My barn find (Warehouse )

[ChevLoRay]

If I had to guess, the vinyl top was installed when the truck was new, as it was not an uncommon "custom" touch at the time the truck was new. As to the "CUSTOM" trim placed above the handle, I'm gonna guess that the vinyl top and the logo are part of the "package" that was a local styling trend. At the time this truck was new, having a tricked-out truck was more about the add-on gee-gaws and fluff, that we now think of as tacky, and maybe even tasteless. But, for the era, it was thought to be the way to dress up your truck. If he had quarter horses, he ran with a more affluent crowd so dressing up your tow vehicle was mandatory.

As for the wheel restoration, go to a Sherwin-Williams automotive paint store and get their Wheel buffer kit. It's 100 bucks and is the same kit that Eastwood sells for another $20 more. For aluminum, you need to start with some tripoli compound, and then use a finer compound as you polish away the corrosion and pitting, and progress to a smooth finish. Zoops makes a sealing product that they say will prevent discoloration and a loss of shine for 2 years. I haven't tried it, but it's on my list to use on my grille when I get it cleaned up and polished.

[1969 GMC]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

If I had to guess, the vinyl top was installed when the truck was new, as it was not an uncommon "custom" touch at the time the truck was new. As to the "CUSTOM" trim placed above the handle, I'm gonna guess that the vinyl top and the logo are part of the "package" that was a local styling trend.

im pretty sure that the custom emblem is factory. perhaps longhornman can shed some light on it.

to the op...nice truck. so whats the back story? why is it in a warehouse? i like hearing stories like this.

[Dr. Evil]

I came across it in a garage about 8-10 years ago, he did not want to part with it. He moved , close by, and he kept it at work for years. I met him again in June this year and he gave me a number. I did not get the chance to seal the deal till a couple weeks ago. I think he wanted to re do it himself. I guess the spirit was strong but the body was weak. I am gonna clean it up and give him a set of keys so he can drive it when he wants to.

[Boog]

If that top is vinyl be cautious about it. Quite often rust sets up under the vinyl. You may be opening a big can o worms by removing the vinyl.
On the other hand I'm sure you'd want to take care of any rust issues right away too. That's a real nice truck.

[Dr. Evil]

I am definitely keeping her alone, just gonna give her some dress blues. She will always be able to go native....Thank you for your service to the country 70 GMCer ...

[cdowns]

if you want a real quick and cheap way to bring those slots back to life just get a box of brillo soap pads and for about 2bucks and some elbow grease you'll have pretty nice lookin wheels

[Dr. Evil]

Thank you for the tip . Any others ?

[ashx2]

Originally Posted by Dr. Evil

Thank you for the tip . Any others ?

The Kenworth truck that I drive at work had wheels that looked worse than the slots you posted pics of. I put in about 18hrs (10 very large wheels) of polishing w/Mother's Mag aluminum polish and they look as good as new.

The first time I done them I used the paste......but have since found the Mother's Mag liquid and a Power Ball that can be used w/a variable speed drill......the liquid/powerball cut my polishing time in half.

Greg

[Dr. Evil]

Any info on lowering coils? What is the best kit, for this application?

[PanelDeland]

Any of the BB vendors will have springs for this.You want to use 2 in fronts.According to some more than a 2 in drop with springs will cause alignment problems.

[Dr. Evil]

Thank you, But what kit is the best

[Old Chevy Mech]

Wow...thats a ghost truck! Thats one hellofa find!! I dont know what you invested, but I'd keep her stock as as possible/pratical. Thats a beautiful rig and as mint as it looks it would be an investemnt to keep it as is. Just my thoughts.

Welcome to the board!

Frank

[Dr. Evil]

Thank you, I have been stalking this one for 8 years, I just want to lower her and give a louder voice.

[68 50th]

Really nice optioned truck, never seen one like that, congrats to the great find.
As for the vinyl top, it might be one of these dealer add ons:

[Dr. Evil]

It probably is dealer , but it is tooled vinyl. similiar to the doors and buckets.

[70GMCer]

there are a few threads on here that state that they were factory installed tops......

[desertrat]

That is definetly a cool find.

Question for the guys in the know....... Did GM ever paint the glovebox a differant color than the dash?
The reason I ask is because the SPID looks to be on the black glovebox door which is factory installed.

[Dr. Evil]

This is getting very interesting, I like the information, I am enjoying this educational information..

[sameyrasmea72]

Nice truck!!, I would paint the top white too. Just add a touch of flat to make it seem like the paint is old or original.

As for the stove pipe, they are worthless and very common. Take it off of there and send it to me.

[Dr. Evil]

If i told you what I paid for it I would crash this site with all the hate mail directed towards me.

[FOREVER71]

where did they usually put the build sheets in bucket trucks? under the seat? behind the back cover ? maybe its there....would be cool...

[Dr. Evil]

I have no idea, I am very new, A mere neophyte.

[71blksuper4x4]

From the knowledge I have picked up for the last 7-8 years on the board, your top looks aftermarket. A true dealer installed vinyl top is actually a coating like a textured paint. Joe (JoesJunk) owns a factory 4x4 with this top coating, and I have never seen another one. I would say do what you want, but you could definitely tear the vinyl top off if you don't like it, and just paint the top section of the cab down to the rear cab dividing chrome strip and to the bottom of the front windshield pillars in the same color, or you could even paint the top of the cab white or black. Very nice truck to start out with. Trevor

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by desertrat

That is definetly a cool find.

Question for the guys in the know....... Did GM ever paint the glovebox a differant color than the dash?
The reason I ask is because the SPID looks to be on the black glovebox door which is factory installed.

Quite often i have seen black glove box doors on the 69-70 trucks. I think it was to match the instrument cluster on the fancier trucks. I am pretty sure the woodgrain came out the next year. This is speculation of course.
On the flip side, that is one nice truck you have there.

[too much stuff]

Supposed to be the 69-70 GMC trucks.
(for some reason the "edit" function logs me out.)