A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 10:56 PM

I have/had been dwelling on this truck since i first found it on Craigs. I really dug the Lock-ring wheel look, color scheme and originality! Here is the original thread I started, to put it out there for anyone:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=534770

The Ad as listed without the contact info:

1973 GMC Sierra Grande 3/4 Ton
Date: 2012-06-26, 7:43AM
This truck is a classic; great for a collector/restorer or as a work truck!! Purchased May of 2003 with about 68,000 miles on it. It now has 73,030 original miles and runs great! Features: 454 V-8, two tone color: Light Beige and White, good tires, bumper tow ball, wood pick up bed, factory AC but does need a charge. Not a flaw in the cab; great bench seat and no cracks in the dash!!

NADA Guide Low Retail is about $3,700; Average Retail is about $8,000. Truck value is closer to Average Retail rather than Low Retail because of low miles and overall condition!! Asking $2,500 OBO..
• Location: Lincoln, WA
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Here are the pics from that ad. I'm in SoCal and the truck was in Washington State about 1200 miles away. Too far for me. So I tried to fuggedaboudit.

Well...I said to myself... I can at least get more info by email and pass it on to someone closer. I emailed and got more pics and the SPID. The owner was very forthcoming. Even had his phone/address and all in the ad. Not too concerned with scammers I guess.

He sent me his last set of pics and said that was it. He left it open for me to call him with any questions. I was getting a good feeling about this truck and the story behind it. Here is that story from his email...

As I had mentioned to you earlier, the history as I know it is: The original owner, a Mr. Zirkle, bought the truck new. He was a farmer/orchardist in the Tieton area which is about 10 miles west of Yakima (where I live). I found out about the truck from my father-in-law who was a close friend of of Mr. Zirkle's nephew. I purchased the truck in May of 2003 from an estate sale following the death of Mr. Zirkle. I paid about $2,800 for it. It had just over 68,000 miles then. I drove it as my vehicle to and from work for 2-3 years and then brought it to our lake place to use primarily as a launch truck for our boat and to drive on errands to town. That's it! Sorry, no photos.
Zirkle Family is are Fruit Growers in Washington State; Ya’ like them Apples?

Updates to his ad were now down to $2000. Hmnnn, why no sale?

Turns out Special K was right; location, location, location! His final post of my original thread nailed it; Guy had a river front property about an hour from Spokane, so not much interest in people going out that far I guess.

Enough jabberwockie, I got more pictures!

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:00 PM

More photos

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:04 PM

Date coded bed wood, and slide out bumper with license plate light hidden behind and never used. Lock ring spare tire as well.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:07 PM

No camper mirrors, just this set-up and the original small mirrors. Instrument needles have good color and not faded. He kept it under a RV carport.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:10 PM

and more stuff and period compass?

71swb4x4 · 08-26-2012, 11:11 PM

So you bought it? Nice truck.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:14 PM

Package tray behind seat. Only lapbelts and wear on driver bottom area of seat

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:16 PM

Paint lines, non-smoker no odors, gasoline type info, paint line for deluxe paint scheme

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:19 PM

I haven't even cleaned it yet.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:21 PM

Original carpet looks great as well as pedals. Build date 4/73

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:26 PM

Dash looks great, windshield antenna not on SPID and the buildsheet is not under the seat or behind it either. Headliner is bubbled in spots and the passenger side window needs work.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:28 PM

Now to the engine. 454 without the California only

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:32 PM

Air pump bracket but no air pump, Owner removed spid and gave it to me with the manual. Dual horns and this bolted over the Jacking instructions.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:35 PM

more more more

Sticker, carb number, no EGR, Hot air pipe intact.

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:38 PM

Last few; swapped out the lock-rings with s set of 16.5 x 6.75 I got that had new tires for $60...all 4 yess!

Liddy71 · 08-26-2012, 11:42 PM

wow nice survivor

**MusicMan70** · 08-26-2012, 11:43 PM

Last few and time to eat. Oh yes the lock ring wheels are code dated as well and have what appears to be a FIRESTONE "F" stamped on them...Enjoy!

DirtyLarry · 08-26-2012, 11:57 PM

WOW!

Congratulations, it looks like the truck went to a good home to someone that will take care of it. The price is a good deal in today's automotive world but in all reality, that is what they should go for and what I am used to seeing them go for around here, although yours is exceptionally clean!

The problem with truck prices the last few years is people watch too much Barrett-Jackson and other car shows and think everything is worth a fortune. That is okay, because I watch TV too and learned barter like a Pawn Stars and offer 50% or less than what people are asking for their overpriced thing they are trying to sell.

