to drive? or not to drive? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**yote1234** · 10-16-2006, 11:38 PM

ok...most of you guys might think im loosing my mind! hope i dont sound concided but,i bought what i consider is "one" of the nicest,restored,original,high optioned 71 cheyenne super short wide bed truck out there.as i said "one" of the nicest..i know that there are many nicer trucks here on this site,but this is a gem.not evena scratch in the bed.anyway,i bought it about 9-10 months ago and it sits in the garage! i just am scared to pick up a rock chip,or scratch on it.my wife said she thinks im crazy and i should drive it,at least a couple days a week.or as she put it.."or sell it".she also brought up another good point.she pointed out to me that i dont think twice of running my new 06 avalanche through the muddy road.and it cost much more than the 71!.well id like to know how many of you are like me? or how many run em ? keep in mind my place of work is down a dirt road. well,lets hear your opinion..thanx,dave

byrd · 10-16-2006, 11:47 PM

I have not/will not own a truck or car that I don't want to/won't drive, just my .02. I love the feeling I get being behind the wheel of my truck just cruisin' nothin' better...

70heavyhalf · 10-16-2006, 11:49 PM

I say drive it
just think if you were a truck what would you want to do sit or have some fun?

Brad · 10-16-2006, 11:49 PM

Many on here will tell you "what's the point in having it if you're not going to drive it?" But my Camaro got rear-ended about 10 years ago and at that point it was my daily driver. I had all the parking lot dings fixed along with the rear end damage and it was repainted in the original Ermine White. I felt it had too much sentimental value for me to risk it being totalled and decided to garage it and get another daily driver. I say keep it in the garage and pull it out for Sunday drives and car shows. It's not like they're making any more of them!

cheyenne10 · 10-16-2006, 11:51 PM

Great point vs the new cars many of us buy. Truth to me is though that our restored older ones might not hold up to the elements as well as the new ones and therefore might get chiped up and come up with more rattles sooner.

Aarons72s · 10-17-2006, 12:02 AM

Drive it. But explain to your wife the 71 cheyenne super cant be easily replaced where as the 06 avalanche can easily be replaced. Plus if something happens to the avalanche I bet you got a better chance of getting the insurance company to pay up than if something happens to the 71. Mine even though she is in only fair condition, I drive her everywhere. The only time I really dont use her is when the road salt comes out.
Aaron

**LockDoc** · 10-17-2006, 12:05 AM

I drive mine a lot but it was built as a driver even though it's pretty presentable in it's own right..... I don't build show cars or put tons of money in them just for that reason. To me they aren't worth a darn if you can't drive them. Just my 2¢

LockDoc

**yote1234** · 10-17-2006, 12:06 AM

i should add that here in sunny arizona our roads are nice..no snow,no salt,ect.but im kinda worried of an accident or worst .. theft!

krue · 10-17-2006, 12:19 AM

Drive it!`

stllookn · 10-17-2006, 12:25 AM

Drive it..."MAN LAW"!

70clone · 10-17-2006, 12:27 AM

post pics of it

**yote1234** · 10-17-2006, 12:33 AM

will take some pics tomorrow...

RSRXION · 10-17-2006, 01:04 AM

Drive it on rare occasions. I don't care how careful you are it will get dinged, dented and damaged. Worse yet, some A-hole ,may key it for spite if it's left unattended. My Mach 1 gets out of the garage about 10-15 times a year. Sometimes for a short drive and sometimes for a long one. I never leave it unattended and if my wife and I go into a restaurant to eat, I sit at a window where I can see it. I know this all sounds very silly but the sentimental value of this car is well beyond ANY monetary value and if something happened to it I'd be sick.

It's not that I've got 30K in the rotisserie resto... It's the fact that the car means so much to me. I've known this car since new and a good family friend took this wide eyed 10 year old for a ride right after he bought it. This car started my love affair with performance cars.

It's yours, do as you wish. There's a lot to be said for having an ultra nice trailer queen and there's an equal amount to be said for having a spectacular driver. Buy/build a really nice driver and pull your trailer queen to the shows. Then you get the best of both worlds.

NOW , go explain that plan to your wife !

