New ride is festering a lot of new questions

[va72longhorn]

Got the Longhorn replacement home Sunday, finally. Nice, unmolested ‘72 C30 with a 12’ dump. Well documented history as I’m the third owner. Original farmer had it from 72 until he passed in 2013. Family sold it in 2016. Every yearly inspection sheet was in the glove box. Dump cylinder added in 1983, Original 350ci was overhauled by the selling dealership in 1993 at 78k. Rear replaced at 2006 at 124k. 130k on it now. Repainted once back when it changed hands the first time.

SPID and build sheet reflect;
Custom Deluxe Trim
Cloth bench trim ( seat cover’s been replaced with an aftermarket vinyl)
Dual wheel conversion
AM radio ( currently not working)
WC door mirrors ( painted)

Not on the documentation but original GM accessories on the truck ;
Extreme tow hooks ( I verified casting numbers)
Bumper guards
Lower wood grain trim
Spotlight ( I think it’s GM, but not 100% sure)

Now, maybe someone can help, but a few things have me baffled;
1) the wood grain trim. I thought that was Cheyenne specific?
2) it has the medium duty style steering wheel with the large round billet horn button. Was that an option? Standard with the dual wheel conversion maybe? I’d rather have the c10-c20 style.
3) I think the Custom Deluxe trim included the cloth seat with color keyed mat, although not houndstooth. If that’s the case, is the separate option of “ cloth seat trim” changing it to the Houndstooth? I prefer the houndstooth, plus I know the original non-houndstooth covers are hard to come by. It does have the interior door light switch and the rear window chrome trim that comes with the deluxe package.
4) the chrome grill and bumper. Custom Deluxe package?
5) lastly, this dreaded 4:57 rear. Drove it about 120 miles coming home, taching 3k at 60mph. No wonder the SB 350 needed overhauling in 79k miles. I think it’ll pull a house down ( found haul tickets in the glove box for 6-7k pounds of stone and stumps) , but what’s the easiest way to add an overdrive without a lot of work and without losing the originality of what the truck was built for?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by va72longhorn

Got the Longhorn replacement home Sunday, finally. Nice, unmolested ‘72 C30 with a 12’ dump. Well documented history as I’m the third owner. Original farmer had it from 72 until he passed in 2013. Family sold it in 2016. Every yearly inspection sheet was in the glove box. Dump cylinder added in 1983, Original 350ci was overhauled by the selling dealership in 1993 at 78k. Rear replaced at 2006 at 124k. 130k on it now. Repainted once back when it changed hands the first time.

SPID and build sheet reflect;
Custom Deluxe Trim
Cloth bench trim ( seat cover’s been replaced with an aftermarket vinyl)
Dual wheel conversion
AM radio ( currently not working)
WC door mirrors ( painted)

Not on the documentation but original GM accessories on the truck ;
Extreme tow hooks ( I verified casting numbers)
Bumper guards
Lower wood grain trim
Spotlight ( I think it’s GM, but not 100% sure)

Now, maybe someone can help, but a few things have me baffled;
1) the wood grain trim. I thought that was Cheyenne specific?
2) it has the medium duty style steering wheel with the large round billet horn button. Was that an option? Standard with the dual wheel conversion maybe? I’d rather have the c10-c20 style.
3) I think the Custom Deluxe trim included the cloth seat with color keyed mat, although not houndstooth. If that’s the case, is the separate option of “ cloth seat trim” changing it to the Houndstooth? I prefer the houndstooth, plus I know the original non-houndstooth covers are hard to come by. It does have the interior door light switch and the rear window chrome trim that comes with the deluxe package.
4) the chrome grill and bumper. Custom Deluxe package?
5) lastly, this dreaded 4:57 rear. Drove it about 120 miles coming home, taching 3k at 60mph. No wonder the SB 350 needed overhauling in 79k miles. I think it’ll pull a house down ( found haul tickets in the glove box for 6-7k pounds of stone and stumps) , but what’s the easiest way to add an overdrive without a lot of work and without losing the originality of what the truck was built for?

Can you post a picture of the SPID label from inside the glove box door?

Original steering wheel was replaced with a '67-'68 steering wheel. Horn button is made of pot metal type alloy. You will need to get a '69-'72 wheel.

As far as the low geared rear axle you have a few options. Swap in a higher geared rear end, install a Gear Vendors overdrive unit, or swap in an overdrive transmission. You didn't mention what transmission it has. If it has a manual 4 speed you could do what I did in this thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673588

Worked out good.

LockDoc

[68 P.O.S.]

Nice looking truck, I like it. I can answer a couple of your questions.

