Previous Owner Nightmares! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Davemotohead · 11-20-2012, 12:35 PM

My poor old truck has been thru the P.O Ringer it seems,,not only did he cut a hole in the door for a speaker,,He Cut 2 HOLES!! And then put a speaker in the A/C vent drilling holes in the plastic,,all the wiring under the dash is ripped out and heater system in a box,,I especialy like the house hold light switch running the heater motor all or nothing! funny,,that switch is the only one that works!

big_al_71 · 11-20-2012, 12:44 PM

wow!!!

egaray281 · 11-20-2012, 12:48 PM

dam!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dhaymaker · 11-20-2012, 12:54 PM

Well, if you can't figure out a wiring problem, just remove all the wires!! lol It's funny, looking at it from this end. Probably not so funny from your side!!

Todd Hepler · 11-20-2012, 01:19 PM

Musta been an electrician ....

My 72 lwb had the trans hump cut out to facilitate shifting the auto trans (converted from 3-speed). Just reach through the hole and click it into gear!

My 72 SWB donor truck had the vin come back stolen after 2 years .... after registering it with the DMV, etc ...
After having it checked and impounded, I had to 'buy' it again from the orig owner.

Just so you know, the DMV/Tag database does not cross reference the stolen vehicle database, at least in GA.

My other GMC SWB donor had a TH350 that i didn't realize had been modified ... it had the mounting tabs for the flywheel cover hacked off. Still not sure what that would accomplish?

ChevLoRay · 11-20-2012, 01:19 PM

Don't hurt the runnin' part none.....

trac209 · 11-20-2012, 01:39 PM

I've been down that road before. Especially when buying from older owners. I bought a truck from a guy who used nails yes nails and drywall screws and old kitchen hardware wherever he could. I wish I had pics of that truck. I bought it very cheap so wasn't so bad but I cursed the PO whenever I dug around to fix stuff. That truck ended up catching fire and burning to the ground on the highway back from a hunting trip.
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IHeartGroceries · 11-20-2012, 03:20 PM

Oh man...

The residential toggle switch deserves accolade.

69moneypit · 11-20-2012, 03:53 PM

I would rewire the entire truck
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72 K20 · 11-20-2012, 07:07 PM

I bought an 84 cutlass that had a spliced positive battery cable from the battery to the starter.

2 pieces of cable, an actual cable clamp, like you use on wire rope, and almost an entire roll of electrical tape as insulation. When I pulled the motor I saw this tennis ball sized lump on the starter cable and had to investigate.

I guess you do what you have to to get by !! LOL !!

*Mister-B* · 11-20-2012, 07:20 PM

Save some of the rusted drywall screws, and then give them to the old guy and tell him you thought since he seems to be so fond of using the wrong part for the job, that perhaps his surgeon may be able to use them on his next hip replacement...

68_Step · 11-20-2012, 07:39 PM

I love the light switch! And I thought the little flip switch under my dash for my backup lights was bad!
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**Daddy Brim** · 11-20-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69moneypit

I would rewire the entire truck
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X 2 or at least the cab. Then put the heater box back together.

69GWC · 11-20-2012, 08:06 PM

Well atleast you dont have to wonder if you should cut holes in the doors for speakers or not, now you just need to figure out which 4 speakers you want to buy for the doors...lol
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5-0 C/10 · 11-21-2012, 05:19 AM

I thought I had it bad. Sorry bro.
I think I spend two hours undoing po "fixes" every week
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midniteblues · 11-21-2012, 09:24 AM

the light switch is great

after 40 some years I can only imagine what has been done too some of these trucks fortunaly.

my buddies boyertown body 67 has about ten peices of rebar welded all over each of the trailing arms.I gave him a decent set the other week that he's cleaning up for it.

haysonj · 11-21-2012, 10:34 AM

One of my parts trucks had a piece of a coat hanger for a throttle rod and baling wire going to the fender to tension the belt on the alternater. It is really amazing what some people will do to avoid buying the proper parts

flyingtim01 · 11-21-2012, 01:49 PM

The PO let my truck get all rusty!

Some people...

cleszkie · 11-21-2012, 02:21 PM

Gotta love wire nuts.

