What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KY Colonel · 01-22-2012, 04:15 AM

Please let us know what you've done to your trucks that turned out to be your favorite change. And of course, post those pictures!

I'm on a budget so I'm curious about the less expensive things but I'd love to hear about all of them and live vicariously through you guys too.

PanelDeland · 01-22-2012, 12:06 PM

Power disc brakes ,PS and new seats are pobably even in the "happiest with the upgrade" department.I don't have any pics on this comp.For semi non functional changes I would say the lowering made a big difference in looks and helped some with lowering the CG for handling.HEI is up there too.Some changes were mandated by other also.I had to change wheels for the Disc upgrade and I'm pretty happy with the rallies but wish I could run a "snap on" hubcap.

Coley · 01-22-2012, 12:18 PM

Well, I'd have to go with some 'elbow grease' upgrades starting with wheels. I've seen trucks with old/dirty rims and no hubcaps suddenly 'jump' in appearance just by cleaning, sanding and respraying the rims white and adding some quick chrome poverty caps.
The next would be cleaning and detailing under the hood and cleaning the interior including adding a seat cover.
Costs for the above are almost nill.
All Good
Coley

**leddzepp** · 01-22-2012, 12:43 PM

HEI and dropped spindles

67swb72klb · 01-22-2012, 01:08 PM

2004r was a nice up grade have under 500 in it rebuild and all
158 dollar ebay ss headers were a suprize worked out good too

Indyuke · 01-22-2012, 01:36 PM

Installing the 700r4. Interior upgrades are happy upgrades for me as well because I get to see them all the time as I drive, but the 700r4 probably went the farthest to make my driving experience more wonderful.

67ChevyRedneck · 01-22-2012, 01:43 PM

Power disc brakes, 350/700R, blazer fuel tank (HATED the gas smell), and A/C!!!

swammie911 · 01-22-2012, 02:06 PM

Front sway bar install.... Around $80 using a sway bar from salvage yard (73-87ish bars mount right up). Pull the bushing clamps with the bar and buy new bushings and bolts. Couple of hours and you're good to go. Great improvement in the handling!

Search the forum for "sway bar install". There is an excellent write up somewhere.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

**jocko** · 01-22-2012, 02:11 PM

T5, bar none

But then again, I still haven't done the disk brake job yet either.... I'm expecting that will run a close 2nd place for me, maybe even 1st.

pat 70/71 · 01-22-2012, 02:46 PM

Disc brakes on my 70 stepper& installed a cam&ratio rockers in my 71 (way too much cam for the converter) the sound just makes me stand there like the mental defective I am! cheers, Pat

ColinOpseth · 01-22-2012, 03:45 PM

New carpet and dash pad.

In my V8 Vega, the T56 transmission. No question.

oldblue1968chevy · 01-22-2012, 04:39 PM

Swaybar #1 for me

Disc brakes are up there as well as the headlight relay mod

KY Colonel · 01-22-2012, 06:21 PM

Thanks guys and keep going!

I am ordering a wooden steering wheel from LMC maybe tonight. I've been thinking new carpet and seat cover would come next, glad to see a few of you guys are happy with those. I have power disc (on the front) so I'm glad for that! Now I gotta find out what this headlight mod is all about?!

ColinOpseth · 01-22-2012, 06:54 PM

KY Colonel,
Don't forget a layer of Dynamat underneath the jute and carpet. It'll quiet the interior down quite a bit. I'll be doing the same in my '69 SWB, as well as putting Dynamat in the doors and behind the gas tank.

Eddie H. · 01-22-2012, 07:07 PM

The 2 best and cheapest upgrades I ever made to my old 69 GMC were a power steering pump and gear box ($20) from a junkyard, and power brake booster ( $40) from a swap meet.
It is amazing how much better it drives when you can steer it and stop it.

**Stocker** · 01-22-2012, 07:35 PM

GM HEI, and aftermarket tow hooks front & rear (they have been used a lot, mostly for firewood). And probably the 2.5" front Softrides -- kinda had to though since the OEM springs had sagged so badly. And the headlight relay upgrade.

dukcaln · 01-22-2012, 08:16 PM

wheels, and vintage AC/Heater unit

big_al_71 · 01-22-2012, 08:39 PM

As far as the cheapes my under dash lights... I have a ton of things that make me smile but nothing more thatn my air ride!!!
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**slomotion** · 01-22-2012, 09:29 PM

Keeping the 292, putting in the T5, and the gauges.

