A Super Cheyenne followed me home today

[redjroftx]

Well, here is another one I have picked up. That’s 2 in about 90 days. It’s another project for sure. The old girl has dings and dents all over. It’s missing some trim. It was running as of 2 mos. ago according to previous owner. It threw a rod, and the p.o. got tired of fooling with it. I only paid $500 for it. I paid $500 for my 71 and it was only a cab and chassis. This truck is mostly complete. It still has the dealership emblem from whence it came. The engine is not original to the truck. I wish it were. The numbers on the block below the a/c compressor do not match the vin. It does have its original 400TH tranny I believe. So it was a 400/400 from the factory. Now, it’s just a truck that needs a lot of work. I already have a 71 C-10, and now this 72 Super. Are Cheyenne Supers a rare bird? Does that A/C compressor look original to you guys?

[redjroftx]

More pictures.









Thanks for looking and the help.

[jocko]

congrats! Supers aren't RARE rare, but they are the top of the line trim level, so, in that respect, a little rare. Very desirable trucks. Like the color/int combo. The compressor looks correct to me. Or, that is to say, it looks like mine, so either we're both right or we're both wrong... Ha. I think it's correct though. 2 in 90 days must be a new record. A big block to boot! You're probably aware, looks to not have the original steering wheel and your seat cover would have been the parchment with black/white houndstooth. Congrats!
EDIT: here's some pics for ref:
EDIT 2: Ha, just noticed you have a small block installed - original 402 long gone I guess.

[redjroftx]

Thanks for the pics jocko. Yeah. Original engine is who knows where. I will probably put a 350 in it as 400's are probably as scarce as hen's teeth. Why is it the 1st thing people do is remove the original steering wheels in these trucks? All the repros I've seen are $250 give or take. And I need 2.

[67 cst swb]

It looks like that truck must have spent some time in Australia, as I see the compass is upside-down...

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by redjroftx

ha ha ha

[jocko]

Originally Posted by redjroftx

Thanks for the pics jocko. Yeah. Original engine is who knows where. I will probably put a 350 in it as 400's are probably as scarce as hen's teeth. Why is it the 1st thing people do is remove the original steering wheels in these trucks? All the repros I've seen are $250 give or take. And I need 2.

I've noticed that also (steering wheels). I assume that is because these were prone to cracking pretty severely, and people just pitched em. Always thought a steering wheel resto biz would be lucrative. However, it also requires a lot of work and talent, so I'm still poor based on the latter... They can be found though (originals, that is), but you'll easily pay as much as you would for a repro.

[SS Tim]

Nice find! The original engine is not VIN coded only build date and application. As far as a small block replacement, I'd keep my eyes open for a deal on any big block from a 402 to a 454 and call it good. Surely you can find something to fill that engine bay back up. Just be aware that the A/C compressor brackets are big block specific.

[redjroftx]

SS Tim, I always thought the engines were v.i.n. stamped to the trucks they came in. I will go to the shop tomorrow, and write down the numbers appearing on the engine block below the a/c compressor, and report back tomorrow. Thanks.

[SS Tim]

The VIN coding of truck blocks started a little later, so you won't see it on a 67-72 truck.
Since we know its a replacement engine you might as well grab the block casting number and casting date too. Many replacement engines turn out to be car 305s.
If you have the build sheet or a protect-o-plate we could probably deduce the correct engine assembly number your original engine would have had.

[redjroftx]

I'm new to the terminology. What is the protect-o-plate and where would it be located?

[SS Tim]

It is a credit card like embossed steel plate attached to the original warranty booklet. The owners name and info were added with Dymo label tape. Usually clear and GM marked but locally sourced tape is also often seen, as this is.
The plate was used to imprint warranty paperwork as a dealer fraud prevention measure.

[redjroftx]

Ah, it is part of the original paperwork when the tuck was bought new. I have seen the protect-o-plate only once. About 2 yrs ago, in a 72 that was on the dealers lot in Paris, TX, and it also had all of the original paperwork, owners manual, maintenance history, etc, from the original previous owner in the glovebox of the truck. The dealer took it in from original owners heirs and they were from Abilene. The truck had around 58000 original miles. A mustard colored C-10 with air and upper and lower trim, $7500. I walked away and have now found these old clunkers to fix up. By the time I'm done, it would have been cheaper to give the dealer his asking price.


Any way, back to the old 72 Cheyenne Super, I could not get to the casting numbers on the back of the engine to see them. The numbers on the front of the engine block under the a/c are : first is a "T or 1"5B555075 and then K 05 06 CMJ. From looking on the net and finding these 2 links:

http://www.thecamaro.com/Decoding/Ch...Code-Decoding/
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php

It would appear the engine in this truck is a 350 from McKinnon Industries, assembled May, 06 1974 if I have deciphered it correctly?

Thanks.

[SS Tim]

You were close.
Of course I'd need the casting number and date to cross check but this is it so far.

Based on the engine build number and the car's partial VIN.

Engine build number
K St. Catherines, Ontario (McKinnon Industries Canada)
05 May
06 6th day of May
CMJ

Code Year CID Vehicle HP RPO Trans Carb Comments
CMJ 75 350 Impala 145 L-65 TH350 2-Brl A.I.R.
CMJ 75 350 Chevelle 145 L-65 TH350 2-Brl A.I.R.

Vehicle it was installed in
1 Chevrolet
5 1975
B Baltimore
555075 serial number

[70cst]

Looks like a keeper to me