - where most of the repop parts are garbage, but it looks like stuff is way more available for these.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by BanjoDude

Can't hurt to start with a rag joint. Is there a brand that's recommended, or are the ones at the FLAPS stores reliable? I'm used to Triumphs - where most of the repop parts are garbage, but it looks like stuff is way more available for these.

A few years ago, I bought a Lares brand rag joint, but returned it. In addition to using non-reinforced rubber (no cords), it had cheesy hardware.

This is what I ended up using. It cost nearly twice as much, but is almost exactly like the original.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-St...int,41917.html

[Rods]

Congratulations on finding your grandpas truck and thanks for sharing your story very cool.

My grandson is now 4 and loves the trucks following me around each one as I work on them.

It sounds like the truck was well taken care of and as all before have mentioned things to do.

Here is my thoughts if it’s been in operation then great but if it has been sitting for awhile then go through the steps on checking things out for safety reasons as mentioned already but if it’s been up and going then enjoy it service it and fix things as needed.

No need to flush out things or change things that perhaps the previous owner has already done.

Did you get any service records with the truck ? If so then start yours from there.

Congratulations again great looking truck we all on this site are here to help with what ever is needed on these trucks so ask any and all questions and good luck with your new old family truck.

P.S. your son’s memories with this truck start now………

[weasel29gm]

Welcome and grandpa would be proud. Great story and being here is invaluable you'll learn a wealth on info. Good luck and have a good ride!!

[special-K]

That's the original wheel. Definitely 69-72 style. That red color is '69-only and that color isn't offered in reproduction. The seat cover is a 71/72 Cheyenne Super design but custom made. No red Cheyenne Super interiors. Interior components of various materials did not all match up 100% from factory,especially in '69, and then there's deterioration. The column probably matched the wheel pretty well since the paint was mixed to match the wheel. But the wheel could fade. It looks fatter at the rim but I think that's a camera thing. Makes the rim on the left look fatter than on the right

[best view]

Well you will be the only one under 50 that will know how to drive a three on the tree it won’t get stolen lol

[Accelo]

Being a Grandpa I would be proud if my grandson got one of my trucks. Your Grandpa is smiling in heaven, I am sure of that.

As far as the truck goes you have a keeper. I would go through the brakes. If you just do the seals you may even be able to keep the wheel cylinders as they are. Sounds like your Grandpa would have done it that way. Nobody changes the brake fluid like they should. You will have to do it sooner than later anyway. Change the differential and trans fluid while you are at it. And don't forget to replace the antifreeze. You might go so far as to pull the 1/4" pipe plugs and drain the block. These will need to be unplugged as a lot of gunk ends up there. Flush it with lots of water till it comes clean and then add antifreeze. Clean out behind the seats and in the cab corners and don't forget the inside of the doors. You will find a complete thread, in this forum, on the places to clean/clear to keep any corrosion at bay.
I would change the heater hoses to black and go to the squeeze and tower clamps like it came from GM. When it needs a battery purchase a Delco. The cruise control was likely added. I would clean up the cruise control wiring to between the inner fender and the fender. This will help it look stock like you prefer and most are easy enough to do.
I am happy for you.
Cheers

[BanjoDude]

Originally Posted by Accelo

Being a Grandpa I would be proud if my grandson got one of my trucks. Your Grandpa is smiling in heaven, I am sure of that.

As far as the truck goes you have a keeper. I would go through the brakes. If you just do the seals you may even be able to keep the wheel cylinders as they are. Sounds like your Grandpa would have done it that way. Nobody changes the brake fluid like they should. You will have to do it sooner than later anyway. Change the differential and trans fluid while you are at it. And don't forget to replace the antifreeze. You might go so far as to pull the 1/4" pipe plugs and drain the block. These will need to be unplugged as a lot of gunk ends up there. Flush it with lots of water till it comes clean and then add antifreeze. Clean out behind the seats and in the cab corners and don't forget the inside of the doors. You will find a complete thread, in this forum, on the places to clean/clear to keep any corrosion at bay.
I would change the heater hoses to black and go to the squeeze and tower clamps like it came from GM. When it needs a battery purchase a Delco. The cruise control was likely added. I would clean up the cruise control wiring to between the inner fender and the fender. This will help it look stock like you prefer and most are easy enough to do.
I am happy for you.
Cheers

Thank you so much! I do plan to change every fluid in the truck just so I know for sure what it is and when it was changed. That would indeed be the ideal time to change the hoses and clamps back to stock. I have the parts book, so I'd assume there is a diagram that shows the proper parts there - haven't looked at that much yet.

[Palf70Step]

Nice looking truck. Being from western PA and OH area, that is really clean. To me if you dealt with the GT6, you'll have no issues with the truck.

[dave6672]

Congratulations and awesome story! Beautiful truck.

[dave6672]

Does it have cruise control? Can you post a SPID pic? Thanks

[BanjoDude]

Originally Posted by dave6672

Does it have cruise control? Can you post a SPID pic? Thanks

It does have cruise, and it works!

Here's the SPID. My only disappointment at this point with the truck. I wonder if he at some point got solvent on it or something. Can't imagine it would fade being in the dark all the time. Is there a way to get a reproduction so you know what was on it?