Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JHART · 02-23-2007, 02:36 PM

Hello eveyone,

I am new here but have been watching and reading this site for months. I just bought a 1972 Chevy C-10 Shortbed. She's very clean from what i can tell with only a little rust on the bottom of the doors and on the driver side corner of the cab. The motor is a 350 bored .30 over, TH350 tranny.

I have a few questions if any of you would be willing to help me decide. The truck as of now has a automatic tranny, but still has the clutch pedal and the floor mounted shifter. I was wondering if any of you know what the damage would be if i converted the truck back to manual or if its even worth it.

As far as i know, everything is stock besides the motor and the tranny.

Also i was wondering if anyone knows how i could find out what the original sticker price for the truck was when it was sold in 1972. I found the original warranty in the glove box from the first owner with the metal plate still attached.

I feel like i got a great deal for the truck when i bought her this week. I got the truck for 2k as it is. She runs great and sounds awsome. The guys mentioned there is a "RV" camshaft in the motor. Is that good or bad?

I have a picture of the truck in my profile. I think the paint is original. I will post some pics up when i get home from work.

Thanks in advance for any input!

-Hart

turbochevy · 02-23-2007, 02:49 PM

# 1 welcome to the site
# 2 Nice truck
# 3 you stole it at 2K

Where are you located? SFV here.

JHART · 02-23-2007, 02:50 PM

I'm in the Navy stationed in Lemoore. Its near Fresno.

JHART · 02-23-2007, 03:22 PM

I also had some questions about the gauge cluster. I am pretty sure that all of my gauges need to be replaced. The gas gauge deffinatley doesnt work, the speedometer needle just bounces around and my oil pressure gauge is always pegged at "H". my question is is it a better idea to replace the entire set? Should i just look at the wiring or the circuit board? I'm not to sure which way to go. I have seen some pretty nice aftermarket gauges but i'm not sure where to go to buy them or if they even will work in my truck.

I'm sure someone here can point me in the right direction.

whatnow123 · 02-23-2007, 03:50 PM

Welcome! Be sure to use the FAQ thread as it will answer and give you idea's on a lot of stuff. Nice truck also! and thought I got a good deal, your deal was smokin!

sighlurr · 02-23-2007, 04:02 PM

$2K?! Are you kidding me? That's like clubbing a baby seal! Nice work.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-23-2007, 04:03 PM

Welcome from Studio City,Cal. That's a real nice truck. The gauges I would inspect one at a time.The speedo possibly just needs a new cable.The gas Gauge may need a new sending unit (behind the seat,top-center of tank) or maybe just a new float or something. The oil Gauge may need replacement.
On a newly purchased vehicle I like to start by looking closely at the brakes,fuel lines,front suspension and other vital systems so I don't get stranded (or killed).
The RV cam will give you better low-end grunt at the expense of high rev horsepower.I had one in my last '69 and it was incredible up to about 4000 RPM,then quickly ran out of steam.-Brian

turbochevy · 02-23-2007, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHART

I'm in the Navy stationed in Lemoore. Its near Fresno.

Cool! Well nice truck, you did good!

Big Block · 02-23-2007, 04:11 PM

Very nice truck for 2K. You got a great deal.

hvychve · 02-23-2007, 04:11 PM

If you only paid $2k for that shorty, you deffinately stole it, good deal,
As far as the gauge issue goes, I would check one at a time, the oil gauge is completely seperate , it runs a line to the engine at the back of the intake, if it is reading pegged all the time and never moves , even when shut off, I would suspect the gauge is bad, as far as gas gauge, the sender plugs into the fuse panel , labeled fuel, I think, I would check to see if its plugged into correct position, and if so , I would sweep test the sendor, remove sendor and with key on move the arm slowly to see if it matches the movement of the arm, some use brass floats on the end of the arm , and if the float gets a pin hole , it will fill up with gas and never float again, your gauge will read empty all the time, Speedometer, I would try lubing you cable , If that dont work you could check the cable by hookin up a drill and spin it while someone watches the speedo head, you may go reverse on the drill to read correctly , cant really remember, this will elimnate any gear issues you might have on the extension housing gear or speedo drive gear. if all is still not working on the speedo, you may want to check to see if its completely hooked up on the back of head, if so, sounds like maybe a head problem.
I (my own prefference) would leave the auto and remove all the reamins of the manual. thats my opinion only.
Rv cam's were just a way to call a one step above stock, maybe alittle longer duration and a little larger lift. these cams were usually used by people that wanted a little extra ooomph. without having to degree a cam or do the math to verify if valve to piston clearance was an issue , they could bet they were playn it safe with just using an rv cam.

krue · 02-23-2007, 04:37 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

JHART · 02-23-2007, 04:46 PM

Thanks for all the help guys! I am going to open up the gauge cluster today and try the gas gauge tip that hvychve recamended. Also you mentioned that the oil pressure gauge feeds from the the intake. Could this be an intake issue?

