VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 01:40 AM

Finally, my screen name makes sense

I first signed on a couple of years ago after finding a "72" on craigslist. Well, went the next day and found out it was a 70 with a 72 grille on it....but my screen name was set. That truck was torn down to bare frame, bagged, and then sold in pieces. The custom shaved cab is the only thing remaining from that.

Saturday I was scanning craigslist and came accross a longbed for sale. Looked interesting in the small craigslist pictures so I called the number. No answer so I left a message. No call Sunday so I figure it's sold. Monday I get a call and it's the owner. He works night shifts...makes sense now. He's available that evening and I make time to get over there to check it out. I pull up and immediately know I need to buy this truck. I LOVE the way it looks. The patina, the colors, the trim, the tinted windows, even the wheels and tires and the dealer installed step bumper.

The truck is originally from TX. the PO just bought it last year and had it transported. So it's avoided VA winters completely including this year. There is a small spot of rust on the upper corner of the passenger firewall, and pits in both rockers and cab corners. Other than that only surface rust....and did I mention....PATINA

We worked out a price, I gave him a 500 deposit and we wrote up a bill of sale. I brought the rest of the money tonight and picked it up. Drove it over to work on my Blazer (35 minutes including highway and stop-and-go) and then home with no issues!

Here's the pictures from the craigslist ad

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 01:40 AM

It has a low compression 350....used to have a blower on it....and a 3 speed manual tranny. Must be 308 rear gears or lower as it was only 2500rpms at 60mph. And the GPS and my wife behind me confirmed the speed (speedo is dead on-about the only good gauge

)

Suspension wise it's mostly stock in the front with a nice HD factory sway bar. The front end wants to wander a little so it will all be replaced in time. Factory height.......for now....plans are drop spindles and bags and replace all the joints/bushings while I'm up there.
The rear has been bagged already. Has the "hats" installed and isn't C-notched so it's not that low. Set up with schraders that are plumbed up and installed on the frame itself. Not all the way down now but would bottom out on the bumpstop if it was any lower. I'm going to end up C-notching it and putting 2" drop blocks on it......or will go with the porterbuilt trailing arms.
Either will get his crossmember or cut holes and weld in pipe like I did on my 70.
Exhaust currently is headers (rusty) running into straight pipes that hang below the frame rail then go over the rear and dump. Very deep and surprisingly not too loud in the cab because it goes so far back. But I will add mufflers and put shiny headers on and tuck the exhaust higher.

Engine wise I’m going to just dress it up for now and as funds improve (ie. Finish and sell my blazer) I will look for a good deal on a blower

More details to follow accompanied by pictures to illustrate……

note the factory markings

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 01:46 AM

Of course being a 72 it has disc brakes front drums rear. Power brakes and power steering work well. No A/C for now....depending on how well I do on the blazer I might splurge on Vintage air.....but even though it was hot and humid today it felt good with the vent windows, windows, and foot vents open

Here's the money shots of the truck. I know some would rather see a pristine 100% resto, but they are only original once. And I LOVE the PATINA (have I mentioned that

)

I even love the surface rust on the roof.

Bed is clean....nothing more than surface rust

Seems pretty straight and drives that way......

The hood can use some work.....a little too much surface rust....going to try the CLR trick that BRN AGN used on his truck (that used to be mine too

)

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 01:51 AM

Here's one area I'll need to fix. Going to have to get some paint matched to the worn color and then "patina" it myself to match the rest of it.....

they did actually use metal to patch it but didn't contour it so that's why the filler cracked...too thick...we'll fix that up soon

Here's why that's there...blazer tank relocated to the rear

I'm going to address this also...either relocating to the stake pocket, boxing it in, or flushing it in the floor.....

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 01:53 AM

Here's the rear setup currently....will be Lower...

