1972 GMC Restoration - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

supermanox · 06-09-2003, 01:09 PM

Hey guys, I have a 1972 GMC Sierra Grande that I want to do a full custom resto on. The truck is in good running condition as is, I have a lot of questions on exactly where to start and need ideas of where to go and get some stuff done (take cab and bed off frame and such) I live in Asheville NC, if anyone is willing to help me out via e-mail, please shoot me one at Cooper@triathlete.com. Thanks

*dtlilly* · 06-09-2003, 01:18 PM

Welcome to the board from W. Tennessee, and another GMC owner.

Visit the board frequently, and post any and all your questions here. You will gain a larger perspective and alternate ways of restoration or customization. Again, welcome to the greatest 67-72 truck board on the net, you will quickly wonder how you lived before finding this site.

VTKidder · 06-09-2003, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtlilly
....you will quickly wonder how you lived before finding this site.

Ain't that the truth!!!! And don't be afraid to ask what you think are dumb questions. Nobody was born a genius on these trucks. Everyone has learned, and outside of working on the truck, this board has taught me the most so far! Welcome from Vermont!!!

supermanox · 06-09-2003, 02:29 PM

Does anyone know any reliable resto garages or shops in the Western North Carolina area, I think i need to take the cab and bed off, sandblast and coat the frame and then do any body adjustments, replacing cab corners and that sort. What else should I look at having done while i have the cab and bed off?

VTKidder · 06-09-2003, 02:43 PM

Don't know of any place in NC being in VT, but things I'd definitely do again while I had the bare frame and bare cab. Advice though...a pro body shop or resto shop prolly won't want a cab sitting there that you want a rocker replaced on. They have bigger and $$ projects. I had a friend who does bodywork (c'mon, we all know someone that does) do the tougher stuff for me. Benefits....

1. You can work on it with him
2. Usually way cheaper than a body shop.
3. Beer and welding is a good time; body shop won't let you have a cold one while watching.

Make sure the buddy is capable and not a bondo-slinger, but save the $$ and get involved in the resto. That's what restoring a truck is all about!! Having fun with it!! Paying someone to restore your truck, and being able to answer any question about the truck once you've completed with your own two hands are two VERY different things. I prefer the latter, and would say 99% of the board is in the same boat. This board is for all of us with scun up knuckles and a head full of questions. Some stuff I'd recommend doing while things are apart...

== FRAME ==

-Replace all rubber front end parts (sway bar mounts, etc).
-Run all new brake lines.
-General frame resto; Por-15 and any custom stuff (c-notch, etc.)
-Add a rear fuel cell if you're into it. May want to keep it stock, some like to relocate the cell for safety reasons.

== CAB ==

-Check the ENTIRE cab; mounts, floors, rockers, corners, vents, windshield areas, etc.
-Buy a new cab mounting kit.
-Smooth and paint the firewall if you're into that.

That's about it. Pretty much think of every time you were working in something and said to yourself "Dammit!!! This would be a heckuva lot easier if I could come in from the top!" or "I wish this cab weren't here!" Dunno how far you want to take this resto, but really look things over when it's apart. Much easier to swap a tranny crossmember if you want a different tranny when the cab is off!!!

krue · 06-09-2003, 06:29 PM

Welcome to the board from HOT and HUMID South Mississippi!

I gotta GMC too, ain't they great!

**Palf70Step** · 06-09-2003, 06:34 PM

Welcome from the still hot and humid Mississippi!

Eddie H. · 06-10-2003, 08:20 PM

My best advice is that you'll mainly need two things: Money and patience.

First, take what you think it will cost, add 30 % then double that figure and you will be close. That goes for time also, if you're planning on doing a complete frame off restoration, take the time to do it right. Figure what you think it will take, add 50% then double that.

If done correctly, the end result, is a one of a kind rolling work of art that you'll never want to part with.

Sure, anybody can go down to the dealer and take their pick of new over priced, over rated, plastic, cookie cutter, look alike, everybody has one just like it, computer controlled nothing-mobiles that lose their value faster than you can pay for them, but there's just something about driving a true classic you've restored yourself, that is priceless.

**Tim Christian** · 06-10-2003, 10:24 PM

A Big Tennessee Howdy-Do!!!! If I can help you with any parts just let me know. I am only about one hour and 1/2 from you. Tim

Daves72'GMC · 06-10-2003, 10:26 PM

I have a '72 Sierra Grande too, and I'll let you know how my restoration goes. I live in Horse shoe, N.C. Do you have any pics of your truck?

Daves72'GMC · 06-10-2003, 10:35 PM

We should get together sometime and Tim Christian with Christians classic truck parts in Tenn. and Bill Athey with Athey's Truck parts in Virginia are both great guys and have good prices and good quality parts. I've bought alot of parts from them and my restoration will start in July. Dave

weasel29gm · 06-10-2003, 10:49 PM

Howdy from good ole' West Virginia, have fun with your project and enjoy the ride!!!!!!

Cheesewagon · 06-10-2003, 11:32 PM

Welcome from Northern Ohio. Sounds like you have a nice project. Just take your time and have lots of fun. You found the right place and people to ask questions to.

supermanox · 06-13-2003, 11:59 AM

Thanks for all the greetings everybody, I have a set of buckets out of a 72 Jimmy, but I don't have the seat rails to mount them, any ideas on where I can find them, or how to rig something together?

