'72 C-20 Project Aztec

[Aztec.A]

Howdy everyone,

I recently purchased a 1972 C-20 Custom pick up from a best friend of mine.

It still has the original build sheet on the back of the glove box. It's a pretty basic truck.

It is mostly original with a few mods my friend did to it.

It has drop spindles up front and lowering shocks and springs in the rear. Other than some headers, Cherry Bomb glasspacks that dump in back of the cab, an HEI distributor, and power brakes the truck is stock. Oh and the original color was Medium Blue, he had it resprayed with Grapefruit Yellow enamel about 10 years ago when he first bought it.

It's a non factory AC truck, has the original 350 V8, 3 on the tree, non power steering, Long bed, and I want to say has a one barrel carburetor.



As far as the rear axle goes, I believe it to be an Eaton HO52. For the life of me I can not figure out the Axle type, but it does have 17 spline axles.

The wheels were locked up in the rear and I found the issue. It was a bad inner wheel bearing. It litterally fell apart when I pulled the axle out and there is a roll pin bearing that is seized and cocked to the bearing basket assembly. The basket was also kinked and seized up on the race.

I'm having a helluva time finding the bearings local. They're pretty pricey and range from $58 to $80 each depending on the parts store.

The brake shoes look like they're in good shape and the drums are smooth and even with no scoring or grooves.

I can't say that for the front disc brakes.

I drained the cooling system and flushed the radiator and block out. I'll be sending the radiator out for a clean and repair to a family friends shop.

All the coolant lines, clamps, neck, cap, and water pump will be replaced. Heater core looks horrible.

The fuel pump is shot, I'm thinking the diaphragm is dried and won't make suction (if it has one) therefore the carb is not getting any fuel.

I did drop a splash of gas in the carb and the darn thing starts right up! (shoot me for doing that, I have a fire extinguisher in the garage)


I do have a new Brothers Truck side fill rear fuel tank. Original tank is gone as my buddy took it out years ago. I'll need so guidance with installation of the lines and filler neck so any pointers are appreciated.

For now the main goal is to get it in running conditon so I can make good use of it while I get my other frame built up.

So far I have a Holley 650 DP that I rebuilt, Victor Jr. Intake (yes its a single plane and I plan to cam and swap heads), Holley electric fuel pump w fuel pressure regulator, spark plugs, top end gaskets, fuel pump block off, air cleaner, water pump, thermostat, intake water neck, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the rear mount fuel tank. I can't complain since all this was free from my uncle. I'll play with the small block for now.

I have C-10 long bed frame that was given to me for free and I will be shortening it and doing a new short bed, full Porter Built suspension system, Accuair, LS Power (LQ4 w L92 heads or other LS Variant), T-56 trans, Infinity Box wire harness/control module, and 18-19 in wheels and tires. Unsure on the rear diff combination.

I own a wrap, window film, paint protection, and automotive lighting business. So I will also feature my products and services on it as well.


Here are a few pictures that I have so far.

Thank you in advance for any support, following, advise, hating, etc. It's much needed!