54belair · 11-21-2012, 08:52 PM

I think we could all fill a book on P O problems!
In my case I think it was the 3rd P O who did most of the "restoration/modifications". The guy I bought it brom was a true truck lover who just couldnt for whatever reason keep the truck-----but the guy who drug it out of a field and did a bunch of work on it is the one (I think) who really screwed it up (translated into "cost me a bunch of money to fix"). At some point, rust issues were covered over with seam sealer and painted, making my inspection a waste of time.
But, the good news is----after 4 months in the resto shop, a lot of labor, a lot of new sheetmetal--she is now rust free and a lot of time and money has been spent in trying to keep the rust away.
Yeah, P O's----aint they great??!!!

schurg · 11-21-2012, 11:44 PM

OI! dont get me started on PO jobs. I'm pretty sure there isnt 1 aspect of the truck that wasnt 'improved' in one way or another..lol..I personally like pulling vintage newspapers out from under bondo, and taking care of all the wire nuts. ..

54belair · 11-22-2012, 12:07 AM

Yes, newspaper, cardboard, steelwool-------------reminds me of how a bunch of reality tv shows operate---------flippers!!

PanelDeland · 11-22-2012, 11:12 AM

Do a search for "Dope smoking old man".Andy has posted a lot of PO horror stories about his repairs/mods.

lpaine · 11-22-2012, 11:43 AM

I think you might want to keep a fire extinguisher in your truck at all times until you can figure out the wiring mess. Oh and it probably would'nt be a bad idea to disconnect the battery when it's parked. Just my .02

Daddy'O · 11-22-2012, 11:49 AM

Wow!

I thought my son's truck 'Nancy' was bad. You win.

Good luck with the repairs. Let us know if you need any help.

11-20-2012, 12:35 PM	#1
Davemotohead Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: rosamond ca Posts: 130	Previous Owner Nightmares! My poor old truck has been thru the P.O Ringer it seems,,not only did he cut a hole in the door for a speaker,,He Cut 2 HOLES!! And then put a speaker in the A/C vent drilling holes in the plastic,,all the wiring under the dash is ripped out and heater system in a box,,I especialy like the house hold light switch running the heater motor all or nothing! funny,,that switch is the only one that works! Attached Images

11-20-2012, 12:44 PM	#2
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! wow!!! __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

11-20-2012, 12:48 PM	#3
egaray281 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: houston,tx Posts: 175	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! dam!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-20-2012, 12:54 PM	#4
dhaymaker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peyton, CO Posts: 448	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Well, if you can't figure out a wiring problem, just remove all the wires!! lol It's funny, looking at it from this end. Probably not so funny from your side!! __________________ don "The DRBMan" 2014 Audi A4 (The Wife's Daily Driver) 2017 HD Ultra (The Cruiser) 2003 HD Fatboy (The Ride) 2001 Chevy Suburban (Another back up!!) For the first time in forever, not a single 67-72 Chevy truck, Blazer, or Suburban on the property! Basically retired and getting the new Motorhome ready for some traveling. Doing a bit of work on the house getting it ready to sell! LOL!!

11-20-2012, 01:19 PM	#5
Todd Hepler Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Marietta Ga Posts: 74	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Musta been an electrician .... My 72 lwb had the trans hump cut out to facilitate shifting the auto trans (converted from 3-speed). Just reach through the hole and click it into gear! My 72 SWB donor truck had the vin come back stolen after 2 years .... after registering it with the DMV, etc ... After having it checked and impounded, I had to 'buy' it again from the orig owner. Just so you know, the DMV/Tag database does not cross reference the stolen vehicle database, at least in GA. My other GMC SWB donor had a TH350 that i didn't realize had been modified ... it had the mounting tabs for the flywheel cover hacked off. Still not sure what that would accomplish?

11-20-2012, 01:19 PM	#6
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Don't hurt the runnin' part none..... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

11-20-2012, 01:39 PM	#7
trac209 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: winnipeg Posts: 1,107	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I've been down that road before. Especially when buying from older owners. I bought a truck from a guy who used nails yes nails and drywall screws and old kitchen hardware wherever he could. I wish I had pics of that truck. I bought it very cheap so wasn't so bad but I cursed the PO whenever I dug around to fix stuff. That truck ended up catching fire and burning to the ground on the highway back from a hunting trip. Posted via Mobile Device

11-20-2012, 03:20 PM	#8
IHeartGroceries Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: TX Posts: 65	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Oh man... The residential toggle switch deserves accolade.

11-20-2012, 03:53 PM	#9
69moneypit Divorced .....WITH KIDS Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: mississippi Posts: 619	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I would rewire the entire truck Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 GMC SWB 1975 Chevy Malibu 80k 1963 Ford Galaxie 63k (inherited) 2005 Nissan Armada (wife's idea)

11-20-2012, 07:07 PM	#10
72 K20 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Brandon,Iowa Posts: 391	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I bought an 84 cutlass that had a spliced positive battery cable from the battery to the starter. 2 pieces of cable, an actual cable clamp, like you use on wire rope, and almost an entire roll of electrical tape as insulation. When I pulled the motor I saw this tennis ball sized lump on the starter cable and had to investigate. I guess you do what you have to to get by !! LOL !!

