1972 Cheyenne Super Short Fleet Big Block build!

[VA72C10]

Here's the bed and gate I got today from Mike AKA Fine69





No, not that gate....that's to sell.....it's decent with no rust, but a slight bow and a couple dings. THIS is the GATE
It's got the couple surface rust spots and one tiny pit hole under where the tailgate band goes....that'll be an easy fix and then it'll be better than NOS (holes drilled for me ) NO I repeat NO dings. None!!!

[VA72C10]

I'm doing this in my garage which is under my bedroom in our split level house. Blessed to have a nice house and garage....but it could always be larger....a lot larger

Maybe one day. Until now check out my clearance (or lack thereof)...this is why most of my builds take place in Jason's shop who does all my welding work for me.....truck will be headed over there soon to get it's last bit of rust surgically removed

Here's the garage in all it's (cough) glory

Got a little room on the driver's side (like 3 inches). Those shelves hold hundreds of itemized parts for our trucks so it's like having a parts store right in my own garage


Passenger side is tighter still (basically touching the engine and actually touching the toolbox)



No speeding in my garage.....note the "new" fenders....temporary fixes until I find some super nice originals w/ trim. Sold the aftermarket ones Saturday.




Here are the engine and tranny for now...


And the rest of the junk....somewhere buried in the packaging and boxes are 6 rust free doors, several rust free fenders, vent windows, etc etc etc


Last one for now...

[sourkraut]

cool project! havent been on much and just saw this! should be real nice one to work on and sweet once finished!

[67cheby]

nice, tuned in for more

[hgs_notes]

That tranny was even nastier than my jimmy's, will probably need some gaskets, dipstick o-ring, seals, etc. Looks like a solid foundation for a very nice truck. I thought my garage was crowded until I saw the pics of yours. I've got tons of room!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by sourkraut

cool project! havent been on much and just saw this! should be real nice one to work on and sweet once finished!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by 67cheby

nice, tuned in for more

I'll try to keep the updates coming!

Originally Posted by hgs_notes

That tranny was even nastier than my jimmy's, will probably need some gaskets, dipstick o-ring, seals, etc. Looks like a solid foundation for a very nice truck. I thought my garage was crowded until I saw the pics of yours. I've got tons of room!

I'm having it professionally inspected by a friend of Jason's who is a 30yr experienced tranny rebuilder...hopefully won't need much more than gaskets/seals....we'll see

[VA72C10]

I plan to get the rest of the wiring out of the truck tonight. It is AWESOME. I haven't found a single cut wire or connector. I will need the engine harness but I have everything otherwise in great shape!

I sent in two sets of door panels and two cheyenne super glovebox doors to the cheyenne man. He's going to rebuild them to show quality original and provide two new bezels also. I will install one set in the truck and sell the other set to offset some of my build costs.
I am also getting a fully rebuilt console from him. I have one that is very nice but has a couple screw holes in it. I will sell this with the other set of parts I'm having him re-do with another bucket seat set I'm recovering...

I will be sure to take detailed pictures when I get all the parts in a few weeks for those considering getting new woodgrain items or a console.

I also got in some of my bead blasted parts from member tll74. They look like brand new!!! I sent him a huge box of parts to do for me. Some for this truck and some also to resell....again to offset my costs....

Some have unlimited or at least healthy budgets for their builds. I on the other hand, have to get creative

More pictures to follow this evening....

for now (to keep the picture hounds happy ) here are my already professionally painted inner fenders with the patch panels and battery tray, the new outer grille, chrome front bumper, PUI seat covers for the buckets, and the one of my tach dashes....I am going to use the original gauges to keep the mileage correct (67K original documented miles) (and it will have the correct woodgrain bezel)

[Zoomin]

Love CSM's work. They did an awesome job on the woodgrain for me, and I was astounded at how my emblems came back - like new!

Looking good!
Posted via Mobile Device

[tll74]

WOW... I love that spid..it goes on forever! A very well optioned truck. Can't wait for the end pics!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

Love CSM's work. They did an awesome job on the woodgrain for me, and I was astounded at how my emblems came back - like new!

Looking good!
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks! I am excited to see the parts. Everyone has spoken highly of him and the prices seem reasonable since the parts I've seen look better than NOS that's been sitting on a shelf

Originally Posted by tll74

WOW... I love that spid..it goes on forever! A very well optioned truck. Can't wait for the end pics!

I knew I had to build this truck when I saw the SPID....not much else you could throw on one of these trucks

[VA72C10]

Well, just got in from the garage. The wiring harness was winning for a while but in the end it is out....

