Project "Keeper"

[VA72C10]

Those who know me know I don't tend to hold onto trucks for long. After I sold off all my projects I decided that I deserved a driver. I've worked on several of these trucks and never owned a driver for more than a few weeks one time years ago. After a few months of searching and some deals missed, I finally found a "Keeper".

I wanted something that I could use around the house, fix up a little, and would be fun to take to cruise ins. Not a show truck and nothing too expensive. Since I plan to use this as a truck, I wanted a longbed and was open to C10's and C20's. I also figured if I got a longbed, it wouldn't cost as much up front, wouldn't be worth as much when I'm finished with it, and I wouldn't be inclined to sell it

Three days ago I saw this ad pop up on the local craigslist. I immediately emailed the seller and got a response the next morning. They were out of town and just got home this afternoon. I arranged to look at the truck this evening and had a price in mind. After looking it over, it was what I expected and I made an offer and we settled on the price I wanted

Drove the truck the hour home with a mix of 35-45mph country winding roads, and 70mph interstate. Didn't miss a beat the whole way. We have a driver!

It's got several things to fix on it, but that's what I enjoy about these trucks. I honestly like working on them more than driving them. It's taken me time to realize that and this one will be a fun project I can use as I improve it.

The Details:

1972 Cheyenne 20
3/4 ton 2wd coil rear
350 engine
Turbo 350 Automatic
Power steering
Power Brakes
Tilt Wheel
Tach Dash
Factory Air Conditioning

Here are the pictures from the Advertisement:

[VA72C10]

The remainder of the pictures:

[VA72C10]

Things I plan to fix initially:

A/C- it's all there, hoses look great, compressor looks good, a/c box looks good, fittings look good...but the fan's not working. May just be a fuse..and likely low on r12- probably will convert but may get some r12 and see what it does first...

Power steering- whines a bit when turning from a stop and was low when I test drove it. Will see if it works itself out with the added fluid or I have a new pump or several used ones I can swap in....

Passenger mirror is cracked- I believe I have a NOS one out of the box I can swap- mirrors are super clean otherwise with almost no surface rust on the arms...

Gas gauge isn't working- all other lights and gauges are working. Going to check the wiring and then take the carpet off the gas tank and make sure the connection is good...then will check the sending unit and if not that, will check the printed circuit and gauge itself. I have one of everything in case i need to replace anything...

Master cylinder is crusty/rusty. Brakes work great but I don't like the way the master looks so I'll wire brush/wheel it off and paint it a cast gray color.

Tailgate band is missing letters- (they're all there but not installed)- I am going to decide if I want to add woodgrain to the lower moldings- I'm leaning that way now.... will order a new black or woodgrain tailgate band.

Add a radio- I have a period correct AM/FM- thankfully the radio hole hasn't been hacked.

Ticking exhaust-headers have leaks at the primaries...heard it as soon as I fired it up for the test drive. may weld up but since they are simple block huggers and finish is coming off anyways (and more would come off to weld) I may just buy a new set (around 140 shipped on ebay with ceramic coating-less if I go with black)
Locks- need to re-key everything to match the ignition or replace everything together. It's got the lock for the glovebox door too...

[VA72C10]

Future plans:

Put a cheyenne super tin/woodgrain glovebox door cover and matching woodgrain on the cluster- I just like the way it looks with the woodgrain door panels.

Swap the billet wheel out for a wood wheel (corvette style)

Add woodgrain on the lower molding- I am definitely leaning this direction and would do a woodgrain tailgate band to match of course

Fix the minimal rust- the worst spot is on the firewall around the A/C box as is typical on these trucks. Also a small bubble spot on the outer skin of one door and on the back of one fender.- At that point, I'll sand out the one run in the finish and get extra paint to paint the wheel covers blue (late 72 or 73-up covers with yellow in them currently)

Detail the engine bay- fresh paint and cleaning with wire minimizing (it's relatively clean now but I like to hide as many wires as possible)

[VA72C10]

Long term wants/dreams:

Either 15" or 17" Cragar or torque thrust wheels

Upgrade the 350. It's got good power and torque but there is always room for more power

That's about it....my real long term want is a roadster blazer and that's the vehicle I'd go crazy with. As I mentioned...this is a Keeper. A nice driver I can use and tinker with.

[DPowers]

Nice truck

[Ozzy2013]

Looks to be in great shape !

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Nice truck

Originally Posted by Ozzy2013

Looks to be in great shape !

Thanks, it's not a show truck but a very nice driver for sure.

Here's a picture of the SPID. The tach was an add on but I knew that at first glance because it was aftermarket. The tilt was also added (thankful they did) it is a factory tilt and was painted body color (which I prefer) instead of correct satin black.

[VA72C10]

Went out earlier to roll up the windows...realized I hadn't even touched the windows since they were already down when I got there...thankfully they roll up and down very nicely. Very happy with my purchase so far!

[SuperC10Tex]

Sweet! "Keeper"......oh yes!!!!!

[Low Elco]

Good solid 'ol truck. Enjoy!

