My 1970 Chevy Pickup - New to Forum and need help

[Choppy]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking here on and off for a couple years, as the 67-72 pickups have been one of my all time favorite's since I was a little boy.

Going to try to keep this long story short as possible. Approximately 13 years ago, I was at an auction with my brother and father. They were both selling cars and I was observing. I did not get my bidder number because I was afraid I would buy something. So, sitting there minding my own business when I see a black 70' SWB line up for the auction. Dad and I went over to inspect and WOW. This thing was gorgeous. You could literally eat off the thing including the engine bay. My dad quickly stated that if I wanted it, he would bid and we could work out money later. So, we bought it!

Unfortunately for me, his new, much younger than he, wife walks up and starts going nuts over the truck (my truck). He pulls me aside and says he should probably keep the truck for a few weeks until he had a chance to speak with her about "our" deal.

13 years later, he hands me the keys and says it's mine! FINALLY. BTW - the trophy wife is no longer by his side. Go figure.

Anyway, the PO made some pretty bold statements 13 years ago that I am interested in researching. He stated that it was an original black on black, big block truck. I know nothing about the factory options on this truck. I've researched a little and know how to determine whether not it was a v8 vs inline 6, but I don't know if and how to determine if it was a big block or if big blocks were even an option and I didn't see anywhere to determine original color.

Any help and guidance to the right places would be greatly appreciated.

Posting a couple quick shots of the truck. It has been tucked away in his shop for several years with an inch of dust and dirt. I am in the process of detailing it and fixing a few little things before I take a bunch of photos.

Here are a few specs:
454 Dressed
Posi Rear
Vintage A/C
Black exterior
Black and Red interior

Thanks - Dale

[In The Ten Ring]

Quite a few things aren't original.....you may know that already.

Being single, I am always amazed at how easily men backtrack when their wives chime in. Might be better that I am single! :-)

[Tinkermc]

there is a link here to break down the vin # it will tell you engine size,trans,and where built. The spid sheet on the inside of the glove box door may be from your truck will tell the options, ps,pb and model of truck along with colors in and out, check the vin # against the spid sheet. Welcome to the forum,

[Choppy]

Thanks guys. I'll look for the VIN link.

Yes, I am aware that many things about this truck is not original. It was a 90's resto mod for sure with lots of billet.

[Acorn]

Welcome! This site is full of very helpful and knowledgable folks.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/Chevyear.html

[Choppy]

Well, If I did this right, I have a:
2wd
I-6 (bummer)
1/2
Fenderside
Fremont
1970

Couple surprises, but oh well.

I'm guessing a LOT of these trucks were converted to V8's years ago and won't hurt the value!?!

[Choppy]

Next question:

Where's the best place to buy parts? I'm wanting to replace the grill and side marker bezels, etc.

[In The Ten Ring]

GMC Paul's and Classic Heartbeat are my first choices since they are forum members and great to deal with.

I hear Tucker's has good sheet metal and that Brothers is good too....others will chime in shortly.

[Lattimer]

For a 1970 grill Classic Parts is the best price I've seen.

[LockDoc]

-
Just curious, what does it list on the label inside the glove box door for wheel base. It would be listed as W/BASE at the top of the label.

Thanks,
LockDoc

[Acorn]

Unless you are going to restore the truck to factory original, the v8 will NOT hurt the value. My opinion is, it's your truck, build it the way YOU want it.

In addition to the vendors mentioned above, the best place to buy parts is right here on this forum. Become a supporting member (money WELL spent) and post a 'want to buy' ad. And check the 'for sale' section. Nothing fits as good as OE parts. Hint: you got to check it often and buy fast! I'm always a day late and a dollar short!

Why do you need a new grill? Yours looked pretty good in the pics. The 69/70 repo grills are kind of pricy. (Let me know if you want to sell yours!)

[yuccales]

Good looking truck! Your grille looks fine to me.