Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cstanley · 01-20-2006, 08:15 PM

ok, here's the story. getting ready to restore the old girl, and i'm gonna do it right this time. problem is the wife...not that she's not into it. in fact, she's too into it, so i'm asking for help.

i would like to restore the truck for pleasure, not the show circuit. this means i want the truck to look like it just rolled off the showroom floor, but i want 33 years of technological advances at my disposal.

she wants the truck restored to the same condition, minus any upgrades. she believes that a stock truck is absolutely the bee's knees. herein lies the problem. she doesn't think that the truck can be upgraded in a fashion that retains it stock appearance.

obviously, safety upgrades are a must, but need not interfere with appearance, ie: disc brakes added to the rear, and perhaps larger calipers all around - this is a no brainer.

but...and this is where you guys come in, if you've actually read this far, i would like to show her some pics of trucks that have had modern conveniences put in, but still appear stock. i need to prove to her that it's possible (she's not a gearhead, and my explaining just won't do.)

i'm talking about things like Putter's windshield wiper modules, engine bays, wheels, ride quality improvements (while still appearing stock) and, a subject of great soreness between us, upgraded comfort stock-style seats. i currently have a very comfy seat that isn't stock, and she hates it (she never had the pleasure of riding on the original for ten years!)

any help?

anyone sympathize?

cdowns · 01-20-2006, 08:32 PM

go to the picture section plenty of ammo there

farside847 · 01-20-2006, 08:39 PM

Any excuse to post pics

New stock truck ralley wheels with Radial TA's. Also new dual exhaust.

Stock semi custom bucket seats

Center buddy seats flip down/flip up with gas tank cover.

New stock rubber floor with sound killer.

Aftermarket grill and H4 headlights

Putters intermitant wipers

Chrome seatbelts out of a 70's cutless

Power booster brakes

Cheap mans hidden radio

so much fun, so little time!

matthufham · 01-20-2006, 08:40 PM

insulate the cab better than stock with dyna mat or brown bread, and maybe put a gas tank under the bed. upgrade the stereo to a look-a-like version and hide some speakers somewhere.

**dennislbrooks** · 01-20-2006, 08:49 PM

you saw my blue 67. if your wife is from a state that begins with an O, T, or M ---- well good luck

4 wheel disc, old-air, pwr steering and brakes, 350 crate, hydroboost, soon to get tilt, and 10 inch wheels on back

texascowboy593 · 01-20-2006, 11:47 PM

Here's mine with a Just Dashes custom dash and stock bench seat etc...

powell72 · 01-20-2006, 11:49 PM

Do what I did.....help her build her own!

"

"

**truckdude239** · 01-20-2006, 11:55 PM

my truck

**truckdude239** · 01-20-2006, 11:57 PM

more

texascowboy593 · 01-20-2006, 11:58 PM

hey truckdude. If it was 2-3 yrs ago, I would swear that was my primer gray truck and you stole it!

Thats how the red one looked.

Nice trucks everybody!

71/454 · 01-21-2006, 12:59 AM

hey texascowboy593 where'd you get the dash/3 guage pod?

**N2TRUX** · 01-21-2006, 01:02 AM

Does it have to be a 67-72?

**special-K** · 01-21-2006, 11:31 AM

I agree with your wife.Stock trucks cruise great.The were the "New Breed" and still are.They could use o/d and maybe a cd player hidden somewhere.Other than that....

I know,wheels`n`tires,but you get my point.

mrein3 · 01-21-2006, 11:50 AM

I'm far from done but I have upgraded a bunch of things on my truck.
It was a 4 option on the glove box sticker, 3-speed manual, 4x4, long wheel base truck.

Now it is an automatic (th350), new engine (383), new carb, converted to A/C (not done with that yet).
I added aftermarket cruise control. A friend of my dad's re-did the original seat.

All I got left is paint. I started that last fall with the hood and one fender. The fender replaced a banged up one.

All-in-all fixing one of these is pretty cheap compared to other "restores" you can do out there. I paid $100 for a used, straight fender. All I had to do was close the trim holes with the welder, prime, paint, and good as new. I don't want to know what it would cost to replace a fender on my Chevelle.