JMHO, Dean

Machu10 · 10-17-2006, 01:22 AM

I have owned a few old cars that I bought as trailer queens, and I have driven every one of them at least once or twice a month weather permitting, right now I own a very nice frame off restored 72 short wide, to me half the fun is being able to drive it, granted I don't drive it everyday, and it will never see salt if I can help it, but i will drive it every weekend as long as the weather is good, but if I was in a warm climate like arizona, it would be hard not to drive it every day,

theres my two cents.

john@thepier · 10-17-2006, 02:32 AM

I have this same problem with some of my trucks (BUT I'M TRYING SELF HELP TAPES NOW TO CURE MYSELF of THIS)!!!!I took my 67 and put nearly 3,000 miles on her this summer. Now its time to put her away for winter and start driving my other truck that cost 3 times as much. SEE HERE I GO AGAIN.!!! JOHN

**basketcase** · 10-17-2006, 02:41 AM

If I had one that nice I don't think I'd drive it to work down a gravel road but I would use it for fun and other errands. A big part of owning something like this is the reaction and compliments you get when you are out enjoying the truck.

Tom

junkyardjohn · 10-17-2006, 05:46 AM

I'M WITH YOUR WIFE ON THIS ONE. WHY HAVE IT AT ALL IF YOUR AFRAID TO DRIVE IT??? IT'S NOT LIKE IT IS A TUCKER OR SOMETHING UNREPLACEBLE. GET SOME GOOD CLASSIC CAR INS. & DRIVE IT.
i bought what i consider is "one" of the nicest,restored,original,high optioned 71 cheyenne super short wide bed truck out there.
IS IT RESTORED ? OR ORIGINAL?? CAN'T BE BOTH. IF IT IS RESTORED IT CAN CERTAINLY BE RESTORED SOME MORE. EITHER DRIVE IT OR SELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL. JMHO JOHN

*bskylerj* · 10-17-2006, 06:03 AM

I say show us some pics the DRIVE IT. I built and finished mine in Aug. of this year and I have almost 900 miles on it. I live in the N.W. so I do not drive it in bad weather. I have a ton into mine but I wanted it for shows and to drive. It is the best as everyone wants to look at it. I even raced mine last week.

Take it out take some pics and go drive it.

Did I mention take some pics?????? lol

cdowns · 10-17-2006, 06:14 AM

go pickup up a ton of cowmanure and drive it around for a couple of days to season the bed then you can do some work in the garden

vtblazer · 10-17-2006, 07:22 AM

Drive it and enjoy it.
It's why you bought it.

I'm in a similar situation with my 'restored' by me 71 blazer, it sits in the garage until the time is right and we take it out for a spin.

Gotta say though, when the garage door opens to a sweet shiny ride sittin' there waiting to go it's like xmas all over agian!
Keep it special but yeah, drive it.

**Palf70Step** · 10-17-2006, 07:49 AM

I also agree, DRIVE IT. That is the fun of these or any project vehicle. IF you get a ding/scratch, then fix it likeyou would any vehicle. I miss driving mine. There are times I wish I kept it as a POS instead of starting the fixer-up part, but I like working on them too.

**N2TRUX** · 10-17-2006, 08:00 AM

Enjoy it the way "YOU" want to. If the thought of getting it chipped, scratched, banged or beat worries you then keep it safe inside. It's your truck and you have the right to treat it the way you want....

qksilver · 10-17-2006, 08:22 AM

Drive it or keep it parked.

QKENUF4U · 10-17-2006, 09:26 AM

so have it appraised and make sure the insurance company knows the value. that way if anything does happen its covered. there are classic car insurance companies out there that will cover the full value also.
i do have to agree i would be hard pressed to drive it everywhere also if its as nice as you say.
you truck, do as ya please.
now where are those pics ???!!!

67ChevyRedneck · 10-17-2006, 10:04 AM

I saw a georgous 69 firebird get rearended leaving a car show! An accident can happen anytime, anywhere and the only way to prevent them is to not drive them... or is it? Swear to God this is a true story, about 7 or 8 years ago my grandpa's neighbor's barn was struck by lightning and burned to the ground... no big deal right? Inside of the barn was a FULLY PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED 1957 Ford Crown Victoria and a 1964 Chevrolet Impala bubble top. Nothing is guaranteed safe anywhere. Be an alert driver, don't tailage, anticipate what the dumbasses around you are going to do, and drive the piss out of that '71. You can still total it that one time a month you take it out....

I agree to get it appraised!