And the dirty, but not rusty cab mounts (think i need to replace the rubber

)

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 01:57 AM

Tailgate is really nice with one dent in the upper corner I'll probably leave because it adds "character"

No rust on the bottom edge and clean otherwise

I like this step bumper. It's lower profile than most I've seen. Cool with the dealership etched into it like other's I'd seen. Only thing cooler was if it had been a VA dealership....but this thing would be rusted out if it had....so I'm happy it lived its' first 37 years in Texas

And an angle shot to show how the bumper doesn't stick out far and was rounded on the leading edge

OARNGESI · 05-28-2010, 02:00 AM

Thats a great looking project a green plaid highlander interior and a little detailing and it would be perfect

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:03 AM

Oh yeah, the tool box will be going away. May look for a smooth one that I can paint and patina that will ride under the rails or may completely loose one....Keeping it for now until I learn the truck better and fix the leaky rad....has tools, water, and antifreeze filling the toolbox now.

Moving on to the interior:

Here is the spid label for all of those who like these

The downer here is how they hacked the stereo.....going to figure out something on that. I have one of the billet plates I might use but I have to take off the large sheetmetal plate that's riveted on

Also, how do you like the wiring??? The two gauges hanging down are temp and oil pressure and actually seem to work fine....I have a solution to this issue already in the works....

Also cut the doors for speakers....I can live with that but will look for some 6X9's with plain grilles to be less conspicuous.

C low · 05-28-2010, 02:05 AM

looks good man!! what did ya get her for?

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:11 AM

Not quite a highlander seat cover

I prefer to show the worn seat to that cover....

These monsters will be gone soon....the tach, and the big cracked wheel.

There's a speaker box behind the seat that will be coming out....I might put one in later, but it will have lower profile speakers so I can slide the bench all the way back. It's around 2 1/2" away from the back wall of the cab now and I'm 6'2" and it's a manual....do the math

Defroster vent cracked....but not for long....

Popped another defrost vent in already. Amazingly the defrost hose is pliable....
Also put an extra lighter I had in, replaced the ignition label piece, and the E-brake handle

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:15 AM

Need a new rubber floor mat, huh

It's not all bad on the inside. Seatbelts are all there and really nice originals

Looks to be NOS weatherstripping that was recently installed. Has the numbers on it and fits perfect and is super soft

Still has the jacking instructions

No rust in the rear corners and the seatbelt retractors work fine

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:17 AM

Vent windows have very nice chrome and seals are all still soft. Pins are still tight....held them right where I wanted them even at 65 mph

seam seal is all intact

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:22 AM

Some details:

these both will be replaced soon with new ones...clear deluxe markers and a nicer 350 badge

It's got deluxe...PATINA

17" torque thrusts...before....

After a couple minutes with a powerball...still need more work but already much better...

And the other thing I worked on tonight....camaro tach dash to replace the gauges. (and yes, I am going to clean the lens and put a new bezel on. most likely with woodgrain

)

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:25 AM

A few last shots for this evening.....have a 6:30 prayer meeting.....AM......

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

Thats a great looking project a green plaid highlander interior and a little detailing and it would be perfect

Thanks. That is one thought for the interior...might run a mexican blanket until I have the money for that. Know I want a lot of woodgrain in there to tie in the lower woodrain trim on the outside....Not normally a big woodgrain fan but it looks great with the green.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C low

looks good man!! what did ya get her for?

Thanks. I got it for more than it would cost in TX, AZ, or CA, but less than what it would cost in the Midwest, NE, AK, or Canada

brn agn · 05-28-2010, 06:54 AM

That looks like a great start! I think the CLR will work well on the hood.

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 07:31 AM

Thanks! I'll probably be doing it this weekend. Just got done with Prayer meeting. Always refreshing to start the day that way even with lack of sleep.

gcburdic · 05-28-2010, 08:53 AM

That looks good Jonathan....so what does a LWB truck in that condition go for nowadays?!?!?....

TennesseeZ · 05-28-2010, 10:10 AM

That's a really nice truck, I love the patina. Don't you just hate it when someone reattaches good trim with sheetmetal screws?

