Project "Cheap Truck"

[sjarrett71]

Let me start by saying this is going to be a painfully slow build because it is going to be a "Cheap Truck". I am searching for the best deals on parts and will be doing most of the work myself. I've also sold my 97 Dodge so I would have to keep this truck and use it for a DD. I've had bad luck with keeping these old trucks as I would find it easy to sell them when money got tight.

So far I have only done small things to it to make it more reliable. My plans are to switch it back to an automatic transmission and complete the necessary bodywork to make it a little less breezy inside the cab.

I will try to photo document as I go but I'm sure there are things I'm gonna miss. So far I have cut off the huge exhaust tips.

From this:



To this:



I also repaired the PCV system from this:



To this:



I also repainted/replaced the door panels from this:



To this:



I know the door panels have nothing to do with reliability but it makes me feel better when I'm driving it.

[sjarrett71]

There is tons to be done to the truck when it comes to rust repair and little things that need replaced. I already have new inner fenders and passenger side outer:



I have a friend at the local vo-tech and was going to see if I could get them painted there. I want to stay with the original color. Do you all think I should paint the inner fenders body color or leave them black? I'm pretty much 50/50 on it right now.

Oh yeah, because I have a pic of the mounted tach I thought I'd post this up since I purchased it from a board member (Chevydog):

[sjarrett71]

I've done other things like replace the ignition module, replace a leaky fuel line, a leaky diaphragm on the carb, and cleaned and replaced some ground wires. The PO had over a 6 foot length of wire to the distributor so I shortened it too. I plan on getting a Skip White distributor soon since my counterweights are sticky and the springs are no longer springy. I figure I would just replace it instead of repairing it but I will keep this one for a spare. I also have an extra 72 Chevy longbed frame with rear coils I was thinking of rebuilding and using as I get the body repaired. It has leaf springs out back right now and I'm thinking the coils would be cheaper to replace (to lower) and more comfy of a ride. Any opinions on that?

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by sjarrett71

...... I also have an extra 72 Chevy longbed frame with rear coils I was thinking of rebuilding and using as I get the body repaired. It has leaf springs out back right now and I'm thinking the coils would be cheaper to replace (to lower) and more comfy of a ride. Any opinions on that?

I've heard that the leaf sprung 2wd trucks are kinda rare.?. Either way it's all up to you what you want to do to your truck. Me, I'd leave the leaf springs in it.

Sweet build!! You're finding some great deals. Are you gonna put the A/C in it if it's not still there?

[bigguy69]

Lookin good!!!

[madmopar]

Great to see another truck in MO! I'm about 40 miles north of you. What year is the truck? Over all it looks like a solid start! The 4 speed is cool, but I understand wanting an auto for simplicity...

[sjarrett71]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind if it was a passenger car 4 speed but a granny low? The only thing I can think of it the original auto went out and they had the 4 speed laying around?

[jbclassix]

It's nice to see an Eagle Globe and Anchor over there on the left column! Good luck with your build!

[sjarrett71]

Originally Posted by jbclassix

It's nice to see an Eagle Globe and Anchor over there on the left column! Good luck with your build!

Semper FI!!

[madmopar]

Are you sure it was an auto originally? Most of them were 3 on the tree - manual. The 4 speed or an automatic is an upgrade option. The granny low is sweet... you only use low if your loaded, or pulling something, otherwise its basically a 3 speed - on the floor.

I just picked up a 70 GMC with the granny low 4 speed - originally equipped. if your glovebox door is original, the spid on the inside of it would say what tranny it came with.

After looking at a few GMC's, I'm starting to like the 4 eyed look... I think you have yourself a neat old truck that looks real solid from the pictures... I'd give up my 98 dodge dd for it!

[sjarrett71]

Originally Posted by madmopar

Are you sure it was an auto originally? Most of them were 3 on the tree - manual. The 4 speed or an automatic is an upgrade option. The granny low is sweet... you only use low if your loaded, or pulling something, otherwise its basically a 3 speed - on the floor.

I just picked up a 70 GMC with the granny low 4 speed - originally equipped. if your glovebox door is original, the spid on the inside of it would say what tranny it came with.