Except for the tach in the bezel and the aftermarket cruise I used all original parts I picked up. Most of those parts came off the parts board here. My goal is to have an original looking truck with more modern items like AC, cruise, and maybe even power windows and locks some day.

jsbgump · 01-21-2006, 12:37 PM

Here's a couple of mine

john@thepier · 01-21-2006, 05:40 PM

If she's into trucks as much as mine, she'll probably be needing her own some day. Here is what my wife and I made for her. Its all her's and I only get to drive it if I ask with a pretty PLEASE!!! JOHN

texascowboy593 · 01-21-2006, 07:44 PM

71/454 You can goto justdashes.com and get it there

PanelDeland · 01-21-2006, 08:24 PM

Wait a min,All these replies are good but you may need to go about it in a different way.Two options I can mention are.
(1)Show her the restored model A's T's and up to early 60's vehicles and their pricing.Try to get her a ride in one with no ac,stereo,power steering or brakes.Make sure it's a august day(I been to Dallas).
(2) Agree with her then make sure the truck you "restore" is a big block,auto tilt wheel,electric window,AC,PB,Ps,and chosen bed legnth unit in an original 50th anniversary edition.
Either way she should start to get the idea that upgrades are good.If not that 50th edition sure looks good.

cstanley · 01-22-2006, 12:27 AM

thanks for the help everyone! luckily, i'm starting with a fully optioned '72 cheyenne (well, no tach or vacuum) and most of the creature comforts are there. i'm more concerned with the "hidden" mechanical and electrical component upgrades. when it's all said and done, she'd never know the difference from what should be original and what's upgraded.

nice trucks everyone!

**Already Gone** · 01-22-2006, 05:08 AM

Get a copy of the March 06 "Classic Trucks" magazine, its on newsstands now. There is a short box 67/68 Gold & White CST that I think has the combo of old & new you want. In fact they call it a "Rodstoration" with the blend of original body style and modern mechanical upgrades and creature comforts.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-22-2006, 06:14 AM

I am far from done, but if you want to show here what your going to
go through, click on my siggy "PIC'S" link and get comfortable, I have
180 Pic's to date on "GQ", and I still haven't painted it or finished my
interior, you can also look at the BLAZER sticky's for 2WD & 4WD

67ChevyRedneck · 01-23-2006, 09:59 AM

Can't go wrong with an LS1 and WS6. That'll give ya a modern powerful fuel injected motor and OVERDRIVE. You could aslo use the 4L60E if you want an auto. Won't be able to tell its under there till you pop the hood, but expect to spend thousands on this swap (motor, tranny, computer and harness, and computer reprogamming.) OR just toss in a nice "built" 350 with a 700R4 or some other 5 spd OD tranny. You can do a lot to these trucks and they will still appear completely stock on the outside.

01-20-2006, 08:15 PM	#1
cstanley Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,229	Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! ok, here's the story. getting ready to restore the old girl, and i'm gonna do it right this time. problem is the wife...not that she's not into it. in fact, she's too into it, so i'm asking for help. i would like to restore the truck for pleasure, not the show circuit. this means i want the truck to look like it just rolled off the showroom floor, but i want 33 years of technological advances at my disposal. she wants the truck restored to the same condition, minus any upgrades. she believes that a stock truck is absolutely the bee's knees. herein lies the problem. she doesn't think that the truck can be upgraded in a fashion that retains it stock appearance. obviously, safety upgrades are a must, but need not interfere with appearance, ie: disc brakes added to the rear, and perhaps larger calipers all around - this is a no brainer. but...and this is where you guys come in, if you've actually read this far, i would like to show her some pics of trucks that have had modern conveniences put in, but still appear stock. i need to prove to her that it's possible (she's not a gearhead, and my explaining just won't do.) i'm talking about things like Putter's windshield wiper modules, engine bays, wheels, ride quality improvements (while still appearing stock) and, a subject of great soreness between us, upgraded comfort stock-style seats. i currently have a very comfy seat that isn't stock, and she hates it (she never had the pleasure of riding on the original for ten years!) any help? anyone sympathize? Last edited by cstanley; 01-20-2006 at 08:17 PM.

01-20-2006, 08:32 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! go to the picture section plenty of ammo there __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-20-2006, 08:39 PM	#3
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Any excuse to post pics New stock truck ralley wheels with Radial TA's. Also new dual exhaust. Stock semi custom bucket seats Center buddy seats flip down/flip up with gas tank cover. New stock rubber floor with sound killer. Aftermarket grill and H4 headlights Putters intermitant wipers Chrome seatbelts out of a 70's cutless Power booster brakes Cheap mans hidden radio so much fun, so little time! __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

01-20-2006, 08:40 PM	#4
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! insulate the cab better than stock with dyna mat or brown bread, and maybe put a gas tank under the bed. upgrade the stereo to a look-a-like version and hide some speakers somewhere.

