![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 8
|
72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
I am now a proud owner of a 72 GMC 2WD SWB truck. The previous owner started it as a project, got married, had children and was unable to finish. (ring any bells for anyone??) He already installed new 350 w/350 auto trans, tilt wheel, lowered the stance I believe 2/4 and installed blazer tank, but didn't plumb. Truck runs and rides great. I already installed HEI just to pass smog. I plan on keeping truck forever (hopefully). I want to completely restore and it would be a weekend driver mainly. Does anyone have suggestions on where to start??? I want a "thats a gorgeous truck" comments when I am finished. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
4 eyed fever
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Eureka, Nevada
Posts: 500
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Congrats on your new truck. Hard to suggest a starting point without more info and pics. Start making a list of things that need attention. If you plan on doing a fullblown frame up restoration, the list should give you plenty of starting places. Try to organize your list so that you don't end up doing things twice. Look at other trucks to get inspiration and ideas for mods that you like. Sounds like the PO gave you a good start, and if it's been in NV for most of it's life, it's likely to have good metal/ not much rust? Alot depends on your skills /abilties and tools. Post some pics, we all like pics.
__________________
1971 GMC 2500 4x4 1972 GMC Sierra Grande 1/2 t 4x4-#1 son's truck. Recently completed resto. 4 YO daughter," Daddy, I like your truck better than Mom's." (2000 F350-ranch truck) Smart kid!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
MY EX DRIVES A BROOM
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Herington, KS
Posts: 869
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
![]()
__________________
They say nobody's perfect. I'm a nobody, so I must be perfect. Building Nemo -1968 C10 Long Bed FRED -1947 KB-2 International |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Life is a gamble
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Lee's Summit, MO
Posts: 796
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
If you post pics, I promise to write "thats a gorgeous truck"
![]() If you are going to drive it while performing Resto, I suggest starting with Suspension and brakes.
__________________
1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Don't get caught up in seeing all of the projects around here. It takes a special mentality to do a full blown nut and bolt frame off resto. Most guys who start one never finish it. I've done a few, but don't care to do another one.
I like to do driving restos now. Collect all the parts to do a section of the truck, then only take it off the road long enough to knock out that section of the project. Example: get another rearend and rear suspension stuff. Then, detail all the parts and have them ready to go. Now, take the truck out of service only long enough to pull the bed, detail the rear frame section, and install your new parts. Then, put it back together and drive it for awhile, while saving for the next segment of the project.
__________________
I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Spokane , Wash.
Posts: 790
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Quote:
![]()
__________________
Can-Am Motorsports 37 Chev Coupe 331 4 speed 5.13 posi . ex-gasser . 64 Biscayne 409 2x4 4 speed 4.11 posi 65 Nova Wagon Drag Car 383 t400 (Dragin-Wagon) 68 c10 cst 396 t400 a/c buckets lwb 4.11 posi (SOLD) |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
the obvious first place to start is at the bank to see how much money you've got to spend on the project
__________________
71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 8
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Here are a couple of ext pics. Will send some int tomorrow.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Born To Lose Club
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North
Posts: 13,306
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Looks Like a Great Start for a Project!
I have to agree with everything that Tx Firefighter has said. Although I haven't done a frame of resto (yet) I have to say it takes a lot of dedication and time to finish one.
__________________
Brian Smith ![]() 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: northridge
Posts: 534
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
the truck is beautiful! if you don't have disk in the front start there. go to the motor and make sure the engine bay is clean and organized. next paint and body, and finish it up with interior. inside-out give a better suprise effect to those who criticize your truck. then they are wowed! again the truck looks good from what i see.
__________________
""A bagged vehicle is only as good as it's wheel/tire combo!" -getlowness! my build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=223747:metal: I'M SO SO CAL! ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
OK,that`s a gorgeous truck!!I`d hook up the gas tank first.If it runs good,brakes & suspension would be next for me.Making a truck feel and operate properly should come before any cosmetics.Then,at least you don`t feel you`re driving an old p.o.s. and when you make it look theway you want,you`ll be happy.And,it`ll be as nice as it looks!
__________________
"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
collector of vintage rust
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: southern ohio
Posts: 421
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Is that just the clear peeling off? I worked w/ a guy who bought a monte w/ peeling clear....He just peeled it all off w/ a razor blade and re-cleared it. It looked good as new.Just a thought.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Designated A-hole!
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: South Mississippi
Posts: 36,450
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Check out the FAQ Submission's Page, look for the Index thread and there should be a link to a discussion on this very issue. Not too mention all the cool mods and upgrades you can do to your truck.
![]()
__________________
"If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. ![]() We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
saving one more
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Pryor Creek, Oklahoma
Posts: 3,066
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
I love that truck!! I agree with the others, start with the brakes & suspension, address any mechanical problems first, a disk brake swap for the front is pretty easy, add power steering & brakes, if not already equipped, hook up the blazer tank when the truck is safe to drive, then body and paint, last interior (my opinion)
I focused on the mechanicals first, suspension, brakes, engine, I wanted to do a driving resto on mine, now I am ready to start on the body, paint, & interior. To me, I would rather have a safe & fun ugly truck, than an unsafe, undependable pretty truck. Did the upgrades as time & money allowed, but the truck was never down for very long. I wanted to get done, but enjoyed driving it too much to be down for months at a time... or longer
__________________
72 Chevy longbed - now for parts 69 Chevy short fleet - needing some love 70 RS Camaro - needing more love driver - 96 GMC X-cab |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Welcome to the board. Looks to be pretty solid - is there rust that you need to tackle?
