Factory Original Restore?

[Litdave]

Hello Guys,

I need some opinions on what to do with my 4x4. This opinion is for real (see my other post at http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=68150).

I have a factory original 71 4WD SWB truck. I have listed the some of the options that are on the glove box sticker below.

VIN: KE141Fxxxxxx W/BASE: 115 SE: (blank)
OPTIONS: Model KE10734
350 Engine
Turbo Hydra-matic
Power Steering
Front Wheel Lock Hub
Side Mounted Wheel

This was not a very fancy truck but would this truck have any extra value if it were restored to factory original? I know factory SWB 4WD are not very common. If not, then I am going to customize it to make it a more “fun” truck to drive.

If I customize it I plan on changing to a fleetside bed and adding a body trim package, AC, tilt wheel, tach, power door locks and windows, stereo, etc?

Thanks, Litdave

[Slammed67]

Is your goal to sell it or enjoy it???? Your "cutomize" plan sounds like more fun to me! In my opinion, none of these trucks are "rare". I see them everywhere. Some may be more uncommon than others, but not "rare". Oh, if you customize it, make sure you cut the dash too

[lux hauler]

It's your truck. Do it up the way you'd like it and enjoy it.
No matter what you direction you take with the truck, you'll probably never get more out of the truck (if you sell it) than you put into it....especially if you have the work done by someone else.

[Litdave]

I'm not out to make any money or build a show truck. I just didn't want to mess up the truck if it had any "extra" value.

Litdave

[CPNE]

You need to ask yourself the following questions. If the answer to any of them is "No" then it's up to you to decide.

1. Was it your Grandfathers truck?
2. Is it a 67 GMC 2wd longbed?
3. Does it have a 305 V6?
4. Do your plans involve making it a swb?
5. Are you planning to "slam" it?
6. Will you cut the dash, then cover up the "evidence" with a flip-down delete plate?

If you answered "Yes" to all the above, then you could be this guy's evil twin

Note: I know you have no idea why I posted this. It's a running "tit for tat" thing slammed67 and I have going. All in fun of course!

[Litdave]

1. Was it your Grandfathers truck? NO
2. Is it a 67 GMC 2wd longbed? NO
3. Does it have a 305 V6? NO
4. Do your plans involve making it a swb? Allready is
5. Are you planning to "slam" it? Probably raise it a little
6. Will you cut the dash, then cover up the "evidence" with a flip-down delete plate? Cut dash for stereo??? cover w/ plate NO

Litdave

[CPNE]

I'd say you're good to go then! Have fun with it

[junkyardjohn]

I THINK YOU OUGHTA PUT IT IN THE GARAGE FOR THE NEXT 30 YEARS, & JUST FORGET ABOUT IT. THAT WAY, WHILE YOUR DRIVING ESCORTS, CHEVETTES & PACERS, IT WILL BE APPRTECIATING IN VALUE. IN 30 YEARS THERES BOUND TO BE EVEN LESS OF THESE TRUCKS AROUND, THEREFOR MAKING THEN EVEN MORE VALUABLE.

[cdowns]

or you could chop it up into pieces weld it together into abstract sculpture and charge bigbucks and make a fortune

[Slammed67]

Or you could ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you have an imagination? Are you creative?

2. Are you more concerned with making sure everything is "correct" or making it something you'll enjoy driving?

3. Do you realize that there have been some advances in technology since these trucks were built (about 35 years ago) and that some of that technology can be used on these trucks?

4. Do you like to be a little different that everyone else?

Also, just ignore CPNE...... he just likes to take over other people's threads for his own amusement.

[CPNE]

Also, just ignore CPNE...... he just likes to take over other people's threads for his own amusement.

I dispense answers/advise along with imaginative humor:p .

Logic dictates you're implying he not customize it as my advise was to customize it

Meet you at the playground after school. I'll be bringing this!

(Is this the tit or the tat, I'm lost now).

[Slammed67]

WOW! That is one of those ultra rare Chevrolet Suburbans!! I've never seen one..... just heard about them. Is it the even rarer 3-door model?? Make sure you hang on to that one!

Tat

[CPNE]

Originally posted by Slammed67
WOW! That is one of those ultra rare Chevrolet Suburbans!! I've never seen one..... just heard about them. Is it the even rarer 3-door model?? Make sure you hang on to that one!

Tat

Does that mean your letting me have Tit?

[krazy_texan]

Originally posted by Slammed67
Is your goal to sell it or enjoy it???? Your "cutomize" plan sounds like more fun to me! In my opinion, none of these trucks are "rare". I see them everywhere. Some may be more uncommon than others, but not "rare". Oh, if you customize it, make sure you cut the dash too

like he said

[Erl]

Look if it is a really good original, why not sell it to someone who is looking for an original. Then take that money and find one that is not in original condition for less money. Take the profit and do even more custom things to your new truck than you could have otherwise. This way everyone wins.

[CPNE]

Originally posted by Erl
Look if it is a really good original, why not sell it to someone who is looking for an original. Then take that money and find one that is not in original condition for less money. Take the profit and do even more custom things to your new truck than you could have otherwise. This way everyone wins.

Like he said (Me too! me too!)

Actually in a perfect world that would be the ideal.

It's hard to find an unmolested original, not so hard to find a swb 4x4. (This statement was made to satify BOTH the 'it's rare" and the "no it's not" camps).

All 'fun" aside, your truck will have more universal appeal left close to stock( or left with the pieces to return it to stock), than it will being drastically modified. Whether that translates to more valuable, or less fun is the real debate.

[72c10step]

Originally posted by Erl
Look if it is a really good original, why not sell it to someone who is looking for an original. Then take that money and find one that is not in original condition for less money. Take the profit and do even more custom things to your new truck than you could have otherwise. This way everyone wins.

That's mine and my friends' philosophy. He got a 67 C-10 LWB Heavy 1/2 ton 99% original, and he's keeping it mostly that way. My truck was pieced together from 5+ others, so I'll customize it and not worry about it. If I had found an "unmolested original" as CPNE put it, I'd definitely leave it mostly original with a few modern updates for comfort.

[Litdave]

OK, thanks everybody.

First, it is not a cherry. The body is bad, it needs another cab and bed, but it is complete.

It would be a lot more fun to fix it up the way I want it. I just didn't want to have regrets or feel guilty if this truck had any "extra" value.

The general consenses seems to be custimize it which is what I really wanted to do anyway. I wasn't planning on doing anything to butcher the truck. Just some bolt on upgrades like tilt wheel, tach, AC (since I need another cab), fleetside box, 383 stroker, maybe a 700r4 trans, small lift with larger tires & wheels, late model seat, etc.

I want this to be a nice comfortable and driveable truck when I am done.

By the way, if anyone knows where I can get a good rust free or near rust free AC cab and/or fleetside box I sure would be interested.

Thanks, Litdave

[Randy70C-10]

Dave, if you have a mental picture of what you want your truck to look like, ya gotta just go for it. Anything less and you won't be happy with it. OH, and like slammed said, jusy ignor CPNE. lol