1) I believe so as well, need a pic of SPID tho.
2) Your steering wheel is from a 67-68; 69-72 have a different wheel.
3) Not sure, I don't remember if houndstooth came on these trucks. The Highlander package did. Actually, it's more plaid.
4) Yes, I believe that to be correct
5) Ehh, 3k rpm is nothing to these old engines. The easiest overdrive may be swapping in a TH200-4R if you want overdrive vs a gear swap. They're essentially the same length as a TH350, so you won't have to touch the driveshaft.

[va72longhorn]

I’ll grab a pic of the SPID and the build sheet this evening.
That’s good news on the steering wheel. It is a nice original wheel, just not my preference.
It’s a 4 speed with the “granny gear”. I’ll look up up the trans model, though you probably already know it.

[va72longhorn]

Strangely, LocDoc, I read that thread of yours last night! Looked like a nice conversion. Sadly, it’ll be awhile before I have a decent shop to tackle a project like that in again. Start rebuilding the house in October, I hope.

Thanks, 68 POS, I’m pretty happy with it. Should come in handy on the horse farm.
I think the houndstooth was Cheyenne trim on the bench. You’re correct, with the highlander. I had just bought a cover from Matty to put in the Longhorn but lost it in the house fire. I like them but hard to come by and might be a lil over the top for a stakebody. Plus, it wouldn’t be on the SPID. Trying to stay close to original as much as possible ( as I talk about an overdrive &#128580

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by va72longhorn

I’ll grab a pic of the SPID and the build sheet this evening.
That’s good news on the steering wheel. It is a nice original wheel, just not my preference.
It’s a 4 speed with the “granny gear”. I’ll look up up the trans model, though you probably already know it.

Trans would be the SM465, same as my '72 C30 was.

LockDoc

[biketopia]

A200r4 trans would give you OD and be similar in dimensions, but would be about the last trans I would consider going with in a 1 ton truck that you plan to haul with.

[special-K]

If you can find a 4.10 HO52 or HO72 rear you can swap the gears lickity split.

The cloth seat is just a redundant description. The cloth comes with Custom Deluxe and the hounds tooth couldn't be ordered ala cart. The chrome bumper is an ala cart option not included on Custom Deluxe.

That truck is extremely nice as it is as it came from the factory. Too many trucks get the Cheyenne Super treatment when Custom Deluxe is way cool in it's own right. You can have a better optioned Custom Deluxe than a Cheyenne Super. To me the lesser trim trucks with better options is the coolest

[yuccales]

That's a darn nice looking workin' truck!

[va72longhorn]

But the houndstooth wasn’t the seat that came in the Custom Package, right, Tim?

[va72longhorn]

Originally Posted by yuccales

That's a darn nice looking workin' truck!

Thanks! I do need to fence paint the bed sides

[jocko]

I'll take a stab at it for ya:
1) correct, woodgrain is Cheyenne or Cheyenne Super trim level. If you have woodgrain, it's likely been added during a refresh.
2) what Leon said
3) see pic below, this is your original seat cover, RPO 607 - houndstooth would be a different code/description and couldn't be had on anything except a YE9 Super (as Tim mentioned).
Always lots of confusion on the cloth seats - Custom Deluxe (bench) is "Cloth Trim" (below, Custom Deluxe only) and Cheyenne Super (bench) is "Custom Cloth Trim" (Cheyenne Super only - aka Houndstooth).
4) Grill and surround is identical on all 72's regardless of trim level. Chrome bumper not part of the Custom Deluxe pkg - if not on SPID, it's a PO add-on.
Also note your windshield has the bright trim, also not part of the Custom Deluxe pkg.
(do your cab and SPID VINs match?)
5) Best option for how you posed the question (without losing originality and for what the truck was built for) is GV O/D. Reversible upgrade, not that you'll ever want to - but you retain stock HD trans, stock rear, and GV O/D unit is bulletproof, won't be the weak link. 200R4 will not support intended original use of a C30, not strong enough. Nor is a 700R4. 4L80E is really the only automatic option I'd consider IF you wanted to change over to auto (since a TH400 has the same output ratio as your current trans), but I'd stick with the stock, well, stick and add a GV O/D unit.
Look fwd to the SPID - beautiful truck, congrats.

[GASoline71]

I'll add... 350's can live at 3k RPM's all day long. It's what they are built to take. You gotta put RPM's in a Small Block to make power.

Beautiful truck!

Gary

[va72longhorn]

Here’s the SPID and build sheet ;

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I'll add... 350's can live at 3k RPM's all day long. It's what they are built to take. You gotta put RPM's in a Small Block to make power.

Beautiful truck!

Gary

Indeed. I had a '69 Camaro when I joined the Navy, and even with a 3.08 axle, I drove 90+ MPH through most of Kansas. Before that I ran it flat out going towards Vegas, once I reached the Nevada border out of California. I'll have to go do the math, but I was turning in excess of 4k RPM for a lot of it. And I drove well over 2500 miles.

[HotWheelsFan]

I like the granny low 4 speeds.

