Thoughts on keeping truck original or not

[conoco]

I bought my 1972 gmc sierra grande and I was lucky enough that the entire truck is original. Nothing has been replaced ( I should say added that wasn't there originally, nobody has gutted the electrical to put in modern crap, or just the typical stuff you see on these trucks. Everyone wants to make them modern and ends up botching it or only completing half of it.
I am at a point where I need to decide if I want to start replacing all the original stuff with new stuff like ( Side moldings, paint etc...) or scrapping the moldings and everything else, solid paint scheme or keep it two tone and filling in some of the holes from the molding and making everything more stream line. Plus all the small stuff here and there.

I see alot of nice trucks out there that are gorgeous, but I can't help but be hesitant when it comes with replacing things with modern stuff, or turning my truck into just another one you see around town that is half done. I rarely see all original trucks in our years, when I do see them I just awe at them. Not because they look any better, but just because it's 50 years old and I guess there is a certain nostalgia that you can't help but feel from that era.

Just looking for pros and cons of going either route. Keeping the look how it came off the floor ( Which is way more expensive) or putting a modern touch on it. I love the look of a well done clean looking truck that has some comforts. But I am perfectly ok with the roughness of the stock ride and look.

The only thing that isn't stock is the Gear Vendors kit I have for my th350 ( Which is the best purchase I ever made) and the lift kit, which is really only new and larger springs. Everything else is original. Just looking for thoughts on anyone that has struggled with the same thought and what route you ended up going. Are you happy you went that route? do you regret it? Thanks,

Truck Specs
1972 k2500 sierra grande
350 turned into a 383
Eaton rear end with 4.11s
Gear vendors OD kit / TH350
4 inch lift on 35s

[jimijam00]

That 383, gear vendors, lift, and tall tires pretty much kills the "original" thing for me. You've got a Frankentruck.

[conoco]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

That 383, gear vendors, lift, and tall tires pretty much kills the "original" thing for me. You've got a Frankentruck.

You think adding springs, tires and overdrive is a franken truck? I guess my definition of a franken truck would be much much different. Different block, different rear end, have to pull every part to make sure you are ordering for a 72 and not a 89 because someone replaced the rear end and gears!! To each there own I suppose. Thanks for the input though and suggestion though...oh wait LMAO!!

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by conoco

You think adding springs, tires and overdrive is a franken truck?

Yes, with a punched out engine that is not stock. Glad you appreciate opinions that are not your own, especially since we are on a public forum. Have a nice day.

[i82much]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Yes, with a punched out engine that is not stock. Glad you appreciate opinions that are not your own, especially since we are on a public forum. Have a nice day.

so you have a ridiculous idea of what a “frankentruck” is and now you’re cranky that others don’t adopt your definition.

the OP’s truck isn’t even close to a frankentruck and we all know it. but some people like to pipe up on the internet because it’s a safe place to get away with being a toolbag. enjoy your mommy’s basement, hope she bakes you some cookies!

[Liz]

Y'all act right and reread the site guidelines and rules. Thanks

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

That 383, gear vendors, lift, and tall tires pretty much kills the "original" thing for me. You've got a Frankentruck.

Although I don't know that I would call it a Frankentruck, it seems to me you are asking your question a little after the fact. Your truck is already not original.

[Bones72Super]

Originally Posted by conoco

I bought my 1972 gmc sierra grande and I was lucky enough that the entire truck is original. Nothing has been replaced ( I should say added that wasn't there originally, nobody has gutted the electrical to put in modern crap, or just the typical stuff you see on these trucks. Everyone wants to make them modern and ends up botching it or only completing half of it.
I am at a point where I need to decide if I want to start replacing all the original stuff with new stuff like ( Side moldings, paint etc...) or scrapping the moldings and everything else, solid paint scheme or keep it two tone and filling in some of the holes from the molding and making everything more stream line. Plus all the small stuff here and there.

I see alot of nice trucks out there that are gorgeous, but I can't help but be hesitant when it comes with replacing things with modern stuff, or turning my truck into just another one you see around town that is half done. I rarely see all original trucks in our years, when I do see them I just awe at them. Not because they look any better, but just because it's 50 years old and I guess there is a certain nostalgia that you can't help but feel from that era.

Just looking for pros and cons of going either route. Keeping the look how it came off the floor ( Which is way more expensive) or putting a modern touch on it. I love the look of a well done clean looking truck that has some comforts. But I am perfectly ok with the roughness of the stock ride and look.

The only thing that isn't stock is the Gear Vendors kit I have for my th350 ( Which is the best purchase I ever made) and the lift kit, which is really only new and larger springs. Everything else is original. Just looking for thoughts on anyone that has struggled with the same thought and what route you ended up going. Are you happy you went that route? do you regret it? Thanks,

Truck Specs
1972 k2500 sierra grande
350 turned into a 383
Eaton rear end with 4.11s
Gear vendors OD kit / TH350
4 inch lift on 35s

Post up some pictures so we can all have a gander at your truck. I vote for oem trim stays on and keeping original paint if possible. Too many trucks get the "modern touch" that looks great in the rendering but looks out of place in real life. It's only original once

[conoco]

Originally Posted by Bones72Super

Post up some pictures so we can all have a gander at your truck. I vote for oem trim stays on and keeping original paint if possible. Too many trucks get the "modern touch" that looks great in the rendering but looks out of place in real life. It's only original once

I couldn't agree more. I love some of the modern touches that people do. It looks good if done right. I just really appreciate the stock look a lot more. I don't like the color of my truck though, but even that I am hesitate to change. I just don't want to start changing stuff and regret it.

