What Should I Do........ - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mike00 · 10-01-2008, 01:11 PM

Hello every one! My dad gave me his old 1972 Chevy Cheyenne that he has owned for the last 20 years or so. It has a 350 crate engine that was bought new from the dealership years ago & has about 40K miles on it. The trans was rebuilt about 2 years ago. It has been sitting for over a year & a half now. The body is in pretty bad shape due to the South Texas weather. I have always wanted to restore it but it just seems to be in too bad of a condition to do so. I'm now thinking of pulling the eng & trans out & looking for a 85-87 chevy truck to plant the eng/trans into. I'm just not sure what I should do yet. I don't have a lot of $$$ either. So what would you guys do in my situation???

Here are some pics of the truck:

Mike00 · 10-01-2008, 01:11 PM

Few More:

72chevyk10 · 10-01-2008, 02:09 PM

if it is in driveable condition i would use it as a daily and do stuff to restore it as i go

hotrod 80 · 10-01-2008, 02:26 PM

that thing has got to be like a part of the family . Id drive it as is and start looking for a cab . I my vote NOT part it out and fix it as i drove it .

Mike00 · 10-01-2008, 02:35 PM

It's driveable, just need to get a new carb & few other things since it has been sitting for a while.

matthufham · 10-01-2008, 02:53 PM

man i have family in corpus, portland... i looked for a 67-72 truck for myself years ago and came to realize everything's rusted bad. found on in west texas fairly rust free. if i were you i'd build it but it's going to take lots of time and money

Mike00 · 10-01-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthufham

man i have family in corpus, portland... i looked for a 67-72 truck for myself years ago and came to realize everything's rusted bad. found on in west texas fairly rust free. if i were you i'd build it but it's going to take lots of time and money

Anything old over here will be a rust bucket. There is lots of rust hidden under the old bondo & paint. Not sure what I want to do yet cuz i have a mustang that most of my extra $$$ goes into. My pops said I should just get rid of the truck since it needs so much work.

70' GMC · 10-01-2008, 03:28 PM

I thought everything was rust free in texas

thirdstreettito · 10-01-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70' GMC

I thought everything was rust free in texas

So did I!

70' GMC · 10-01-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

So did I!

Them old westerns make it look very very hot like lone ranger for example.

jrdv · 10-01-2008, 07:36 PM

Most of them old westerns were filmed in California...

dave2953 · 10-01-2008, 07:59 PM

There are a lot of rust free vehicles in Texas; just not on the coast. El Paso is very different from Corpus. That being said, you should be able to find some rust free parts to rebuild it if you choose. That cab is rough, along with some other parts I'm sure. Be that as it may, it's still cooler than a newer body truck (85-87 or whatever). Not to mention the fact that it has family history tied to it. I'd keep it...just my .02

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-03-2008, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70' GMC

I thought everything was rust free in texas

Not on the Coast. I grew op near Port Lavaca and never saw anything rust free over 10 yrs old. We used to come up to the Pate swap meet near Dallas every yr and were amazed at all of the nice 67-72 (mostly 71-72) trucks on used car lots up into the 90's!

Mike00 · 10-01-2008, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the tips guys!!! I'll start looking for a cab first.

90\87Formula · 10-01-2008, 09:18 PM

Definately check the frame and the trailing arms for rust-through. Make sure it is roadworthy and then drive it; while looking for a better shape cab.

I lived in Corpus for just a little over ten years; Flour Bluff the last couple of years we were there, so I know about the rust and high humidity. We bought two news cars while living there and had them undercoated. Loved going surf fishing out by Bob Hall pier.

Welcome to the site.

70' GMC · 10-01-2008, 09:20 PM

is that the original seat if so its in real good shape

Mike00 · 10-02-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70' GMC

is that the original seat if so its in real good shape

No, it's not the original seat. We had a friend redo it a few years back for $50.00 That's the only thing that looks good on the whole truck. Since it has been sitting for a long time what are some of things I need to replace/check to get it running right??? I know for a fact the it's needs a new carb.

skchevota · 10-01-2008, 09:34 PM

Yea, I vote for the restore. It looks as though a cab swap would be the cheepest and least time consuming way to go. The bed doesnt look to bad, its just the wood that looks toast from the pics.I have seen people start with alot!!!!! worse trucks .