10-16-2006, 11:38 PM	#1
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,381	to drive? or not to drive? ok...most of you guys might think im loosing my mind! hope i dont sound concided but,i bought what i consider is "one" of the nicest,restored,original,high optioned 71 cheyenne super short wide bed truck out there.as i said "one" of the nicest..i know that there are many nicer trucks here on this site,but this is a gem.not evena scratch in the bed.anyway,i bought it about 9-10 months ago and it sits in the garage! i just am scared to pick up a rock chip,or scratch on it.my wife said she thinks im crazy and i should drive it,at least a couple days a week.or as she put it.."or sell it".she also brought up another good point.she pointed out to me that i dont think twice of running my new 06 avalanche through the muddy road.and it cost much more than the 71!.well id like to know how many of you are like me? or how many run em ? keep in mind my place of work is down a dirt road. well,lets hear your opinion..thanx,dave __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

10-16-2006, 11:49 PM	#3
70heavyhalf Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CA Posts: 69	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I say drive it just think if you were a truck what would you want to do sit or have some fun? __________________ 70' 1/2 ton 2wd 350/muncie m-20/12-bolt rearend Darin

10-16-2006, 11:49 PM	#4
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Many on here will tell you "what's the point in having it if you're not going to drive it?" But my Camaro got rear-ended about 10 years ago and at that point it was my daily driver. I had all the parking lot dings fixed along with the rear end damage and it was repainted in the original Ermine White. I felt it had too much sentimental value for me to risk it being totalled and decided to garage it and get another daily driver. I say keep it in the garage and pull it out for Sunday drives and car shows. It's not like they're making any more of them! __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

10-16-2006, 11:51 PM	#5
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Great point vs the new cars many of us buy. Truth to me is though that our restored older ones might not hold up to the elements as well as the new ones and therefore might get chiped up and come up with more rattles sooner. __________________ Bob

10-17-2006, 12:02 AM	#6
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Drive it. But explain to your wife the 71 cheyenne super cant be easily replaced where as the 06 avalanche can easily be replaced. Plus if something happens to the avalanche I bet you got a better chance of getting the insurance company to pay up than if something happens to the 71. Mine even though she is in only fair condition, I drive her everywhere. The only time I really dont use her is when the road salt comes out. Aaron

10-17-2006, 12:05 AM	#7
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,647	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I drive mine a lot but it was built as a driver even though it's pretty presentable in it's own right..... I don't build show cars or put tons of money in them just for that reason. To me they aren't worth a darn if you can't drive them. Just my 2¢ LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

10-17-2006, 12:06 AM	#8
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,381	Re: to drive? or not to drive? i should add that here in sunny arizona our roads are nice..no snow,no salt,ect.but im kinda worried of an accident or worst .. theft! __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

10-17-2006, 12:19 AM	#9
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Drive it!` __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-17-2006, 12:25 AM	#10
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Drive it..."MAN LAW"! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

10-17-2006, 12:27 AM	#11
70clone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: JACKSONVILLE FL Posts: 200	Re: to drive? or not to drive? post pics of it

10-17-2006, 12:33 AM	#12
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,381	Re: to drive? or not to drive? will take some pics tomorrow... __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

10-17-2006, 01:04 AM	#13
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Drive it on rare occasions. I don't care how careful you are it will get dinged, dented and damaged. Worse yet, some A-hole ,may key it for spite if it's left unattended. My Mach 1 gets out of the garage about 10-15 times a year. Sometimes for a short drive and sometimes for a long one. I never leave it unattended and if my wife and I go into a restaurant to eat, I sit at a window where I can see it. I know this all sounds very silly but the sentimental value of this car is well beyond ANY monetary value and if something happened to it I'd be sick. It's not that I've got 30K in the rotisserie resto... It's the fact that the car means so much to me. I've known this car since new and a good family friend took this wide eyed 10 year old for a ride right after he bought it. This car started my love affair with performance cars. It's yours, do as you wish. There's a lot to be said for having an ultra nice trailer queen and there's an equal amount to be said for having a spectacular driver. Buy/build a really nice driver and pull your trailer queen to the shows. Then you get the best of both worlds. NOW , go explain that plan to your wife ! JMHO, Dean __________________ "They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin

10-17-2006, 01:22 AM	#14
Machu10 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central, Iowa Posts: 38	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I have owned a few old cars that I bought as trailer queens, and I have driven every one of them at least once or twice a month weather permitting, right now I own a very nice frame off restored 72 short wide, to me half the fun is being able to drive it, granted I don't drive it everyday, and it will never see salt if I can help it, but i will drive it every weekend as long as the weather is good, but if I was in a warm climate like arizona, it would be hard not to drive it every day, theres my two cents. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super ShortBox, Factory Big Block, A/C PS PB. 71 Cheyenne LWB, 350, A/C, 48k Miles 70 Olds Cutlass Convert, A/C, 350 auto, 66k actual miles. 82 Corvette, Triple Black, 32k Miles, Had since new. 85 Caprice Coupe, Bottle fed 383 Stroker, 30k miles. 06 Dodge Charger Daytona, Top Banana Hemi.

