My 72 Chevy Cheyenne 10 Long Bed DD and project (AKA Mid Life Crisis)

[AF_Chevy]

So I finally broke down and decided to make a build thread since I have been doing work on my 72 to make it mine. The PO started a lot of things but really never did anything right. I have had to make a TON of little fixes here and there to just get the truck roadworthy (after the PO told me the truck was 90-95% restored). So here is a few pictures of how the truck originally looked when I first got it.

[AF_Chevy]

More pictures

[AF_Chevy]

And more pictures

[AF_Chevy]

Even more pictures

[AF_Chevy]

Now for the changes...

First thing I did was change out the valve covers, carb, and air breather. Also changed out the radiator hoses as the PO rattle canned them.

Then I changed the wheels and tires to something more original and added a front bumper, side marker lights, stereo, and a below the rail bed box.

[AF_Chevy]

I know there will be a lot of guys out there saying 'why did you take the 20's off that truck?' but to be honest I just didn't like them. I wanted to take it back a little more original. To each their own I guess. I just wanted to make my truck...well MY truck.

[fxdxharley]

nice truck. I like the color. i agree the 20's wernt for that trk. they are never realy 100% finished!!
you should post this in the truck projects section tho.

[AF_Chevy]

DOH clicked the wrong one...that is what I get for getting up so early today! UGH!!!

[fxdxharley]

that can get us all. hows the weather there now. i lke the springs area. was there about 3 yrs ago to visit family.

[AF_Chevy]

The weather is great lately which has made it nice for being able to get stuff done on the truck before summer and I make plans to do other things.

[LakeAnna]

Brian that is a great looking truck! Looks clean all over really... What's next on your list of items to do??

[47thriftmaster]

Truck looks good, your changes have definitely improved the look in my opinion.

[Tinkermc]

I agree your truck shoukd make you happy, very nice looking, think you are on the right track.

[Becker67]

You have a nice start to the truck. I love the color its almost the same color as my 71.

[AF_Chevy]

Originally Posted by LakeAnna

Brian that is a great looking truck! Looks clean all over really... What's next on your list of items to do??

Next on the list is I am picking up a new chrome front bumper, grill, and rear chrome step bumper today. I plan on getting those installed this week. Then I have a hitch that I will install as well. For the grill I am thinking very heavily about going black. I have seen a few that guys have done and I think it would look good that way with the rest of the truck.

I have the Chevy bowtie center caps for my wheels and I plan on getting the right lugnuts for those this week and installing them. It will give the wheels a little more bling but still have a stock look.

I also have a new set of shorty headers that I plan on putting on eventually. I am going to change out the entire exhaust system as I am not a real big fan of the glasspacks that are on there now. It's a little too loud for my taste.

I will take some more pics this weekend of the changes I have made and after I get the bumpers changed out. All in all I think it is coming along.

[AF_Chevy]

Originally Posted by 47thriftmaster

Truck looks good, your changes have definitely improved the look in my opinion.

Thanks! It's always good to hear that the changes you have made make others think it looks better.

[AF_Chevy]

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

I agree your truck shoukd make you happy, very nice looking, think you are on the right track.

I figure if I am going to be the one driving it I might as well be happy with how it looks. (I do enjoy the heads turning when I am cruising down the street and the stares when I pull up to a stoplight.)

[AF_Chevy]

Originally Posted by Becker67

You have a nice start to the truck. I love the color its almost the same color as my 71.

I absolutely love the color. I am planning on having a better paint job done eventually as well as a color matching or black (can't decide yet) sprayed in bed liner done.

Biggest thing so far has just been to make sure that the bones of the truck are solid and building from there.

The only thing the PO did right was he had taken this truck all the way down to the frame and had it treated and painted...so I have a good solid foundation to start from.

[Becker67]

Originally Posted by AF_Chevy

I absolutely love the color. I am planning on having a better paint job done eventually as well as a color matching or black (can't decide yet) sprayed in bed liner done.

Biggest thing so far has just been to make sure that the bones of the truck are solid and building from there.

The only thing the PO did right was he had taken this truck all the way down to the frame and had it treated and painted...so I have a good solid foundation to start from.

Let me know if theres any parts or help you may need? I dont live to far from the springs.

[AF_Chevy]

Originally Posted by Becker67

Let me know if theres any parts or help you may need? I dont live to far from the springs.

Sounds great! I am always looking for locals to share ideas with!

[AF_Chevy]

Ok so a quick update...I got my new (to me) front bumper, grill, and rear bumper yesterday as well as the mounting brackets for the rear bumper. I plan on getting them installed on Saturday and get her all washed and cleaned up so I can take some better pics of her. I have my ghetto speaker install (for now). I plan on eventually building a box for under the seat and installing the speakers there. But for now I have tunes and the speakers work.

[Fatkid1983]

Trucks looking great! Let us know which bed liner you use. I'm getting ready to do mine and just want a review.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[AF_Chevy]

Once I get more things done on the truck I will be posting more pictures. And I will let you know what I choose to use on the truck bed.

[VA72C10]

Nice job! A real improvement already!

[AF_Chevy]

Originally Posted by Becker67

Let me know if theres any parts or help you may need? I dont live to far from the springs.

You can help me rebuild my steering column when I get ready to do that as I have no clue what I am doing when it comes to that sort of thing.

I was going to rebuild another SBC 350 and put it in the truck but a buddy of mine has scared me off from doing that now (he told me he wouldn't even try doing it and that I would be looking at a ton of money [$1200-$1500] to do it.) I don't have that kind of money to throw at an engine at this point. (Plus my wife would absolutely kill me!)

You have heard of builders on a budget? This is a builder without a budget. I can only spare very little down time on the truck as well since it is my daily driver.

So I am having to do things very little (and cheap) by very little. (Which sucks....wish I had a good bit of money to throw at this truck to fix it all now.) The best part of all of it is that I own it free and clear. So at least I have something to show for it.