Mike00 · 10-02-2008, 10:18 AM

Thanks man! I'm going to need lots of advice & guidence on this truck. I know my pops would love it if I were to restore this truck. Now I need to just come up with a good plan on what to do first then next & so on.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 10-02-2008, 10:47 AM

I like that truck,the grill looks good,all the sheet-metal is pretty straight and it looks good from a distance.
If it was me,being a cheap-a$$, I would set my sights low at first,not worrying about "restoration" but just getting it running safely and reliably.
I would cut up some new plywood for the bed, wire-wheel the rust and treat it with naval jelly or whatever and drive it like that fixing things along the way.
And of course you have this site which is a goldmine to help along the way.
So keep it I say.

nvrsatisfied · 10-02-2008, 11:33 AM

keep it.....drive it...fix it as you go. it will seem like forever but when it is done it will all payoff.

trust me, if you seen what i brought home to "fix up", your truck belongs on the cover of classic trucks.

sell the ford to fix the chevy....better investment

just kidding

Mike00 · 10-02-2008, 12:07 PM

Thanks for all the help guys!!! I will keep it & get it running & fix it while I drive it. I'm not in any hurry so I don't mind if it takes a few years. My stang comes first, sorry fellas... Here is a pic of it.

**Yukon Jack** · 10-02-2008, 12:15 PM

How mechanically inclined are you and do you have a fair amount of time you can devote to the truck?

A cab swap isn't the most difficult thing to do, but you'll be doing alot of work to get it done - if you don't have free time, it will be a very slow project - nothing wrong with that of course.

I'd start looking for a good donor cab and if that donor truck turns out to be in better shape than this one, I'd jump ships and go with the donor.

First thing to do like mentioned above is do a detailed inspection and see what you're up against. Make a list of the problem areas and post it up for us to review.

**Yukon Jack** · 10-02-2008, 12:18 PM

That's a nice Mustang btw!

72BLUZ · 10-02-2008, 06:31 PM

buy a cab and start from scratch. thats what i would do. chop the frame and make it a short bed

10-01-2008, 01:11 PM	#1
Mike00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi Posts: 54	What Should I Do........ Hello every one! My dad gave me his old 1972 Chevy Cheyenne that he has owned for the last 20 years or so. It has a 350 crate engine that was bought new from the dealership years ago & has about 40K miles on it. The trans was rebuilt about 2 years ago. It has been sitting for over a year & a half now. The body is in pretty bad shape due to the South Texas weather. I have always wanted to restore it but it just seems to be in too bad of a condition to do so. I'm now thinking of pulling the eng & trans out & looking for a 85-87 chevy truck to plant the eng/trans into. I'm just not sure what I should do yet. I don't have a lot of $$$ either. So what would you guys do in my situation??? Here are some pics of the truck:

10-01-2008, 01:11 PM	#2
Mike00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi Posts: 54	Re: What Should I Do........ Few More:

10-01-2008, 02:26 PM	#4
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: What Should I Do........ that thing has got to be like a part of the family . Id drive it as is and start looking for a cab . I my vote NOT part it out and fix it as i drove it . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583

10-01-2008, 02:35 PM	#5
Mike00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi Posts: 54	Re: What Should I Do........ It's driveable, just need to get a new carb & few other things since it has been sitting for a while.

10-01-2008, 02:53 PM	#6
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: What Should I Do........ man i have family in corpus, portland... i looked for a 67-72 truck for myself years ago and came to realize everything's rusted bad. found on in west texas fairly rust free. if i were you i'd build it but it's going to take lots of time and money

10-01-2008, 03:28 PM	#8
70' GMC HERE.......Somewhere Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 2,488	Re: What Should I Do........ I thought everything was rust free in texas __________________ Current rides: 2013 Hyundai elantra gt DD 1995 camaro my first crush lmao Was: 1970 with a 350 4barrel and 288 horses Classics make it possible!

10-01-2008, 07:36 PM	#11
jrdv Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: new mexico Posts: 948	Re: What Should I Do........ Most of them old westerns were filmed in California... __________________ 1972 3/4T 4x4 Chevrolet (383) 1971 c-10 SWB (400 sb) 1972 4x4 Blazer 1969 SWB 4x4 GMC Projects: 1972 stepside 4x4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280132 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285952 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553672 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522704

10-01-2008, 07:59 PM	#12
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: What Should I Do........ There are a lot of rust free vehicles in Texas; just not on the coast. El Paso is very different from Corpus. That being said, you should be able to find some rust free parts to rebuild it if you choose. That cab is rough, along with some other parts I'm sure. Be that as it may, it's still cooler than a newer body truck (85-87 or whatever). Not to mention the fact that it has family history tied to it. I'd keep it...just my .02 __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250 Last edited by dave2953; 10-01-2008 at 08:03 PM.