*Pardue'sCustoms* · 06-13-2003, 05:01 PM

hello from NC i'am about 1.5 hr away so if i can be of any help just let me know and welcome to the board

WE NEED PIC>

06-09-2003, 01:09 PM	#1
supermanox Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 36	1972 GMC Restoration Hey guys, I have a 1972 GMC Sierra Grande that I want to do a full custom resto on. The truck is in good running condition as is, I have a lot of questions on exactly where to start and need ideas of where to go and get some stuff done (take cab and bed off frame and such) I live in Asheville NC, if anyone is willing to help me out via e-mail, please shoot me one at Cooper@triathlete.com. Thanks

06-09-2003, 02:29 PM	#4
supermanox Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 36	Resto shops? Does anyone know any reliable resto garages or shops in the Western North Carolina area, I think i need to take the cab and bed off, sandblast and coat the frame and then do any body adjustments, replacing cab corners and that sort. What else should I look at having done while i have the cab and bed off?

06-09-2003, 06:29 PM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Welcome to the board from HOT and HUMID South Mississippi! I gotta GMC too, ain't they great! __________________ "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"

06-09-2003, 06:34 PM	#7
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,820	Welcome from the still hot and humid Mississippi! __________________ 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!

06-10-2003, 08:20 PM	#8
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	My best advice is that you'll mainly need two things: Money and patience. First, take what you think it will cost, add 30 % then double that figure and you will be close. That goes for time also, if you're planning on doing a complete frame off restoration, take the time to do it right. Figure what you think it will take, add 50% then double that. If done correctly, the end result, is a one of a kind rolling work of art that you'll never want to part with. Sure, anybody can go down to the dealer and take their pick of new over priced, over rated, plastic, cookie cutter, look alike, everybody has one just like it, computer controlled nothing-mobiles that lose their value faster than you can pay for them, but there's just something about driving a true classic you've restored yourself, that is priceless. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"

06-09-2003, 01:18 PM	#2
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Welcome to the board from W. Tennessee, and another GMC owner. Visit the board frequently, and post any and all your questions here. You will gain a larger perspective and alternate ways of restoration or customization. Again, welcome to the greatest 67-72 truck board on the net, you will quickly wonder how you lived before finding this site.

06-09-2003, 02:43 PM	#5
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	Don't know of any place in NC being in VT, but things I'd definitely do again while I had the bare frame and bare cab. Advice though...a pro body shop or resto shop prolly won't want a cab sitting there that you want a rocker replaced on. They have bigger and $$ projects. I had a friend who does bodywork (c'mon, we all know someone that does) do the tougher stuff for me. Benefits.... 1. You can work on it with him 2. Usually way cheaper than a body shop. 3. Beer and welding is a good time; body shop won't let you have a cold one while watching. Make sure the buddy is capable and not a bondo-slinger, but save the $$ and get involved in the resto. That's what restoring a truck is all about!! Having fun with it!! Paying someone to restore your truck, and being able to answer any question about the truck once you've completed with your own two hands are two VERY different things. I prefer the latter, and would say 99% of the board is in the same boat. This board is for all of us with scun up knuckles and a head full of questions. Some stuff I'd recommend doing while things are apart... == FRAME == -Replace all rubber front end parts (sway bar mounts, etc). -Run all new brake lines. -General frame resto; Por-15 and any custom stuff (c-notch, etc.) -Add a rear fuel cell if you're into it. May want to keep it stock, some like to relocate the cell for safety reasons. == CAB == -Check the ENTIRE cab; mounts, floors, rockers, corners, vents, windshield areas, etc. -Buy a new cab mounting kit. -Smooth and paint the firewall if you're into that. That's about it. Pretty much think of every time you were working in something and said to yourself "Dammit!!! This would be a heckuva lot easier if I could come in from the top!" or "I wish this cab weren't here!" Dunno how far you want to take this resto, but really look things over when it's apart. Much easier to swap a tranny crossmember if you want a different tranny when the cab is off!!!

06-10-2003, 10:24 PM	#9
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	A Big Tennessee Howdy-Do!!!! If I can help you with any parts just let me know. I am only about one hour and 1/2 from you. Tim

06-10-2003, 10:26 PM	#10
Daves72'GMC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Asheville, N.C Posts: 952	I have a '72 Sierra Grande too, and I'll let you know how my restoration goes. I live in Horse shoe, N.C. Do you have any pics of your truck?

06-10-2003, 10:35 PM	#11
Daves72'GMC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Asheville, N.C Posts: 952	We should get together sometime and Tim Christian with Christians classic truck parts in Tenn. and Bill Athey with Athey's Truck parts in Virginia are both great guys and have good prices and good quality parts. I've bought alot of parts from them and my restoration will start in July. Dave

06-10-2003, 10:49 PM	#12
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,092	Howdy from good ole' West Virginia, have fun with your project and enjoy the ride!!!!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

06-10-2003, 11:32 PM	#13
Cheesewagon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Perrysburg, Ohio, USA Posts: 409	Welcome from Northern Ohio. Sounds like you have a nice project. Just take your time and have lots of fun. You found the right place and people to ask questions to. __________________ '91 suburban 350 TBI - R 700 4 new daily driver '72 Cheyenne Super 49,000miles 350/350 frame up resto w/ matching numbers.

06-13-2003, 11:59 AM	#14
supermanox Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 36	Thanks for all the greetings everybody, I have a set of buckets out of a 72 Jimmy, but I don't have the seat rails to mount them, any ideas on where I can find them, or how to rig something together?

06-13-2003, 05:01 PM	#15
Pardue'sCustoms Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Jonesville NC Posts: 621	hello from NC i'am about 1.5 hr away so if i can be of any help just let me know and welcome to the board WE NEED PIC>



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