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

That looks good Jonathan....so what does a LWB truck in that condition go for nowadays?!?!?....

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

more than it would cost in TX, AZ, or CA, but less than what it would cost in the Midwest, NE, AK, or Canada

Alright....since a couple have asked and others may want to know fair market value, I paid 3000 for the truck. Did I overpay in this market? Maybe? But I've looked at trucks that weren't as nice asking 6-7K also. And did I get exactly what I was looking for? Yes.....well, actually I was looking for a dropmembered front and rear longbed with Zero rust, great patina, a blown big block, custom interior, and 22" billet wheels for 3000......

Another FYI... the PO paid 4200 including 700 shipping from TX just 1 year and 1000 miles ago...and he fixed a few small things while he owned it. So I still feel like it was a good deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennesseeZ

That's a really nice truck, I love the patina. Don't you just hate it when someone reattaches good trim with sheetmetal screws?

Thanks!
Yep, not liking the sheetmetal screws

picking up a complete set of trim locally today or tomorrow to correctly re-attach them with the clips.

RocketKing · 05-28-2010, 10:23 AM

Great find. Gonna be a great driver.

70k52wd · 05-28-2010, 10:26 AM

Nice looking truck. I like the stake pocket gas filler idea. Looks like a great DD.
I call first right of refusal when you go to sell it in a week from now

But really on the first right thing.

lovnthe70 · 05-28-2010, 10:35 AM

Good looking truck! i love the color

VA72C10 · 05-28-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketKing

Great find. Gonna be a great driver.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovnthe70

Good looking truck! i love the color

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70k52wd

Nice looking truck. I like the stake pocket gas filler idea. Looks like a great DD.
I call first right of refusal when you go to sell it in a week from now

But really on the first right thing.

Sure, you have dibbs....but I REALLY don't want to even think of selling this one. I want this to be a long term build where I slowly fix it up nicer and nicer while still leaving the patina and still using it as a truck. It has a tow ball and a trailer harness installed and functional if I ever need to tow a small trailer.

70k52wd · 05-28-2010, 11:26 AM

Glad to here you want to keep it. Looks like a fun truck to tinker with.
With the hole in the dash already cut, you have a lot of options for sound/nav systems.
The 17in TT's look good on it. Love the rear bumper. Redo the bench stock material, get carpet, dynamat, under seat sub, vintage air.
I think you just sold a floor shift column, to bad, A 4spd and procharger would be cool.
I am anxious to see it in person. I like this one a lot even if it is a long bed.