What about after market gauges with better lighting ...anyone know of a good site i can check out or do any of you use after market gauges ..... if so which ones ...pics?

powell72 · 02-23-2007, 05:22 PM

Sweet truck, 2K is a deal and a half. I can't imagine that's original paint though, since you don't have side markers in the bed for starters. Plus it just looks too nice to be 35 years old.

As2rd · 02-23-2007, 05:24 PM

Nice truck!! Must be in great shape from living in California. Dunno if its the weather but, IMO I would wet sand, polish then wax that thing. My truck had that oxidized look when i first bought mine, looks great now. Good luck with the gauges (mine were the same condition) I replaced mine because i didnt think about troubleshooting them. But now looks "nicer" whenever i look at my cluster.---Andy

69lnghrn · 02-23-2007, 05:29 PM

very good deal

JHART · 02-23-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powell72

Sweet truck, 2K is a deal and a half. I can't imagine that's original paint though, since you don't have side markers in the bed for starters. Plus it just looks too nice to be 35 years old.

Well your probably right about the paint. Dont let the pic fool you though ... it was rainning that day and the paint has zero clear coat. Its like a primer texture now.

Back to one of my other questions. Do any of you happen to know what the sticker price was for these trucks when they were sold back then. I cant seem to find this info anywhere .....first time google has ever let me down!

-Hart

bcanini · 02-24-2007, 09:57 AM

Drive it like you stole it!! cause you did.
Nice truck and welcome

Brian

bcanini · 02-24-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHART

Well your probably right about the paint. Dont let the pic fool you though ... it was rainning that day and the paint has zero clear coat. Its like a primer texture now.

Back to one of my other questions. Do any of you happen to know what the sticker price was for these trucks when they were sold back then. I cant seem to find this info anywhere .....first time google has ever let me down!

-Hart

I think it was 2k

Joking I don't know.
Brian

COACHMEASON · 02-24-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsigh

$2K?! Are you kidding me? That's like clubbing a baby seal! Nice work.

Thats classic!!

bgangsta999 · 02-24-2007, 10:34 AM

AWESOME find for 2k!!! Im originally from Fresno, currently serving in the Army right now. Make sure to hit up early classics its in Fresno and they can answer any questions you may have and they have every part you need for a resto!

brak · 02-24-2007, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHART

I'm in the Navy stationed in Lemoore. Its near Fresno.

Welcome to the site!!!
and i agree that truck was a steal.

I just got out of the navy last june, DC2 (SW/AW).

meaniam · 02-24-2007, 11:05 AM

good looking truck. for the guages try jeg.com or summit.com otherwise for stock look up venders on this site. tons of them. great for restoring original look. did that 2k come with a title, is it salvage. NO! then you just stole from that poor 2k richer little old lady.

if i keep mine i may run digital guages. they are simple and cheap.

weasel29gm · 02-24-2007, 08:08 PM

Goes to show one can find a deal once in a while!!!! Congrats and welcome

JHART · 02-24-2007, 10:27 PM

Thanks again everyone .....

Yes i have the title and no its not a salvage title ...

I was thining about digital gauges also but thats later on. Right now i just want working gauges so i know my truck is safe.

I still cant beleive i got it that cheap. I low balled the guy a bit, made the offer and he accepted. I have been trying to get the guy to sell it since October! He finally broke!

