72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ryan5O · 06-04-2011, 02:04 AM

My Grandfather is that stereotypical farmer with all the old cool stuff hiding in a barn. He and my Grandmother have recently gotten that mentality to start getting rid of their things so they wont be a burden to the family after they've past. Before he could get rid of his 72 I made him an offer on the truck and will be picking it up next month. Its well taken care of and in great shape, but you never know until you get it on the road. Other than the usual wear that time wreaks on trucks, is there anything C10 specific that plagues these vehicles? My wife will be driving a second vehicle, I'll have towing coverage and will be bringing some tools along. We'll be driving the truck from Eastern MT back home to Central WA the second week of July. You guys are the ones with the experience, what do you recommend?

Thanks in Advance
Ryan

**Palf70Step** · 06-04-2011, 07:52 AM

Nice looking truck(s)! Good luck on the trip and we'll be waiting to hear the play by play of the trip.

Sicklajoie · 06-04-2011, 08:22 AM

How are the tires? Any dry rot?

yob2kanobe · 06-04-2011, 09:01 AM

The middle of July will no doubt be hotter than a 2 dollar pistol so you better check the hoses and belts (or carry spares) and also bring along some water.

71meangreenc10 · 06-04-2011, 09:40 AM

How old is the fuel pump? Does it still have points? if those two areas are GTG check the fluids (even the rear axle) and go for it......

Sweet looking trucks....

Smitty

68gmsee · 06-04-2011, 10:18 AM

I drove my 69 on a 500 mile trip some years back and didn't have a bit of trouble and yours looks a lot nicer.

What I took.

A good spare tires (a must).

Set of tools. Don't just take a generic kit. I use a regular tool box when I travel and throw in such things as screwdrivers, good set of vise grips, diags pliars, extensions, breaker bar, etc.

I took a fuel pump, water pump, and an alternator that I keep in the garage.

Before you go on the trip spend a day to be sure and check or change all the fluids including rear axle grease. Lube all the fittings and the wheel bearings and maybe even change the radiator fluid if it hasn't been done this year.

forgot to mention: on the way back I towed an 87 Olds Calais.

dan42 · 06-04-2011, 10:19 AM

Fuel filters - brake lines - etc. etc. I would crawl under and around it to visually inspect it and make sure everything is where is it should be as well.

bmfm64 · 06-04-2011, 10:22 AM

I recommend you keep driving and bring it to me in western washington and I'll take care of it for you... LOL. Make sure you check the fuel gauge, as you don't want to run out in BFE. I'd say take spare belts, hoses, at least 2 spares mounted up ready to go and all the fluids(water, oil, gas, trans fluid, brake fluid etc). Biggest thing is to do a very thorough once over on everything and take care of any issues BEFORE you leave. Have a good time and best of luck!

**70cst** · 06-04-2011, 10:59 AM

1st thing ... and from Ohio. That is one looking truck. on keeping this truck in your family.

yuccales · 06-04-2011, 11:56 AM

I'd push that baby 900 miles by hand to get it home! Great looking truck, drive safe.

bigsnookmaster · 06-04-2011, 01:31 PM

I would jump in, roll the windows dowm, and say goodbye and drive it! I used to have old beaters that I would jump in and drive from Fla to KY, or Tenn with no problems. I think I got lucky alot! Nice truck!

o6r1man · 06-04-2011, 01:41 PM

Belts, hoses, and tires would be what I would look at. Take enough tools to change small thinkgs like water pump, points, and fuel pump. Also would take a couple qts of oil and a gallon or 2 of water.

Ryan5O · 06-04-2011, 04:53 PM

I'll have my little girl with me, she'll be in charge of the play by play. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe the truck has approx 85,000 miles on it. The engine and bay looks just as good as the body. I havent had the chance to go through it yet, but Im willing the bet the fuel pump is good as well. I'll be there for a couple weeks, so I'll have time to check it over real well. I am a little concerned about dry rot and the tires. At what point do you decide when the tires are no good?