10-01-2008, 08:29 PM	#14
Mike00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi Posts: 54	Re: What Should I Do........ Thanks for the tips guys!!! I'll start looking for a cab first.

10-01-2008, 09:18 PM	#15
90\87Formula Registered User $90\87Formula's Avatar$ Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 1,756	Re: What Should I Do........ Definately check the frame and the trailing arms for rust-through. Make sure it is roadworthy and then drive it; while looking for a better shape cab. I lived in Corpus for just a little over ten years; Flour Bluff the last couple of years we were there, so I know about the rust and high humidity. We bought two news cars while living there and had them undercoated. Loved going surf fishing out by Bob Hall pier. Welcome to the site. __________________ Robert Member 1532
$90\87Formula is offline$

10-01-2008, 09:20 PM	#16
70' GMC HERE.......Somewhere Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 2,488	Re: What Should I Do........ is that the original seat if so its in real good shape __________________ Current rides: 2013 Hyundai elantra gt DD 1995 camaro my first crush lmao Was: 1970 with a 350 4barrel and 288 horses Classics make it possible!

10-01-2008, 09:34 PM	#18
skchevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 530	Re: What Should I Do........ Yea, I vote for the restore. It looks as though a cab swap would be the cheepest and least time consuming way to go. The bed doesnt look to bad, its just the wood that looks toast from the pics.I have seen people start with alot!!!!! worse trucks .

10-02-2008, 10:18 AM	#19
Mike00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi Posts: 54	Re: What Should I Do........ Thanks man! I'm going to need lots of advice & guidence on this truck. I know my pops would love it if I were to restore this truck. Now I need to just come up with a good plan on what to do first then next & so on.

10-02-2008, 10:47 AM	#20
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,883	Re: What Should I Do........ I like that truck,the grill looks good,all the sheet-metal is pretty straight and it looks good from a distance. If it was me,being a cheap-a$$, I would set my sights low at first,not worrying about "restoration" but just getting it running safely and reliably. I would cut up some new plywood for the bed, wire-wheel the rust and treat it with naval jelly or whatever and drive it like that fixing things along the way. And of course you have this site which is a goldmine to help along the way. So keep it I say. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

10-02-2008, 11:33 AM	#21
nvrsatisfied Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: oklahoma Posts: 457	Re: What Should I Do........ keep it.....drive it...fix it as you go. it will seem like forever but when it is done it will all payoff. trust me, if you seen what i brought home to "fix up", your truck belongs on the cover of classic trucks. sell the ford to fix the chevy....better investment just kidding __________________ Lug Nuts Classic Rides. (Bodywork, small fab, and Restorations) Perry, Ok. We're just two guys, trying our best. 72 cheyenne super https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=811512 55 chevy truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=840174



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10-02-2008, 12:07 PM	#22
Mike00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi Posts: 54	Re: What Should I Do........ Thanks for all the help guys!!! I will keep it & get it running & fix it while I drive it. I'm not in any hurry so I don't mind if it takes a few years. My stang comes first, sorry fellas... Here is a pic of it.

10-02-2008, 12:15 PM	#23
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: What Should I Do........ How mechanically inclined are you and do you have a fair amount of time you can devote to the truck? A cab swap isn't the most difficult thing to do, but you'll be doing alot of work to get it done - if you don't have free time, it will be a very slow project - nothing wrong with that of course. I'd start looking for a good donor cab and if that donor truck turns out to be in better shape than this one, I'd jump ships and go with the donor. First thing to do like mentioned above is do a detailed inspection and see what you're up against. Make a list of the problem areas and post it up for us to review. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

10-02-2008, 12:18 PM	#24
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: What Should I Do........ That's a nice Mustang btw! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

10-02-2008, 06:31 PM	#25
72BLUZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: lafayette, ga. Posts: 832	Re: What Should I Do........ buy a cab and start from scratch. thats what i would do. chop the frame and make it a short bed __________________ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.... Ronald Reagan

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