*rage'nrat638* · 02-24-2007, 11:39 PM

very nice truck..as stated drive it like you stole it

02-23-2007, 02:36 PM	#1
JHART 1972 Shorty Owner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Stationed in Cali , born and raised in PHX Arizona. Posts: 796	Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Hello eveyone, I am new here but have been watching and reading this site for months. I just bought a 1972 Chevy C-10 Shortbed. She's very clean from what i can tell with only a little rust on the bottom of the doors and on the driver side corner of the cab. The motor is a 350 bored .30 over, TH350 tranny. I have a few questions if any of you would be willing to help me decide. The truck as of now has a automatic tranny, but still has the clutch pedal and the floor mounted shifter. I was wondering if any of you know what the damage would be if i converted the truck back to manual or if its even worth it. As far as i know, everything is stock besides the motor and the tranny. Also i was wondering if anyone knows how i could find out what the original sticker price for the truck was when it was sold in 1972. I found the original warranty in the glove box from the first owner with the metal plate still attached. I feel like i got a great deal for the truck when i bought her this week. I got the truck for 2k as it is. She runs great and sounds awsome. The guys mentioned there is a "RV" camshaft in the motor. Is that good or bad? I have a picture of the truck in my profile. I think the paint is original. I will post some pics up when i get home from work. Thanks in advance for any input! -Hart Attached Images

02-23-2007, 02:49 PM	#2
turbochevy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chatsworth, So Cal! Posts: 226	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. # 1 welcome to the site # 2 Nice truck # 3 you stole it at 2K Where are you located? SFV here. __________________ 1970 Chevy C 10 SWB

02-23-2007, 02:50 PM	#3
JHART 1972 Shorty Owner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Stationed in Cali , born and raised in PHX Arizona. Posts: 796	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. I'm in the Navy stationed in Lemoore. Its near Fresno.

02-23-2007, 03:22 PM	#4
JHART 1972 Shorty Owner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Stationed in Cali , born and raised in PHX Arizona. Posts: 796	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. I also had some questions about the gauge cluster. I am pretty sure that all of my gauges need to be replaced. The gas gauge deffinatley doesnt work, the speedometer needle just bounces around and my oil pressure gauge is always pegged at "H". my question is is it a better idea to replace the entire set? Should i just look at the wiring or the circuit board? I'm not to sure which way to go. I have seen some pretty nice aftermarket gauges but i'm not sure where to go to buy them or if they even will work in my truck. I'm sure someone here can point me in the right direction.

02-23-2007, 03:50 PM	#5
whatnow123 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 835	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Welcome! Be sure to use the FAQ thread as it will answer and give you idea's on a lot of stuff. Nice truck also! and thought I got a good deal, your deal was smokin! __________________ 67 Short Step, 355, 700R 4.11 posi rear, 4/6 drop Discs on all 4 corners. Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219094

02-23-2007, 04:02 PM	#6
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. $2K?! Are you kidding me? That's like clubbing a baby seal! Nice work.

02-23-2007, 04:03 PM	#7
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Welcome from Studio City,Cal. That's a real nice truck. The gauges I would inspect one at a time.The speedo possibly just needs a new cable.The gas Gauge may need a new sending unit (behind the seat,top-center of tank) or maybe just a new float or something. The oil Gauge may need replacement. On a newly purchased vehicle I like to start by looking closely at the brakes,fuel lines,front suspension and other vital systems so I don't get stranded (or killed). The RV cam will give you better low-end grunt at the expense of high rev horsepower.I had one in my last '69 and it was incredible up to about 4000 RPM,then quickly ran out of steam.-Brian __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

02-23-2007, 04:11 PM	#9
Big Block Big Block Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durham, N.C. Posts: 1,649	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Very nice truck for 2K. You got a great deal.

02-23-2007, 04:11 PM	#10
hvychve To The Levy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: california Posts: 391	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. If you only paid $2k for that shorty, you deffinately stole it, good deal, As far as the gauge issue goes, I would check one at a time, the oil gauge is completely seperate , it runs a line to the engine at the back of the intake, if it is reading pegged all the time and never moves , even when shut off, I would suspect the gauge is bad, as far as gas gauge, the sender plugs into the fuse panel , labeled fuel, I think, I would check to see if its plugged into correct position, and if so , I would sweep test the sendor, remove sendor and with key on move the arm slowly to see if it matches the movement of the arm, some use brass floats on the end of the arm , and if the float gets a pin hole , it will fill up with gas and never float again, your gauge will read empty all the time, Speedometer, I would try lubing you cable , If that dont work you could check the cable by hookin up a drill and spin it while someone watches the speedo head, you may go reverse on the drill to read correctly , cant really remember, this will elimnate any gear issues you might have on the extension housing gear or speedo drive gear. if all is still not working on the speedo, you may want to check to see if its completely hooked up on the back of head, if so, sounds like maybe a head problem. I (my own prefference) would leave the auto and remove all the reamins of the manual. thats my opinion only. Rv cam's were just a way to call a one step above stock, maybe alittle longer duration and a little larger lift. these cams were usually used by people that wanted a little extra ooomph. without having to degree a cam or do the math to verify if valve to piston clearance was an issue , they could bet they were playn it safe with just using an rv cam.

