$1.00 1970 c20

[Jahloha]

Hey Forum:

THE STORY

Long time lurker, just turned member here. I am happy to finally participate and learn from all of our knowledgable members.

Long story short, in 1969 my grandpa bought a $1.00 raffle ticket from a coworkers daughter and six months later, he received a call informing him he had won a brand new 1970 Chevrolet C20. Thinking it was a joke, he hung up. They fortunately called back multiple times, got his address, and the truck was delivered that week.

My father was not around, so my grandpa took on those responsibilities. This truck is what we would use to drive around, do work in the mountains, and everything in between. His life is wrapping up and he finally made the call and asked me if I wanted to have the truck. I flew back to CA, picked it up, made the trek back to Utah and now have my dream truck in front of my house.

THE HOPE
I want this to be my daily driver, capable of going 75 on the highway, but also be able to tow the occasional decent sized load. I also want to be able to toss my wife the keys and have zero doubt that she can drive and be safe, no breakdowns, safety issues, etc.

MY BACKGROUND
My grandpa passed on a deep knowledge in electrical, carpentry, and problem solving skills to me, which I hope to use in this restore. But I know I do not have many of the tools necessary for some of the work. This will be a challenge that will be overcome depending on help I can get from friends, cost to farm out the particular project, and how much time my family can allow me.

YOUR HELP
From your experience on our trucks, if you were to give a brief (two or three bullet points) of projects you would for sure farm out, what would those be? Also, if I were to ask a shop to help me with the restore, how can I reduce the cost of that (i.e., taking the engine apart for them, the panels, etc)?

THE PICS
I have more, but not on my computer. I am excited to share the development of this project, in memory of my grandpa.

[Vova]

Great story and truck. It looks to be in good condition. What does it need?

[Low Elco]

Looks like a solid start!

[jjzepplin]

Welcome to the best forum around!
Looks like you have an heirloom there to pass on.
Nice original truck!
What are the specs?
Auto-Manual-Big or smallbock-Gears in rear?
If your in a hurry they can be money pits, If you take your time you may never finish, If you are diligent and do something daily you will get to the finish line and be happy.

[Jahloha]

It is in pretty dang good shape, in my opinion. I did the drive up to Utah without any problems, although it does lose quite a bit of oil. Rust is only seen externally in one half dollar size spot on passenger door.

I am curious as to tell whether the frame is "straight" or not. It has never been in an accident, but I know that is not the only factor to the frame's integrity.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Welcome to the best forum around!
Looks like you have an heirloom there to pass on.
Nice original truck!
What are the specs?
Auto-Manual-Big or smallbock-Gears in rear?
If your in a hurry they can be money pits, If you take your time you may never finish, If you are diligent and do something daily you will get to the finish line and be happy.

4 Speed Auto with a 350 smallblock. Not sure on the gears, where can I find that out? I assume low because it tows like a champ (already had 2 3 ton loads for 100 mile trips), but that is my assumption.

[jjzepplin]

I think it should have a metal tag on one of the bolts on the differential cover that shows the gear ratio. Might also be inside the glove box on the SPID.
Are you sure about the "4" speed auto?
Not sure those were an option back then.
Of course anything is possible being that old.

[mcbassin]

Welcome to the truck forum!
Looks like a great foundation to start from but an even better story. Ask any questions you have. Subscribed

[Mister-B]

Cool truck. I'd start with cleaning and waxing it. Use some Zymol cleaner wax, and it'll remove the oxidation and shine that paint up nicely. Don't do any drastic things until you've had some time with it. Your taste will evolve as you get more in to the culture of these trucks.

Change the oil, and other fluids.

Make a list of the other things it needs, and just check them off as you go. If you have a natural mechanical ability, you should be able to do most stuff yourself.

[1968k10blue]

I know when I bought mine I started by checking fluids and brakes