New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

harrydunn · 12-07-2010, 10:54 AM

Greetings--

*First Post*

As of last Friday, I'm the proud new owner of my late grandparent's (91 and 99 years old) '72 GMC 2500 Custom, purchased new in March '72. I've been fond of it since I was a kid and always thought it would be great to own someday. 350/4bbl, automatic, PS/PB, factory air, original split rims, original paperwork still in the glovebox with Protect-O-Plate. It's not perfect by any means as it was a daily driver before being partially restored in 1988...and yes, the running boards have been taken off as of last night.

I do have a few questions.

1) Door locks work well except I am unable to lock the driver's side door with they key. It unlocks with the key just fine. I wanted to hold off on popping the inner door panel off to look at the mechanism until I talked to the experts.

2) Oil recommendations? I'm a Shell Rotella fan and run that in my '93 Land Cruiser (ih8mud.com member

). Your thoughts on weight? Synthetic/Dino? I'd prefer to run the same weight all year.

3) Transmission fluid recommendations? I don't think I'll flush a 38-year-old trans, just change the fluid/filter. Again, throw your recommendations on me.

4) Should I get the split rims off of it? I know they can be dangerous but I believe that is just while they are being aired up. How dangerous are they to drive on?

5) Pretty hefty rear main leak. How difficult to change? I'm sure I'd have to lift the engine a bit.

Pics from last Friday below. That's their '91 Lincoln with only 15,000 miles behind it.

big blue 72 · 12-07-2010, 11:02 AM

That is a beautiful truck you have inherited. Cherish it !
You will find your answers here , we are a friendly bunch.
Welcome!

Shyguy · 12-07-2010, 11:03 AM

Welcome to the forum from Southeast Missouri. Great looking truck with a lot of history.

Split rims are not a problem to drive on. A lot of tire shops hesitate to deal with them. I had a '72 GMC with standard 16.5 rims so you may be able to find them pretty easy if you want to change.

I am sure others will chime in with more info.

Alex Hayley · 12-07-2010, 11:13 AM

My door lock acts the same way. The locking mechanism is probably just a bit worn out. See if you can push on the door as you lock it and see if it locks a bit easier. If it does not then you might have to replace the locking mechanism.

I like Shell Rotella. 10w-40 or 15w-40 is good. I would stick with dino. I have a Valvoline transmission oil in my truck.

You can change the rear main seal with the engine in the truck...it is a real pain to do though.

The truck looks really nice!!!!

GOPAPA · 12-07-2010, 11:15 AM

What a pretty truck ..And I'm going to say thanks to the grandparents for taking care of it so well.. You got to be having heart flitters owning this right now ..right? LOL

If you want to keep it stock the split rims will do just fine ,,just be sure and have some one with the proper tools and know how to fix a flat if you have one.. If you change to some up to date rims ,,then just keep the old ones for sentimental reasons if you like ,,as lots of us on here update the rims ... welcome to the board and keep us up to date on the truck Gp Larry from Oregon

**70cst** · 12-07-2010, 11:18 AM

I do have a few questions.

1) Door locks work well except I am unable to lock the driver's side door with they key. It unlocks with the key just fine. I wanted to hold off on popping the inner door panel off to look at the mechanism until I talked to the experts.

2) Oil recommendations? I'm a Shell Rotella fan and run that in my '93 Land Cruiser (ih8mud.com member ). Your thoughts on weight? Synthetic/Dino? I'd prefer to run the same weight all year.

Here is a recent link...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=434150
3) Transmission fluid recommendations? I don't think I'll flush a 38-year-old trans, just change the fluid/filter. Again, throw your recommendations on me.

4) Should I get the split rims off of it? I know they can be dangerous but I believe that is just while they are being aired up. How dangerous are they to drive on?
Some folks have replaced these as some have said...safety when changing tires. But that is your call.
5) Pretty hefty rear main leak. How difficult to change? I'm sure I'd have to lift the engine a bit.

