60-66 or 67-72? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

the_goat · 04-07-2007, 03:45 PM

I am never scared to show my ignorance so here we go once again. Here is what I want, a simple daily driver not a show truck with a basic v8 and auto trans. Which route would be the least expensive project to work on? I know it's situationally dependent but generally which one would be easier in terms of finding parts, swapping motor and tranny if needed, ect.
I hope this question makes sense to at least someone. I appreciate all the help I can get.
Thanks,

PanelDeland · 04-07-2007, 05:12 PM

Goat,go with a 67-72 because of parts availability.There is little difference between them after 63? and so they are about as easy to build either way.The earlier trucks just don't have the aftermarket support the later ones do.If you are looking to find a complete truck the big diff is price.The early trucks are a little cheaper to buy usually but since they are older and have less support they cost more to restore.Also you will find the later trucks generally had more options(PS,PB,Auto,AC).Rear gearing on a manual truck will be lower and may need to be changed to run an auto tranny comfortably.
I think most members here will agree with what I've told you but you should make up your mind and buy what you really want.There is no sense in doing a different truck than you want when complete.Read thru a lot of the posts and some of the truck related FAQ's and you can learn more about what it takes to get and keep one of these trucks on the road.If you want a reliable trouble free hands off drive anytime anywhere without having to do anything to it look for a late model truck with the options you want.Buying and fixing up an old truck is not cheaper than starting with a working truck of a later model.

72freak · 04-07-2007, 05:53 PM

All of them will cost you about the same up front.........but there is more availability of parts for the 67-72's and if you want a real daily driver a 1972 would come with power disk brakes and power steeing. You can of course ad all this to any of them at more expense.

Frizzle Fry · 04-07-2007, 05:57 PM

Well, If looks weren't a factor I guess you wouldn't go for a classic. That said, go for the one that you like best as both bodystyles can me made into reliable drivers. Your best chance of simply buying a nice driver with "modern" conveniences would be with a '72 as stated by 72Freak.

sighlurr · 04-07-2007, 06:04 PM

Age also sometimes determines the amount of rust on a truck, and the amount of previous owners that may have created problems for you. The newer the truck, the less janky it may be.

Since both trucks are available with a coil spring rear suspension and the basic structure is the same, you have to get excited about the looks of the truck, - grille, body lines, longbed, stepside, etc.

Warning - Feedback and comments may be a bit biased since we're on a 67-72 website.

Longhorn Man · 04-07-2007, 06:11 PM

A large part of the typical restoration... or just maintaining an old truck, will come from junk yards. You'll be hard pressed to locate a 60 - 66in a junk yard. (desert southwest is the exception, but you get the idea)

bartstoy · 04-07-2007, 06:46 PM

If had to do over a again, I would go with the '72 in a half ton, fleet or step. Get as much of the new stuff as you can find on it, PB, AC, PS, then upgrade the items if you need to. The cost might be a bit more, but well worth it.

67CHIP72 · 04-07-2007, 07:02 PM

Look for exactly what you want for as long as it takes. Mine took me over 5 years to find and it will take me more than that to get it restored. Good thing is that it's a blast to drive as is and I don't regret buying the wrong one. Good luck with your decision.

BarryB · 04-07-2007, 07:21 PM

with everything stated. Even though I personally prefer the 60- 66's. I would go with 67-72's for parts availability.

62 short step · 04-07-2007, 07:23 PM

I would choose 60-66, I might be a bit biased though!!

What ever you chose they both are great looking trucks. I did have 72 short step once, missed it every day since I sold it.

Black 95 TSI · 04-07-2007, 07:57 PM

I owned a 66 and i have a 70 now, I loved my 66, I still kicking myself for selling it, but its hard to find parts for it With the 67-72 you can buy just about any part for them

see ten · 04-07-2007, 09:21 PM

I was originally loking for a 60-66 4x4 when I found my 72K10. All these guys are right on target with their replies. If you are buying a completed truck that needs nothing buy what you like the best. Heck if you are buying a project buy what you like best. There is considerably more aftermarket support for 67-72 trucks than there are for 60-66. There are more parts available for the 60-66 models that weren't available 5 years ago and I'm sure more will come around eventualy. I read an article in a truck mag a few years back stating that aside from a 56 Ford the 72 chevys were the most popular to collect and build. Classic lines combined with more modern features such as A/C power brakes, power steering etc. I guess it all boils down to whatever floats your boat.

