Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Joseph2001 · 04-12-2017, 05:49 PM

Hello, I'm 15 buying my first 67-72 GMC/Chevy. I found the truck for 500$, last inspection was 2006. It was parked in a Cow barn. I'm picking it up this weekend hopefully. Already paid the man the first 200 to make sure it wouldn't go anywhere, Made sure to get reciepts with his Signature. It's a v8 automatic. Not sure which v8 yet, If it's the 307 I'll probably pull it and find a 350. I've been working on these trucks since I was 11 and fell in love. Any info or tips for a first time restore, I don't necessarily care about keeping it original, It's my truck and its not going anywhere, also not sure if I wanna keep the flatbed or go the stepside
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demian5 · 04-12-2017, 06:38 PM

At 15 I'd figure you'd be a bit more savvy with getting the pictures oriented correctly! LOL

Joseph2001 · 04-12-2017, 07:13 PM

I have no clue why they posted upside down. When I took them they were right side up. Lmao
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Moose Monkey · 04-12-2017, 07:19 PM

Welcome. After you hose her off she will look like a new truck. Keep the photos coming , can't wait.good luck

**Ol Blue K20** · 04-12-2017, 07:23 PM

I'm getting dizzy and may throw up....

bigdog55 · 04-12-2017, 08:07 PM

Gad to see a person from the younger generation interested in their hands dirty.

**jeffahart** · 04-12-2017, 08:26 PM

Get it running, fix all the safety stuff like brakes, seat bolted down ect. Then check all the wiring and fuel lines, you don't want it burning to the ground. I would fix it as you go, you will love driving it. That's what I like. I do one major thing every year.

Have fun, nice truck. I love the K20s. Get a fleetside/styleside bed, it keeps the lines clean from the nose to the tail.

Joseph2001 · 04-12-2017, 08:35 PM

Thanks everyone. I'll keep pictures coming as I do more. It will be a restore as I go, I plan on having it road worthy as I get my license, which won't be for another year. My father is actually very jealous but excited to help me with the build. Does anyone have a recommendation for what I can find for 8 lug 16 inch rims? It has the factory 16.5 inch and tires for them seem to be hard to find
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bigdog55 · 04-12-2017, 08:44 PM

I found a nice set of 22s at a salvage yard. Take a look and you may get lucky. Just make sure of the bolt pattern matches your truck

El Dorado Jim · 04-12-2017, 08:45 PM

awesome truck for $500.00 the big blue spicer hubs are worth atleast $250.00 looks like a 350 to me...why would you think it is a 307? put a fleetside bed on it and get it painted...and never sell it..you got a real find for the price.....Happy to see another teen getting in to these old trucks....you can buy almost anything aftermarket for these old trucks and welcome to the site,feel free to ask as many questions about your truck, I have built a couple of these old K20's ,my 72 chevy and my son's 70 GMC...still working on mine. try and uprite your pics...

Joseph2001 · 04-12-2017, 08:56 PM

I don't want anything bigger than 17inch, I hate those stupidly large rims. Does anyone know the lug pattern?
El Dorado Jim, I'm still learning the engines on these trucks, but I do know that in 72 you had 3 choices of v8 the 307, 350 or the 402. I have a copy of the old registration and it says it's a v8 truck.
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**72 tigger** · 04-12-2017, 08:58 PM

Look for a set of Ford 8 lug wheels off a E250 or E350. I have a set on mine

**Classic v6 GMC's** · 04-12-2017, 09:02 PM

Looks like a good truck to start with.
If you decide you want to put an aftermarket radio in it I will take the old one off your hands!

**jimer1964** · 04-12-2017, 09:20 PM

A True barn find! With what looks like a am/fm radio! Between the radio and hubs well worth the money!

Joseph2001 · 04-12-2017, 09:23 PM

72 tigger, do you have a picture?
I am pulling the factory radio, But I'm gunna keep it. I plan on keeping anything original I pull of the truck. Thankfully my Father is a machinist and we have access to anything I might need, We've already discussed boring blocks right there for free.
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El Dorado Jim · 04-12-2017, 09:24 PM

the wheels you want are 8 on 6.5 " any wheels from dodge and chevy will work, ford before 1998 will work ford changed patterns to a metric measurement...., they are cheap on craigslist, I have gotten a couple sets of aluminum 8" x 16" for less than $200.00 for the set.....if you want steel rims, like 72 tigger said wheels from a Ford E250 or E350 are 7" wide and will fit your truck , make sure they are pre 98.I have a set on my 74K20..measure the lug holes center to center across from each other and you will see what I'm talking about with the 6 1/2 " spacing.....all of the wheels with that spacing will fit your truck, the center holes may be bigger than what you have but that won't matter, the lugs will center your wheels

Joseph2001 · 04-12-2017, 09:28 PM

72 tigger, do you have a picture?
I am pulling the factory radio, But I'm gunna keep it. I plan on keeping anything original I pull of the truck. Thankfully my Father is a machinist and we have access to anything I might need, We've already discussed boring blocks right there for free.
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chevy72blu · 04-12-2017, 11:26 PM

in. I was your age when I started wrenching on mine

**Tom Vogel** · 04-13-2017, 09:17 AM

KEEP that radio! They are quite hard to find.

terry b · 04-13-2017, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

KEEP that radio! They are quite hard to find.