99-LS1-SS · 06-04-2011, 05:18 PM

For a trip that long, I wouldn't chance it, if the tires look cracked or dry rotted I would replace them. I would replace all of the belts too...just to be safe.

71swb4x4 · 06-04-2011, 05:40 PM

If these haven't been done recently I would do them all while you have it at your grandfathers. Better there than at the side of the road:

Change rear end fluid
Change tranny fluid and filter
change oil and filter
change coolant
replace belts
replace hoses
If it's been sitting a while replace or at least get a spare water pump and fuel pump
replace fuel filter
replace points/cap/rotor
Check battery
check alternator
check battery cables, make sure ground is properly secured
Buy extra fuses
Check tires over
check u-joints

Throw a few gallons of water in the back, and a small gas can.
Bring a "real" jack, took kit, and spare tire.
Blocks of wood
tow strap in case you need to get it off the road.

Don't forget to check your wife's vehicle over. Wouldn't it be ironic if the old truck had to tow the new truck home?

srvivor71 · 06-04-2011, 08:12 PM

Awesome looking truck! Best of luck with it. My wife and I drove ours back from Idaho to NY (2800 miles) last summer. We checked the truck carefully before leaving and had a big canvas bag full of tools, "just in case". The guy we bought it from warned that the tries were pretty old but they didn't look dry rotted and had lots of tread. We considered replacing all four of them before we set out but decided to give them a try.

Big mistake! On our first day of driving, we got a blowout on a 55 mph, two lane, no divider highway at rush hour. I had heavy oncoming traffic on the left and a 5 foot ditch on the right. There was no loud blowout - the truck just started heading right for the ditch. Somehow, we kept it under control and were able to pull over but that's when we found out we didn't have a jack or working 4 way flashers. At that point, I didn't mind shelling out the money for all new tires. We ended up losing about 4 hours from our trip (and probably 4 years from our life span). Lesson learned: Don't ever take chances with old tires. Here's the tire.

wwotr · 06-04-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan5O

My Grandfather is that stereotypical farmer with all the old cool stuff hiding in a barn. He and my Grandmother have recently gotten that mentality to start getting rid of their things so they wont be a burden to the family after they've past. Before he could get rid of his 72 I made him an offer on the truck and will be picking it up next month. Its well taken care of and in great shape, but you never know until you get it on the road. Other than the usual wear that time wreaks on trucks, is there anything C10 specific that plagues these vehicles? My wife will be driving a second vehicle, I'll have towing coverage and will be bringing some tools along. We'll be driving the truck from Eastern MT back home to Central WA the second week of July. You guys are the ones with the experience, what do you recommend?

Thanks in Advance
Ryan

OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**leddzepp** · 06-04-2011, 08:33 PM

If that truck runs half as good as it looks, I'd jump in it and roll the dice...

1972RedNeck · 06-04-2011, 11:06 PM

I'd drop that truck off at my house on your way through.

gringoloco · 06-05-2011, 12:35 AM

All of the above mentioned advice, and a lumbar pillow...

68gmsee · 06-05-2011, 10:46 AM

I guess we scared Ryan with all of the things to do before he takes off...
One thing about this site. When you ask for advice, you will get it!

BTW: forgot to say "Welcome" from Texas.

**72 Super** · 06-05-2011, 11:26 AM

Welcome to the board! That is a very clean looking truck. Have a safe trip and enjoy!

Ray

Ryan5O · 06-05-2011, 12:22 PM

lol, not scared. Got hung up trying to think of a witty comment for 1972Redneck. Thought it kinda funny to have rednecks in MT. I grew up in GA, so when people call themselves rednecks I have a certain stereotype in mind. In my mind that stereotype is in no way associated with MT. I may have to take him up on his offer to swing by there...just out of curiosity.

gferris5 · 06-05-2011, 03:39 PM

Also not a bad idea to check steering linkages and ball-joint wear.

Ryan5O · 06-05-2011, 03:57 PM

Thanks guys. When I get there, I'll take some more pics and give a update. In the mean time I know of a few minor parts I'll be on the hunt for before I leave.

