New member w/ 72 GMC into 69 Chevy

[Southern C10]

Hey guys,

I just joined up and wanted to post some pics of my project.

Before heading back over to Iraq for my fourth trip I bought a 72 GMC SWB with a 350 three on the tree. It had already been someones project so all the rust was cut out and patched and the truck had been painted back to the original Okra.

As a kid we had a 69 chevy (Blue one in pics) on the farm that I learned to drive with. It was going to be a future project for me and my grandad but about 10 years ago grandma rolled it over in a storm. I found the 72 two weeks before we deployed over here. Ill be back at the end of May and will spend my three weeks of leave rebuilding it with grandpa and my brother. The plan is to make the 72 GMC into the 69 Chevy.

Any body got any tips or problems I may run into doing this project? This is my first restore. Thanks, Brian.

[72BlckButy]

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

You'll find this place to become your second home. There's tons of information, friends, parts, .... and so much more.

Just to wanted to bring this to your attention....

2008 Board Meet in Big Sandy, TN

[19stepSide72]

welcome to the board and thank you for your service. Been there and done that. Glad to be home. wish you the best over there. Restoring a truck with your grandpa has to be the greatest thing a person could do. I think. My gramps died before I was born....jealous.....yes I am!!!

[WorkinLonghorn]

Hey there,welcome from California,the land of fruits,nuts and flakes.
That '72 looks pretty nice as it sits. Why would you need to get the '69 involved? What engine does the '72 have?-Brian

[Southern C10]

Right now its got a 350 with a three on the tree tranny. Im gonna leave the engine and replace the trans with a 350 auto. The body is about %85 done and the paint is pretty well done but im just not a fan of the okra or the GMC front end. Thanks for the welcome.

[chevy72blu]

Thats a fine looking 72 you have to start with. Any rust areas you plan on tackling?

As for the 69... It may be over your head, but I cant imagine anything with more sentimental value than the vehicle you learned to drive in. Tear into you 72, and get it the way you want it. You'll learn a lot. On down the road, when your automotive/metal working skills are much better, I would break that thing down and make it look just like you did when you were a kid. It looks saveable - was the frame damaged? I imagine theres quite a bit of cancer having set out that long, but there is hardly a panel that isnt reproduced.

Let us know where you go with it, and thank you for serving your Country!

[lowriden58]

guys i think he wants to put a 69 chevy front on the 72 GMC swap should be pretty simple

[Shyguy]

Changing to a '69 Chevy from a '72 GMC is pretty straight forward.

A few things you will need are a Chevy radiator support and grill.

You will need to cover the GMC on the tailgate and remove the GMC from the hood.

Good luck with your new project.

Take care and be safe.

Danny

[Southern C10]

Hey guys,

Yes lowriden58, I want to put a 69 front end on the 72 GMC. The real 69 (blue) in the pic actually belongs to my uncle now. He wouldnt sell it to me to fix up but its for the best. I dont think I could tackle that big of a project as a newbie. The GMC has one small rust spot (in the pic) at the drivers left foot that should be fairly simple to repair. Im thinking about a OEM factory orange with a white cab. Thanks for all the welcomes.

[HoupPhotography]

Welcome to the board from HOT az PHOENIX, (it's not to hot yet).....

Thank You for your service to our country, If you are ever in Phoenix, look me up, the least I can do is buy you a cold one and talk trucks!!

[Southern C10]

HoupPhotography ,

I might just take you up on that. I should be in Tempe to see a friend in June. Im a coors light man. Seconds are on me.

[Longhorn Man]

add to that parts list, a set of chevy fenders.
your best bet would be to locate an entire front clip, fenders, hood, grill, core support, and buy the whole thing.

From one vet to another, thank you for your (repeated) service, keep your head down, and come home safe.

[Southern C10]

Thanks Longhorn Man,

Are the fenders and hood off the 72 GMC not the same as the Chevy? I thought pretty much all parts from 69-72s were interchangeable between chevy and GMC?

Thanks, Brian.

[El Jay]

Thank you for your service and welcome to the board.

You'll find that the knowledge is encyclopedia and the service helpful and friendly.

I thought I knew about old Chevys, but these guys teach me something new everyday.

[Longhorn Man]

fenders are not the same.
The hood is the same stamping, but there are 6 holes for the lettering, verses two holes on a chevy badge.

[powell72]

Originally Posted by B.K.S.

Are the fenders and hood off the 72 GMC not the same as the Chevy? I thought pretty much all parts from 69-72s were interchangeable between chevy and GMC?

The hood is the same but the fenders are different. You need to find some 69-72 Chevy fenders.

Welcome and thanks for all you do.

[powell72]

Andy, you got me, my computer is slow today.

[msgross]

GMC fenders fit 68 chevy (with the side marker) and 67 chevy (if you fill in the side marker). Thanks for your service, I assume that your with the 101st?

You could pay $25 to become a member and put your clip up for sale and or trade for a good 69/70 clip. Or put an ad on craigslist.... Good luck over there and make it back safely...

[bw4sale]

Welcome from Hendersonville and thanks for you service.

[1tigers]

You can ship me that old junkie front clip and grill. i might even give you a little money for it

[Southern C10]

Thanks guys,

Longhorn Man/msgross/powell72, Thanks, what are the differences between the GMC and Chevy fenders and where would be a good place to look for replacements?

msgross, I was with the 101st for 4.5 years now im with another unit on post. Think John Waynes 1968 hit movie.......

1tigers, The truck is ontop of Lookout Mtn in Gadsden AL. Ill be their mid June to 5 Jul. If your serious we could meet up and work out a deal, if your willing to travel into ROLL TIDE country!!

[1tigers]

Let me know when you get back. I love road trips.