just got truck and i have some questions.

[Galidah]

well.. today i just bought my first truck.
its a 1970 GMC custom camper.. i think its a 1970?
i got it for $400.. the engine is solid, sturdy and powerful..
the body.. has seen better days. everything is decent rust-wise 'cept for the hood, which looks like formed rust.. fixable but i almost think i'd rather replace it.
the only other major problem is the floor in the cab.. its got two rusted holes that you can see through, which are kinda big.. about 3in diameter..

tonight i spent some time taking apart the dash to replace the hoses for the vents.. cus they were all destroyed from age.. but i did the stupid thing of not remembering how to put them back in.. that shouldnt be hard though.

i was just wondering the basic questions..
what are the first things i should check, fix, replace, modify.. etc..
what are the best sites/places for parts..

where would i start on fixing that floorboard.. i'm wanting to get one of those rubber mat's that cover the entire floor.. so i might just do a quick fix..

i'm not shooting for restoration quality.. i just wanna make it so its decent quality again.

[boraxman]

Let me be the first to welcome you here. The one question I can answer is that this is the best site for vendors and parts. Many of the vendors are regular posters here. You can also find pretty much anything by asking on the parts board. Good luck with the truck and youve found the best site

[SEVEND2]

Welcome to the Boards, From So. Calif. Check out the parts board and vendors, you can pic up some great deals, and visit the paint and body forum at the top.
Keep us updated on yur progress and take before and after pic, you will like to have those around

[Longhorn Man]

Welcome from Central Ohio...what part of the world you sitting in?
Your hood...I think I'd ditch it from the sounds of it...most trucks, the hood is the best part, and they are almost a dime a dozen.
As for parts, the vendors come here, but not all of them all the time. If you go to the home pave ( www.67-72chevytrucks.com ) you'll see a list of vendors off to the left....they are all links.
I highly recomend an LMC catalog...even though most of there prices are way too high, the book is free and the pics are priceless.
As for your floors, I used a few no parking signs as a teen fabricating floor boards for most of my high school rides.

[72gord]

Welcome, if the body is rusty, better get a look at the steel brake lines....in a panic stop you could blow one if it is rusty (experience talking hit a tree after blowing a brake line going down a steep hill) Good luck with the truck

[Yukon Jack]

Welcome. I would do the above and also look at all the rubber lines and hoses, including the rubber brake lines to see if they are in good shape. Check to see if your coolant is in good shape. A simple tuneup might be wise, unless you know when that was done last. Switching to HEI from the points distributor has always been a popular upgrade. Wouldn't hurt to change your differential oil, tranny oil and of course the engine oil.

Basically, think safety first, make sure she is safe to drive.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Welcome to the board and congrat's on your new purchase..

[krue]

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! Post some pics of your truck when you get a chance!

[Galidah]

thanks for all the advice.. i havent checked those things yet.. so, i guess i'll check them asap.

here are the pictures that i took as soon as it was light out..





as you can see.. its quite a rust bucket. but i dont think i'd be happy with a truck that wasnt.

hmm.. i just remembered.. i need new tires put on also..

BTW.. i live right above indianapolis indiana.. but i spend a lot of time in akron ohio, so you could say i live there too.

[highboy_04]

i've never seen a hood that rusty

[dtlilly]

Welcome to the board from Packerland, looks like you got a good start there. As suggested, first inspect/fix all safety related items. I also suggest getting rid of the split rims, they don't call them widow makers for nothing.

[Swbman]

Even as rough as it may look, Still look as though you made a pretty good deal, Ive paid more for less in the past.

[toddtheodd]

I'd really be interested in knowing how a hood got that rusty.

[dinnut]

someone may have sanded the hood and left it or the paint got covered with somethign were moisture sat on it for a long time