Great looking truck and

and

from Ohio. I am sure you will get a lot more replies.

on keeping the truck in your family and that is a

looking

eagleuh1 · 12-07-2010, 11:20 AM

Nice truck.

dan42 · 12-07-2010, 11:22 AM

Welcome to the board from the left coast - that's a beautiful survivor you have there. Personally I wouldn't worry about the rims/tires until you need to change the tires out, then switch to a one piece rim. The lock is an easy fix and there are lots of aftermarket parts available, but try the pushing on the door trick, that's what I have to do to my '67 sometimes. That's an interesting color combination in the cab with the grey; I've never seen that before.

**Stocker** · 12-07-2010, 11:25 AM

Welcome, and congrats on your new truck! Very special indeed to inherit one in such great condition, and better still with the family history / sentimental value.

1) Not sure, but I would try shooting a bit of spray lube into the lock and work the key back & forth first. You might get lucky.

2) Opinions are all over the map -- I use 10W30 dino. There's a recent thread somewhere about engine oils.

4) I agree with Shyguy... no problems but many shops won't touch 'em for safety reasons (lack of training & experience). Truck tire shops would be your best bet if you decide to keep them. Best bet might be to change to 16" wheels.

YBNORML · 12-07-2010, 11:54 AM

Welcome to the board! Nice truck, your lucky to own one with such a personal history.
Posted via Mobile Device

71swb4x4 · 12-07-2010, 12:02 PM

On the door lock do as others have suggested, give the door a slight push inward as you turn the key in the lock.

*Shane* · 12-07-2010, 12:26 PM

awesome truck and even cooler story behind it.

tow guys · 12-07-2010, 12:32 PM

Sweet truck! Good luck with it

70 shorty · 12-07-2010, 01:12 PM

Damn, that's a nice truck, and a cool story behind it. Make sure to keep that thing in nice shape!

54blackhornet · 12-07-2010, 01:38 PM

Harry what do you fly ?

69sixpackbee · 12-07-2010, 01:41 PM

I hate you

harrydunn · 12-07-2010, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Harry what do you fly ?

Nothing yet. Just a military aviation fan. Starting my PPL training in the spring.

VA72C10 · 12-07-2010, 01:47 PM

Awesome truck..cool story as stated! Welcome to the board and being in MO you'll find a lot of cool guys on here to share stories with and meet at shows if you choose.

rsavage · 12-07-2010, 01:58 PM

Welcome. You have an original beauty there that is really special. When you have one that original, you need to keep it original (just my opinion - it's your truck). That was a pretty loaded up truck when your Grandpa bought it and it has certainly been well taken care of. Congrats.

harrydunn · 12-07-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsavage

Welcome. You have an original beauty there that is really special. When you have one that original, you need to keep it original (just my opinion - it's your truck). That was a pretty loaded up truck when your Grandpa bought it and it has certainly been well taken care of. Congrats.

It will stay original. I may debate removing the split rims at some point but they will not be sold.

DT1 · 12-07-2010, 02:05 PM

Wow!
What an awesome truck!
I know you asked a lot of questions but I really have to absorb the pictures before i can think of anything else!
Luckeeeeey!!!!!

DT1 · 12-07-2010, 02:06 PM

Oh yea...I hate you too.

sanford66 · 12-07-2010, 02:30 PM

Welcome from Kansas. Very clean truck and a great story to! Gotta love some of those off the wall GMC interior combos! Good luck with the truck. Joseph

**lolife99** · 12-07-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrydunn

Greetings--

*First Post*

As of last Friday, I'm the proud new owner of my late grandparent's (91 and 99 years old) '72 GMC 2500 Custom, purchased new in March '72. I've been fond of it since I was a kid and always thought it would be great to own someday. 350/4bbl, automatic, PS/PB, factory air, original split rims, original paperwork still in the glovebox with Protect-O-Plate.

WELCOME to the board,...
I was at that sale long enough to drive by and look at it.
(I was afraid to stop,... because I would have been bidding against you. Ha)
I had seen it before in Mexico, MO. (My home town)
I'm glad someone in the family got it.

This is a great site for all kinds of info and PLENTY of helpful people.
Again,... welcome to the board and CONGRATS on your new truck purchase.
That's a beautiful truck you have.

harrydunn · 12-07-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

WELCOME to the board,...
I was at that sale long enough to drive by and look at it.
(I was afraid to stop,... because I would have been bidding against you. Ha)
I had seen it before in Mexico, MO. (My home town)
I'm glad someone in the family got it.

