Should I be picky on finding the right truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

06rubi · 09-04-2010, 04:17 AM

I am looking for a 67 to match the same year as my 14 year old sons El Camino. Plans for it will be to have a 383/700r combo. Should I be more picky on body damage ie: rust and dents or for it not being a v8/auto? I will drive it with what ever drive train I choose till I build the 383. This is my first restro so my son and I can get some practice and learn a few things before we tackle his Elky.
Kenney

OARNGESI · 09-04-2010, 04:20 AM

The body the drivetrain really doesnt matter unless you have to put alot of$ init to get it going then makesure the cabs solid and the frames straight everything else is relatively cheap and bolts right on

raycow · 09-04-2010, 04:27 AM

IMO, mechanical work is MUCH easier than body/interior. Go for the best body you can find, regardless of mechanical condition. Be especially alert looking for rust damage, bondo, etc.

Ray

cdowns · 09-04-2010, 06:37 AM

i'd go for a real nice original rustfree truck without running gear any day of the year

PanelDeland · 09-04-2010, 08:08 AM

Body work =$$$$$$$$$ Mechanicl is much cheaper.So if you aren't a bodyman it's easier to learn the mechanicals(on these trucks).
IMHO you will save $3.00-5.00+ for every $1.00 you spend extra on a better body.That's just for bodywork,not including paint.Depending on how much of a perfectionist you are,it could be more.
Also,don't worry too much about year model,the front clips are interchangable and the 71-72 will already have stuff like disc brakes and usually came with more and more desireable option.Just put a 67 front clip on it.

turp mcspray · 09-04-2010, 09:48 AM

I do restoration work for a living, and I ALWAYS tell people who are looking for a project, to buy the nicest body that they can find. Fixing the body is the most expensive aspect of any build!

**N2TRUX** · 09-04-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

I do restoration work for a living, and I ALWAYS tell people who are looking for a project, to buy the nicest body that they can find. Fixing the body is the most expensive aspect of any build!

There ya go. That is so true.

In CO you should be able to locate fairly rust free trucks. Get the cleanest one you can find and work with your son on the mechanical updates.

big_al_71 · 09-04-2010, 10:11 AM

Buy the best condition truck you can find the mechanical part is the easiest...

**leddzepp** · 09-04-2010, 10:30 AM

Body condition is most important, as stated above.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 09-04-2010, 10:35 AM

I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks..

dan42 · 09-04-2010, 11:15 AM

Eastern Oregon and Washington are also great places to find rust free vehicles. Good luck and be picky, you'll be glad you were.

mikej71 · 09-04-2010, 11:46 AM

I agree with all above - get the best body you can find, even if it's not local. I was so reluctant to pay any shipping charges that I only focused on local trucks, and I've regretted it ever since. The extra $1K or so it would have cost me for a good, rust-free Arizona/Cali truck would have actually saved me a ton of money and headaches in the long run. Also, with all of the helpful members of this board, you will probably find someone that is willing to go check out a truck for you if it's too far away for you to look at yourself.

It's definitely a buyer's market, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a good deal on really good truck right now.

Good luck!

Mike

nyncompute · 09-04-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06rubi

my 14 year old sons El Camino

WTF My parents gave me a hand me down timex watch once.

**yote1234** · 09-04-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks..

x2

**leddzepp** · 09-04-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks..

ChevLoRay · 09-04-2010, 03:42 PM

But....a '67 is 43 years old and there's going to be rust in places you can't see. You can look at the obvious rust and see what it is. What we should be doing is telling him where the rust can be and not be easily seen. I've seen some vehicles from Colorado that were rivals for vehicles from New England, as far as rust is concerned.

But, cab corners, floor pans, cab mounts, kick panels, are just a few places to check.

06rubi · 09-06-2010, 02:12 AM

Thanks guys! That is what I was kinda thinking. I stopped by a truck I saw on a side road today. As I pulled up I noticed the rear window was broken. As I looked more I realized every window, and light was smashed! There was even some axe like gouges in the doors. I guess they pissed someone off. Another classic ruined!
Posted via Mobile Device

junkyardjohn · 09-06-2010, 08:39 AM

MECHANICALS ARE SIMPLE... BODY REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE. JOHN

PanelDeland · 09-06-2010, 09:23 AM

You may want to check the classifieds section on the board.There are usually some decent deals there and most members here will be as honest as they can be about a trucks condition.

Truckbert-CS · 09-06-2010, 10:35 AM

Be a little picky. I bought a truck from a guy at work. It had some sentimental value.

I started fixing a little here and there and now am fully committed to finish the process.

When I'm done the frame, doors, glass and maybe the step side bed will be from the original truck.

So look around and find one that requires a little less work.

71cheyenne4x4 · 09-06-2010, 11:16 AM

Definitely look for the best rust free body that you can find, especially since you'll be replacing the drive train anyway....