05-28-2010, 01:40 AM	#1
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Finally, my screen name makes sense I first signed on a couple of years ago after finding a "72" on craigslist. Well, went the next day and found out it was a 70 with a 72 grille on it....but my screen name was set. That truck was torn down to bare frame, bagged, and then sold in pieces. The custom shaved cab is the only thing remaining from that. Saturday I was scanning craigslist and came accross a longbed for sale. Looked interesting in the small craigslist pictures so I called the number. No answer so I left a message. No call Sunday so I figure it's sold. Monday I get a call and it's the owner. He works night shifts...makes sense now. He's available that evening and I make time to get over there to check it out. I pull up and immediately know I need to buy this truck. I LOVE the way it looks. The patina, the colors, the trim, the tinted windows, even the wheels and tires and the dealer installed step bumper. The truck is originally from TX. the PO just bought it last year and had it transported. So it's avoided VA winters completely including this year. There is a small spot of rust on the upper corner of the passenger firewall, and pits in both rockers and cab corners. Other than that only surface rust....and did I mention....PATINA We worked out a price, I gave him a 500 deposit and we wrote up a bill of sale. I brought the rest of the money tonight and picked it up. Drove it over to work on my Blazer (35 minutes including highway and stop-and-go) and then home with no issues! Here's the pictures from the craigslist ad __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 01:40 AM	#2
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver It has a low compression 350....used to have a blower on it....and a 3 speed manual tranny. Must be 308 rear gears or lower as it was only 2500rpms at 60mph. And the GPS and my wife behind me confirmed the speed (speedo is dead on-about the only good gauge ) Suspension wise it's mostly stock in the front with a nice HD factory sway bar. The front end wants to wander a little so it will all be replaced in time. Factory height.......for now....plans are drop spindles and bags and replace all the joints/bushings while I'm up there. The rear has been bagged already. Has the "hats" installed and isn't C-notched so it's not that low. Set up with schraders that are plumbed up and installed on the frame itself. Not all the way down now but would bottom out on the bumpstop if it was any lower. I'm going to end up C-notching it and putting 2" drop blocks on it......or will go with the porterbuilt trailing arms. Either will get his crossmember or cut holes and weld in pipe like I did on my 70. Exhaust currently is headers (rusty) running into straight pipes that hang below the frame rail then go over the rear and dump. Very deep and surprisingly not too loud in the cab because it goes so far back. But I will add mufflers and put shiny headers on and tuck the exhaust higher. Engine wise I’m going to just dress it up for now and as funds improve (ie. Finish and sell my blazer) I will look for a good deal on a blower More details to follow accompanied by pictures to illustrate…… note the factory markings __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 01:46 AM	#3
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Of course being a 72 it has disc brakes front drums rear. Power brakes and power steering work well. No A/C for now....depending on how well I do on the blazer I might splurge on Vintage air.....but even though it was hot and humid today it felt good with the vent windows, windows, and foot vents open Here's the money shots of the truck. I know some would rather see a pristine 100% resto, but they are only original once. And I LOVE the PATINA (have I mentioned that ) I even love the surface rust on the roof. Bed is clean....nothing more than surface rust Seems pretty straight and drives that way...... The hood can use some work.....a little too much surface rust....going to try the CLR trick that BRN AGN used on his truck (that used to be mine too ) __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA. Last edited by VA72C10; 05-28-2010 at 01:47 AM.

05-28-2010, 01:51 AM	#4
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Here's one area I'll need to fix. Going to have to get some paint matched to the worn color and then "patina" it myself to match the rest of it..... they did actually use metal to patch it but didn't contour it so that's why the filler cracked...too thick...we'll fix that up soon Here's why that's there...blazer tank relocated to the rear I'm going to address this also...either relocating to the stake pocket, boxing it in, or flushing it in the floor..... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 01:53 AM	#5
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Here's the rear setup currently....will be Lower... And the dirty, but not rusty cab mounts (think i need to replace the rubber ) __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 01:57 AM	#6
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Tailgate is really nice with one dent in the upper corner I'll probably leave because it adds "character" No rust on the bottom edge and clean otherwise I like this step bumper. It's lower profile than most I've seen. Cool with the dealership etched into it like other's I'd seen. Only thing cooler was if it had been a VA dealership....but this thing would be rusted out if it had....so I'm happy it lived its' first 37 years in Texas And an angle shot to show how the bumper doesn't stick out far and was rounded on the leading edge __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 02:00 AM	#7
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Thats a great looking project a green plaid highlander interior and a little detailing and it would be perfect __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

05-28-2010, 02:03 AM	#8
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Oh yeah, the tool box will be going away. May look for a smooth one that I can paint and patina that will ride under the rails or may completely loose one....Keeping it for now until I learn the truck better and fix the leaky rad....has tools, water, and antifreeze filling the toolbox now. Moving on to the interior: Here is the spid label for all of those who like these The downer here is how they hacked the stereo.....going to figure out something on that. I have one of the billet plates I might use but I have to take off the large sheetmetal plate that's riveted on Also, how do you like the wiring??? The two gauges hanging down are temp and oil pressure and actually seem to work fine....I have a solution to this issue already in the works.... Also cut the doors for speakers....I can live with that but will look for some 6X9's with plain grilles to be less conspicuous. __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 02:05 AM	#9
C low Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Albany Oregon Posts: 71	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver looks good man!! what did ya get her for?

