New to the forum, a story, and looking for suggestions...

[Harvey Mushman]

My grandfather passed away a couple of years ago and my grandma gave me one of his trucks. It is his beloved 1971 with a 402 and a long bed. My grandpa continuously used this truck since it was new. It was primarily used for Hauling wood, horses, you name it. Mechanically the truck is in good shape for its age and mileage (230,000). The motor has been recently rebuilt and I've replaced the brake system, some wiring, starter, battery, and things like this. I had the front suspension redone professionally. It is a blast to drive!!!

A couple of questions for the experts:

1. The ac doesn't work. I don't need it where I live near San Francisco but I could imagine it would be nice to have if I ever take it on longer trips. Are the after market systems superior to the factory A/C? Could I take it off now and add vintage A/C system later with no problems?

2. Paint issues. While the truck has never been in an accident there are dents and dings on almost every panel. There is no rust other than some rust where there is no paint and I don't want it to get worse. If I didn't want to invest the money in a proper paint job (was quoted 15k!) what are some good band-aids? Could I wet sand and matte clear? I polished the truck and the rust comes right off but the wax only protects the bare metal for so long.

Thanks for reading! Your expert guidance is greatly appreciated!!!

[big mike71]

It's really cool that you got your grandpa's truck and welcome to the site.

[hugger6933]

I own a body shop and I can see things being expensive and all but a 15K paint job is obscene! Go to a chain store and have another quote done but don't let them sell you the "sale"price. Pay for some upgrades so that the paint job will be a better job. Take your time in looking for one of those places too.ride by the place and look at where the workers park their truck/ cars.if there are some classics out there you've found a good place that more likely takes more care than some others.
If that doesn't pan out try the local VoTech school or even sometimes minimum security prisons have shops that do work for public and they usually have some body guys in there. Jim

[DeadheadNM]

Nice! I'd invest in having the OEM AC gone through rather than use Vintage Air. Stick with original and convert to R134. Have the paint buffed and waxed - you'll be surprised how old single stage paint can be made to shine again. See 4th pic here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...56&postcount=4

[9teen69]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Nice! I'd invest in having the OEM AC gone through rather than use Vintage Air. Stick with original and convert to R134. Have the paint buffed and waxed - you'll be surprised how old single stage paint can be made to shine again. See 4th pic here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...56&postcount=4

X2

Nice truck and color

[68c10airstream]

Welcome aboard, how about paintless dent repair? May help with a panel or two if not too bad. These guys have worked miracles in the past that i have seen done! Offer cash after hours or on weekends may be just the trick. Hailstorm ripped through here years ago and these guys converged on the town and worked for cash after hours at a huge reduction in price i was told.

[Harvey Mushman]

Thanks for the kind words and good advice!

It sounds like sticking the OEM A/C is the way to go! That kind of simplifies everything really. I will have a go at doing it myself.

It sounds like I will need to shop around for a paint job. I think if I'm willing to drive to the valley I can get it done for less money. In sticking with original everything with exception to the trim. Somewhere at my grandpa's place there is a box with brand new trim set that he bought from the dealer a couple years after he bought the truck. If I can find it I will use it otherwise those holes are getting filled.

Crucially this thing really needs a frame off restoration but time/money/life means that I can only fix what breaks and keep it driving it.

[Harvey Mushman]

Originally Posted by big mike71

It's really cool that you got your grandpa's truck and welcome to the site.

Thank you!! He was a pretty cool guy. I never plan on selling the truck even though my wife hates it. She can keep her Mercedes in the garage (for now)

[Harvey Mushman]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Have the paint buffed and waxed - you'll be surprised how old single stage paint can be made to shine again. See 4th pic here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...56&postcount=4

Yep that is pretty similar to the results I got with my trusty porter cable polisher and some Nice polish. I'll give it another shot soon. I do love single stage paint!!

[simplepeddler]

Happy for you and grandfather's truck! these kind of stories are priceless

[Davidf]

+1 on keeping the original a/c system...it will add value to the truck IF you ever sell. Don't repaint it, keep it a survivor. Touch up the chipped/missing paint if you have to. Don't clear coat it...ugh!

FWIW, I just purchased (3/14/15) a mostly original '71 Cheyenne long bed. But, last night I discovered the engine is not original to the truck and probably not even a 350. Engine code T0323CM (283 from late sixties Impala, 230 HP....only 20HP less than proper 350, but no 4 bolt main...ugh again).