What would you do?

[dabeers]

I have a 72 long step that I've been toying with the past 2 1/2 years. I have about $3000 into it now, but all that's really in good shape is the engine. I recently found my deceased grandfather's 1984 Chevy 4x4 that I have an opportunity to buy for about the same money. It's not a classic, but it has sentimental value. I'd love to have them both, but there's no way I can swing that. Which way should I go? Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Drew

[fastwillie 696969]

for me it would be no brainer i go for grandpa truck keep something that would keep me to remeber grandpa

[stickshift_or_walk]

I'd say go with the '84. We're all fans of 67-72's, but you don't seem to have a strong attachment to the '72, and you can't replace the memories you and your familiy might enjoy while driving the '84.

On the practical side, the parts for the '84 are more plentiful and cheap, and you'll have many more aftermarket upgrade options if you're into that.

We often bash the later models because they're dime-a-dozen and therefore aren't as special as the 67-72's - but this one is special to you for a different reason.

Sell the '72 here on the board to someone you know will appreciate and care for it.

Family-tradition vehicles are neat. Just think how your grandson would feel about getting that same truck from you someday. It could happen.

SSOW

[ckhd]

That would be a tough decision for me too.

I'd probably go with the 84 for two reasons:

1) It's Grandpa's
2) It's four wheel drive

But I would have a REALLY hard time letting the 72 go...

[TruckinDaddy]

Tough call. Glad I did not have to decide. My 68 long step was Grandpa's truck!

[Gramp'sGold70K20]

I got my truck when my grandfather passed away. It's a great feeling to drive his truck and work on it. Go for the '84.

[tomatocity]

Go with your heart.

Originally Posted by dabeers

I have a 72 long step that I've been toying with the past 2 1/2 years. I have about $3000 into it now, but all that's really in good shape is the engine. I recently found my deceased grandfather's 1984 Chevy 4x4 that I have an opportunity to buy for about the same money. It's not a classic, but it has sentimental value. I'd love to have them both, but there's no way I can swing that. Which way should I go? Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Drew

[dtlilly]

I think papaw wins here. He would love to know his old truck is appreciated by his kinfolk. Take care of it like he would!

[Matt67C10]

I'd have to agree with TruckinDaddy, as my 67 Long Step was my wife's grandfather's. As hard as it is to let the 72 go, I'd go with the 84, because it was Grandpa's truck. If only my grandfather still had his Chevelle SS, or my father in law's 67 Camaro RS 350, oh don't get me started. Good luck Drew, I'm sure your heart will tell you the right thing to do.
Matt

[chevyfarmer]

Fine. Since no one here will stick up for the 72, then I will!!!! I really do understand the sentimental value of the 84 and really agree with everyone else here, do what you feel is right. I have owned a 84 style truck in the past, and for me there really is no comparison, I would choose the 72 any day. However, I am not faced with the difficult decision that you have to make. Best of Luck.

[Sillyoldman]

Do what you feel is right Did you grandpa leave a watch of something you can keep? Its tough. My great uncle passed about 12 years ago. He drove a '68 short stepside. In fact he drove it since it was new. That thing was so used that the seat was bare spring. Back then nobody had the foresight to keep it. It was given away. I sure wish I was bright enough to keep it.

[dabeers]

Thanks for the input all.

Well, I went and looked at Grandpa's '84 last night, and it's one huge rust bucket! When my grandfather passed away in '89, it was in perfect shape, so I had assumed it would be in better shape than it was. It seems to run ok, but hardly anything works on it and the guy still wants $2900 for it!!! It might be worth $1500. As much as I'd love to have it for the obvious sentimental reason, I can't justify paying double for a truck that's in worse shape than my '72. (Plus I forgot how boring the mid 80's trucks were.) In a way, I guess I'm glad the guy has it priced so high because it makes the decision easier. And I still have his 1939 model H tractor, so I have something sentimental to remember him by!

I don't reply to these threads much, but I do read them quite a bit. I really appreciate this board and all your input. Thanks again. Drew

[timmosams]

I am lucky that my grandfathers truck was a 72 3/4 ton. If it wasnt I would have it anyway. Like many others said sentimental value is important. Get your grandfathers truck now and when and if you can get you a 67-72 later.

[phlegm]

My dad has an 89 silverado, and as morbid as it seams since he is 6 yrs out on a heart transplant, it will be offered to me sooner then I would like. All I know is my dad was happy and prowd when I got my 71, so If I had to choose I would keep the 71. But that is my circumstances, and my heart, like everyone else here I would tell you to go with your heart on this one. Whichever direction it leads you is probably the right one.