This is a great site for all kinds of info and PLENTY of helpful people.
Again,... welcome to the board and CONGRATS on your new truck purchase.

Thank you for not stopping.

12-07-2010, 10:54 AM	#1
harrydunn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 256	New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Greetings-- First Post As of last Friday, I'm the proud new owner of my late grandparent's (91 and 99 years old) '72 GMC 2500 Custom, purchased new in March '72. I've been fond of it since I was a kid and always thought it would be great to own someday. 350/4bbl, automatic, PS/PB, factory air, original split rims, original paperwork still in the glovebox with Protect-O-Plate. It's not perfect by any means as it was a daily driver before being partially restored in 1988...and yes, the running boards have been taken off as of last night. I do have a few questions. 1) Door locks work well except I am unable to lock the driver's side door with they key. It unlocks with the key just fine. I wanted to hold off on popping the inner door panel off to look at the mechanism until I talked to the experts. 2) Oil recommendations? I'm a Shell Rotella fan and run that in my '93 Land Cruiser (ih8mud.com member ). Your thoughts on weight? Synthetic/Dino? I'd prefer to run the same weight all year. 3) Transmission fluid recommendations? I don't think I'll flush a 38-year-old trans, just change the fluid/filter. Again, throw your recommendations on me. 4) Should I get the split rims off of it? I know they can be dangerous but I believe that is just while they are being aired up. How dangerous are they to drive on? 5) Pretty hefty rear main leak. How difficult to change? I'm sure I'd have to lift the engine a bit. Pics from last Friday below. That's their '91 Lincoln with only 15,000 miles behind it. __________________ 1972 GMC 2500 Custom, 96K miles, Purchased New By My Grandparents 2016 Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road SR5 1993/2003/2005 Toyota Land Cruisers 2004 Corvette Z06 / 2000 Covette Coupe 2006 Ducati Multistrada 2014 BMW X3 XDrive35i M Sport

12-07-2010, 11:02 AM	#2
big blue 72 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: hamilton,ohio,usa Posts: 1,499	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents That is a beautiful truck you have inherited. Cherish it ! You will find your answers here , we are a friendly bunch. Welcome! __________________ Broken Back Club 72 Club GMC Club Panel truck Club 6 cylinder Club Unfinished Projects Club Outdoor Sportsmens Club

12-07-2010, 11:03 AM	#3
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Welcome to the forum from Southeast Missouri. Great looking truck with a lot of history. Split rims are not a problem to drive on. A lot of tire shops hesitate to deal with them. I had a '72 GMC with standard 16.5 rims so you may be able to find them pretty easy if you want to change. I am sure others will chime in with more info. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

12-07-2010, 11:13 AM	#4
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents My door lock acts the same way. The locking mechanism is probably just a bit worn out. See if you can push on the door as you lock it and see if it locks a bit easier. If it does not then you might have to replace the locking mechanism. I like Shell Rotella. 10w-40 or 15w-40 is good. I would stick with dino. I have a Valvoline transmission oil in my truck. You can change the rear main seal with the engine in the truck...it is a real pain to do though. The truck looks really nice!!!! Last edited by Alex Hayley; 12-07-2010 at 11:16 AM.

12-07-2010, 11:15 AM	#5
GOPAPA Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,551	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents What a pretty truck ..And I'm going to say thanks to the grandparents for taking care of it so well.. You got to be having heart flitters owning this right now ..right? LOL If you want to keep it stock the split rims will do just fine ,,just be sure and have some one with the proper tools and know how to fix a flat if you have one.. If you change to some up to date rims ,,then just keep the old ones for sentimental reasons if you like ,,as lots of us on here update the rims ... welcome to the board and keep us up to date on the truck Gp Larry from Oregon

