Grandma's '72 Cheyenne LWB Half Ton

[70gmcjimmy]

Isn't it illegal to sell members of your family? I don't know how you could sell it since you like GM vehicles of the era. 3 cars and no pickup wouldn't work for me, but all I own are trucks anyway so I can't be very impartial.

I've got 2 trucks that have been in the family 30+ years and they will remain that way till I'm dead. They aren't super rare or in great shape but most everyone else in the family isn't either! LOL

Really it's your truck and just do with it what you need to do for your situation. No way to be sure what a new owner will do with it. It's a great truck by the way!

Later---DAC

[72cheyenneman]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your advice. This site has opened my eyes and my mind is finally made up to keep the truck and restore it slowly. However, many of you may regret the advice to keep and restore it when I start asking for help! I'm surprised at all the responses--this seems like a great site. Okay, let's get started...would someone point me to a GM passenger door that's in excellent shape? I'm looking for rust-free, if possible. Since I'm not a metal man, I'm thinking of sending it to The Installation Center outside Atlanta for all the metal work. They did an outstanding job on my '69 SS Camaro--I highly recommend them to anyone. Once again, thanks everyone for your time and advice. Casey

[WestButteTruck]

Try and keep all the original metal you can. If the rust isn't too bad, patch the spots that need it. My Grandfather gave me his pickup. It's not a 72, but it's a Chevy. The good thing is it's mint and needs only a few minor items. My kids will get it sometime.

[70gmcjimmy]

Good move 72Cheyenneman!

[72cheyenneman]

Merry Christmas to all my fellow Chevy Truck guys! I told you I'd be asking some questions about my 72 Cheyenne, so here we go... Since my truck is 100% original, where can I find NOS parts? I know about eBay but haven't been able to locate anything there. I don't know any truck people and don't know a whole lot about these trucks; i.e., which parts, doors, radiator core support, inner fender wells, etc., will work from the Blazer or Suburban from the same year (1972). And, I definitely don't want to use after-market parts on my project if I can help it. Also, my gas tank needs to be changed--I believe it's an 18-gallon tank. What year tank will work, and is the after-market gas tank just like the original? If so, can I use my old sending unit with the after-market tank? Like I said, my goal in restoring the truck is 100% originality. Take it easy on me guys....my sole experience in restoration is with first generation Camaros! I'd love to have a photo of my completely restored '72 Chevy Cheyenne truck pulling my completely restored '69 SS Camaro Here's some pics of my SS and '69 Z28--both original, matching number [IMG][/IMG]

[Boog]

Oh that is just so wrong! I mean for any one guy to own two *****in 69's like those. I'll take the SS, thank you.

[67ss&99ss]

I love that 69 Z28. I'm guessing it is an early build date car?

[72cheyenneman]

Thanks, Andy. A lot of work went into that Z, as well as the SS. Both are early builds--the Z is all original metal. Since my '72 Cheyenne was given to me by my grandmother after she passed away from cancer, there is no way I can bring that wonderful woman back, but I can restore her truck. I guarantee it's going to look like those Camaros! With that being said, where are all the NOS parts for these trucks, or like I asked previously, do the Suburban/Blazer parts work with the Cheyenne? Can someone chime in and help me with some direction on parts? I know in the Camaro world, you can still find NOS parts, but I'm clueless with these truck parts. Any help would be appreciated

[Already Gone]

ttt

[72cheyenneman]

Happy Mardi Gras to all! I thought I'd skip the parades today and instead pull the seat out of my '72 Cheyenne and look for a build sheet. I didn't see one so I decided to take the carpet out and check the floor pans--absolutely mint shape! I did find a bunch of my grandmother's possessions she had, along with about 78 cents. This truck is going to the body shop in the next couple weeks, and I'll keep you posted. Here are some pictures of the inside cab and floors, along with my grandmother's odds and ends (including a bobby pin):

[Duncan and son]

Hey Casey I think it looks better than you described to me. I like it, same color as our new longhorn. Paul and Jason

[flashed]

Im glad you kept the old girl ,nice Camaros too .Did you also mention a Chevelle?

[Tynee]

Wow, that thing is solid.

On the NOS parts, swap meets and the classified section of this board are your best bets, but I'd make sure you know the hallmarks of the NOS parts your looking for before you head to the swap meets. For $25 you can become a member of this board and post a "WTB" (wanted to buy) thread in the classifieds, after you've identified exactly which parts you'll be needing to replace, etc...

[bigsnookmaster]

Don't forget to check under the seat for the build sheet. Nice truck and Camaro's.

[tex_waco_usmc]

Man I am glad you decided to keep that truck. People on here would have had your hide if you had sold it after the story. After all the truck is a member of the family now.

I sold project heaven once due to some struggling times and then missed her horribly. Luckily the guy I sold her to was a good friend and when he decided he didnt have the time to continue with her he called and now she resided in my workshop again with my name on the title AGAIN. wont make that mistake twice. Eventually my son will drive the truck!

Good luck with the build, and by the way I hate you for having two 69's (Just kidding) I have wanted one since I was in high school! Great looking cars!

[72cheyenneman]

It's been a while since I posted on my grandmother's truck. It's come a long way since last year. The frame has been sandblasted and painted with Eastwood Chassis paint. Motor and transmission has been rebuilt and now I'm doing the detail of the chassis and motor. Body is in the body shop and has been blasted and epoxy primed. The bed has also been blasted and epoxy primed. This is hard work trying to keep this truck as original as possible (and expensive). I'll keep you all posted as my work progresses. For a rookie at this, what do you all think? Many thanks to Paul Duncan for the bed floor, the right side exhaust manifold, etc. Here are 3 before and after pictures:

[Rodk65]

Looks great. Grandma wanted you to have it for a reason. Maybe you doing this is it.

[rsavage]

Chassis looks superb. I am sure that truck will be pristine when you are finished, based on your other classics. Thanks for sharing.

[No Regretz]

i know whats going through your head my friend you will want it back if you sell it

just like everyone else is telling you

[Tynee]

It looks like you are doing it right. Good luck going forward.

[Pop's C-10]

shaping up good

[steppside69]

Looking good

[72BlckButy]

Amazing... absolutely amazing!

Nice work!

[MalibuSSwagon]

I still wish I had my grandmothers 1979 Caprice, I have memories of riding around in that car as a kid and wanted it so bad when I was 16 and she got a new car but my uncle got it and drove this garage stored car into the ground within a few years.

[Duncan and son]

Casey, I know it is a lot of time and money but after talking to you many times I know you are doing it right and when is all said and done you will proud of it. We will link up some day and have an RC and moon pie.
Congradulations on a job well done.... Paul and Jason