Please don't let go of any parts until you know what you have. I have a stock steering wheel black with two small cracks in it that is a lot better than yours that you can have for free if you get the truck and want it.

weq92f · 04-13-2017, 01:11 PM

here ya go...

DarkFlounder · 04-13-2017, 01:22 PM

Welcome to weekends of knuckle busting and grease everywhere. You'll love it.

Agreed, keep the stock radio. Do NOT cut the dash for a new style radio, it's a real bear to reverse that decision. Either get one of the RetroSound head units, or put a modern head unit in the glove box.

Regarding the engine, I believe the base engine for 3/4t 4x4 trucks was the 350.

cypressbog · 04-13-2017, 02:18 PM

Welcome!! Pop open that glove box door and take a good picture of the SPID label inside the door. Looks like a heck of a truck for $500!!

**Ol Blue K20** · 04-13-2017, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypressbog

welcome!! Pop open that glove box door and take a good picture of the spid label inside the door. Looks like a heck of a truck for $500!!

x2!!!!!

**FleetsidePaul** · 04-13-2017, 03:55 PM

Fleetside bed would do wonders for that truck, but I'm a little biased. Looks like a heck of a deal.

04-12-2017, 05:49 PM	#1
Joseph2001 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Burkville Virginia Posts: 202	Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Hello, I'm 15 buying my first 67-72 GMC/Chevy. I found the truck for 500$, last inspection was 2006. It was parked in a Cow barn. I'm picking it up this weekend hopefully. Already paid the man the first 200 to make sure it wouldn't go anywhere, Made sure to get reciepts with his Signature. It's a v8 automatic. Not sure which v8 yet, If it's the 307 I'll probably pull it and find a 350. I've been working on these trucks since I was 11 and fell in love. Any info or tips for a first time restore, I don't necessarily care about keeping it original, It's my truck and its not going anywhere, also not sure if I wanna keep the flatbed or go the stepside Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

04-12-2017, 06:38 PM	#2
demian5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Lake Forest, CA Posts: 2,177	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 At 15 I'd figure you'd be a bit more savvy with getting the pictures oriented correctly! LOL __________________ "Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC

04-12-2017, 07:19 PM	#4
Moose Monkey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: south jersey Posts: 118	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Welcome. After you hose her off she will look like a new truck. Keep the photos coming , can't wait.good luck __________________ 70 c 10 daily Rider

04-12-2017, 07:23 PM	#5
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,242	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 I'm getting dizzy and may throw up.... __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

04-12-2017, 08:07 PM	#6
bigdog55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: TX Posts: 122	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Gad to see a person from the younger generation interested in their hands dirty. __________________ Brian

04-12-2017, 07:13 PM	#3
Joseph2001 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Burkville Virginia Posts: 202	I have no clue why they posted upside down. When I took them they were right side up. Lmao Posted via Mobile Device

04-12-2017, 08:26 PM	#7
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,906	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Get it running, fix all the safety stuff like brakes, seat bolted down ect. Then check all the wiring and fuel lines, you don't want it burning to the ground. I would fix it as you go, you will love driving it. That's what I like. I do one major thing every year. Have fun, nice truck. I love the K20s. Get a fleetside/styleside bed, it keeps the lines clean from the nose to the tail. __________________ White K20

04-12-2017, 08:35 PM	#8
Joseph2001 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Burkville Virginia Posts: 202	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Thanks everyone. I'll keep pictures coming as I do more. It will be a restore as I go, I plan on having it road worthy as I get my license, which won't be for another year. My father is actually very jealous but excited to help me with the build. Does anyone have a recommendation for what I can find for 8 lug 16 inch rims? It has the factory 16.5 inch and tires for them seem to be hard to find Posted via Mobile Device

04-12-2017, 08:44 PM	#9
bigdog55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: TX Posts: 122	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 I found a nice set of 22s at a salvage yard. Take a look and you may get lucky. Just make sure of the bolt pattern matches your truck __________________ Brian

04-12-2017, 08:45 PM	#10
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 awesome truck for $500.00 the big blue spicer hubs are worth atleast $250.00 looks like a 350 to me...why would you think it is a 307? put a fleetside bed on it and get it painted...and never sell it..you got a real find for the price.....Happy to see another teen getting in to these old trucks....you can buy almost anything aftermarket for these old trucks and welcome to the site,feel free to ask as many questions about your truck, I have built a couple of these old K20's ,my 72 chevy and my son's 70 GMC...still working on mine. try and uprite your pics... Last edited by El Dorado Jim; 04-12-2017 at 08:50 PM.