12-07-2010, 11:18 AM	#6
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents I do have a few questions. 1) Door locks work well except I am unable to lock the driver's side door with they key. It unlocks with the key just fine. I wanted to hold off on popping the inner door panel off to look at the mechanism until I talked to the experts. 2) Oil recommendations? I'm a Shell Rotella fan and run that in my '93 Land Cruiser (ih8mud.com member ). Your thoughts on weight? Synthetic/Dino? I'd prefer to run the same weight all year. Here is a recent link... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=434150 3) Transmission fluid recommendations? I don't think I'll flush a 38-year-old trans, just change the fluid/filter. Again, throw your recommendations on me. 4) Should I get the split rims off of it? I know they can be dangerous but I believe that is just while they are being aired up. How dangerous are they to drive on? Some folks have replaced these as some have said...safety when changing tires. But that is your call. 5) Pretty hefty rear main leak. How difficult to change? I'm sure I'd have to lift the engine a bit. Great looking truck and and from Ohio. I am sure you will get a lot more replies. on keeping the truck in your family and that is a looking __________________ 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! Last edited by 70cst; 12-07-2010 at 11:19 AM.

12-07-2010, 11:20 AM	#7
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Nice truck.

12-07-2010, 11:22 AM	#8
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Welcome to the board from the left coast - that's a beautiful survivor you have there. Personally I wouldn't worry about the rims/tires until you need to change the tires out, then switch to a one piece rim. The lock is an easy fix and there are lots of aftermarket parts available, but try the pushing on the door trick, that's what I have to do to my '67 sometimes. That's an interesting color combination in the cab with the grey; I've never seen that before. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

12-07-2010, 11:25 AM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,696	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Welcome, and congrats on your new truck! Very special indeed to inherit one in such great condition, and better still with the family history / sentimental value. 1) Not sure, but I would try shooting a bit of spray lube into the lock and work the key back & forth first. You might get lucky. 2) Opinions are all over the map -- I use 10W30 dino. There's a recent thread somewhere about engine oils. 4) I agree with Shyguy... no problems but many shops won't touch 'em for safety reasons (lack of training & experience). Truck tire shops would be your best bet if you decide to keep them. Best bet might be to change to 16" wheels. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

12-07-2010, 11:54 AM	#10
YBNORML Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 3,850	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Welcome to the board! Nice truck, your lucky to own one with such a personal history. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67

12-07-2010, 12:02 PM	#11
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents On the door lock do as others have suggested, give the door a slight push inward as you turn the key in the lock. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-07-2010, 12:26 PM	#12
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents awesome truck and even cooler story behind it.

12-07-2010, 12:32 PM	#13
tow guys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bayville NJ Posts: 385	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Sweet truck! Good luck with it

12-07-2010, 01:12 PM	#14
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,772	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Damn, that's a nice truck, and a cool story behind it. Make sure to keep that thing in nice shape! __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K

12-07-2010, 01:38 PM	#15
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,386	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Harry what do you fly ?



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12-07-2010, 01:41 PM	#16
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents I hate you

12-07-2010, 01:47 PM	#18
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Awesome truck..cool story as stated! Welcome to the board and being in MO you'll find a lot of cool guys on here to share stories with and meet at shows if you choose. __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

12-07-2010, 01:58 PM	#19
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Welcome. You have an original beauty there that is really special. When you have one that original, you need to keep it original (just my opinion - it's your truck). That was a pretty loaded up truck when your Grandpa bought it and it has certainly been well taken care of. Congrats. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

12-07-2010, 02:05 PM	#21
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Wow! What an awesome truck! I know you asked a lot of questions but I really have to absorb the pictures before i can think of anything else! Luckeeeeey!!!!!

12-07-2010, 02:06 PM	#22
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Oh yea...I hate you too.

12-07-2010, 02:30 PM	#23
sanford66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Everest Ks Posts: 749	Re: New Member, 1972 GMC 2500, Purchased New By My Grandparents Welcome from Kansas. Very clean truck and a great story to! Gotta love some of those off the wall GMC interior combos! Good luck with the truck. Joseph __________________ 1970 Chevelle Nomad station wagon 1966 C-10 lwb,250-six,granny 4speed 1966 C-10 lwb,factory A/C,Custom Cab 1954 Delray 2-door sedan [rat rod project]

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