72 GMC Short Step Build

[Z10]

Addco Front Swaybar Installed

I've seen this posted several times on the forum that adding a front sway bar was the best mod that many owners have done. I have to agree. I helped Car Boss install the bar on Sunday, then Double E and I went for a test drive. We had to debate weather this was the best mod or the TPI set up. We're still debating it.

I took some pics but they were just too poor to post. I'll try and take some better ones and post later.

If you haven't done this mod............Just Do It!

[Z10]

Bilstein Shocks Installed

One of the first things I did when I purchased my 72 was to replace the shocks. Purchased a set of Monroe Gasmatics from a parts store here in town and never was really happy with them. So, today Boss Man and I pulled them off and installed a set of Bilsteins. Big difference. I think I'm going to like them.

[Bomp]

On the front sway bar, did you use the stock one or did you upgrade to a larger one?
Bilstein shocks added to my list.

Truck is looking great.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by Bomp

On the front sway bar, did you use the stock one or did you upgrade to a larger one?
Bilstein shocks added to my list.

Truck is looking great.

Thanks Bomp.

The front sway bar is an Addco bar. I purchased it through Brothers but others also carry it. I believe someone said Porterbuilt also handles this bar. It really made a noticeable improvement to the handling. I've got about 2 miles on the shocks but from the little I've had a chance to drive it, it's tightened up the rebound.

Still have a few things in the works and hope to have them installed/finished in the upcoming weeks.

CPP Track Bar
Power Trax rear end
New Finned Aluminum rear end cover.
Radio/speakers
New Wood bed

Stay tuned.

[mcbassin]

Very cool project! Glad I found it. Looks like you have a really nice truck.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very cool project! Glad I found it. Looks like you have a really nice truck.

Thanks, it's been a fun project.

[Z10]

Best of Show!

Double E and I ventured out this morning to Big Spring, TX to test the water at a car show with the 72. There were around 95 entrants at the show an pretty well represented. We decided to leave a bit early to get back to Midland for another obligation, before the awards were presented; when one of the organizers noticed, then asked us if we could stay another 10 minutes.

They stopped the music and gathered the participants to present "Best of Show",
then guess who's name was called? Yep, the 72 won! First rattle out of the box.

Needless to say we were pretty jazzed. I've included a couple of pics of this custom made trophy which coincidentally is painted the same color as the truck.

On the way back we decided we might just retire the truck from the show circuit and go out on top without any losses.

[BlacklandCamper]

Very well deserved. Thats one well built truck.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by BlacklandCamper

Very well deserved. Thats one well built truck.

Thanks Blackland, we all appreciate it.

[9teen69]

Just read your whole thread again...thanks for the motivation - beautiful truck!

[Z10]

Originally Posted by 9teen69

Just read your whole thread again...thanks for the motivation - beautiful truck!

Glad we could be of some motivational help. Stay tuned we have a few more mods to come.

[Z10]

Road Trip!!

It's time to take the 72 on about an 800 mile road trip this weekend. I have some old college buddies that I'm meeting up with in Hunt, TX then going down to Boerne, TX saturday, to the Corvette show on the square. If any of you Texas boys are going to be there look me up.

I'm catching up with one of the guys and his Red 68 GTO HO in San Angelo, then hopefully Fredericksburg for lunch. Also have another friend bringing his Red 55 Chevy up from San Antonio. I'll post some pics next week if anyone's interested.

Today Car Boss and I replace the left and right eyebrows with NOS parts. One of the originals had been banged up a bit, looks better.

Also, got in the rear Addco sway bar. Can't wait to get this installed.

[Z10]

Trip Report

Had a great weekend driving the 72 this past weekend. Drove about 800 miles and averaged about 16.5mpg going down driving about 70 most of the way. The return trip was great until about half way home and turned West into a 40 to 50 mph head wind. Felt at times like the truck was moving backwards. Nothing like a spring dirt storm in West Texas. The wind took it's toll and knocked the milage down to about 14.5, which I guess isn't bad considering?

All systems worked fine with no issues. Much nicer trip than the first one when I brought it home. Something about a great running engine, overdrive, A/C, & cruise control.

[Z10]

Luckenbach, Texas

Oh, had a little side trip to Luckenbach and had to take a photo. Also a pic of my buddies 55 Chevy and 68 Goat at the Hunt store in Hunt.

[thelonerife]

Nice, and congrats on the win!

[Boyd]

Love the truck and all of the detail, both in the build and in this thread. My '72 Chevy Short Step is the country cousin to your GMC.

Guns Up!

[Z10]

Originally Posted by Boyd

Love the truck and all of the detail, both in the build and in this thread. My '72 Chevy Short Step is the country cousin to your GMC.

Guns Up!

Thanks Boyd and "Guns Up" back at ya.

[Z10]

What a great fathers day! My grandson came to visit.

[72bowtiestepper]

That's a great pic ! The little guy looks right at home in the back of your beautiful stepper !

[nlped]

Great looking truck! I just read the whole thread and love it.

[Bomp]

Good luck prying them hands off that tailgate. Future owner written all over that one.

Sweet reliable truck.

[Z10]

Thanks guys! Yes even at 17months old he's getting attached to Chief's 42 year old truck. At least twice a day when he's here he want's to go out and stand behind the wheel and drive. Who knows maybe one day he'll be driving me around.

[Z10]

New mods are about to start

Other than a new booster and master cylinder, I really haven't done anything to the brake system. As long as they worked other mods have taken precedence. Well, over the weekend I noticed that the truck was pulling hard left and the left rear tire was locking up. Pulled the tire and drum and found a leaking wheel cylinder.

After consulting with the team it was determined that we wouldn't waist any time or $$'s repairing this. And since we are about to install a rear sway bar, 2" lowering blocks, panhard bar, Aluminum diff cover and Power Trax rear end, which will require the axle to be pulled, the decision has been made to upgrade to rear disc brakes.

I'm not going to go the big brake route, mostly because of the extra cost and because I don't intend to autocross the truck. So, I've decided to go with Wilwood rears and add new crossed drilled rotors and D52 calibers at the front.

So, stay tuned. When the parts get here, we'll start.

[Pro Performance]

Great build.... I am subscribed

[SuperC10Tex]

Making all 4-eyed owners proud!!!!!