New member and my 72 SWB

[FlameOut]

I joined the forums about a month ago, so still doing lots of reading here.

I'm Bill, from Pittsburgh PA, and recently retired from the Pittsburgh Fire dept after almost 30 years. Now that I'm retired, and bored, I thought I'd start another project. I went though this restoration stuff a few years back when I bought a basket case Chevelle and did a frame off restoration on it.

I just picked up this 72 4x4 SWB that pretty much needs everything (although the bed is remarkably straight with very little rust. I'm going to do a complete one piece floor, along with outer rockers and cab corners. The frame unfortunately needs some attention also, and I started the repair on the worst part, as the photos below should show. I probably should have done a little more research, as I think this truck must have been a base model, by looking at the dash cluster

[Coda O'Dell]

Looks like a cool start. Will definitely be watching this one!

[flashed]

Im in ,looks like a good start .

[brown7373]

Good luck. What part of PGH are you? I grew up in Bethel Park.

[FlameOut]

I was able to get the cab off today. Man, that thing is heavier than I thought, but two of us got it off. I have most of the old floor cut out, and hopefully tomorrow I can work on fitment of the new floor. Brown7373, I live right on the border of the North Side and Ross Twp







This is my 67 Chevelle I did a few years back. I think the truck will be a littler easier

[flashed]

Nice Chevelle you have there .

[diggerbob]

My favorite Chevy is the '67 Chevelle SS.

[Tinkermc]

I like both of your projects.

[Bomp]

Welcome.Looks like a good start.
Sub'd

[jaros44sr]

Ill watch, if the truck comes out as well as the chevelle, it should be a beauty.....

Thank you for your service....firemen never get enough credit, but should

[FlameOut]

I haven't got much done the past few days (due to stupidity on my part - welders flash). I made new bed and cab perches on the driver side, and got the entire floor removed ready for test fitting of the new one. Still waiting on a "buddy" to return my engine hoist so I can remove this straight 6 and get frame prepped for a 350 I've been holding onto. Anyone know what all needs done to swap from a 6 to an 8?

I'm also trying to get this stupid HF blaster to quit clogging on me so I can start stripping paint/surface rust. I may have to resort to 40/60 grit paper.

A question I have though, is this truck considered a base model? Fender emblems are Custom/10 and dash cluster doesn't have all of the gauges that I see most others have. I'd like to swap that out, but will that mean a new dash and engine harness?

This is an older photo. The floor is already removed. Just wanted to show that dash




This is the last time this truck has been on the road

[68'CTown]

Welcome to the forum and can't wait to see the progress of your truck. Good luck!!!

[doubleb's69]

Welcome from Iowa. I love short bed 4X4's. Looks cool! Also nice Chevelle!

[70cst]

Hey FlameOut ...

to the forums and from Ohio

on your new hobby. You chose well

[see ten]

I'm pretty sure the "Custom" was the base model. Next step up was the "Custom deluxe" followed by a "Cheyenne" and a "Cheyenne Super". If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will jump in here to correct me... but you asked twice so...

But yes, 6cyl, idiot light cluster, radio delete... that's pretty basic.

The SWB 4x4 is pretty rare though. Seems like they built about 6069 of em in 72. I sold mine a little over 2 years ago.

[see ten]

Just cruised back through your pics again... that's not 72 molding on the bed. Either a previous owner swapped a 67-68 bed on and didn't change the molding, or they just prefered the look of the 67-68 molding. Either way doesn't matter, but could explain why the bed was in better shape then the cab and the rest of the truck.

I'm also diggin the 505 paint. Mine was the same color... well, it had a white roof and the white down the side, but it was the Dark green 505 code. That's what they refer to as a "fleet" color, pretty sure you can still buy a new truck today with that paint on it.

[WIDESIDE72]

Looks pretty much like a stripper, with exception of 4x4 (!)

Funny thing, when i saw the spid label, it looks like it says "barf green"!

[WIDESIDE72]

It looks like the grill surround is in good shape too (?) if si, you lucked out on two high dollar items with it and the bed being clean.

Iirc, the engine crossmember is different on 6 cyl and v8 4x4 trucks, with v8 bei g a little more common and easy to find.

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by see ten

just cruised back through your pics again... That's not 72 molding on the bed. Either a previous owner swapped a 67-68 bed on and didn't change the molding, or they just prefered the look of the 67-68 molding. Either way doesn't matter, but could explain why the bed was in better shape then the cab and the rest of the truck.
.

x2

[FlameOut]

I was just wondering, am I missing a cross piece from the rear of my frame? (See above photo) I was reading through some other threads and noticed in the photos of frames that there is a cross brace or something at the back end f the frame

[Tom Vogel]

[QUOTE=

dash cluster doesn't have all of the gauges that I see most others have. I'd like to swap that out, but will that mean a new dash and engine harness?
QUOTE]

Yes... but you probably would want to just rewire it anyway. I would recomend the American Autowire Classic Update kit. It will have literally everything you need for the entire truck including that dash upgrade. Very easy to do and comes with factory style conections.

[hugger6933]

Tom Has a good point about wanting to rewire but you can repin your harness to accept the gauge cluster. The FAQ section of the home corner[ top left hand of the home page]67-72 section can take you there. also the GMC Pauls website has a super break down of the repinning to help out if you want to go with more gauges.
Next thing it does have the 67-68 moulding on the bed and I don't see any side markers in the bed? that would mean it is most defiantly a 67. That doesn't matter it is a super nice project you have fun. My oldest Brother was a volunteer fireman and wanted to be one his whole life, growing up his hero was Red Adere [sp?] He did meet him. I do miss him , thank you for your service. Jim

[dajn]

Yay. Another dork trying to fit in with the swb nerds. Highschool is over my friend. Just let it go.