Drive & Enjoy

[dec010974]

Hello to all. I have a 1971 c10, that's a very big part of my existence. I love this truck. I pondered the thought of fixing her up, install my air ride suspension, paint it, and clean up the interior, and replace every nut bolt. Basically, I described a trailer queen. my life and money is too short for all that. I've decided to enjoy what I have and beautify as I go along. tell me what you think. BTW, I did make a few changes. its not perfect, but everything works.

[mmiddle]

First off.... We need pictures! Nothing happened unless there are pictures.

Second off, That is what most of us do. Most have their truck as a second vehicle so if it is down for a week or two or more it is no big deal. Some need it to get to work tomorrow. No matter your circumstance do what you can when you can. It's all good! Just make sure to enjoy the ride.

I bought my first one ('69) when I was 16 drove it for 17 years fixed it as I went. As the family grew it had to go in favor of a new crew cab. 10 Years later I got a '70 I will soon start on.

[slow-1]

I agree....if you have the time and money for 2 trucks, then make a show truck out of one and drive the wheels off the other, if not, keep plenty of spare wheels around for the one you are driving.

[Mister-B]

Couldn't agree more. If it drives and stops, just do stuff as you go. I'm leaving the patina. I use the truck and thoroughly enjoy it

Here's what I started out with






And where I'm at now





Posted via Mobile Device

[big_al_71]

all done up, shown and driven...Trailers are for boats...

[DT1]

This is what my truck looked like when I bought it in 2004. Since then I have completely restored it. I still use the truck to tool around in the desert, drive in rain and drive to work. The only thing I don't do with it now is pile stuff in the bed for a dump run. It's just too pristine for that and besides, I have a beat to hell Toyota to perform dump duty.

[Daubs]

I've debated that very point for a while. My 72 K-20 was a little rusty when i purchased in 2005. It sits in my driveway and is "driven regularly" as per the covenants of our neighborhood . It's more like a "lot rusty" now.

In the time i've had it, have installed new crate engine, complete new brake system, new clutch, new exhaust. Starts, stops, and doesn't leak fluids on my driveway. Wife pretty much hates it, but she understands my love for the "Green Truck."

I've got a little more time and the required tools to start fixing her up. And will take it slow...but as always, want to "drive" it as much as possible. Good luck with your journey. D.

[dec010974]

Just an update. Drive and enjoy. That's what us trucksters do.

[dec010974]

My truck is finished for now. If I run into $15,000, It will receive a frame off restoration. Thanks 67-72chevytrucks and friends. You all have been there when I needed you.

[Hart_Rod]

Looks good!

[dec010974]

^^^^
Hart_Rod, its not a frame layin' C10, but is mine and capable of its a daily drive duties. all the work was done me, a few friends, and an extensive tool set. Home garage built.

[sawyerrm]

you should be proud!

[wbc409]

Make sure you put a sealer of some kind on the gray primer. I had a guy in Florida fix some rust for me when I lived there. I was young and didn't know any better, told him to just put something on it. He put primer only over the spot and the rust came back and way worse than it was before the repair.

[davepl]

I kind of went a "wasteful" approach. I built a trailer queen.

But then I don't go to shows and I built it to drive, so as nice as it was, I just drive it. Granted, not yet in the rain and muck, but that day will come.

So for now my reward is a brief window where I'm driving what is, for all intents and purposes, a brand-new 1970 GMC.

But over time it'll just be a nice truck, as stone chips and dirt will accumulate. So it doesn't really matter how or where you start, they'll all be drivers one day! So drive it now.

[RINC]

One of my friends who spent 10's of thousands of dollar's on a restro said " Take a picture now. Because I am gonna drive the heck out of it "

Another likes to say " If you see mine on a trailer, call the police because someone stole it "

Me .... " Drive and Enjoy "