02-23-2007, 04:37 PM	#11
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-23-2007, 04:46 PM	#12
JHART 1972 Shorty Owner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Stationed in Cali , born and raised in PHX Arizona. Posts: 796	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Thanks for all the help guys! I am going to open up the gauge cluster today and try the gas gauge tip that hvychve recamended. Also you mentioned that the oil pressure gauge feeds from the the intake. Could this be an intake issue? What about after market gauges with better lighting ...anyone know of a good site i can check out or do any of you use after market gauges ..... if so which ones ...pics?

02-23-2007, 05:22 PM	#13
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Sweet truck, 2K is a deal and a half. I can't imagine that's original paint though, since you don't have side markers in the bed for starters. Plus it just looks too nice to be 35 years old. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

02-23-2007, 05:24 PM	#14
As2rd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lexington Park, MD Posts: 47	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Nice truck!! Must be in great shape from living in California. Dunno if its the weather but, IMO I would wet sand, polish then wax that thing. My truck had that oxidized look when i first bought mine, looks great now. Good luck with the gauges (mine were the same condition) I replaced mine because i didnt think about troubleshooting them. But now looks "nicer" whenever i look at my cluster.---Andy __________________ 1972 Chevy Truck 350ci/th350 Auto. Daily Driver Last edited by As2rd; 02-23-2007 at 05:33 PM. Reason: Almost gave the same instructions as above, DOH!

02-23-2007, 05:29 PM	#15
69lnghrn whats a wrench Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SAN DIEGO Posts: 139	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. very good deal __________________ 69 longhorn 350 headers 4 on da floor

02-24-2007, 09:57 AM	#17
bcanini "Taste It" Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Keizer, Oregon Posts: 280	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Drive it like you stole it!! cause you did. Nice truck and welcome Brian __________________ 71 Chevrolet short fleet Cheyenne air cab/tilt w buddy buckets pretty stock other wise. 2007 Silverado Crew with the MAX Pack and loaded 2007 CX-9 "Hopefully when I die.. my wife wont sell my stuff for what I said I paid for it" It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission.



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02-24-2007, 10:34 AM	#20
bgangsta999 The Best Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fort Hood, TX Posts: 178	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. AWESOME find for 2k!!! Im originally from Fresno, currently serving in the Army right now. Make sure to hit up early classics its in Fresno and they can answer any questions you may have and they have every part you need for a resto! __________________ 70 shortbed C10 -------SOLD------- 1972 Chevy C-10 l/b

02-24-2007, 11:05 AM	#22
meaniam Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: san bernardino ca Posts: 41	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. good looking truck. for the guages try jeg.com or summit.com otherwise for stock look up venders on this site. tons of them. great for restoring original look. did that 2k come with a title, is it salvage. NO! then you just stole from that poor 2k richer little old lady. if i keep mine i may run digital guages. they are simple and cheap.

02-24-2007, 08:08 PM	#23
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,097	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Goes to show one can find a deal once in a while!!!! Congrats and welcome __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

02-24-2007, 10:27 PM	#24
JHART 1972 Shorty Owner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Stationed in Cali , born and raised in PHX Arizona. Posts: 796	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. Thanks again everyone ..... Yes i have the title and no its not a salvage title ... I was thining about digital gauges also but thats later on. Right now i just want working gauges so i know my truck is safe. I still cant beleive i got it that cheap. I low balled the guy a bit, made the offer and he accepted. I have been trying to get the guy to sell it since October! He finally broke! __________________ 1972 Chevy Shorty C-10- Project In Work http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ATT1721941.jpg- New Project Last edited by JHART; 02-24-2007 at 10:28 PM.

02-24-2007, 11:39 PM	#25
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Hello From Cali! - Lots of questions. very nice truck..as stated drive it like you stole it

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