__________________
1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 8
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
It runs great. It is just geared really low. I can get going fast, I just can't cruise above 45-50 mph without ear protection. I want to get a new rear end with disc brakes and different gear ratio. Eventually a different tranny as well. I am not rich by any means so I will be doing this like Tx Firefighter recommended in sections. So....suggestions for the rearend???? Gearing, brakes, brands..etc...
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: northridge
Posts: 534
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Quote:
__________________
""A bagged vehicle is only as good as it's wheel/tire combo!" -getlowness! my build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=223747:metal: I'M SO SO CAL! ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Idaho
Posts: 4,034
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
I like that stance, that's a good place to start you got a good lookin project truck
__________________
"Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
Posts: 3,483
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Looks like a great start. I'm also not a bolt and nut restoration type guy. Make it safe and reliable first, then start grooming it.
Nice GMC but where's the grill shot? Resist the urge to go to the darkside (68 chevy front end)! The GMC front has a certain machismo that the chevys just don't have... (let the poundings begin...) Good luck and have fun, Rg
__________________
Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Hot Rods For Life
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Waxahachie, TX
Posts: 3,305
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Look like a awesome project. Too bad about the PO though with haveing to let it go. I pulled to motor out of mine so when my wife asks about selling it I'm all
"What!?" "No ones going to buy that piece of junk!" "Plus all the money we have put in to it I am not going to call the wrecker to come get it" "We'll just have to hold on to it" That is usually how the conversation goes every season. Last edited by Zumo; 03-30-2006 at 06:23 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Since you're on a budget, I'd just find a 71 or 72 rearend with 3.08 ratio. That's a common stock rearend, easy to find. That keeps your 5 lug bolt pattern, and will give you plenty long highway cruising legs without the engine revving so high.
12 bolt truck rearends are plenty tough.
__________________
I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 8
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
I'm back... Almost 3 years later... I haven't done anything to the truck, but I have plans to start soon... I ordered an Auburn limited slip and 3.08 gears to start... I pulled the poly blazer tank that the last owner had installed (never plumbed/hooked up). It looks like it doesn't hold much. I have been looking at the 21 gallon poly tank and wanted to know what people have been doing as far as placement of the filler neck... I've seen alot of marker fill pics, but I haven't seen any bed fill or fleetside fill pics... Are there kits for bed fill or fleetside fuel doors??? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated... Thanks and Hello again, Marc.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 750
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Nice project! I missed this thread the first time. Good to hear you're getting back to work on it. I'm recently RE-motivated myself. We don't have enough 67-72's running around Vegas ,especially shortys. Ever make it out to the Super run on Water St.? Mine WILL be there next year! What area are you in? I'm just up the hill from GVHS.
Jay |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Nampa Idaho
Posts: 7,511
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
[QUOTE=aguirre1120;2927783]I'm back... Almost 3 years later... I haven't done anything to the truck, but I have plans to start soon... I ordered an Auburn limited slip and 3.08 gears to start... I pulled the poly blazer tank that the last owner had installed (never plumbed/hooked up). It looks like it doesn't hold much. I have been looking at the 21 gallon poly tank and wanted to know what people have been doing as far as placement of the filler neck... I've seen alot of marker fill pics, but I haven't seen any bed fill or fleetside fill pics... Are there kits for bed fill or fleetside fuel doors??? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated... Thanks and Hello again, Marc.[/QUOTE
Hello,,, and glad to hear you are getting on with your make over with a fine truck .. Heres some help I hope to give you with a idea of a way to plumb your Poly Gas tank in.. You can type in "rear tanks " or other catch words on this forum and learn many ways to plumb in your tank ,,this is the one I chose from the advise of Classic.Bowties . I like it because it will be on the side where I do not need to worry about covering it up with anything I wish to haul .. IMHO I just got what I need yesterday and took a picture to show you about where the "Chase" will go when installed . This set up came off a C-20 truck and it was located in the front of the bed just like it is shown in my picture against the side wall. When cleaned up and painted to match I will cut a hole in the chase to turn the filler tube 180 degrees around and have the gas cap side pointing in towards the center of the bed. Then from this filler tube I will have the gas hose hooked to the end of it and down under the bed and slipped over the filler pipe that comes out of the Poly Tank. Both the filler tube and vent tube will hook up the way I discribed. I plan on taking pictures of my installation in steps and putting it on the forum ,,but it will be awhile until I get to that point ,, good luck ,,papa Attachment 400394
__________________
When you learn a thing a day you store up smart. Last edited by GOPAPA; 12-05-2008 at 04:05 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 | ||
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
|
Re: 72 GMC 2WD SWB... Where to start??
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. ![]() 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. ![]() 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc ![]() ![]() JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|