You got a good deal, but here is another example what I mean by people watching too much TV to overprice a truck by 50%.

Now you better not show us these pictures of your new score then try to resell it for 5 times the amount that you have into it and be one of THOSE guys that we are all starting to hate.

Billy81 · 08-27-2012, 12:02 AM

nice score.

**MusicMan70** · 08-27-2012, 12:08 AM

Thanks Larry.

Yeah I agree all these Auctions have really hurt the real enthusiats and tainted prices. But I will have this truck for quite a while. New trucks are too expensive for me. I didn't buy for the investment as I got it for the history and story associated with it. Working on them is my therapy.

meter swinger · 08-27-2012, 12:26 AM

What are you doing? Everyone is gonna figure out how clean the squares are around here...

seriously though, good for you man

Its nice to see someone get a good deal on something they really appreciate.
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**special-K** · 08-27-2012, 09:37 AM

That's such a fine example. I'm glad you got it. Barrett-Jackson (and the like) would not be what it is if not for the investor mindset. That destroys a hobby/pastime/way of life for the enthusiast. I wish those clowns would leave my stuff alone!!

Heck,now Kelly Blue Book is an expert old car value assessor. Huh,they used to not give a hoot about anything over five years old. Now that they smell like money the vultures appear.

motornut · 08-27-2012, 04:38 PM

awesome score

71swb4x4 · 08-27-2012, 06:54 PM

Gorgeous truck!

Firebirdjones · 08-27-2012, 07:57 PM

Spokane? That's interesting. Not sure why people wouldn't go out that far,,,I bought my 79 1 ton 454 survivor in Battle Ground, Washington,,,and I came out from Ohio to get it at that time

Seems alot of clean trucks out that way. I bought mine out there 15+ years ago with 70K miles and paid just under $2,000 back then,,,,and drove it all the way back to Ohio

First day back a friend of mine with a body shop offered $5k on the spot.

I've kept the truck ever since for towing and hauling when I need it,,,otherwise it leads a cushy life in the garage.

You'll have fun with that. Survivors of any type of car are the best kind to have in my opinion, I've had an addiction to survivor muscle cars and collecting them for the last 30+ years,,,much better than something restored.

08-26-2012, 10:56 PM	#1
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande I have/had been dwelling on this truck since i first found it on Craigs. I really dug the Lock-ring wheel look, color scheme and originality! Here is the original thread I started, to put it out there for anyone: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=534770 The Ad as listed without the contact info: 1973 GMC Sierra Grande 3/4 Ton Date: 2012-06-26, 7:43AM This truck is a classic; great for a collector/restorer or as a work truck!! Purchased May of 2003 with about 68,000 miles on it. It now has 73,030 original miles and runs great! Features: 454 V-8, two tone color: Light Beige and White, good tires, bumper tow ball, wood pick up bed, factory AC but does need a charge. Not a flaw in the cab; great bench seat and no cracks in the dash!! NADA Guide Low Retail is about $3,700; Average Retail is about $8,000. Truck value is closer to Average Retail rather than Low Retail because of low miles and overall condition!! Asking $2,500 OBO.. • Location: Lincoln, WA • it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests Here are the pics from that ad. I'm in SoCal and the truck was in Washington State about 1200 miles away. Too far for me. So I tried to fuggedaboudit. Well...I said to myself... I can at least get more info by email and pass it on to someone closer. I emailed and got more pics and the SPID. The owner was very forthcoming. Even had his phone/address and all in the ad. Not too concerned with scammers I guess. He sent me his last set of pics and said that was it. He left it open for me to call him with any questions. I was getting a good feeling about this truck and the story behind it. Here is that story from his email... As I had mentioned to you earlier, the history as I know it is: The original owner, a Mr. Zirkle, bought the truck new. He was a farmer/orchardist in the Tieton area which is about 10 miles west of Yakima (where I live). I found out about the truck from my father-in-law who was a close friend of of Mr. Zirkle's nephew. I purchased the truck in May of 2003 from an estate sale following the death of Mr. Zirkle. I paid about $2,800 for it. It had just over 68,000 miles then. I drove it as my vehicle to and from work for 2-3 years and then brought it to our lake place to use primarily as a launch truck for our boat and to drive on errands to town. That's it! Sorry, no photos. Zirkle Family is are Fruit Growers in Washington State; Ya’ like them Apples? Updates to his ad were now down to $2000. Hmnnn, why no sale? Turns out Special K was right; location, location, location! His final post of my original thread nailed it; Guy had a river front property about an hour from Spokane, so not much interest in people going out that far I guess. Enough jabberwockie, I got more pictures! Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:00 PM	#2
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande More photos Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:04 PM	#3
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Date coded bed wood, and slide out bumper with license plate light hidden behind and never used. Lock ring spare tire as well. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:07 PM	#4
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande No camper mirrors, just this set-up and the original small mirrors. Instrument needles have good color and not faded. He kept it under a RV carport. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:10 PM	#5
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande and more stuff and period compass? Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:11 PM	#6
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande So you bought it? Nice truck. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-26-2012, 11:14 PM	#7
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Package tray behind seat. Only lapbelts and wear on driver bottom area of seat Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:16 PM	#8
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Paint lines, non-smoker no odors, gasoline type info, paint line for deluxe paint scheme Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:19 PM	#9
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande I haven't even cleaned it yet. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:21 PM	#10
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Original carpet looks great as well as pedals. Build date 4/73 Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:26 PM	#11
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Dash looks great, windshield antenna not on SPID and the buildsheet is not under the seat or behind it either. Headliner is bubbled in spots and the passenger side window needs work. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:28 PM	#12
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Now to the engine. 454 without the California only Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:32 PM	#13
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Air pump bracket but no air pump, Owner removed spid and gave it to me with the manual. Dual horns and this bolted over the Jacking instructions. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:35 PM	#14
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande more more more Sticker, carb number, no EGR, Hot air pipe intact. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:38 PM	#15
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Last few; swapped out the lock-rings with s set of 16.5 x 6.75 I got that had new tires for $60...all 4 yess! Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban



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08-26-2012, 11:42 PM	#16
Liddy71 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kenova, WV Posts: 821	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande wow nice survivor

08-26-2012, 11:43 PM	#17
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Last few and time to eat. Oh yes the lock ring wheels are code dated as well and have what appears to be a FIRESTONE "F" stamped on them...Enjoy! Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-26-2012, 11:57 PM	#18
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande WOW! Congratulations, it looks like the truck went to a good home to someone that will take care of it. The price is a good deal in today's automotive world but in all reality, that is what they should go for and what I am used to seeing them go for around here, although yours is exceptionally clean! The problem with truck prices the last few years is people watch too much Barrett-Jackson and other car shows and think everything is worth a fortune. That is okay, because I watch TV too and learned barter like a Pawn Stars and offer 50% or less than what people are asking for their overpriced thing they are trying to sell. You got a good deal, but here is another example what I mean by people watching too much TV to overprice a truck by 50%. Now you better not show us these pictures of your new score then try to resell it for 5 times the amount that you have into it and be one of THOSE guys that we are all starting to hate. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

08-27-2012, 12:02 AM	#19
Billy81 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Medford,Oregon Posts: 390	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande nice score. __________________

08-27-2012, 12:08 AM	#20
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,839	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Thanks Larry. Yeah I agree all these Auctions have really hurt the real enthusiats and tainted prices. But I will have this truck for quite a while. New trucks are too expensive for me. I didn't buy for the investment as I got it for the history and story associated with it. Working on them is my therapy. __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-27-2012, 12:26 AM	#21
meter swinger Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kennewick WA. Posts: 1,437	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande What are you doing? Everyone is gonna figure out how clean the squares are around here... seriously though, good for you man Its nice to see someone get a good deal on something they really appreciate. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device

08-27-2012, 09:37 AM	#22
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande That's such a fine example. I'm glad you got it. Barrett-Jackson (and the like) would not be what it is if not for the investor mindset. That destroys a hobby/pastime/way of life for the enthusiast. I wish those clowns would leave my stuff alone!! Heck,now Kelly Blue Book is an expert old car value assessor. Huh,they used to not give a hoot about anything over five years old. Now that they smell like money the vultures appear. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-27-2012, 04:38 PM	#23
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande awesome score __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

08-27-2012, 06:54 PM	#24
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Gorgeous truck! __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-27-2012, 07:57 PM	#25
Firebirdjones Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 2,396	Re: A 1973 Survivor: GMC Sierra Grande Spokane? That's interesting. Not sure why people wouldn't go out that far,,,I bought my 79 1 ton 454 survivor in Battle Ground, Washington,,,and I came out from Ohio to get it at that time Seems alot of clean trucks out that way. I bought mine out there 15+ years ago with 70K miles and paid just under $2,000 back then,,,,and drove it all the way back to Ohio First day back a friend of mine with a body shop offered $5k on the spot. I've kept the truck ever since for towing and hauling when I need it,,,otherwise it leads a cushy life in the garage. You'll have fun with that. Survivors of any type of car are the best kind to have in my opinion, I've had an addiction to survivor muscle cars and collecting them for the last 30+ years,,,much better than something restored.

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