[VA72C10]

Thanks, gathered up a bunch of parts for it and spent about 4 hours last night looking for ideas. Going to start a thread to ask about woodgrain vs black and another idea I have for the truck (two tone white between trim with white roof- drip sealant is cracking and needs re-done but no rust yet)

Also planning to add a wood wheel- I will sell the one that's on it.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Thanks, gathered up a bunch of parts for it and spent about 4 hours last night looking for ideas. Going to start a thread to ask about woodgrain vs black and another idea I have for the truck (two tone white between trim with white roof- drip sealant is cracking and needs re-done but no rust yet)

Also planning to add a wood wheel- I will sell the one that's on it.

Hey Jonathan,

The truck looks great. You have a nice project there. I am wondering if you have any information on the wood steering wheel. Where did you get it from? I am interested in one just like it for my 72 Cheyenne.

Keep up the good work there.
Take care,
Tom

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Hey Jonathan,

The truck looks great. You have a nice project there. I am wondering if you have any information on the wood steering wheel. Where did you get it from? I am interested in one just like it for my 72 Cheyenne.

Keep up the good work there.
Take care,
Tom

I found it on ebay but it was 179 plus shipping (197 total) Searched google, found a good deal through there on Amazon and found the part number...searched that and came up with a better deal I had to order an extra horn button to get the blue chevy one I wanted but it was only $9. (117.28 total with free shipping- $71 savings for 5 minutes of searching )

Here's the link and I was able to pay via paypal (bill me later if wanted but I used my paypal balance)
http://www.streetsideauto.com/

• 1 Grant 213 - Classic Series; Classic Wood Steering Wheel; 13.5 in. Diameter; 3.75 in. Dish; Walnut Finish w/Anodized Aluminum Rivets Chrome 3-Spoke Design; $89.99
  
• 1 Grant 5630 - GM Licensed; Horn Button; Chrome; Chevrolet; Blue/Silver; Classic/Challenger Wheels; $8.81
  
• 1 Grant 3196 - Steering Wheel Installation Kit; Matte Black; Not Designed for Vehicles w/Air Bag or Telescopic Column or Radio Controls/Cruise Controls Mounted on Steering Wheel; $18.48

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

I found it on ebay but it was 179 plus shipping (197 total) Searched google, found a good deal through there on Amazon and found the part number...searched that and came up with a better deal I had to order an extra horn button to get the blue chevy one I wanted but it was only $9. (117.28 total with free shipping- $71 savings for 5 minutes of searching )

Here's the link and I was able to pay via paypal (bill me later if wanted but I used my paypal balance)
http://www.streetsideauto.com/

• 1 Grant 213 - Classic Series; Classic Wood Steering Wheel; 13.5 in. Diameter; 3.75 in. Dish; Walnut Finish w/Anodized Aluminum Rivets Chrome 3-Spoke Design; $89.99
  
• 1 Grant 5630 - GM Licensed; Horn Button; Chrome; Chevrolet; Blue/Silver; Classic/Challenger Wheels; $8.81
  
• 1 Grant 3196 - Steering Wheel Installation Kit; Matte Black; Not Designed for Vehicles w/Air Bag or Telescopic Column or Radio Controls/Cruise Controls Mounted on Steering Wheel; $18.48

Thank you for the information Jonathan

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Thank you for the information Jonathan

You're welcome! I just ordered it earlier this evening so if you wait a bit I can make sure it comes in good/no issues since I have no clue about the seller....but I did buy with Paypal and got a google guarantee if that means anything...

Also, it's a 13 1/2" wheel. That's what I have now and I liked the size but the wheel didn't fit the interior to me... They also make them in 15" and they make them in a satin finish also if you don't want the chrome....but I think the chrome will look good with the chrome pieces on the interior of the truck....

[leddzepp]

Very nice truck! I suggest keeping with R-12 for your A/C

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Very nice truck! I suggest keeping with R-12 for your A/C

Thanks, that's what I'm leaning towards. Just need to find a local source since online they require certification to purchase....

[leddzepp]

Try your local swap meets . I picked up five cans last weekend at Pomona to add to my stash.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Try your local swap meets . I picked up five cans last weekend at Pomona to add to my stash.

We don't have the car culture like on the west coast. The swap meets here are basically flea markets... once a year we have super chevy which used to be good....used to be... But I already missed that this year anyways. Will try contacts (BMERDOC and my A/C guy) and craigslist.

[VA72C10]

Actually, came across your old truck ledzepp....dark blue and white...

[VA72C10]

and a longbed...

[VA72C10]

Okay, can't get carried away here...thinking since the truck already has the new black woodgrain moldings I'll order the black tailgate band and not paint....I do like the look...

[aggie91]

Truck looks to be very nice and the issues mentioned are minimal and some what easy to fix.

Just don't get carried away with it...

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Truck looks to be very nice and the issues mentioned are minimal and some what easy to fix.

Just don't get carried away with it...

Definitely have to keep that in mind. I've torn all my other trucks down to bare frame at some point...this one won't get that same treatment...just fixing/improving one thing at a time....