01-20-2006, 08:49 PM	#5
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,766	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! you saw my blue 67. if your wife is from a state that begins with an O, T, or M ---- well good luck 4 wheel disc, old-air, pwr steering and brakes, 350 crate, hydroboost, soon to get tilt, and 10 inch wheels on back Attached Images

01-20-2006, 11:47 PM	#6
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Here's mine with a Just Dashes custom dash and stock bench seat etc... Attached Images __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)

01-20-2006, 11:49 PM	#7
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Do what I did.....help her build her own! "" __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

01-20-2006, 11:55 PM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! my truck Attached Images __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-20-2006, 11:57 PM	#9
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! more Attached Images __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-20-2006, 11:58 PM	#10
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! hey truckdude. If it was 2-3 yrs ago, I would swear that was my primer gray truck and you stole it! Thats how the red one looked. Nice trucks everybody! __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)

01-21-2006, 12:59 AM	#11
71/454 Turbo Guy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 353	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! hey texascowboy593 where'd you get the dash/3 guage pod?

01-21-2006, 01:02 AM	#12
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Does it have to be a 67-72? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-21-2006, 11:31 AM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! I agree with your wife.Stock trucks cruise great.The were the "New Breed" and still are.They could use o/d and maybe a cd player hidden somewhere.Other than that.... I know,wheels`n`tires,but you get my point. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 01-21-2006 at 11:32 AM.

01-21-2006, 11:50 AM	#14
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! I'm far from done but I have upgraded a bunch of things on my truck. It was a 4 option on the glove box sticker, 3-speed manual, 4x4, long wheel base truck. Now it is an automatic (th350), new engine (383), new carb, converted to A/C (not done with that yet). I added aftermarket cruise control. A friend of my dad's re-did the original seat. All I got left is paint. I started that last fall with the hood and one fender. The fender replaced a banged up one. All-in-all fixing one of these is pretty cheap compared to other "restores" you can do out there. I paid $100 for a used, straight fender. All I had to do was close the trim holes with the welder, prime, paint, and good as new. I don't want to know what it would cost to replace a fender on my Chevelle. Except for the tach in the bezel and the aftermarket cruise I used all original parts I picked up. Most of those parts came off the parts board here. My goal is to have an original looking truck with more modern items like AC, cruise, and maybe even power windows and locks some day. Attached Images __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

01-21-2006, 12:37 PM	#15
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Here's a couple of mine Attached Images __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616



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01-21-2006, 05:40 PM	#16
john@thepier Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Posts: 970	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! If she's into trucks as much as mine, she'll probably be needing her own some day. Here is what my wife and I made for her. Its all her's and I only get to drive it if I ask with a pretty PLEASE!!! JOHN Attached Images

01-21-2006, 07:44 PM	#17
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! 71/454 You can goto justdashes.com and get it there __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)

01-21-2006, 08:24 PM	#18
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Wait a min,All these replies are good but you may need to go about it in a different way.Two options I can mention are. (1)Show her the restored model A's T's and up to early 60's vehicles and their pricing.Try to get her a ride in one with no ac,stereo,power steering or brakes.Make sure it's a august day(I been to Dallas). (2) Agree with her then make sure the truck you "restore" is a big block,auto tilt wheel,electric window,AC,PB,Ps,and chosen bed legnth unit in an original 50th anniversary edition. Either way she should start to get the idea that upgrades are good.If not that 50th edition sure looks good. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-22-2006, 12:27 AM	#19
cstanley Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,229	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! thanks for the help everyone! luckily, i'm starting with a fully optioned '72 cheyenne (well, no tach or vacuum) and most of the creature comforts are there. i'm more concerned with the "hidden" mechanical and electrical component upgrades. when it's all said and done, she'd never know the difference from what should be original and what's upgraded. nice trucks everyone!

01-22-2006, 05:08 AM	#20
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,105	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Get a copy of the March 06 "Classic Trucks" magazine, its on newsstands now. There is a short box 67/68 Gold & White CST that I think has the combo of old & new you want. In fact they call it a "Rodstoration" with the blend of original body style and modern mechanical upgrades and creature comforts. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

01-22-2006, 06:14 AM	#21
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! I am far from done, but if you want to show here what your going to go through, click on my siggy "PIC'S" link and get comfortable, I have 180 Pic's to date on "GQ", and I still haven't painted it or finished my interior, you can also look at the BLAZER sticky's for 2WD & 4WD __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 01-22-2006 at 06:15 AM.

01-23-2006, 09:59 AM	#22
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Need Help With The Wife...show Me Your Trucks! Can't go wrong with an LS1 and WS6. That'll give ya a modern powerful fuel injected motor and OVERDRIVE. You could aslo use the 4L60E if you want an auto. Won't be able to tell its under there till you pop the hood, but expect to spend thousands on this swap (motor, tranny, computer and harness, and computer reprogamming.) OR just toss in a nice "built" 350 with a 700R4 or some other 5 spd OD tranny. You can do a lot to these trucks and they will still appear completely stock on the outside. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

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