My 1970 SWB BB 2WD - I have questions

[Gawdly]

I finally found what I was looking for... bought the truck a couple weeks ago.

This is my second 67-72. The first was a 72 SWB 4x4 that I owned for about 3 years. Nice truck, drove the hell out of it, but my heart was set on a 2wd so I sold it a few months back on ebay. You might have seen it listed on this site in the classified.

The new truck... well, to save time typing here's the SPID and a couple pictures.









The truck is in amazing shape. Engine is rebuilt, 700R4 Tranny that had issues when I bought it but is now working well. 12 bolt posi rear end, 5 lug and front disk conversion, lowered, etc. No rust anywhere and appears to still be in its original paint in a lot of places.

So here are my questions...
1. The truck appears to be lowered with just springs, no spindles. Can anyone tell how much it's been lowered? I'm trying to figure out where I'm at so I can decide if I want to change it. I like the look but am considering spindles to regain a little travel in the front.







2. In 1970, was there an RPO code that signified the large white side body stripe? Or was that stripe specific to a package... like only on CST trucks? Here's a pic of the stripe I'm talking about.



Hopefully the owner doesn't mind... I love that truck. Obviously my truck is going to need paint. The previous owner pulled the big mirrors off as well as the upper trim and started filling holes. I'm tempted to put the upper trim back on and add the white stripe, I've always loved that look with the copper paint. The other part of me says I should embrace the base truck look it has going, leave the top trim off and just repaint as it was.

Thanks for your help.

[7dguy]

Neat truck. Looks solid...is that the original SPID?

[Gawdly]

Originally Posted by 7dguy

Neat truck. Looks solid...is that the original SPID?

I photoshop-ed out the last 4 digits. As far as I can tell, it's original. It's weathered about the same as the the rest of the truck and the glove box door appears to be original paint.

[71swb4x4]

Gorgeous truck!! It looks like a 3/4 drop to me, but I am no expert on drops.

I hate to tell you but that SPID is not original. The font is way off. That being said, there was a member on here that could duplicate the orignal font and make a new SPID for relatively cheap. I think it was Chipflyer, not sure if he is still around.

[cdowns]

agree on nonoriginal SPID

[Gawdly]

Originally Posted by cdowns

agree on nonoriginal SPID

Good... now I don't have to worry so much about originality. White stripe it is...

[68350]

The stripe was simply a paint option which could be had on any trucks ordered with upper and lower trim. The middle and top would always be white(or light green or yellow in some cases). And I agree that the font is not correct.

[72freak]

Before I scrolled down I was thinking the same thing....I have never seen such a nice bold SPID. i wonder why the re-pop?

[68350]

It almost looks like the canadian font. Did anyone else notice that option U63 simply says "radio"?

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Gawdly

1. The truck appears to be lowered with just springs, no spindles. Can anyone tell how much it's been lowered? I'm trying to figure out where I'm at so I can decide if I want to change it. I like the look but am considering spindles to regain a little travel in the front.

I think it looks great. A little paint and, well, it'll look REALLY great!

You could trim that rubber snubber down a bit and pick up some ride travel that way....

K

[Heavy Evy]

Awsome stance on this truck and the 396 is awsome it doesn't help my quest for a shortbed at all haha also looks like you got some edgewear on those front tries might be time for an alignment.

[cheyenne shortstep]

If you think the weathering on the SPID is legit it could be Canadian. I have only seen one or two Canadian models this far south but the font was similar if memory serves.

[Gawdly]

If I'm reading the vin right it was made in the Baltimore plant? There is also an old dealer sticker on the tailgate from North Carolina. This thing has been around.

Is there anyway to run the vin past Chevy to find out how it was originally optioned? Does anyone have a canadian SPID they could post to compare?

Based on how dry it is, it must have come out west early on. There is zero rust on this thing and I can't see any repairs.

[sameyrasmea72]

Very nice truck. Looks like it may have been restored at some point in the last 40 years. Maybe 20 years ago or something. But I guess it could be mostly original too.

As far as the paint stripe, In 1970, I did not think the white in the center was available. It could have a white top or white top/bottom like below.

in 1972 atleast, The code was 146210 WHITE/MEDIUM BRONZE/WHITE/MEDIUM BRONZE..... but was shortened on the SPID.

[Gawdly]

Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72

As far as the paint stripe, In 1970, I did not think the white in the center was available.

Can anyone verify this?

[71swb4x4]

Originally Posted by Gawdly

Can anyone verify this?

I can't with facts, but I can tell you that I think he is right.


As far as running the VIN past Chevy if it's a US truck you can't. Have you checked under or behind the seat for the build sheet? It is usually tucked in the seat springs. The build sheet would give you everything you need to know.

[2500HD]

Nice truck. Looks familiar.

[Gawdly]

Originally Posted by 2500HD

Nice truck. Looks familiar.

I dig it...
How do you like that drop? Does it have much travel in the rear? Ride nice?

[2500HD]

Originally Posted by Gawdly

I dig it...
How do you like that drop? Does it have much travel in the rear? Ride nice?

I like the drop really well. I do wish the front was about 1/2 higher. i have not measured the amount of travel but it does fine for the most part. I have bottomed out on the rear and buzzed the front tires on the inner fenders a couple of times. The ride is great running down the hi-way or around town with decent roads. On ruff roads it rides just like a lowered truck should. Drive it like a lowered truck should be driven and all is good.

[Duncan and son]

I am 99.99% Jason is right on the paint. The 4 way as we call it (white bronze white bronze) was not an option until 1971. Jason is not always right, just most of the time. He is smarter than a white rat.
Dad

[chipflyer]

That SPID is definitely not original. The font isn't even close. Very nice truck though, it deserves a better label than that in my opinion.
I also agree with Samey and Mr Duncan, no wide white stripe until 1971.

Here is another label from the same year/factory for comparison.

[jrcaprai]

Hey I found Ya....
Thats a tough decision... I think I like the White Stripe best though
I have always wanted a 70-72 Big block also

[Longhorn Man]

the center accent color(or stripe as dubbed here) was avalible starting in 69, not common till 71.
Could be any color if requested. But most were white, some were green, and some yellow. I saw pics of one that was white with blue as the accent color, claimed to be original. But the documentation I've seen said any color avalible, but the factory had it's 'recomended colors'.

[75gmc454]

It was available, but you don't see many. Here is my 70 for an example:

[Gawdly]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

the center accent color(or stripe as dubbed here) was avalible starting in 69, not common till 71.

Perfect... that made my decision.