Original or Survivor Class Rules??

[Muellers69GMC]

I am new to rebuilding and restoring these trucks and am just wanting to hear from those in the know about what kinds of things I can and can't do on the truck if I am going to show in these classes.

My truck is/was basically a survivor (bought new by my grandfather)...at least until I decided the engine needed a rebuild. Now I am trying to keep things original, but somethings just aren't that easy. For example, both exhaust manifolds broke in some form or another. One was cracked in half and one had broken stud holes. Also what about things that improve drivability, say for example adding an ignition module.

Just looking to see if there are hard and fast rules or what peoples experience is.

Thanks!

[unclewatts]

If your going to show it in class you have to be pretty strict. Pretty much if the truck didn't have it when it was new, you can't add it now. Some restorers won't even use reproduction parts just NOS which can get pretty expensive. As far as your exhaust manifolds go 350 rams heads are a dime a dozen. Just search the web. I started out with the same idea and I found that trying to make a brand new truck out of GM parts was way beyond my financial abilities. (in other words I didn't have the bucks!)

[Richard8971]

Personally? I would say that unless your truck was a one-of-a-kind built from the factory and worth major $$$ if restored 100%, then build it the way you want. It won't be worth any less if you did it custom.

I can appreciate wanting to keep it original, esp if your granddad bought it new, but expect to spend more on a true restoration than you would spend if you just cleaned it up.

By the way, we would love to see some pics of your truck!

D

[ChevLoRay]

With these trucks (67-72) having achieved the iconic status in the car/truck culture, my opinion is to treat it as you wish. Modify, restify, restore as you desire. Make it what you want it to be. In other words, how many times do you recall seeing a '32 Ford being "discounted" because it hasn't been restored? Same thing with these trucks. They became popular with their introduction because they could also come with some creature comforts as standard equipment. That's what it's all about, now. Unless you butcher it and cobble it into something that is a waste of the precept that the hobby represents, I don't think you'll be bucks down.

[71 super]

Typically you are allowed three modifications without penalty. On my bb truck, I used stainless steel bolts, 15 x 8 rallies w/ stock full wheel covers and houndstooth covers on the buckets. I get popped for the chrome ashtray in the dash and the fact that the bed wood is stained red oak instead of painted pine. In my experience unless going for national points judges at shows have no clue as to the correctness of our trucks (usually judging many classes). If you are interested in sources and correct pieces to use send me a pm and I will get some stuff together for you.