It's late so only a few pictures. Have a long day of non-truck work to do tomorrow so maybe a small update in the evening if I get a few minutes but not much else otherwise...

Notice the ignition still won't come out....and I'm being too gentle with the inner A/C box...any suggestions on that?



Still have to unbolt the pedals....but waiting to get it to Jason's shop to make it easier to get on/off the trailer....



Not nearly as many wires as a new vehicle....thankfully



And I am SUPER pleased with how nice the wiring is. Not brittle at all...no corrosion on the ends, the fuse panel looks great with the letters intact and easy to read. If I didn't know better I'd think it was replaced at some point....sure doesn't look or feel almost 40 years old...

[Posi12Bolt]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

...(to keep the picture hounds happy )

EVERYBODY Loves Pictures!

[billsbowtie]

lookin good.

[Zoomin]

That fuse box is crazy - not even dusty.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by Posi12Bolt

EVERYBODY Loves Pictures!

I know I know...more to come

Originally Posted by billsbowtie

lookin good.

Thanks Bill!

Originally Posted by Zoomin

That fuse box is crazy - not even dusty.

I was stoked! I seriously had figured the cost of a full replacement wiring harness when I bought it. I just assumed the wiring would be bad. Pleasant surprise!!!! It's perfect. Just need the engine harness which I'll try to find a nice orignal....it's going to be modified anyways since I am using vintage air

[VA72C10]

got my dipped and blasted parts from tll74...they are amazing! Sent him a bunch more today

Here are some pictures..imagine how nice it is to just get to paint parts that are this clean...including the mounting hardware!!!


door latch closeup

[VA72C10]

Here's some parts I got over a year ago from thelonerife...

under dash lights and glovebox light...both which I assume would have been on this truck but were already gone. No biggie...I have them





Also have a clip kit I got for my upper trim

[VA72C10]

And have some brand new vent windows. Haven't decided if I will use these or a SUPER nice original set I have....

[VA72C10]

I also dropped off three sets of buckets today to get new PUI covers on them. One for the truck and two to sell Should have them back in a couple weeks. Pulled down my upper trim out of the overhead storage in the garage. Going to polish it up and make sure it's up to what I feel this truck deserves or I'll order a complete new upper and lower set.

And I sent a money order to AJ (some of you may know him). A great guy who's been around these trucks for over 25 years. Getting a really nice tilt, a big block shroud, a tach lens, and some super emblems from him.

I am pleased with the ability of sourcing the parts so far....I had many of them already in house....and now have only a few more left to go....and I have lots of time so I'm looking for deals now...it's nice knowing I have a few months and a few swap meets I can go to before having to shell out top dollar

[VA72C10]

The other thing that's crazy about this truck is the firewall insulation. It's in like new condition. I'm probably going to glue up the one loose upper piece above the glovebox and then mask it all off and just use it. I see no need to tear it off since it's perfect. One less thing to do and buy.

[Zoomin]

You're going through a lot of effort to use really nice parts on this rascal. I'm wondering why you're going with Vintage Air?

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

You're going through a lot of effort to use really nice parts on this rascal. I'm wondering why you're going with Vintage Air?

I just feel it's an upgrade and I REALLY hate the way the stock A/C box and hoses fill up an engine bay. I know, personal preference is not a good idea when trying to sell a vehicle...but I think it's a change for the better in most people's eyes. And anyone wanting to do a 100% resto could easily take the vintage air out and put a stock system in. I'm not going to weld the firewall. It a surefit system.

I still could change my mind....I've been known to....and if someone sent me a message saying they were interested in the truck when complete and wanted factory air.....well....it would get factory air

[67chevy1series]

great progress va, lookin good! that 68 tail gate is nice you should just send it down to me

[68 SHORT-STEP'N]

Hey Johnathan , thats going to be one awesome truck when your done . The frame looks like it just came off the assembly line . I can"t wait to see it , keep up the good work !

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by 67chevy1series

great progress va, lookin good! that 68 tail gate is nice you should just send it down to me

I think I'll hang onto it for now

Originally Posted by 68 SHORT-STEP'N

Hey Johnathan , thats going to be one awesome truck when your done . The frame looks like it just came off the assembly line . I can"t wait to see it , keep up the good work !

Thanks. I still am going to do a little more cleaning and painting on the frame. It looks great in pictures, good in person...but upon close inspection isn't up to "show quality" With the rest of the build headed towards show quality I have to make sure the frame is too, right