Considering a 72 truck

[rsgt]

I drive a 98 Chevy long bed. I like the 67-72 Chevys but I have not driven one. How would a 72 long bed compare in ride and handling to my 98? I also pull a 17 foot camper, I think it is like 4000 Lb. How would this do with a 72 Long bed with a 350 engine. Thanks,

[In The Ten Ring]

I have a 1972 truck and when I used to drive it, it was stock except for power steering and brakes that my dad put on it.

I found it easy to drive with tons of pulling power (4.11 rear end). Driving my dad's modern trucks, big difference.

Modern trucks are way more comfortable to sit in (dad's only had a heater, no AC) and handled better. Dad's modern trucks were automatics, no fun there.

So, I assume that will be your findings too. For me (I now have dad's 72) I'll take the 72 any day. I just like being different. I like having a 3 speed on the column. I like the floor mounted dimmer switch. I like getting lots of looks and comments.

TTT so someone that is actually driving the two side by side can chime in.

A lot will depend on weight (1/2, 3/4, or 1 ton), transmission gearing, engine size, and options. Coil springs rear ride better but don't haul as much as leafs. 4K towing isn't that much I don't think.

[57taskforce]

Well I've got a 98 k2500 and a 72 k/20. In my opinion it's apples to oranges. The k20 will pull my trailer just as good or better than my 98. The 98 is more comfortable for long trips and has the creature comforts, but I enjoy driving the k/20 more. The ifs of the 98 rides much smoother than the leaf springs on the k/20. Keep in mind my only driving expierence with these trucks is in a 4x4 and I'm sure the coil 2x4s are much more smooth.

[In The Ten Ring]

Granted, when I did drive the 1972, I was 16 to 19 and had never driven another truck. My truck hasn't run since 1994 so I can't comment now.

I think with these old trucks, you just have to like having an older truck. It's probably not doing to warm up as fast as a new truck, won't get as great of mileage, won't be as easy to drive, but it offers other intangibles that nothing new can. Granted, shaving with a modern Mach III is way easier than with a straight razor, but the straight offers things the Mach III can't (and I shave with both).

If you can afford a 1972, and can find a good one, get it. I don't like the 71 and 72 inner grills, as I think those are too weak (plastic). I'd suggest a grill guard and I have one I plan to put on. With 71 and 72 you get front disc brakes. I like a long wheel base as you can carry more lumber. If all else fails, you can sell your 72 to us!

[canuckian]

It'll handle the towing part without issue but other than them both being trucks, that's pretty much where the similarities end. My daily is a 2015 silverado ltz. It drives and rides like a dream and has pretty much every option Chevy offers. I can drive 500 miles in it and it doesn't hurt my back or wear me out. My 72 K10 has fm radio as pretty much it's only option, if I drive it for a long stretch my back pays dearly for it but I honestly like driving it more than the new one. It's more fun and way cooler looking. It's a truck and it doesn't try to be anything else. It'll probably never be my daily driver as I'd like to keep it around as long as I can but it is a hoot to drive.

[70cst]

The following is a good read on our trucks

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/1...pickup-trucks/

[Ken B]

I have a very nice all original 1970 Chevy Longhorn. It has 88,000 original miles on it. It still has its original shocks in it. The shocks still have factory undercoating on them, they don't leak and it rides beautiful so why replace them.. My truck rides so smooth and quiet that when I take some of my friends in it they always comment that it rides as smooth as their new truck. My truck is a C30 1 ton. Others might disagree with me but driving in it will make you a believer..

[In The Ten Ring]

Wow, a 1 ton, beautiful. I wish my stepside was a C30 stepside.

[rsgt]

Guys, Thanks for all the help and reading info. Are the later model trucks more comfortable on long trips because of the better seats?

[CG]

30 years of upgrades (old vs new) equals more than a better seat.

[EARNHARDT#3]

My dads 2015 Silverado 1500 Z71 4x4 rides exceptionally well. You really just float over the worst bumps and potholes PA has to offer. Far superior ride over any previous generation. BUT the interior is kind of cramped. Everything is so bulky that it fills up that HUGE 4 door cab. I also can't stand the touch screen radio thingy. Why do they make it like that? It's almost as big as my iPad and not very user friendly. When I have to buy something newer someday (I guess you don't ever really have to) I'm going to hate those touch screen radios.

[joeydurango]

I love these trucks. But take my advice - I tried to build one as an only vehicle, something that would ride smoothly, be absolutely reliable, get decent mileage, and be easy enough to drive for my wife to feel comfy driving - and ended up having to sell it not too long afterwards because none of those things really came to fruition.

Take two for me - at some point - will involve a less-nice, not-necessary-as-only-vehicle truck that will be fun to drive, tinker with, and be nostalgic about. And it won't matter if it doesn't run for a month or two, or if I have it in pieces for a while, or if it's not the safest thing on the road. I'll still think it's awesome.

[swamp rat]

You looking at a C20 or a K20?

K20: stock higth or a lift?

Things to concider: My k20 road smoother with the stock higth springs than it does with 2 different 4" lift kits, maybe not a huge difference but noticable..

C20 probably rides better than a K20?

[Lmac]

Well put Joe.

[davischevy]

I drive this big block powered with overdrive transmission, Longhorn every where I go. In fact this pic was taken at Precision Equipment in Springdale hauling an excavator bucket. But, that said, I have a late model that I can drive if I want. If you are going to drive a 67-72 as your primary driver, you better be mechanically minded.