11-20-2012, 07:20 PM	#11
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Save some of the rusted drywall screws, and then give them to the old guy and tell him you thought since he seems to be so fond of using the wrong part for the job, that perhaps his surgeon may be able to use them on his next hip replacement...

11-20-2012, 07:39 PM	#12
68_Step Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Marshfield, MO Posts: 355	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I love the light switch! And I thought the little flip switch under my dash for my backup lights was bad! Posted via Mobile Device

11-20-2012, 08:06 PM	#14
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Well atleast you dont have to wonder if you should cut holes in the doors for speakers or not, now you just need to figure out which 4 speakers you want to buy for the doors...lol Posted via Mobile Device

11-21-2012, 05:19 AM	#15
5-0 C/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Honolulu,hi Posts: 19	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I thought I had it bad. Sorry bro. I think I spend two hours undoing po "fixes" every week Posted via Mobile Device

11-21-2012, 09:24 AM	#16
midniteblues Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: strausstown pa Posts: 3,394	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! the light switch is great after 40 some years I can only imagine what has been done too some of these trucks fortunaly. my buddies boyertown body 67 has about ten peices of rebar welded all over each of the trailing arms.I gave him a decent set the other week that he's cleaning up for it. __________________ 81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love. 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover.



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11-21-2012, 10:34 AM	#17
haysonj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Santa Maria, Ca. Posts: 1,423	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! One of my parts trucks had a piece of a coat hanger for a throttle rod and baling wire going to the fender to tension the belt on the alternater. It is really amazing what some people will do to avoid buying the proper parts __________________ 69 Chevy 4x4 383 Power

11-21-2012, 01:49 PM	#18
flyingtim01 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Clinton, CT Posts: 101	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! The PO let my truck get all rusty! Some people... __________________ 1971 Chevy K20 350/SM465/NP205

11-21-2012, 02:21 PM	#19
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Gotta love wire nuts.

11-21-2012, 08:52 PM	#20
54belair Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: bolivar, mo Posts: 839	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I think we could all fill a book on P O problems! In my case I think it was the 3rd P O who did most of the "restoration/modifications". The guy I bought it brom was a true truck lover who just couldnt for whatever reason keep the truck-----but the guy who drug it out of a field and did a bunch of work on it is the one (I think) who really screwed it up (translated into "cost me a bunch of money to fix"). At some point, rust issues were covered over with seam sealer and painted, making my inspection a waste of time. But, the good news is----after 4 months in the resto shop, a lot of labor, a lot of new sheetmetal--she is now rust free and a lot of time and money has been spent in trying to keep the rust away. Yeah, P O's----aint they great??!!! __________________ 1997 shortie stepside 1968 short stepside 1966 mustang 1966 chevelle ss Dont always go the cheapest route--You can save yourself into the poorhouse! My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489030

11-21-2012, 11:44 PM	#21
schurg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: richmond, va Posts: 140	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! OI! dont get me started on PO jobs. I'm pretty sure there isnt 1 aspect of the truck that wasnt 'improved' in one way or another..lol..I personally like pulling vintage newspapers out from under bondo, and taking care of all the wire nuts. ..

11-22-2012, 12:07 AM	#22
54belair Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: bolivar, mo Posts: 839	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Yes, newspaper, cardboard, steelwool-------------reminds me of how a bunch of reality tv shows operate---------flippers!! __________________ 1997 shortie stepside 1968 short stepside 1966 mustang 1966 chevelle ss Dont always go the cheapest route--You can save yourself into the poorhouse! My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489030

11-22-2012, 11:12 AM	#23
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Do a search for "Dope smoking old man".Andy has posted a lot of PO horror stories about his repairs/mods. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-22-2012, 11:43 AM	#24
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! I think you might want to keep a fire extinguisher in your truck at all times until you can figure out the wiring mess. Oh and it probably would'nt be a bad idea to disconnect the battery when it's parked. Just my .02 __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

11-22-2012, 11:49 AM	#25
Daddy'O Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Whitesboro, Texas Posts: 932	Re: Previous Owner Nightmares! Wow! I thought my son's truck 'Nancy' was bad. You win. Good luck with the repairs. Let us know if you need any help. __________________ Cheers - Wayne Our Shop Build - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=620966 '55 Wagon Build - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=689157 1971 Cheyenne Super Ochre/White LWB 350 Auto - my son's truck "Nancy" 1972 GMC K2500 Custom 4X4 Olive LWB 400 SB 4-speed -"Greenie" - Restoration to begin after the '55 Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

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