My Grandfather's 1969 C20 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hart11b · 07-21-2013, 03:59 PM

I just bought my grandfather's 1969 C20 work truck. He bought the truck new in 1969 and has had it ever since. He used it mainly as a farm truck and it lived in a barn for all of its life.

My grandfather was a farmer his entire life except for several years during WWII. He served in the 99th ID and survived the battle of the bulge and various other battles before returning home. He never talked about his service to anyone in any detail for good reason. My father talks about the nightmares my grandfather used to have for years after returning from the war. I never pushed to get more information about his service, but I wish I had known more to keep his legacy intact. He passed away in February at 94 years old.

But, hopefully his truck can get another life. I live in Arizona and the truck is in Illinois. I was back home this weekend to make the deal, inspect the truck and try to get a plan together. I also received the original title, issued to my grandfather August 1969.

The truck is in very decent shape. It's showing 36,000 miles and my father believes that may be accurate. He only used it around the farm to fix fence or haul some hay. Also, there is very, very little rust. I would categorize it as rust-free. The AM radio still works great. It's got a 327 that still runs great and a 4-speed tranny that feels great.

My plan is to get this truck back on the road. It sat in the barn for the last five or six years while he was getting too old to use it. Now, what do I do with this truck? I think I need to get this truck going.

I'm having a local mechanic give it a good look over and get it in shape to drive. After that, I'm not sure. I'm a military man with a family and I don't have time or a place to properly restore this truck.

I'm thinking I'll do one of two options.
1. After getting the truck mechanically sound, give it do a body shop to fix all the little dents from its over 40 years as a farm truck. Then get it painted to original red/white.

2. Full frame off restoration. I know this isn't going to be cheap, but this would be ideal. Does anyone have a recommendation for a restoration shop in the Midwest?

Here's a few pics of the old farm truck.

And the old 1953 1.5 ton grain truck.

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treveiger · 07-21-2013, 04:27 PM

Man that's a nice truck. My opinion is if it ant broke don't fix it. I'd get it going and just keep it up on maintenance.
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*Mister-B* · 07-21-2013, 04:43 PM

Nice truck, and great story.

Don't paint it! The paint is beautiful. Wash it, and use some Mcguires Cleaner Wax. You won't believe how well it'll shine. Any scratches and small dents were earned. They're battle wounds that will make you smile to think of your grandfather and his legacy left behind that's living on through that truck. Painting is for trucks that are rusted to hell all the way through the metal all over the place, or got a cheesy Earl Scheib paint job in the late 70's. yours has beautiful original paint. It'll only be original paint once.

Spend your money on other important things to restore it, including buying me a beer sometime for saving you from making a huge mistake lol
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eagleuh1 · 07-21-2013, 04:47 PM

Nice truck to start with. Doesn't look too bad. Thanks for your service and good luck on the restore. Is there a story for the 1.5 ton 53. Looks pretty descent too. Is it for sale?

**Joesjunk** · 07-21-2013, 05:26 PM

I say get it mechanicaly safe and dependable, clean the heck out of it and enjoy it!! Do not paint it!!! Leave it the way it is, remember it was your grandfather that put all the dings and scratches in it! It should clean up pretty good. Its a good looking truck as it is, and congrats on getting it!

hart11b · 07-21-2013, 05:27 PM

The 1953 1.5 ton I think may be for sale, but I'm not certain. I think it's an International. If you're interested, PM me.

Here's a couple of old pics that I took pictures of:

And here's me about 30 years ago on the '53, on the bumper.

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hart11b · 07-21-2013, 06:31 PM

You guys have got me thinking about the paint. It does make sense to leave it original. I'll get the mechanical all done and assess. I'm thinking leaving it 100% original is best for now. Thanks for the input.
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Sicklajoie · 07-21-2013, 06:39 PM

Sweet looking ride!
Eventually I'd like to go to a white top like yours.

yuccales · 07-21-2013, 06:40 PM

Good looking truck! Keeping it in the family is great.

eagleuh1 · 07-21-2013, 06:41 PM

Great pics of working trucks. I'd buff that paint out and run it like it is also. The truck looks just like it did 30 years ago. Do you work on the A10 Warthogs in your sig pics. Flown by a few in my hangglider here in Arkansas, or should I say they flew by me.

hart11b · 07-21-2013, 06:55 PM

I actually get to fly the A-10. I officially have the best job in the world. The truck is 100% original as far as I can tell and my grandfather wasn't the type to mod or upgrade anything.
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slow-1 · 07-21-2013, 07:06 PM

Looks perfect just the way it is!

Only thing I would change would be put original hub caps back on.

And thank you for your service...my son's dream is to follow in your footsteps...starting with the AF Academy.

trac209 · 07-21-2013, 07:15 PM

Awesome story and truck. Good luck with it and enjoy!
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hart11b · 07-21-2013, 07:24 PM

I guess those hub caps are later model. And the truck has split rims on it. Is that going to be an issue at all. I've heard tire shops won't work on them. Anyone have experience with them?
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ChevLoRay · 07-21-2013, 07:43 PM

DM has A-10's, now? I was there with the 100th SRW, from August of '69 until I separated from the USAF in March of '71. We had DC-130's and U-2's, both of which saw duty in Viet Nam, at Bien Hoa AB. I had the task of maintaining the '68 El Camino SS-396 that served as a chase vehicle for the U-2's. That was in addition to occasionally flying on the missions that saw the drones being launched off the coast of Haiphong. Very interesting times.