To keep originality and hauling usable, you can change rear end gears... I have had a 76 dually with 4.10 gears and didn't like driving above 60 mph as that was when gas mileage really went down. Was a 1 ton crew cab with a 454, TH400 auto and it did great as a truck.

Best bet I would think, look into add on overdrive unit behind the trans.

Great looking truck, I love heavy duty


Bob

[Accelo]

Some more information;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=729273

[va72longhorn]

Originally Posted by jocko

I'll take a stab at it for ya:
1) correct, woodgrain is Cheyenne or Cheyenne Super trim level. If you have woodgrain, it's likely been added during a refresh.
2) what Leon said
3) see pic below, this is your original seat cover, RPO 607 - houndstooth would be a different code/description and couldn't be had on anything except a YE9 Super (as Tim mentioned).
Always lots of confusion on the cloth seats - Custom Deluxe (bench) is "Cloth Trim" (below, Custom Deluxe only) and Cheyenne Super (bench) is "Custom Cloth Trim" (Cheyenne Super only - aka Houndstooth).
4) Grill and surround is identical on all 72's regardless of trim level. Chrome bumper not part of the Custom Deluxe pkg - if not on SPID, it's a PO add-on.
Also note your windshield has the bright trim, also not part of the Custom Deluxe pkg.
(do your cab and SPID VINs match?)
5) Best option for how you posed the question (without losing originality and for what the truck was built for) is GV O/D. Reversible upgrade, not that you'll ever want to - but you retain stock HD trans, stock rear, and GV O/D unit is bulletproof, won't be the weak link. 200R4 will not support intended original use of a C30, not strong enough. Nor is a 700R4. 4L80E is really the only automatic option I'd consider IF you wanted to change over to auto (since a TH400 has the same output ratio as your current trans), but I'd stick with the stock, well, stick and add a GV O/D unit.
Look fwd to the SPID - beautiful truck, congrats.

Good info, guys. I really appreciate it.

Jocko, the cab looks to be original. Good catch on the windshield. Perhaps the windshield was replaced at one time with the Cheyenne stainless trim. So, the custom Deluxe package gave you the trim around the rear window but not the windshield? Is that part of the Z62 package?
I love the looks of your interior. Should I have the scrolls in the door panels and seat on this package? And do you know if anyone reproduces the 607 seat cover or does it need to be custom made?

[va72longhorn]

Originally Posted by Accelo

Some more information;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=729273

Thanks, Accelo. That’s an interesting read. I’m leaning towards the GV unit or perhaps, a 4.10 gearing. Though, easier, I’m more reluctant on the latter as I hate to lose any of the low end reduction gearing. Sometimes, I wish they offered a two speed rear on the dual rear conversion but with my luck, it would have reduced the gearing rather than increase it

[Sheepdip]

I run a GV Overdrive behind an SM465 plus I swapped out the old HO72 (4.57) with an 86 DRW Cab and Chassis width 14 Bolt (4.10).

RPM's in 4th over are 1940 at 55 mph. The 14 bolt is a real EZ swap everything bolts right in with the exception of the shock mounts which need to be relocated so they are both forward facing.

[va72longhorn]

Did some exploring in the archives today and came up with these. Looks like the chrome windshield trim was part of the custom deluxe package. Now to figure out if it was scrolled door panels and vinyl.......

[68 P.O.S.]

Yup, that's correct. My 72 Custom Deluxe has the chrome window trim and scroll pattern door panels.

[Dieselwrencher]

That is a very nice truck! Unless you plan to haul a lot of miles a year with it, I'd just source a 4.10 center section and swap it in. Don't get me wrong, the gear vendors are nice. But they aren't cheap. 4.10s and some 255/85r16s will get the job done for ya I bet.

[va72longhorn]

Originally Posted by 68 P.O.S.

Yup, that's correct. My 72 Custom Deluxe has the chrome window trim and scroll pattern door panels.

That makes my day. I have a feeling I will probably go with the houndstooth and vinyl scroll though. Now, to keep my eye out for a nice set of scrolled panels. Does yours have the chrome trim on the door panels as well?

[va72longhorn]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

That is a very nice truck! Unless you plan to haul a lot of miles a year with it, I'd just source a 4.10 center section and swap it in. Don't get me wrong, the gear vendors are nice. But they aren't cheap. 4.10s and some 255/85r16s will get the job done for ya I bet.

To be honest, I leaning towards the 4:10. I think it’s easiest and most economical way. I know you guys say that 3k is nothing on these small blocks but in comparison, I can work 60 hours a week like I did when I was younger, but I’ll blow a gasket if I do it too long! And I’m not a 55mph fella on the open road.

Took it to town today and it was taching 3500 at 60, with a lil miss. Figure bad gas. Got home, popped the hood, and a plug wire was dangling off the cap! Man, I missed driving these things 😉