06-04-2011, 02:04 AM	#1
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation My Grandfather is that stereotypical farmer with all the old cool stuff hiding in a barn. He and my Grandmother have recently gotten that mentality to start getting rid of their things so they wont be a burden to the family after they've past. Before he could get rid of his 72 I made him an offer on the truck and will be picking it up next month. Its well taken care of and in great shape, but you never know until you get it on the road. Other than the usual wear that time wreaks on trucks, is there anything C10 specific that plagues these vehicles? My wife will be driving a second vehicle, I'll have towing coverage and will be bringing some tools along. We'll be driving the truck from Eastern MT back home to Central WA the second week of July. You guys are the ones with the experience, what do you recommend? Thanks in Advance Ryan Attached Images

06-04-2011, 07:52 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,789	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Nice looking truck(s)! Good luck on the trip and we'll be waiting to hear the play by play of the trip. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

06-04-2011, 08:22 AM	#3
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,493	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation How are the tires? Any dry rot? __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

06-04-2011, 09:01 AM	#4
yob2kanobe Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SE Washington state Posts: 80	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation The middle of July will no doubt be hotter than a 2 dollar pistol so you better check the hoses and belts (or carry spares) and also bring along some water.

06-04-2011, 09:40 AM	#5
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,159	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation How old is the fuel pump? Does it still have points? if those two areas are GTG check the fluids (even the rear axle) and go for it...... Sweet looking trucks.... Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time Last edited by 71meangreenc10; 06-04-2011 at 09:41 AM.

06-04-2011, 10:18 AM	#6
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation I drove my 69 on a 500 mile trip some years back and didn't have a bit of trouble and yours looks a lot nicer. What I took. A good spare tires (a must). Set of tools. Don't just take a generic kit. I use a regular tool box when I travel and throw in such things as screwdrivers, good set of vise grips, diags pliars, extensions, breaker bar, etc. I took a fuel pump, water pump, and an alternator that I keep in the garage. Before you go on the trip spend a day to be sure and check or change all the fluids including rear axle grease. Lube all the fittings and the wheel bearings and maybe even change the radiator fluid if it hasn't been done this year. forgot to mention: on the way back I towed an 87 Olds Calais. Last edited by 68gmsee; 06-04-2011 at 10:22 AM.

06-04-2011, 10:19 AM	#7
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Fuel filters - brake lines - etc. etc. I would crawl under and around it to visually inspect it and make sure everything is where is it should be as well. __________________ '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

06-04-2011, 10:22 AM	#8
bmfm64 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Covington, Wa Posts: 5,240	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation I recommend you keep driving and bring it to me in western washington and I'll take care of it for you... LOL. Make sure you check the fuel gauge, as you don't want to run out in BFE. I'd say take spare belts, hoses, at least 2 spares mounted up ready to go and all the fluids(water, oil, gas, trans fluid, brake fluid etc). Biggest thing is to do a very thorough once over on everything and take care of any issues BEFORE you leave. Have a good time and best of luck!

06-04-2011, 10:59 AM	#9
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation 1st thing ... and from Ohio. That is one looking truck. on keeping this truck in your family. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

06-04-2011, 11:56 AM	#10
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,658	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation I'd push that baby 900 miles by hand to get it home! Great looking truck, drive safe.

06-04-2011, 01:31 PM	#11
bigsnookmaster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Petersburg,Fl Posts: 1,267	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation I would jump in, roll the windows dowm, and say goodbye and drive it! I used to have old beaters that I would jump in and drive from Fla to KY, or Tenn with no problems. I think I got lucky alot! Nice truck! __________________ greg http://community.webshots.com/user/68406Stepside

06-04-2011, 01:41 PM	#12
o6r1man Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: KS Posts: 268	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Belts, hoses, and tires would be what I would look at. Take enough tools to change small thinkgs like water pump, points, and fuel pump. Also would take a couple qts of oil and a gallon or 2 of water. __________________ 1970 SWB "old flame" 1967 SWB c10 sold 1972 Elcamino 496 2012 Denali HD dmax

06-04-2011, 04:53 PM	#13
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation I'll have my little girl with me, she'll be in charge of the play by play. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe the truck has approx 85,000 miles on it. The engine and bay looks just as good as the body. I havent had the chance to go through it yet, but Im willing the bet the fuel pump is good as well. I'll be there for a couple weeks, so I'll have time to check it over real well. I am a little concerned about dry rot and the tires. At what point do you decide when the tires are no good?