Mr Pops · 01-22-2012, 09:41 PM

Did a 4 bbl conversion on a 283 in a 66 GMC I used to have. I could barely chirp the tires with the 2bbl, did the swap and laid a 60' patch pulling out of the driveway..

oldblue1968chevy · 01-22-2012, 10:00 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=466563

jaydelriotx · 01-23-2012, 11:25 PM

Undercoating the frame,and semi gloss painting under the hood/frnders,etc..and painting the block/intake,chevy Orange/red... Cheap ,fun and big improvement
Posted via Mobile Device

crazy longhorn · 01-24-2012, 02:24 AM

Biggest bang for my buck? I think the chop top I did on my old truck...out on the open road she would run 15-20 mph faster, with that 4 " lop, & laid back pillars

The sweet part was that it only cost me $600, & 60 hrs of my time that week! I cant say it was cheap, but that Richmond overdrive, really put the icing on that ride

crazyL

sanford66 · 01-24-2012, 02:39 AM

I will go along with the steering wheel upgrade. The factory 17in. steering wheel is just uncomfortable to drive with if you have power steering, a tilt column, and long legs like i do! I would also say any lighting upgrades and brake upgrades. Joseph

Lippyp · 01-24-2012, 06:35 AM

Sway bar, handling is night and day, mine came off a later tow truck someone was breaking, added a set of drop brackets from ECE and new poly bushings.

01-22-2012, 12:06 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Power disc brakes ,PS and new seats are pobably even in the "happiest with the upgrade" department.I don't have any pics on this comp.For semi non functional changes I would say the lowering made a big difference in looks and helped some with lowering the CG for handling.HEI is up there too.Some changes were mandated by other also.I had to change wheels for the Disc upgrade and I'm pretty happy with the rallies but wish I could run a "snap on" hubcap. __________________ 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"

01-22-2012, 12:18 PM	#3
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Well, I'd have to go with some 'elbow grease' upgrades starting with wheels. I've seen trucks with old/dirty rims and no hubcaps suddenly 'jump' in appearance just by cleaning, sanding and respraying the rims white and adding some quick chrome poverty caps. The next would be cleaning and detailing under the hood and cleaning the interior including adding a seat cover. Costs for the above are almost nill. All Good Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

01-22-2012, 12:43 PM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,995	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? HEI and dropped spindles __________________ 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

01-22-2012, 01:08 PM	#5
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,452	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? 2004r was a nice up grade have under 500 in it rebuild and all 158 dollar ebay ss headers were a suprize worked out good too __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

01-22-2012, 01:36 PM	#6
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Installing the 700r4. Interior upgrades are happy upgrades for me as well because I get to see them all the time as I drive, but the 700r4 probably went the farthest to make my driving experience more wonderful.

01-22-2012, 04:15 AM	#1
KY Colonel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Georgetown, KY Posts: 45	What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Please let us know what you've done to your trucks that turned out to be your favorite change. And of course, post those pictures! I'm on a budget so I'm curious about the less expensive things but I'd love to hear about all of them and live vicariously through you guys too.

01-22-2012, 01:43 PM	#7
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Power disc brakes, 350/700R, blazer fuel tank (HATED the gas smell), and A/C!!! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

01-22-2012, 02:06 PM	#8
swammie911 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 17	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Front sway bar install.... Around $80 using a sway bar from salvage yard (73-87ish bars mount right up). Pull the bushing clamps with the bar and buy new bushings and bolts. Couple of hours and you're good to go. Great improvement in the handling! Search the forum for "sway bar install". There is an excellent write up somewhere. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device

01-22-2012, 02:11 PM	#9
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,945	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? T5, bar none But then again, I still haven't done the disk brake job yet either.... I'm expecting that will run a close 2nd place for me, maybe even 1st. Attached Images

01-22-2012, 02:46 PM	#10
pat 70/71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: newbury park california Posts: 1,038	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Disc brakes on my 70 stepper& installed a cam&ratio rockers in my 71 (way too much cam for the converter) the sound just makes me stand there like the mental defective I am! cheers, Pat

