stay stock or go custom look

[vtblazer]

Whatever it takes for you to enjoy your truck, do it to it.

Alot of good points being made here but for me something that doesn't get driven is just a lonely truck.

Make it fun, make it dependable and drive it every chance you get.

[special-K]

Custom vs stock?I think these trucks are so popular,now and have always had a following since the body change in`73,is that they have such great and timeless styling.So,however I do them,I try to do it without taking away from its original good looks.I like it all,there`s plenty out there.But,some do fall into the "prestine classic" catagory and in my opinion are more precious than cars of that type since the notion of having a truck with car-like or high-performance features hadn`t hit most of America by `72.A black on black 1972 CheyenneSuperFleetsideShortbed w/402,duals,TH400,posi,wood floor,a/c,tach,tilt,cruise,buckets/console,am/fm/8track,etc is a highly sought after collectible that will climb in value along with the RS/SS,Z28/RS,and big block Camaros for example.As a truck-nut,I feel this way about all the trucks with well thought out,special options to make it right for their special purposes.Like 4wds and Camper Haulers(or both),as well as 1tons set-up for their jobs.

[bagged91]

I personally don't think the parts for these trucks are that expensive... Try redoing a 1st gen F body or a tri-5 chevy. Now we're talking expensive. I like both custom & stock so I am doing both My 71' is getting "restored" with BB/T400/ac/tilt/cruise/tach,AM/FM, ect... BUT I am going to go with a set of rally wheels. The BB is getting a mild cam, some flowmasters and a gear drive 'cause I like the sound My 72' is getting restorodded. I am keeping the interior close to stock with some very minor alterations, the outside is getting a 68' clip & cowl hood, shaved emblems & gas fill but being repainted in stock colors. I will be bagging it and throwing some 17's under it and have been toying with the idea of putting my polished TPI and a 200R4 in it.

IMHO, It's your truck, do what you think looks good on it. If you do a quality job on whatever you do to it, it will retain it's value.

[71RestoRod]

Originally Posted by 9footfan

i vote for stock appearance on the outside and anything goes for the "inside".

[jamis]

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

if you have some rare big block 2wd shortbed super with bad ass options then i would say dont ruin a truck that could bring in some coin for originality. but if you start out with a 250, sm465, LWB fleet, 2wd 1/2 ton i say customize it. who would want one of those all factory besides CPNE???

he said it all.............

[jamis]

Originally Posted by Randy70C-10

OK, on a more serious note, keep it stock (for the most part) but add custom wheels (save the original ones though) and maybe drop a slightly built up engine in it. This way if you're unsure you can always change it back. Also, a 3 inch drop can be changed back too as long as you save the parts, someone here will buy the parts from you if you decide that you don't like them.

You forgot to tell him the save the little wedges he has to cut out to lay the a-pillers back. Those peices arent avalible NOS anymore.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Stock like a rock!!!

[c10chevy69]

I am going to go the semi custom route. My '69 will be power disc and five lug all the way around next weekend. I am also going to put a 72 grille with the turn signals behind the grille, keeping the stock 69 bumper. I also am planning to fill in the tailgate handle and put some flush latches on the inside.
Color change is in the works too haven't decided what color yet though. It's all about how you want to do it. As long as you like it that's all that matters.

[SuperCheyanne72]

I prefer stock with extra mods

[nyncompute]

Originally Posted by franko72

.There seems to be different grades of replacement parts. From China to NOS parts.I want to have the stock look ,I just feel that if it isnt original equipment (NOS) that the restored truck might as well be made in China.

I wouldn't think of it that way at all. Just to give you a little perspective; I recently went to a Mopar show and saw a display of seven of the original 11 71 Hemi Cuda Convertibles. I had a discussion with the restorer of VIN # 1 of these models and when I asked him if he used NOS or Mopar used parts he smiled and said many of the restoration parts are the same ones used in catalogs. Translation- China. Bear in mind that one of the owners has a standing offer of 5 million dollars for one of those cars. (they were worth 2 million just a year ago). One has a non original block and sold for 3. So anyway I would't sweat the non USA thing..sometimes there isn't an alternative.

[Mudder]

I say do what u like!!!!!!!!!!! I did.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Its your truck do to it what you want... Here is an idea as to what I like..