06-04-2011, 05:18 PM	#14
99-LS1-SS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Oak Ridge NC Posts: 957	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation For a trip that long, I wouldn't chance it, if the tires look cracked or dry rotted I would replace them. I would replace all of the belts too...just to be safe. Last edited by 99-LS1-SS; 06-04-2011 at 05:18 PM.

06-04-2011, 05:40 PM	#15
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation If these haven't been done recently I would do them all while you have it at your grandfathers. Better there than at the side of the road: Change rear end fluid Change tranny fluid and filter change oil and filter change coolant replace belts replace hoses If it's been sitting a while replace or at least get a spare water pump and fuel pump replace fuel filter replace points/cap/rotor Check battery check alternator check battery cables, make sure ground is properly secured Buy extra fuses Check tires over check u-joints Throw a few gallons of water in the back, and a small gas can. Bring a "real" jack, took kit, and spare tire. Blocks of wood tow strap in case you need to get it off the road. Don't forget to check your wife's vehicle over. Wouldn't it be ironic if the old truck had to tow the new truck home? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.



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06-04-2011, 08:12 PM	#16
srvivor71 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sullivan County, NY Posts: 455	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Awesome looking truck! Best of luck with it. My wife and I drove ours back from Idaho to NY (2800 miles) last summer. We checked the truck carefully before leaving and had a big canvas bag full of tools, "just in case". The guy we bought it from warned that the tries were pretty old but they didn't look dry rotted and had lots of tread. We considered replacing all four of them before we set out but decided to give them a try. Big mistake! On our first day of driving, we got a blowout on a 55 mph, two lane, no divider highway at rush hour. I had heavy oncoming traffic on the left and a 5 foot ditch on the right. There was no loud blowout - the truck just started heading right for the ditch. Somehow, we kept it under control and were able to pull over but that's when we found out we didn't have a jack or working 4 way flashers. At that point, I didn't mind shelling out the money for all new tires. We ended up losing about 4 hours from our trip (and probably 4 years from our life span). Lesson learned: Don't ever take chances with old tires. Here's the tire.

06-04-2011, 08:33 PM	#18
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation If that truck runs half as good as it looks, I'd jump in it and roll the dice... __________________ 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

06-05-2011, 12:35 AM	#20
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,920	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation All of the above mentioned advice, and a lumbar pillow... __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

06-05-2011, 10:46 AM	#21
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation I guess we scared Ryan with all of the things to do before he takes off... One thing about this site. When you ask for advice, you will get it! BTW: forgot to say "Welcome" from Texas.

06-05-2011, 11:26 AM	#22
72 Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hyattsville, Maryland Posts: 3,682	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Welcome to the board! That is a very clean looking truck. Have a safe trip and enjoy! Ray __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super (Purchased new by my parents in August of 71) Black and White

06-05-2011, 12:22 PM	#23
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation lol, not scared. Got hung up trying to think of a witty comment for 1972Redneck. Thought it kinda funny to have rednecks in MT. I grew up in GA, so when people call themselves rednecks I have a certain stereotype in mind. In my mind that stereotype is in no way associated with MT. I may have to take him up on his offer to swing by there...just out of curiosity.

06-05-2011, 03:39 PM	#24
gferris5 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The land of fruits and nuts Posts: 193	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Also not a bad idea to check steering linkages and ball-joint wear. __________________ Have mercy, I'm recovering from my 4x4 addiction.

06-05-2011, 03:57 PM	#25
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: 72 C10 - 900 Mile Trip Preparation Thanks guys. When I get there, I'll take some more pics and give a update. In the mean time I know of a few minor parts I'll be on the hunt for before I leave.

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