04-07-2007, 03:45 PM	#1
the_goat Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Carlsbad, Ca Posts: 385	60-66 or 67-72? I am never scared to show my ignorance so here we go once again. Here is what I want, a simple daily driver not a show truck with a basic v8 and auto trans. Which route would be the least expensive project to work on? I know it's situationally dependent but generally which one would be easier in terms of finding parts, swapping motor and tranny if needed, ect. I hope this question makes sense to at least someone. I appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks,

04-07-2007, 05:12 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? Goat,go with a 67-72 because of parts availability.There is little difference between them after 63? and so they are about as easy to build either way.The earlier trucks just don't have the aftermarket support the later ones do.If you are looking to find a complete truck the big diff is price.The early trucks are a little cheaper to buy usually but since they are older and have less support they cost more to restore.Also you will find the later trucks generally had more options(PS,PB,Auto,AC).Rear gearing on a manual truck will be lower and may need to be changed to run an auto tranny comfortably. I think most members here will agree with what I've told you but you should make up your mind and buy what you really want.There is no sense in doing a different truck than you want when complete.Read thru a lot of the posts and some of the truck related FAQ's and you can learn more about what it takes to get and keep one of these trucks on the road.If you want a reliable trouble free hands off drive anytime anywhere without having to do anything to it look for a late model truck with the options you want.Buying and fixing up an old truck is not cheaper than starting with a working truck of a later model. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-07-2007, 05:53 PM	#3
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? All of them will cost you about the same up front.........but there is more availability of parts for the 67-72's and if you want a real daily driver a 1972 would come with power disk brakes and power steeing. You can of course ad all this to any of them at more expense.

04-07-2007, 05:57 PM	#4
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? Well, If looks weren't a factor I guess you wouldn't go for a classic. That said, go for the one that you like best as both bodystyles can me made into reliable drivers. Your best chance of simply buying a nice driver with "modern" conveniences would be with a '72 as stated by 72Freak. Last edited by Frizzle Fry; 04-07-2007 at 05:59 PM.

04-07-2007, 06:04 PM	#5
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? Age also sometimes determines the amount of rust on a truck, and the amount of previous owners that may have created problems for you. The newer the truck, the less janky it may be. Since both trucks are available with a coil spring rear suspension and the basic structure is the same, you have to get excited about the looks of the truck, - grille, body lines, longbed, stepside, etc. Warning - Feedback and comments may be a bit biased since we're on a 67-72 website. Last edited by sighlurr; 04-07-2007 at 06:06 PM.

04-07-2007, 06:11 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? A large part of the typical restoration... or just maintaining an old truck, will come from junk yards. You'll be hard pressed to locate a 60 - 66in a junk yard. (desert southwest is the exception, but you get the idea)

04-07-2007, 06:46 PM	#7
bartstoy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: El Cajon, Cal. Posts: 75	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? If had to do over a again, I would go with the '72 in a half ton, fleet or step. Get as much of the new stuff as you can find on it, PB, AC, PS, then upgrade the items if you need to. The cost might be a bit more, but well worth it. __________________ Original owner '69 C20, long, fleet. 454 BB with Edelbrock stuff. Work truck for years, 2nd restoration going on. '69 C20 '03 Tahoe Z71 70 Hp Johnson pushing aluminum bass boat. All things in life are uncertain, so eat dessert first.

04-07-2007, 07:02 PM	#8
67CHIP72 STOLEN Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 1,022	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? Look for exactly what you want for as long as it takes. Mine took me over 5 years to find and it will take me more than that to get it restored. Good thing is that it's a blast to drive as is and I don't regret buying the wrong one. Good luck with your decision. Attached Images __________________ In Search Of

04-07-2007, 07:21 PM	#9
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? with everything stated. Even though I personally prefer the 60- 66's. I would go with 67-72's for parts availability.

04-07-2007, 07:23 PM	#10
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? I would choose 60-66, I might be a bit biased though!! What ever you chose they both are great looking trucks. I did have 72 short step once, missed it every day since I sold it.

04-07-2007, 07:57 PM	#11
Black 95 TSI Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Alexandria VA Posts: 77	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? I owned a 66 and i have a 70 now, I loved my 66, I still kicking myself for selling it, but its hard to find parts for it With the 67-72 you can buy just about any part for them __________________ 70 C10 SWB stepside forsale 00 Silverado Z71 Sold 95 Eagle Talon TSI turbo (Hellz ya its fast) 70 Chevelle 69 firebird 10 Silverado 4x4

04-07-2007, 09:21 PM	#12
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: 60-66 or 67-72? I was originally loking for a 60-66 4x4 when I found my 72K10. All these guys are right on target with their replies. If you are buying a completed truck that needs nothing buy what you like the best. Heck if you are buying a project buy what you like best. There is considerably more aftermarket support for 67-72 trucks than there are for 60-66. There are more parts available for the 60-66 models that weren't available 5 years ago and I'm sure more will come around eventualy. I read an article in a truck mag a few years back stating that aside from a 56 Ford the 72 chevys were the most popular to collect and build. Classic lines combined with more modern features such as A/C power brakes, power steering etc. I guess it all boils down to whatever floats your boat.



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