04-12-2017, 08:56 PM	#11
Joseph2001 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Burkville Virginia Posts: 202	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 I don't want anything bigger than 17inch, I hate those stupidly large rims. Does anyone know the lug pattern? El Dorado Jim, I'm still learning the engines on these trucks, but I do know that in 72 you had 3 choices of v8 the 307, 350 or the 402. I have a copy of the old registration and it says it's a v8 truck. Posted via Mobile Device

04-12-2017, 08:58 PM	#12
72 tigger Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Berne IN Posts: 3,238	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Look for a set of Ford 8 lug wheels off a E250 or E350. I have a set on mine

04-12-2017, 09:02 PM	#13
Classic v6 GMC's Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Arizona from Overland Park Kansas Posts: 3,968	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Looks like a good truck to start with. If you decide you want to put an aftermarket radio in it I will take the old one off your hands! __________________ Current projects: 1966 Chevy Custom PS PB A/C BBW 283 v8 3 speed OD 1966 GMC Long Step 1966 GMC 3/4 ton Custom PS PB Sport trim 351 v6 1966 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Custom PB 305 v6 np435 1960 GMC Custom 1968 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Short Bed 1962 K20 Tow truck 1961 GMC Extended Suburban Panel and a few more

04-12-2017, 09:20 PM	#14
jimer1964 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: bowmansville,pa Posts: 1,678	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 A True barn find! With what looks like a am/fm radio! Between the radio and hubs well worth the money!

04-12-2017, 09:23 PM	#15
Joseph2001 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Burkville Virginia Posts: 202	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 72 tigger, do you have a picture? I am pulling the factory radio, But I'm gunna keep it. I plan on keeping anything original I pull of the truck. Thankfully my Father is a machinist and we have access to anything I might need, We've already discussed boring blocks right there for free. Posted via Mobile Device



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04-12-2017, 09:24 PM	#16
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 the wheels you want are 8 on 6.5 " any wheels from dodge and chevy will work, ford before 1998 will work ford changed patterns to a metric measurement...., they are cheap on craigslist, I have gotten a couple sets of aluminum 8" x 16" for less than $200.00 for the set.....if you want steel rims, like 72 tigger said wheels from a Ford E250 or E350 are 7" wide and will fit your truck , make sure they are pre 98.I have a set on my 74K20..measure the lug holes center to center across from each other and you will see what I'm talking about with the 6 1/2 " spacing.....all of the wheels with that spacing will fit your truck, the center holes may be bigger than what you have but that won't matter, the lugs will center your wheels

04-12-2017, 09:28 PM	#17
Joseph2001 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Burkville Virginia Posts: 202	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 72 tigger, do you have a picture? I am pulling the factory radio, But I'm gunna keep it. I plan on keeping anything original I pull of the truck. Thankfully my Father is a machinist and we have access to anything I might need, We've already discussed boring blocks right there for free. Posted via Mobile Device

04-12-2017, 11:26 PM	#18
chevy72blu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,188	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 in. I was your age when I started wrenching on mine __________________ RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e

04-13-2017, 09:17 AM	#19
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 KEEP that radio! They are quite hard to find.

04-13-2017, 01:11 PM	#21
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,151	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 here ya go... Attached Images __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

04-13-2017, 01:22 PM	#22
DarkFlounder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 281	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Welcome to weekends of knuckle busting and grease everywhere. You'll love it. Agreed, keep the stock radio. Do NOT cut the dash for a new style radio, it's a real bear to reverse that decision. Either get one of the RetroSound head units, or put a modern head unit in the glove box. Regarding the engine, I believe the base engine for 3/4t 4x4 trucks was the 350. __________________ 72 K2500 Sierra Longbed Wideside 350/TH350/NP205 66 Plymouth Barracuda 225 Slant6

04-13-2017, 02:18 PM	#23
cypressbog Go Pack Go! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Green Bay Posts: 2,669	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Welcome!! Pop open that glove box door and take a good picture of the SPID label inside the door. Looks like a heck of a truck for $500!!

04-13-2017, 03:55 PM	#25
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,419	Re: Newbie, Buying my first. 72 GMC K20 Fleetside bed would do wonders for that truck, but I'm a little biased. Looks like a heck of a deal. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

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