Grandpa's 72

[GR8-68]

So I found this 72 on craigslist, it was listed as this was my grandfathers truck. It had only been listed for a few hours and the asking price was 500.00. They were not real detailed pics but from what I could tell it appeared to have tilt column and I knew it was an air conditioned cab. The truck was only 40 minutes from me so I sent them a text and they said they would be at their shop in 30 minutes where the truck was located.

Finished my last cup of coffee and out I headed. I arrived and was greeted by the man and his wife e journeyed to the back of the yard where I found the truck pushed down over the hill up against an old dumpster. Let me tell you pictures can make things a whole lot better than they really are. I checked the truck over thouroughly, and I will tell you as I am doing this I am adding up where I can recover any costs with parts. She begins to tell me the history behind the truck her grandpa bought the truck in 1974 and drove it up until the early 90's and then it was parked. She had inherited the truck from him but they were unable to afford the work it needed to get it fixed.

I looked this truck over for almost 45 minutes before finally making an offer of 400.00, he kind of put his head down gave her a look she shrugged her shoulders and he shook my hand, deal made. I went and rented a trailer and as I come back he said are you going to fix this or use it for parts ? I said I really am not sure but at least it won't be rotting in the weeds right. HE said, this is true.
We got the truck pushed up on the trailer a I looked over I seen a trail of tears stream down her face. I reassured her it is going to a good home as she gave a little smile.

After I brought it home and cleaned her up of course I had to post a few pics of my new prize a member informed me it was just not an average 72 but that it was a highlander, after much thought and seeing the condition after cleaning him up, my wife and I decided this would be the next great project. I contacted the p.o. and told her we have decided that this would be our next frame off restore project she was so excited.

So here is the beginning of our journey into c10 land with "Grandpa's 72"

[GR8-68]

The craigslist ad pics

[GR8-68]

He is home now



1972 Custom Deluxe



Diamond in the rough



Even the old dog has a use for the old c10's



The interior needed a bit of a cleaning



Rolling on its own with some aired up tires

[GR8-68]

Stripped the interior to evaluate the damage of many years



Put the hood and grille on to please the wife, she said it looks more presentable now



He got a good bath, even the bench seat



All cleaned up



Cleaned out about 50lbs of leaves and junk to expose the rusty floor, it had obviously been well used for a truck

[GR8-68]

And now to begin this journey for "Grandpa's 72" of searching for the parts. I am going to repair and restore as much of the original sheet metal as possible. I would also like to find a #s matching 350.

This is going to be a tough build for me as I like putting my own personal touches into my trucks but this is going to be an all stock build even down to the hubcaps

You guys are going to need to help me stay on track with this and not let me sway away from staying stock.

[Katrina/10]

Glad you're putting it back on the road.

[GR8-68]

Thank you, it needs a little bit of tlc but I believe it will make a great project

[GR8-68]

The parts hunt has already began, although I do not plan to start this build until the 68 is completed I can't pass up a good deal on parts I know I will need. I have already purchased new air vents and a shifter handle for the column and am making a deal on a decent bed for it hopefully I can pick it up this weekend

[tucker69]

Keep up the god work. Good to see another c/10 being saved.....Casey

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by tucker69

Keep up the god work. Good to see another c/10 being saved.....Casey

Thanks, I just couldn't bring myself to part it out especially when the wife said we need to fix this one up it is too nice.. That's all I needed to hear

[rustytruck50]

I'll be keeping an eye on this....I've got a Highlander too & it's cool that you're putting another C10 on the road, where it belongs!

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

I'll be keeping an eye on this....I've got a Highlander too & it's cool that you're putting another C10 on the road, where it belongs!

Thank you, it is pretty rough but doable.
I have already started a collection of parts for Grandpa's 72.

[NewType72]

Looks like a great start to me!

[Deer_hunter_088]

My grandpa had a 69, dark green, drove the thing up until he couldnt drive anymore, he bought it new, my uncle who inherited it rolled it down a hill driving drunk late one night. truck was shot. sadly cant find any pics but if i do il post em, if i was closer id drive and help ya save thisn. after shes done, you gunna go back and show the P.Os. I bet it means alot to that girl, only thing i have from my grandpas ole 69 is a cst emblem that is somewhere in my truck.

[Dieselwrencher]

That is a pretty decent truck for $400 I've got to say. Nice score. I got my first highlander a couple years ago but it was so rusted out I turned it into Toyotas. Sad day there.

[GR8-68]

Yes I will keep them updated on the build, they live about 30 minutes from me. It will be a bit before I tear this one down though I need to get project 68 going first

[knomadd]

I'm in. Looks like it would be a fun project.

[GR8-68]

No projected start date on "Grandpa's 72" but I do see it in my radar

[flashed]

I will watch .

[zicc1835]

I'm going to get in the passenger seat on this one as well i can see from Betty you will make Grandpa a great project
Jess

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

I'm going to get in the passenger seat on this one as well i can see from Betty you will make Grandpa a great project
Jess

Thank you, yes my plan is to restore this one back to original standards. I plan to put a whole new floor pan in this cab and have already accumulated a number of new parts and used for this project. I have purchased a donor bed which I will cut patch panels off of and will be changing the steel floor to a wood floor. I purchased a pair of 72 doors and tailgate at the truck nats in August from board member orange crate.
As far as the power train I am going to pull out the original motor and tranny and will hopefully be able to salvage and rebuild it. My plan is to fix and salvage as many of the original parts as possible for this build.

[GR8-68]

Sometimes I just like to sit and look at it and admire the story that lies behind this old classic. I love the vintage feel the paint reflects.

[70 cst]

Glad your saving another one! I'm along for the ride!

[dfwright]

I'm in to watch! Love the story, and I look forward to seeing the transformation on this one.

[GR8-68]

Unfortunately I am having a problem getting the previous owners to get up with me to get a title for this, it is looking grim on a restore if I can not obtain a title to it. May end up becoming yet another donor truck.

I had already obtained a number of new and used parts for it also to complete the restore.