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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: San lorenzo ca
Posts: 14
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New to me 1970 Utility truck
Long time lurker, first time posting. Picked up my dream truck about a month ago in Tracy Ca, about a 1.5 hours from me. I have been looking for a clean utility truck for the longest time and was lucky enough to come across this one on CL. Story goes a Almond farmer bought the truck for his ranch, guy I bought it from was the second owner who never used it. It is a C20, non a/c, 6cyl with a 4spd. I love the boxes and they are in awesome shape, also love the fact that they were US made Locally in Oakland Ca. I have a lot of dreams and plans for it, but for now its getting her road worthy. After a $15 carb rebuild kit and a $90 battery she fired right up and sounds great! I plan on doing a 5 lug and disk brake swap soon, as well as some torque thrusts or the salts. In the future I would love to do the 5.3/NV4500 swap. Here are a few pictures of where I found her, and the trip home. I will keep you guys updated as I work on her.
I would love it if you photo shop gurus could throw some torque thrusts on there with a little drop. -Joao San Lorenzo CA |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: kingman az
Posts: 573
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
If your going to use it as a service truck then keep it a 3/4 ton. You cant get lt tires in low profile rims and 5 lugs is pushing it for any weight you want to haul. All in all its cool the way it is I love my 76 k20 that I made into a service truck the best thing I did. I use it a lot and haul a lot of weight with it.
__________________
1976 k20, 350 built, 44/14 axles 1968 c10 6.5 turbo diesel,t5 trans 1977 gmc c3500 dually, crew, 4-53t, 5&3 trans http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591188 |
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: San lorenzo ca
Posts: 14
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
At first I planned on keeping it a 3/4 ton, but the more I thought about it the more I wanted to convert it to a 5 lug. Im a plumber by trade, but now Im a 8-5 city worker. So this truck wont be used for income and will be used lightly every so often on the weekends. I don't plan on towing anything with it, and my boxes will be filled with light material and tools. Honestly what it came down to was wheels, I just could not find a wheel I liked in 8 lug. I figured if I was going to spend the money on Disc brakes and I might as well go 5 Lug so I can run some cool wheels.
-Joao |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 3,688
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
That's a good old work truck as is!
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#5 |
KEEP ON TRUCKIN'
![]() Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sterling, Va.
Posts: 5,731
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Very nice find. I'd love to find me one of those utility beds for my 4x4.
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JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 ![]() http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER" ![]() |
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#6 |
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
Posts: 16,103
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Not sure how long 5 lug/1/2 ton axle bearings will last with just the weight of the service body...just my .02 Nice find Congrats
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"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man |
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#7 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
That's a great survivor! The truck can handle a fairly unloaded utility bed with 1/2t axles,but why? You can achieve the same results retaining the original axles. Not bustin' on your idea or telling you what to do with your truck,just sharing my thoughts. I know what I'd do,different from you,but that's me. I see the truck as keeping it what it is,but changing ride/stance,etc.,and there are nice custom wheels for 8-lug,if that's what you want. I love Torque Thrusts like as much as anyone and not saying they wouldn't look good on that truck. Seems like a lot to do just so you can put those on.
I can envision awesome custom versions and my favorite,old school...9.75/8.25 aluminum slots or steelies,stock height,and era performance engine. If you did a dooley conversion,there are all kinds of wheel choices. I could go on. I've always had a thing for utility beds and have had quite a few. I better get myself another truck before they're gone. Got a bedside box/8' Stepside for my K2500 I'm working out a deal on now
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"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 ~ |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: kingman az
Posts: 573
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
I would go find a half ton and then you can put your rims on. That truck is worth more the way it is if its hacked up it will not be worth much half tons are easy to find.
__________________
1976 k20, 350 built, 44/14 axles 1968 c10 6.5 turbo diesel,t5 trans 1977 gmc c3500 dually, crew, 4-53t, 5&3 trans http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591188 |
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#9 |
Florida Edition
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fruitland Park, FL
Posts: 4,025
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
I like it like it is also, looks like a really good find. Congrats!