After looking at a few GMC's, I'm starting to like the 4 eyed look... I think you have yourself a neat old truck that looks real solid from the pictures... I'd give up my 98 dodge dd for it!

Yes, the SPID says auto:



and the original auto column is still in there, just stripped down. The manual trans cross-member is also bolted in instead of rivets. I already have all the parts to switch it back to auto except a "good" auto trans. I have 2 cores but need to save funds to get one rebuilt.

[madmopar]

I saw the column in the pics, but thought it mighta been the 3 on the tree column.

What year is the truck??? I'm guessing 72, given the holes in the doors... assuming they're original... but the grille doesn't have the stripe, is it a 69-70 piece?

Does the truck have a drivers side? We haven't seen it yet... plus you only have a replacement fender for the passenger side... which looks OK in the pics...

[sjarrett71]

Yes it is a 72, all original except the transmission. I only have a passenger side replacement fender because I haven't found a driver side cheap enough yet. I am looking at one though. The fenders are ok but both need the front cups replaced andt he driver's side has a dent in the front crease. What stripe on the grill are you referring to? If it's a painted stripe, the paint is pretty darn faded. Like I said, I have no reason to believe the trim and stuff that's on it isn't original 72.

[sjarrett71]

I went to the salvage yard and got a sway bar (free) and 2 new chrome trim rings (also free). Has anyone ever used 73-87 auto trans linkage on one of our trucks?

[sjarrett71]

I finally got the frame brackets off the donor truck and got my (free) sway bar mounted. It is by far the the best addition to the truck so far, it handles so much better and no longer feels like I'm gonna scrape the doors when I make a turn. Anyway, here are pics so I have record of it. Also, I didn't paint it up or anything yet, I'll do that when I paint the frame.

[72BlckButy]

Lookin' good Scott!

[sjarrett71]

Found a tilt steering column up in your neck of the woods Nate. The price was right and in good keeping with the name "Cheap Truck". I'm picking it up this week or next weekend. Depends on if the lab can get me in at GHQ during the week. I'm pretty excited about it!

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by sjarrett71

Found a tilt steering column up in your neck of the woods Nate. The price was right and in good keeping with the name "Cheap Truck". I'm picking it up this week or next weekend. Depends on if the lab can get me in at GHQ during the week. I'm pretty excited about it!

Glad to hear it Scott.

Hope that all is well with you and yours down south.

[tow guys]

Looks like a nice find. I too am developing an appreciation for the 4 eyed GMC's as I just picked up a 70 wrecker. Have fun and keep the pics coming!
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[oldblue1968chevy]

nice truck i like these builds!

[sjarrett71]

In keeping with the theme "Cheap Truck" I scour the local for sale ads, Craigslist, and of course this site for used parts. I want to get a good value for every penny I spend. So far I've been doing pretty good and even better, when I do find parts I've been able to have the money to buy them. Sunday while looking at Craigslist I saw an ad for a Chevy tilt column. I check out the ad and see that it appears to be a tilt column for our trucks. The seller was only asking $125.00 for it because he has no use for it and wants it out of his garage. Of course I tell him I want it so I paypal him $25.00 to hold it for me, thinking if he sells it out from under me I'm only out $25.00. Well he holds it for me for a few days and I go pick it up. When I get there I go to his work and he is not there. I call him and he says "the column is in the front seat of my truck, check it out and if you want it, just leave the money in the console." I'm glad (and I'm sure he is too) that I am an honest guy and actually leave the money. I think I got a pretty good score for $125.00 wouldn't you say?

[Gobbles]

Hey I am curious as to which model of donor truck you snagged that sway bar from? I have been planning on nabbing one myself.

It looks like a nice and straight truck! Enjoy the build and may the savings be with you!

[matthew20061]

Build is coming along great so far! I would like to get one of those swap bars for my truck sometime as well.

[sjarrett71]

My particular bar and brackets came from a 76 chevy 2wd. Just had to get new bushings of course.
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[72BlckButy]

That column looks good Scott, awesome score!

What day did you make it up this way?