1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**mikey531** · 07-09-2009, 07:13 AM

This will be a long story...

I have spent the last 5 years looking for something to satisfy my I guess midlife crisis. My son and I raced a GMC pickup in the American now Allstar Race truck series for 3 years resulting in the 2002 Championship. We raced all over the Northeast. I tried to sell the racetruck for 3 years with no luck and finally traded it for a 2005 Harley Sportster with 1400 miles. After a year I discovered I was not biker material. So I tried to sell the bike.. I finally traded it in 2007 for a 1994 92000 mile Corvette! Well I then discovered I am too old and fat to climb in and out of a Corvette. I have spent the last 2 1/2 years trying to trade for a Nova or a Chevelle or anything with 2 doors V8 and a 4-speed but would consider automatics. I missed out on some decent cars because they didn't want to trade or I felt my vette was worth more than what they were asking. So I kept looking..then I saw this:

http://1969gmc.shutterfly.com/

It immediately brought back memories of my 1971 Chevy short box fleetside with 250 and 3 on the tree! I wanted that truck ! My girlfriend reminded me of all the cars I have looked at over the last 3 years this was the first time I said I really wanted this. So I now own this 1969 GMC. (I still have to sell my corvette though..) I have owned many pickups over the years everything from a 1966 stepside shortbox, my 1971 Chevy, I bought new a 1975 Gentleman Jim ( I bet not too many remember that truck !) a 1974 3/4 ton long box, 1987 fleetside short from Custom trucks of Texas, a 1998 ext cab 4X4 and my weekend driver a 2000 GMC 4X4 ext cab 3 door. Now back to my original question. This truck shows 55000 on the odometer and from everywhere I have looked I have no reason to not believe it is original. It was a 6 auto but had a 350/350 installed and lowered 2 inches. Some of the paint is original but it looks like it did have rocker panels put in. So it has paint that has faded at different rates over the years. I got it registered and took it for a short drive, the speedometer is off about 7 miles an hour, the radiator has a pinhole, the timing is off, and it is running way rich, all things I can fix myself. I want to install a tach but not sure if I want in dash or old school clamped to the steering column, The truck also had radio delete so I want to stay stock looking for that and I have a power antenna I was thinking about using, or a antenna that it is hidden. I know the truck needs paint and I want to kill any potential rust. Maine roads are not real good for man or vehicle! I did talk to a company about sandblasting? they use a media that is like baking soda. The interior is light blue (same as outside) with dark blue door panels. I have been thinking of two tone with both blues, now I just have to decide on how I want it painted. I will find pictures of my other trucks. So I guess I am looking for comments and advice and will post a lot more questions as I get going.
Thanks
Mike

wwotr · 07-09-2009, 07:49 AM

"Hey Mikey Likes it"!

YUM...YUM Very Nice find!

Sounds like your a Story Teller, just like ME!

http://home.pon.net/wwotr/upgrades%20&%20accessories

Roger
"RATIKLE"

**DREW67** · 07-09-2009, 07:56 AM

Can't beat a GMC

PanelDeland · 07-09-2009, 06:55 PM

Welcome to the site.Good looking truck.I would suggest fixing the few issues you mentioned and driving the truck.Decide what you do and don't like.Read thru the builds threads and the FAQ's to learn about ways to get the improvements you want.Make a list and figure out the order of importance(to you) and which you can do yourself and what has to be farmed out.Start making a budget and realistic goals.Attend some shows meets and learn more about the different styles and way things were done then
"BUILD IT LIKE YOU WANT!"
But never expect to get out of it what you put into it.

Sammy · 07-09-2009, 09:48 PM

Which ever way you decide figure double the time and money invested you should be close. You mentioned someone painting it for you. Before they start get them in writing completion dates. Most painters are not in a hurry once they have your vehicle and a year later it's sitting in pieces. Get them to commit to a date and of course a round about price in advance.

mas09ts · 07-09-2009, 10:10 PM

Looks like a nice one, 4 headlights are always better than two.

**mikey531** · 07-10-2009, 07:10 AM

I finally took time to find out how to post pictures. These are a couple of my trucks that I have had:

87Lowrider · 07-12-2009, 09:59 AM

Let me be the first to say:

to the best trucks board on the net... good to see ya in the chat room too..

Kenny

**mikey531** · 07-12-2009, 10:16 AM

This is the truck my son and I raced, we had the only GMC.

ChevLoRay · 07-12-2009, 11:54 AM

Ain't nutthin wrong with a GMC....