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70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,496
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
I scored these this past week for $150. Cant decide if they will go on the 70 Longhorn or the 02 Duramax reg cab.
http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/4169874947.html |
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#11 |
The Niner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Broad Brook, CT
Posts: 2,494
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
I'd leave her the way it is. Great find!
__________________
"A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/ |
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#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: San lorenzo ca
Posts: 14
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Alright guys, you talked me into it. I will keep it a 3/4 ton.
Last edited by ETsC10; 11-13-2013 at 01:28 AM. Reason: removed the FS...must be a subscribing member. |
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#13 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 3,331
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Quote:
Keep your eye out for some caps that are more period correct. Those are around late 70's caps. I used to run them. They're easier to find, and less expensive, but the other style is better IMHO Last edited by ETsC10; 11-13-2013 at 01:30 AM. |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Good call in staying with the 3/4 I think. Lower it a little and run some low profile tires on some 17" or bigger rims. I'd even do a disc swap. Pretty much what I had done to a 70 GMC big block 2500 truck I used to have. Towed great!
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Hey 510ducati ...
![]() ![]() You have one ![]() ![]()
__________________
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! |
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: San lorenzo ca
Posts: 14
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
A few months back there was a 3/4 ton truck on ebay that had the stance I was looking for. Im going to run with those steel wheels and caps until I find some custom ones that I like. The truck is at my buddies body shop right now, I'm going to line-x the bed and tool box tops. Because its going to be sitting out in the weather Im going to have them paint/prime the top of the cab, what do you guys think, flat black or a flat white for the top of the cab?
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#17 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
White top will go best with what you have there and be mo' coola!
__________________
"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 ~ |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Denton, Texas
Posts: 1,713
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
![]() Thanks for sharing your story. Looks like a real keeper. I also would keep her as she is except maybe repaint the front bumper and roof white. Hope to see more of your progress on this little gem! Keith |
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: San lorenzo ca
Posts: 14
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Update!!! So I have been pretty busy with a new promotion at work and with my 5 month old daughter. My oldest is only 20 months, so needless to say I rarely get the chance to work on my "hunk of junk". I was concerned when I bought the truck that it was going to be sitting out in the rain so I wanted to do a few things to protect it from this winter. Turns out her in CA we haven't had but 3 days worth of rain this winter and its been in the mid 60's these past few weeks. I had the roof's drip edge resealed and shot with a flat black primer, I also had my bed and tool box covers done in Line-X. But the most exciting thing is I picked up a 6.0 with a 4l80e from a 2003 van with less then 10,000 miles. Im going to order some engine and transmission mounts as well as some tbss exhaust manifolds this week and hopefully drop the engine in real soon. Thats it for now, next big purchase will be the disc brakes for upfront.
-Joao |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Backwoods, OR
Posts: 888
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
I would keep it stock. Keep it in its value sweet spot. But that's just me as I tend to stay away from vehicles that have been moniker with... Just kills the value. IMHO
Sweet ride tho
__________________
'69 K20 350/4 speed/Rockwell/D44/HO52. "orange rhymes with door hinge" |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Orange Ca.
Posts: 6
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
looks a lot like mine. what have you done to it?
this one is mine ![]() |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 4,316
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Nice score on that motor/trans! Trucks Looking great...
Last edited by ETsC10; 01-14-2014 at 04:51 PM. Reason: removed the FS...OP must be a subscribing member. |
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#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SAN FERNANDO VALLE SOL CAL
Posts: 1,064
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Re: New to me 1970 Utility truck
Sweet Rig.... Looking for One also
__________________
1966 GMC K25 V6 351E Original Utility Truck 2000 C3500 Hot Rod Utility Truck 2003 ROAD KING 100th 124ci 6 Speed 145CI M/P Pro Street FXR 2002 FXDP 2007 2500HD DURAMAX. DD Studio Teamsters / Mechanic Retired GM Master Tech 20 Years Retired Ford Tech 15 Years |
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