Will I hate myself for this???

[Tomahawk30]

So the majority of folks on here have been buying, selling, and restoring for a lot longer than I have, and I want some honest opinions.

First off, value-wise this is a no brainer. I know this. And yet somehow I find myself still debating it.

Here's the deal: My father-in-law has a 1966 Chevelle SS 396 hardtop that I've been trying to talk him out of for years. The 396 is rebuilt, solid lifters, and dyno'd with approx. 405HP and 500lbs of torque. Has the short-throw 4 speed M-21. It has new, driver quality paint. Just an awesome car. And after 11 years of not-so-subtle hints, he's now willing to part with it. He wants to do a straight trade for my 72 Cheyenne Super (pics below...) I'm not COMPLETELY stupid. I'm fully aware that he is giving it to me for a song. But how hard will it be to replace my Cheyenne? I haven't had it long, but its my daily driver and is hands-down my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. I stumbled onto it when I bought it, so it isn't like I've ever had to search high and low for one. It drives like a dream, and I have about $8000 in receipts from the P.O. It has new brakes, wheels, and tires, a rebuilt TH350, AC, wood bed, and roughly 98000 original miles. Basically it is the exact truck that I want. I'll have to have another, without question.

I guess I'd just like some input, stories, or even just a slap upside my head from those of you that have been in my position. If anyone can relate, it'd be the truck guys on this forum. Do I trade the one vehicle that I've enjoyed more than any of the others for the deal of a lifetime?

One sidenote is that if I get the Chevelle, I'll sell my 65 Impala to buy another truck. I have a standing offer of $12k for the Impala, so I'll have at least that to find another truck...

[Sinister]

Go for it. You can buy a lot of truck with the 12 grand you get for the Impala.

[hounddogs!]

You spent more time typing than I would have in making the decision.

**You are finally getting the chance to have a Chevelle that you've been eyeing for a long time.
**There's money for a nice replacement truck waiting on you.

Make both deals and enjoy the truck search.

[Tomahawk30]

Thanks guys. At least it reinforces my decision to know that hard-core truck guys would do the same in my shoes. And he'll always give me first dibs to buy it if he ever sells it. And probably leave it to me in the will if he doesn't!

[Thealien]

Originally Posted by hounddogs!

You spent more time typing than I would have in making the decision.

**You are finally getting the chance to have a Chevelle that you've been eyeing for a long time.
**There's money for a nice replacement truck waiting on you.

Make both deals and enjoy the truck search.

this

/thread

[heavy71chevy]

I own a a 1966 elcamino malibu and id do it...however on a the other hand ive really missed that rusty old hauler 71' i drove..My c10 was also my personal fave to man...however i bet that chevelle would me have a wet spot driving it lol

[greystoke]

The 67 chevelle has always been my dream car, I once stumbled on a 66 that was imaculate and talked mom into loaning me the $4500 ( yes you read that right ) and went back to strike the deal and it was gone. Bottom line is if it was me I would jump at the chance. You can find another great old truck.

[MAK191]

I say do it. especialy if you know he is going to take care of the truck and you will have first dibs at buying it back. Just talk him into doing all of the upgrades you never got around to doing . Do you have any pictures of the Chevelle? Good luck with your choice

[Tomahawk30]

No pictures of the Chevelle yet. I've been with my wife for 11 years, and I've only seen it rolled out of the garage once when he moved to a new house about a mile from the old one. He has all of a mile on the engine since the rebuild. Had his nephew paint it, and it didn't turn out as good as he hoped so he basically lost interest. Had some heart problems since, so he's just not into the muscle machines much anymore. He'll definitely do right by the truck and fix all the little things that I haven't go around to, and I'll definitely get first dibs! Like I said, I know it is a no-brainer, but I sure love that truck!

[VetteVet]

Just one example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-...item1c13cd44f7

[72Levi]

That ebay truck is a common 72 LWB truck, yes Cheyenne, but a LWB. I'm going to be a different voice here. An original 72 Cheyenne Super SWB 4x4 is rare. Actually pretty rare, because they only made 6,000+ SWB 4x4 72 trucks and given the fact you have a real Super, the fact that its a Cheyenne Super, makes it even more rare. On the other hand, a documented 67 Chevelle SS with a 396 is also very nice and rare. I've seen pictures of your truck and I LIKE it. Show us pics of the Chevelle and I might say go for it. Right now I am 50/50 It will be hard finding another true SWB 4x4 Super, beware of cut frame trucks, I've seen too many of them.

[caminokid]

How easy is it to replace your Cheyenne? I know where one is right now. Body is decent. 402 truck with air. I heard he wanted 4,000.00. So I would be in a Chevelle SS real quick.

I have pics of the truck on my computer. I will find them for you.

[CollinH]

trade for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tomahawk30]

I guess I should have indicated that if I replace it, it will be with a 4x4. Don't really have any interest in a 2wd daily driver up here in the mountains. I'll already have a Chevelle I can't drive in the snow!

[Dads69C10]

Do the trade. Then convince your father in law that he NEEDS the Impala and trade back for the truck

[Tomahawk30]

No kidding... I wish he wanted the Impala. I just picked it up from the paint shop by his house this last weekend. Would have been WAY easier to just trailer the Chevelle home instead!

[red71cheyenne]

Sorry, I traded my first truck and have regretted ever since. Of course, it didn't stay in the family like yours, but I still regret it. I'd still like to have that old 70 back. Tough choice and I REALLY like that truck of yours. Good luck with the decision.

[Tomahawk30]

Thanks Red, I really like it too. I'm pretty sure we'll end up doing the swap, but I'm equally convinced that I'll get the truck back at some point. Takes the sting off a little. Having the Chevelle in my garage won't hurt either...

[rsavage]

It's a 66 not a 67 which makes it worth even more. If it is a true 138 car in decent condition it is worth way more than the truck in dollars and collectability. No brainer, even though I love our trucks.

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by Tomahawk30

Thanks Red, I really like it too. I'm pretty sure we'll end up doing the swap, but I'm equally convinced that I'll get the truck back at some point. Takes the sting off a little. Having the Chevelle in my garage won't hurt either...

Ya, knowing its coming back to you almost makes it seem like a loan. Maybe I would do it. I'd be driving around grinning like an idiot in that truck tho.

[Booya]

Hey buddy, I heard about the trade and I cant belive he's willing to do it, you better jump before he changes his mind. But you better swing by before it leaves town... lol Bill

[powerbench]

I'd do it....in a heart beat.....

[70SOL]

Do it man your A lucky dude !!!!

[67ChevyRedneck]

I don't think you came on here for opinions, I think you came to GLOAT!

Hey, it's not like you don't know where the truck is going. I'm sure he'll let you take it for a spin every now and again, and like you said, you'll probably get it back anyway someday.

[Tomahawk30]

Hey Billy! Didn't know you were on here! Ya, I'm pretty shocked that he's wanting to do it myself... You know as well as I do how long that thing has sat there making everyone a little sad inside! I'm still waiting for him to come to his senses actually. I've been scanning the regional Craigslist ads looking for a replacement truck all evening! And yes, I'll definitely be taking the truck for a spin when we are in town...