07-09-2009, 07:13 AM	#1
mikey531 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Exeter, NH Posts: 795	1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? This will be a long story... I have spent the last 5 years looking for something to satisfy my I guess midlife crisis. My son and I raced a GMC pickup in the American now Allstar Race truck series for 3 years resulting in the 2002 Championship. We raced all over the Northeast. I tried to sell the racetruck for 3 years with no luck and finally traded it for a 2005 Harley Sportster with 1400 miles. After a year I discovered I was not biker material. So I tried to sell the bike.. I finally traded it in 2007 for a 1994 92000 mile Corvette! Well I then discovered I am too old and fat to climb in and out of a Corvette. I have spent the last 2 1/2 years trying to trade for a Nova or a Chevelle or anything with 2 doors V8 and a 4-speed but would consider automatics. I missed out on some decent cars because they didn't want to trade or I felt my vette was worth more than what they were asking. So I kept looking..then I saw this: http://1969gmc.shutterfly.com/ It immediately brought back memories of my 1971 Chevy short box fleetside with 250 and 3 on the tree! I wanted that truck ! My girlfriend reminded me of all the cars I have looked at over the last 3 years this was the first time I said I really wanted this. So I now own this 1969 GMC. (I still have to sell my corvette though..) I have owned many pickups over the years everything from a 1966 stepside shortbox, my 1971 Chevy, I bought new a 1975 Gentleman Jim ( I bet not too many remember that truck !) a 1974 3/4 ton long box, 1987 fleetside short from Custom trucks of Texas, a 1998 ext cab 4X4 and my weekend driver a 2000 GMC 4X4 ext cab 3 door. Now back to my original question. This truck shows 55000 on the odometer and from everywhere I have looked I have no reason to not believe it is original. It was a 6 auto but had a 350/350 installed and lowered 2 inches. Some of the paint is original but it looks like it did have rocker panels put in. So it has paint that has faded at different rates over the years. I got it registered and took it for a short drive, the speedometer is off about 7 miles an hour, the radiator has a pinhole, the timing is off, and it is running way rich, all things I can fix myself. I want to install a tach but not sure if I want in dash or old school clamped to the steering column, The truck also had radio delete so I want to stay stock looking for that and I have a power antenna I was thinking about using, or a antenna that it is hidden. I know the truck needs paint and I want to kill any potential rust. Maine roads are not real good for man or vehicle! I did talk to a company about sandblasting? they use a media that is like baking soda. The interior is light blue (same as outside) with dark blue door panels. I have been thinking of two tone with both blues, now I just have to decide on how I want it painted. I will find pictures of my other trucks. So I guess I am looking for comments and advice and will post a lot more questions as I get going. Thanks Mike Last edited by mikey531; 07-09-2009 at 07:14 AM.

07-09-2009, 07:49 AM	#2
wwotr Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clearlake Oaks CA Posts: 1,716	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? "Hey Mikey Likes it"! YUM...YUM Very Nice find! Sounds like your a Story Teller, just like ME! http://home.pon.net/wwotr/upgrades%20&%20accessories Roger "RATIKLE" __________________ Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE"

07-09-2009, 07:56 AM	#3
DREW67 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, Mo Posts: 1,031	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? Can't beat a GMC __________________ DREW67

07-09-2009, 06:55 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? Welcome to the site.Good looking truck.I would suggest fixing the few issues you mentioned and driving the truck.Decide what you do and don't like.Read thru the builds threads and the FAQ's to learn about ways to get the improvements you want.Make a list and figure out the order of importance(to you) and which you can do yourself and what has to be farmed out.Start making a budget and realistic goals.Attend some shows meets and learn more about the different styles and way things were done then "BUILD IT LIKE YOU WANT!" But never expect to get out of it what you put into it. __________________ 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"

07-09-2009, 09:48 PM	#5
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? Which ever way you decide figure double the time and money invested you should be close. You mentioned someone painting it for you. Before they start get them in writing completion dates. Most painters are not in a hurry once they have your vehicle and a year later it's sitting in pieces. Get them to commit to a date and of course a round about price in advance. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

07-09-2009, 10:10 PM	#6
mas09ts Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gate City VA Posts: 576	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? Looks like a nice one, 4 headlights are always better than two. __________________ Mitch 22yrs. Young 1970 GMC Short-Step 350/TH350 Combo. . . . Sold Dec 2011 Current Project 68 Gmc "Second Chance" Go to my 68 GMC Shorty Rebuild Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...39#post6341739

07-10-2009, 07:10 AM	#7
mikey531 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Exeter, NH Posts: 795	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? I finally took time to find out how to post pictures. These are a couple of my trucks that I have had: Attached Images

07-12-2009, 09:59 AM	#8
87Lowrider Navy Radioman Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 1,356	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? Let me be the first to say: to the best trucks board on the net... good to see ya in the chat room too.. Kenny __________________ 1987 Chevrolet R10 Silverado BBC Build thread - SOLD 1986 GMC Sierra Classic - SOLD 1957 Chevy Step Side Daily Driver; 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Z71 Stepside - SOLD 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71

07-12-2009, 10:16 AM	#9
mikey531 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Exeter, NH Posts: 795	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? This is the truck my son and I raced, we had the only GMC. Attached Images

07-12-2009, 11:54 AM	#10
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: 1969 GMC stepside where do I start ? Ain't nutthin wrong with a GMC.... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.



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