New '72 possibility

[Gruman]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this board, and new to the whole classic truck area. Have only had my first 68 C20 for about 2 months now. Bought it running (barely) and driving and put some work into it to get it street legal. Got it inspected yesterday and is ready to cruise! Its got its original 292 inline 6 in it and runs great! Trans in automatic 3 speed. Only have a few pics of it right now.






My question is about a possible 72 C20 with a 350 V8 for sale locally. Its going to be the pics of the dark blue one. Got to mess with it yesterday and I got the engine running, power steering working, but brakes have got a hole somewhere and lines were dry. Minimal rust and just a few dents here and there. The paint is not original. Its got coils in the back.







He's asking $1000. Has clean title. Worth it?

[Gruman]

More Pics

[73737373]

Save as many of them as you can!!!

[LSUMurse]

I'd bet you could part it out and make your money back and keep some of the things you want for your '68. It'll give you experience on tearing it apart, so when you go to do things to the '68, it won't be all new to you.

I'm fairly new to all this too, and honestly if it's your first go at this, two restoration projects may be a bit more than you can chew. I didn't realize how much work needs to go into a restoration.

You could probably talk him down from $1000. Point out all the bad things and keep the good things to yourself.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Have you checked the VIN?

Does it have 5 lug disc brakes?

Only reason I ask is that it has a 69-70 Grille and hood on it (emblem on hood was a 69/70 thing) and a 67-70 bumper. It's completely easy to swap them... maybe they hit a deer a long time ago... but something to check on.

Love your 68. Very cool truck!

[Gruman]

Yeah I noticed it had a 69-70 hood but the vin and title says its a 72.

About the restoration, I would love to get this one and keep it for now, don't want to overload myself with 2. Just thought it sounded like a good deal. Would rather have it at my house and sit than rot where it is now. I could keep an eye on rust and keep the engine in good running order if it were in my possession.

The only deal breaker for me right now would be the transmission. Little to no fluid after I started it and it just wouldn't lock up and go. Going to go back today and add what looks like around 5 quarts to the trans to see if it will move. If it doesn't move, then its gotta be cheap. But if the fluid fixes it, I think I'll bring it home. Too bad about the brakes, or I could just drive it home!


Forgot to add- all 8 lug wheels, and I think all drum brakes.

[LSUMurse]

Sounds like a good plan to me. If I had the space (I don't even have a garage, I'm a driveway commando) I'd do it too. If nothing else, get it running and safe and use it when you've got the '68 torn apart.

[Joesjunk]

The title and vin must have been swapped on that blue truck because that is not a 72 cab. It has the 70 and older gas pedal and shift indicator. Just an FYI for you. A 72 will have disc brakes also.

[MidLifer]

based on all the uncertainty about what year this truck is, and all of what is said above is valid, I'd say this one is for parts only, and given that I'd offer $500 if that is what I wanted it for.

Otherwise triple-check the title against the number on the frame (can be found on driver's side near steering box) and the cab and make sure all 3 match. Highly doubtful since it's already been stated that the cab is not a 72. This may be a frankentruck.

[Gruman]

Thanks to everyone! Being new at this, I would have not known about this. I'll be sure to check all of that when I go look at it again after lunch.

Thanks again guys. (or gals if there are any here)

[Gruman]

Got to see it again and have good news and bad news, mostly good news.

Good news: Transmission works fine with only adding fluid. Engine runs good, (not original, but same 350) Power steering works good and drives well.

Bad news: No brakes, one hole in the line, hopefully easy fix. The title is wrong. Not the wrong title, but wrong info. The year states its a 1972 where the vin and the truck are clearly 1969. Also 2 numbers on the title are swapped. Ex: ser number 53367 on the truck and 35367 on the title. I talked to the tax assessor (who happens to be my aunt) (small county, that office also does vehicle registration and titles) and said it wouldn't be a problem to fix, just one more form to fill out.

Its currently sitting at my house, still have to make a deal with the owner. (I live less than a mile away, and its a small town, we all know each other well)

I'm thinking $750 - ish?

[Tinkermc]

Waiting to hear what you found?

[Gruman]

Short story is its an original 69 cab, body, frame, brakes need work, and I can fix the title problem easy, runs good, power steering good. Pics in the morning.

[In The Ten Ring]

I am not very good (yet) at this restoration thing (although I am dead in the middle of one on my '72) so I would be a bit scared by the looks of that thing.

Mainly the steering wheel scared me but also all the debris around the carb. If you want her and are confident, you have my blessing.

Keep us supplied with pics!

[Gruman]

More Pics of the truck!

[MidLifer]

i see the potential in this one. Looks like it has real good bones. Hope you were able to close the deal and make everyone happy.

Let us know how your build goes.

[Gruman]

Well, I sealed the deal yesterday with the owner and the truck is mine with title in hand. I have the 68 to concentrate on for now so this 69 might sit for a little while. I think I'll throw a battery in it so I can start it up once and a while to hear that 350 roar and to keep it in good running order. This is the first truck with a 350 I have owned so I get a little excited when I have it running. Ha ha

Thanks everyone for the advice and help with this purchase. I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions here.