10-17-2006, 02:32 AM	#15
john@thepier Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Posts: 970	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I have this same problem with some of my trucks (BUT I'M TRYING SELF HELP TAPES NOW TO CURE MYSELF of THIS)!!!!I took my 67 and put nearly 3,000 miles on her this summer. Now its time to put her away for winter and start driving my other truck that cost 3 times as much. SEE HERE I GO AGAIN.!!! JOHN

10-17-2006, 02:41 AM	#16
basketcase Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Edgerton OH USA Posts: 633	Re: to drive? or not to drive? If I had one that nice I don't think I'd drive it to work down a gravel road but I would use it for fun and other errands. A big part of owning something like this is the reaction and compliments you get when you are out enjoying the truck. Tom __________________ '69 swb stepside in progress. '59 Corvette lifetime project



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10-17-2006, 05:46 AM	#17
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I'M WITH YOUR WIFE ON THIS ONE. WHY HAVE IT AT ALL IF YOUR AFRAID TO DRIVE IT??? IT'S NOT LIKE IT IS A TUCKER OR SOMETHING UNREPLACEBLE. GET SOME GOOD CLASSIC CAR INS. & DRIVE IT. i bought what i consider is "one" of the nicest,restored,original,high optioned 71 cheyenne super short wide bed truck out there. IS IT RESTORED ? OR ORIGINAL?? CAN'T BE BOTH. IF IT IS RESTORED IT CAN CERTAINLY BE RESTORED SOME MORE. EITHER DRIVE IT OR SELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL. JMHO JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-17-2006, 06:03 AM	#18
bskylerj Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON Posts: 1,001	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I say show us some pics the DRIVE IT. I built and finished mine in Aug. of this year and I have almost 900 miles on it. I live in the N.W. so I do not drive it in bad weather. I have a ton into mine but I wanted it for shows and to drive. It is the best as everyone wants to look at it. I even raced mine last week. Take it out take some pics and go drive it. Did I mention take some pics?????? lol Attached Images

10-17-2006, 06:14 AM	#19
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: to drive? or not to drive? go pickup up a ton of cowmanure and drive it around for a couple of days to season the bed then you can do some work in the garden __________________ 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

10-17-2006, 07:22 AM	#20
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Drive it and enjoy it. It's why you bought it. I'm in a similar situation with my 'restored' by me 71 blazer, it sits in the garage until the time is right and we take it out for a spin. Gotta say though, when the garage door opens to a sweet shiny ride sittin' there waiting to go it's like xmas all over agian! Keep it special but yeah, drive it.

10-17-2006, 07:49 AM	#21
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I also agree, DRIVE IT. That is the fun of these or any project vehicle. IF you get a ding/scratch, then fix it likeyou would any vehicle. I miss driving mine. There are times I wish I kept it as a POS instead of starting the fixer-up part, but I like working on them too. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

10-17-2006, 08:00 AM	#22
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Enjoy it the way "YOU" want to. If the thought of getting it chipped, scratched, banged or beat worries you then keep it safe inside. It's your truck and you have the right to treat it the way you want.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 10-17-2006 at 08:27 AM.

10-17-2006, 08:22 AM	#23
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: to drive? or not to drive? Drive it or keep it parked.

10-17-2006, 09:26 AM	#24
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: to drive? or not to drive? so have it appraised and make sure the insurance company knows the value. that way if anything does happen its covered. there are classic car insurance companies out there that will cover the full value also. i do have to agree i would be hard pressed to drive it everywhere also if its as nice as you say. you truck, do as ya please. now where are those pics ???!!!

10-17-2006, 10:04 AM	#25
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: to drive? or not to drive? I saw a georgous 69 firebird get rearended leaving a car show! An accident can happen anytime, anywhere and the only way to prevent them is to not drive them... or is it? Swear to God this is a true story, about 7 or 8 years ago my grandpa's neighbor's barn was struck by lightning and burned to the ground... no big deal right? Inside of the barn was a FULLY PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED 1957 Ford Crown Victoria and a 1964 Chevrolet Impala bubble top. Nothing is guaranteed safe anywhere. Be an alert driver, don't tailage, anticipate what the dumbasses around you are going to do, and drive the piss out of that '71. You can still total it that one time a month you take it out.... I agree to get it appraised! __________________ 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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