05-28-2010, 02:11 AM	#10
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Not quite a highlander seat cover I prefer to show the worn seat to that cover.... These monsters will be gone soon....the tach, and the big cracked wheel. There's a speaker box behind the seat that will be coming out....I might put one in later, but it will have lower profile speakers so I can slide the bench all the way back. It's around 2 1/2" away from the back wall of the cab now and I'm 6'2" and it's a manual....do the math Defroster vent cracked....but not for long.... Popped another defrost vent in already. Amazingly the defrost hose is pliable.... Also put an extra lighter I had in, replaced the ignition label piece, and the E-brake handle __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA. Last edited by VA72C10; 05-28-2010 at 02:12 AM.

05-28-2010, 02:15 AM	#11
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Need a new rubber floor mat, huh It's not all bad on the inside. Seatbelts are all there and really nice originals Looks to be NOS weatherstripping that was recently installed. Has the numbers on it and fits perfect and is super soft Still has the jacking instructions No rust in the rear corners and the seatbelt retractors work fine __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 02:17 AM	#12
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Vent windows have very nice chrome and seals are all still soft. Pins are still tight....held them right where I wanted them even at 65 mph seam seal is all intact __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 02:22 AM	#13
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Some details: these both will be replaced soon with new ones...clear deluxe markers and a nicer 350 badge It's got deluxe...PATINA 17" torque thrusts...before.... After a couple minutes with a powerball...still need more work but already much better... And the other thing I worked on tonight....camaro tach dash to replace the gauges. (and yes, I am going to clean the lens and put a new bezel on. most likely with woodgrain ) __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA. Last edited by VA72C10; 05-28-2010 at 10:24 AM.

05-28-2010, 02:25 AM	#14
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver A few last shots for this evening.....have a 6:30 prayer meeting.....AM...... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 06:54 AM	#16
brn agn Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Youngsville, NC Posts: 952	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver That looks like a great start! I think the CLR will work well on the hood. __________________ 1969 C10 SWB Project Charity Case AKA "Roscoe" 1971 Cheyenne Super A Combined Effort The Service Station-A practical ministry for those in need



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05-28-2010, 07:31 AM	#17
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Thanks! I'll probably be doing it this weekend. Just got done with Prayer meeting. Always refreshing to start the day that way even with lack of sleep. __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

05-28-2010, 08:53 AM	#18
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver That looks good Jonathan....so what does a LWB truck in that condition go for nowadays?!?!?.... __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present Last edited by gcburdic; 05-28-2010 at 09:11 AM.

05-28-2010, 10:10 AM	#19
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver That's a really nice truck, I love the patina. Don't you just hate it when someone reattaches good trim with sheetmetal screws? __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.

05-28-2010, 10:23 AM	#21
RocketKing Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Berryville, AR Posts: 792	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Great find. Gonna be a great driver.

05-28-2010, 10:26 AM	#22
70k52wd Blaze-Air Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,117	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Nice looking truck. I like the stake pocket gas filler idea. Looks like a great DD. I call first right of refusal when you go to sell it in a week from now But really on the first right thing.

05-28-2010, 10:35 AM	#23
lovnthe70 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 181	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Good looking truck! i love the color __________________ 1970 GMC- 454 DONT GIVE ME NO JIBBA JABBA!!!

05-28-2010, 11:26 AM	#25
70k52wd Blaze-Air Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,117	Re: VA72C10 Longbed Patina'd Driver Glad to here you want to keep it. Looks like a fun truck to tinker with. With the hole in the dash already cut, you have a lot of options for sound/nav systems. The 17in TT's look good on it. Love the rear bumper. Redo the bench stock material, get carpet, dynamat, under seat sub, vintage air. I think you just sold a floor shift column, to bad, A 4spd and procharger would be cool. I am anxious to see it in person. I like this one a lot even if it is a long bed.

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