'72customdeluxe · 09-06-2010, 12:08 PM

Drivetrain is almost a non issue. Count on rebuilding a v8 and auto trans anyway if they are old, despite how they run at first. Rust however is a biotch
Posted via Mobile Device

09-04-2010, 04:17 AM	#1
06rubi Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pueblo West, CO Posts: 9	Should I be picky on finding the right truck? I am looking for a 67 to match the same year as my 14 year old sons El Camino. Plans for it will be to have a 383/700r combo. Should I be more picky on body damage ie: rust and dents or for it not being a v8/auto? I will drive it with what ever drive train I choose till I build the 383. This is my first restro so my son and I can get some practice and learn a few things before we tackle his Elky. Kenney __________________ Kenney 68 Chevy C10 454

09-04-2010, 04:20 AM	#2
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? The body the drivetrain really doesnt matter unless you have to put alot of$ init to get it going then makesure the cabs solid and the frames straight everything else is relatively cheap and bolts right on __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

09-04-2010, 04:27 AM	#3
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? IMO, mechanical work is MUCH easier than body/interior. Go for the best body you can find, regardless of mechanical condition. Be especially alert looking for rust damage, bondo, etc. Ray

09-04-2010, 06:37 AM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? i'd go for a real nice original rustfree truck without running gear any day of the year __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-04-2010, 08:08 AM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Body work =$$$$$$$$$ Mechanicl is much cheaper.So if you aren't a bodyman it's easier to learn the mechanicals(on these trucks). IMHO you will save $3.00-5.00+ for every $1.00 you spend extra on a better body.That's just for bodywork,not including paint.Depending on how much of a perfectionist you are,it could be more. Also,don't worry too much about year model,the front clips are interchangable and the 71-72 will already have stuff like disc brakes and usually came with more and more desireable option.Just put a 67 front clip on it. __________________ 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" Last edited by PanelDeland; 09-04-2010 at 08:09 AM.

09-04-2010, 09:48 AM	#6
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? I do restoration work for a living, and I ALWAYS tell people who are looking for a project, to buy the nicest body that they can find. Fixing the body is the most expensive aspect of any build! __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

09-04-2010, 10:11 AM	#8
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Buy the best condition truck you can find the mechanical part is the easiest... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

09-04-2010, 10:30 AM	#9
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,997	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Body condition is most important, as stated above. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

09-04-2010, 10:35 AM	#10
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,607	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

09-04-2010, 11:15 AM	#11
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Eastern Oregon and Washington are also great places to find rust free vehicles. Good luck and be picky, you'll be glad you were. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

09-04-2010, 11:46 AM	#12
mikej71 Unregistered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, TX USA Posts: 538	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? I agree with all above - get the best body you can find, even if it's not local. I was so reluctant to pay any shipping charges that I only focused on local trucks, and I've regretted it ever since. The extra $1K or so it would have cost me for a good, rust-free Arizona/Cali truck would have actually saved me a ton of money and headaches in the long run. Also, with all of the helpful members of this board, you will probably find someone that is willing to go check out a truck for you if it's too far away for you to look at yourself. It's definitely a buyer's market, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a good deal on really good truck right now. Good luck! Mike __________________ 71 SWB Stepside SB400/TH350

09-04-2010, 03:42 PM	#16
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? But....a '67 is 43 years old and there's going to be rust in places you can't see. You can look at the obvious rust and see what it is. What we should be doing is telling him where the rust can be and not be easily seen. I've seen some vehicles from Colorado that were rivals for vehicles from New England, as far as rust is concerned. But, cab corners, floor pans, cab mounts, kick panels, are just a few places to check. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-06-2010, 02:12 AM	#17
06rubi Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pueblo West, CO Posts: 9	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Thanks guys! That is what I was kinda thinking. I stopped by a truck I saw on a side road today. As I pulled up I noticed the rear window was broken. As I looked more I realized every window, and light was smashed! There was even some axe like gouges in the doors. I guess they pissed someone off. Another classic ruined! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Kenney 68 Chevy C10 454

09-06-2010, 08:39 AM	#18
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? MECHANICALS ARE SIMPLE... BODY REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

09-06-2010, 09:23 AM	#19
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? You may want to check the classifieds section on the board.There are usually some decent deals there and most members here will be as honest as they can be about a trucks condition. __________________ 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"



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09-06-2010, 10:35 AM	#20
Truckbert-CS Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 43	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Be a little picky. I bought a truck from a guy at work. It had some sentimental value. I started fixing a little here and there and now am fully committed to finish the process. When I'm done the frame, doors, glass and maybe the step side bed will be from the original truck. So look around and find one that requires a little less work.

09-06-2010, 11:16 AM	#21
71cheyenne4x4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: cincinnati, ohio Posts: 29	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Definitely look for the best rust free body that you can find, especially since you'll be replacing the drive train anyway....

09-06-2010, 12:08 PM	#22
'72customdeluxe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tejas Posts: 691	Re: Should I be picky on finding the right truck? Drivetrain is almost a non issue. Count on rebuilding a v8 and auto trans anyway if they are old, despite how they run at first. Rust however is a biotch Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '72 cheyenne super step, '05 long bed gmc

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