01-22-2012, 03:45 PM	#11
ColinOpseth Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 283	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? New carpet and dash pad. In my V8 Vega, the T56 transmission. No question. __________________ Webmaster: www.h-body.org

01-22-2012, 04:39 PM	#12
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Swaybar #1 for me Disc brakes are up there as well as the headlight relay mod __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

01-22-2012, 06:21 PM	#13
KY Colonel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Georgetown, KY Posts: 45	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Thanks guys and keep going! I am ordering a wooden steering wheel from LMC maybe tonight. I've been thinking new carpet and seat cover would come next, glad to see a few of you guys are happy with those. I have power disc (on the front) so I'm glad for that! Now I gotta find out what this headlight mod is all about?! __________________ 1970 K20 Custom 427/TH400/PS/PB and a dash of badass! I was made in America, my truck was too...4 years before me.

01-22-2012, 06:54 PM	#14
ColinOpseth Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 283	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? KY Colonel, Don't forget a layer of Dynamat underneath the jute and carpet. It'll quiet the interior down quite a bit. I'll be doing the same in my '69 SWB, as well as putting Dynamat in the doors and behind the gas tank. __________________ Webmaster: www.h-body.org

01-22-2012, 07:07 PM	#15
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? The 2 best and cheapest upgrades I ever made to my old 69 GMC were a power steering pump and gear box ($20) from a junkyard, and power brake booster ( $40) from a swap meet. It is amazing how much better it drives when you can steer it and stop it. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"



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01-22-2012, 07:35 PM	#16
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,582	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? GM HEI, and aftermarket tow hooks front & rear (they have been used a lot, mostly for firewood). And probably the 2.5" front Softrides -- kinda had to though since the OEM springs had sagged so badly. And the headlight relay upgrade. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

01-22-2012, 08:16 PM	#17
dukcaln Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: vacaville ca Posts: 1,304	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? wheels, and vintage AC/Heater unit __________________ 04 CHEVY LLY LS DURAMAX 4WD. MODS TO FOLLOW, EFI LIVE, BUILT TRANS, LBZ MP, LIFT PUMP *SOLD* 1972 chevy c10

01-22-2012, 08:39 PM	#18
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? As far as the cheapes my under dash lights... I have a ton of things that make me smile but nothing more thatn my air ride!!! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 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

01-22-2012, 09:29 PM	#19
slomotion Old Duffer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 1,821	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Keeping the 292, putting in the T5, and the gauges. __________________ '68 Short C20 Flatbed Dually w/ 292 4bbl, Langdon cast headers, and WC T5 trans. '81 G10 Shorty Van "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." Will Rogers "Under promise, then over achieve."

01-22-2012, 09:41 PM	#20
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Did a 4 bbl conversion on a 283 in a 66 GMC I used to have. I could barely chirp the tires with the 2bbl, did the swap and laid a 60' patch pulling out of the driveway.. __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel

01-22-2012, 10:00 PM	#21
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=466563 __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

01-23-2012, 11:25 PM	#22
jaydelriotx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Del Rio,Tx Posts: 36	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Undercoating the frame,and semi gloss painting under the hood/frnders,etc..and painting the block/intake,chevy Orange/red... Cheap ,fun and big improvement Posted via Mobile Device

01-24-2012, 02:24 AM	#23
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Biggest bang for my buck? I think the chop top I did on my old truck...out on the open road she would run 15-20 mph faster, with that 4 " lop, & laid back pillars The sweet part was that it only cost me $600, & 60 hrs of my time that week! I cant say it was cheap, but that Richmond overdrive, really put the icing on that ride crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-24-2012, 02:39 AM	#24
sanford66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Everest Ks Posts: 749	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? I will go along with the steering wheel upgrade. The factory 17in. steering wheel is just uncomfortable to drive with if you have power steering, a tilt column, and long legs like i do! I would also say any lighting upgrades and brake upgrades. Joseph __________________ 1970 Chevelle Nomad station wagon 1966 C-10 lwb,250-six,granny 4speed 1966 C-10 lwb,factory A/C,Custom Cab 1954 Delray 2-door sedan [rat rod project]

01-24-2012, 06:35 AM	#25
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: What upgrades/fixes gave you the most bang for your buck and makes you smile?? Sway bar, handling is night and day, mine came off a later tow truck someone was breaking, added a set of drop brackets from ECE and new poly bushings. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

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