[Bones72Super]

Nice truck! There are lots of threads on removing surface rust while not removing original paint. A little time and some elbow grease will make it look multitudes better along with some decent oem trim. Ochre is one of those love or hate colors.......I love it. You'd be surprised how good that Ochre paint will come back to life. Interior pics please?

[conoco]

Originally Posted by Bones72Super

Nice truck! There are lots of threads on removing surface rust while not removing original paint. A little time and some elbow grease will make it look multitudes better along with some decent oem trim. Ochre is one of those love or hate colors.......I love it. You'd be surprised how good that Ochre paint will come back to life. Interior pics please?

I agree, the color has grown on me a little bit but Not much LOL. I think I would like it a lot more if the paint looked new and the trim was back on. Interior is is great shape though.

[Fbks_Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Bones72Super

Nice truck! There are lots of threads on removing surface rust while not removing original paint. A little time and some elbow grease will make it look multitudes better along with some decent oem trim. Ochre is one of those love or hate colors.......I love it. You'd be surprised how good that Ochre paint will come back to life. Interior pics please?

I agree. When I got my GMC it was missing a bunch of trim. Shortly after I found someone on this board parting out and found good driver quality trim to replace the pieces that were missing. It made a world of difference.
A CLR bath will also help a lot with the surface rust. You will be amazed. (Athough I know you drive in the winter and have to deal with salty roads, not so much a problem up here.)
I am partial to the OEM look as it was born but updating mechanicals as you see fit (HEI, gear vendor, headlight relays, updated alternator, suspension, etc) all those things that make driving more enjoyable and reliable but keep the original look.

[underliner6]

I like the look of original even if the truck is lifted with larger tires. You are right, it adds to the nostalgia feel.

[Davidf]

Make it yours. Originality is less important than muscle cars due to documentation 9or lack thereof). I like original with improvements...a sleeper if you will. I plan on dropping in an LS in tHe near future for rock solid reliability and drivability. Safety upgrades just make plan sense...brakes, seat belts are top of the list.

[ChevyRacefan]

Originally Posted by Davidf

Make it yours. Originality is less important than muscle cars due to documentation 9or lack thereof). I like original with improvements...a sleeper if you will. I plan on dropping in an LS in tHe near future for rock solid reliability and drivability. Safety upgrades just make plan sense...brakes, seat belts are top of the list.

THIS. make it yours.
Are you in the hobby to enjoy driving ,using the truck or an investment banker more worried about it's value that will depend on who happens to be in the room when it is forsale and what they happen to like and many seem to like the updated older vehicles.
I like to drive mine. and I like my music. The mono 1 dash speaker is not going to cut it. Nor are the dim tail lights.
I own my truck for me, so what others think don't matter to me. They are not driving it. If they want a bone stock truck ,they can have that. I choose to make mine more fun to drive, As I am more likely to drive it if I enjoy it, over it being a chore to drive. but This is what I like. what you like is all that matters build it for you, not someone else. If they don't like it that is their problem.

[Mapearso]

great looking truck. it's only original once. clean it up with some CLR, slap some of the trim back on and then don't change another thing

just my .02

[Chevyland]

Originally Posted by Mapearso

great looking truck. it's only original once. clean it up with some CLR, slap some of the trim back on and then don't change another thing

just my .02

/\ this

[57taskforce]

Love the stance of your truck. Definitely not a frankentruck. I vote for fixing any major rust, matching/touching up necessary paint on any panels replaced(rockers, cab corners etc) replace missing trim, clr bath, good buff job etc. touch up paint that matches can be mixed at most auto paint stores.

[3757chevy]

It's your truck Enjoy it .

[BRL]

Originally Posted by 3757chevy

It's your truck Enjoy it .

I think if it's really in pristine condition and would only take a few original parts to restore it to original, then I might be tempted to go that route.

If, like mine, it had an aftermarket paint job already, I went and added whatever I wanted and never looked back.

Also if it was in need of some serious TLC and $$$ to bring it to original specs. then I would have taken the same route that I did.

JMO.

[Chevyland]

And, post a pic of the spid

[Accelo]

Ocher is one of the colors that doesn't age well. Like the greens.
I think is is a great when new.
I like them stock and it's a lot less expensive because the parts fit.
If it was mine I would update the paint and trim with stock trim and call it good. Of course here that would be between 7K and 15K if you can even get someone to do a complete paint job. Changing the color adds a lot to the price.
cheers
Rick

[Bones72Super]

Originally Posted by Chevyland

And, post a pic of the spid

Please post a pic of the SPID we all love to see what factory options where selected and that can sometimes tell a story in itself.

Ochre panels in good condition are more common than other colors in my searching. Getting a good condition/good paint driver fender may take a bit to find but they are out there. Seems to me Ochre survives better than most.

[72c20customcamper]

There are two types of original . One is factory paint and trim correct period engine the other is restored to original specs . My 68 will be restored to factory specs but remember anything done varying from stock can be undone .

My Chevelle is far from factory stock but I can put it back to stock in a few days . Kept all the stock original parts including the numbers matching block

[conoco]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

There are two types of original . One is factory paint and trim correct period engine the other is restored to original specs . My 68 will be restored to factory specs but remember anything done varying from stock can be undone .

My Chevelle is far from factory stock but I can put it back to stock in a few days . Kept all the stock original parts including the numbers matching block

Couldn't agree more. Anything I change I would like to be able to un-change without damaging or modifying anything. My truck has rockers that are rusted out in the middle of them, easy fix. The surface rust on the body can be fixed no problem. I am going to have it repainted with the same color and the same theme I think, The trim is a little spendy but i am glad that 3/4 of it is still there so I know which type to buy. Thanks again for the response.