I vote to keep the paint and the truck as original as possible, in memory of your grandfather. I'm sure the mechanics will need some attention in order to be roadworthy. There are reliable companies that can haul your truck to you, if you choose.

I thank you for your service to our country.

Here's a picture of the El Camino I kept serviced.

**Ol Blue K20** · 07-21-2013, 07:45 PM

Split rims will need to be replace with one piece 16" rims, 90's 3/4 ton fords work great and your stock hub caps will fit
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*Mister-B* · 07-21-2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hart11b

I guess those hub caps are later model. And the truck has split rims on it. Is that going to be an issue at all. I've heard tire shops won't work on them. Anyone have experience with them?
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Your hubcaps are 73+. That's what I'm running. I also have ford 90's steelies. I'd recommend you get some steelies like mine, paint them white, shine up the caps you've got (and maybe paint the yellow parts blue), and then keep your eye out for original caps. They're really hard to find in any sort of decent condition, and even then they can cost a crazy amount.

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hart11b · 07-21-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister-B

Your hubcaps are 73+. That's what I'm running. I also have ford 90's steelies. I'd recommend you get some steelies like mine, paint them white.

Any idea where I can pick up the wheels?
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Sicklajoie · 07-21-2013, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hart11b

Any idea where I can pick up the wheels?
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Junkyards should have them. You're looking for 16 x 7 rims with a 8 x 6.5 bolt pattern with nubs to fit the hubcaps.
Here's one on ebay in your own state.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-TRUCK-8...080719&vxp=mtr

*Mister-B* · 07-21-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hart11b

Any idea where I can pick up the wheels?
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Go to your local junk yard, and find a 90's ford truck with 8 lug steelies. That's how I got mine. They were about $10 each

Here they are how I got them

After wire cupping them and painting them

Painting the yellow part of the caps

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hart11b · 07-21-2013, 09:21 PM

Awesome, thanks guys. Sounds like a junkyard trip may be in my future.
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**RenoKeene** · 07-21-2013, 09:33 PM

First, great Aircraft. As a former ground pounder we cant help but love a good Warthog.
Great truck, both of them actually.
I'd keep the C20 stock too..as a tribute.
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hart11b · 07-21-2013, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

First, great Aircraft. As a former ground pounder we cant help but love a good Warthog.

Thanks, we love working for you guys. That's our job and its gratifying to help you guys out when you really need it.
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stexag · 07-21-2013, 11:22 PM

Awesome truck. Very cool to have a family rig like that. I restored my grandfather's first tractor - so I can relate.

Is that first picture taken at your relative's place up north? Do they have kids that show cattle? Just curious because of the panels tied to outside the stock trailer... most exhibitors carry them around like that.

hart11b · 07-21-2013, 11:36 PM

No, my grandfather's farm is about 1/4 mile up the road from that farm. The guy that lives there shows cattle.

You restored your grandfather's tractor? There's a John Deere 60 that he bought new and an International H in the barn that I would love to have and restore, but I have no room or need for a tractor...but I wish I did.
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07-21-2013, 03:59 PM	#1
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	My Grandfather's 1969 C20 I just bought my grandfather's 1969 C20 work truck. He bought the truck new in 1969 and has had it ever since. He used it mainly as a farm truck and it lived in a barn for all of its life. My grandfather was a farmer his entire life except for several years during WWII. He served in the 99th ID and survived the battle of the bulge and various other battles before returning home. He never talked about his service to anyone in any detail for good reason. My father talks about the nightmares my grandfather used to have for years after returning from the war. I never pushed to get more information about his service, but I wish I had known more to keep his legacy intact. He passed away in February at 94 years old. But, hopefully his truck can get another life. I live in Arizona and the truck is in Illinois. I was back home this weekend to make the deal, inspect the truck and try to get a plan together. I also received the original title, issued to my grandfather August 1969. The truck is in very decent shape. It's showing 36,000 miles and my father believes that may be accurate. He only used it around the farm to fix fence or haul some hay. Also, there is very, very little rust. I would categorize it as rust-free. The AM radio still works great. It's got a 327 that still runs great and a 4-speed tranny that feels great. My plan is to get this truck back on the road. It sat in the barn for the last five or six years while he was getting too old to use it. Now, what do I do with this truck? I think I need to get this truck going. I'm having a local mechanic give it a good look over and get it in shape to drive. After that, I'm not sure. I'm a military man with a family and I don't have time or a place to properly restore this truck. I'm thinking I'll do one of two options. 1. After getting the truck mechanically sound, give it do a body shop to fix all the little dents from its over 40 years as a farm truck. Then get it painted to original red/white. 2. Full frame off restoration. I know this isn't going to be cheap, but this would be ideal. Does anyone have a recommendation for a restoration shop in the Midwest? Here's a few pics of the old farm truck. And the old 1953 1.5 ton grain truck. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 04:27 PM	#2
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Man that's a nice truck. My opinion is if it ant broke don't fix it. I'd get it going and just keep it up on maintenance. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

07-21-2013, 04:43 PM	#3
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Nice truck, and great story. Don't paint it! The paint is beautiful. Wash it, and use some Mcguires Cleaner Wax. You won't believe how well it'll shine. Any scratches and small dents were earned. They're battle wounds that will make you smile to think of your grandfather and his legacy left behind that's living on through that truck. Painting is for trucks that are rusted to hell all the way through the metal all over the place, or got a cheesy Earl Scheib paint job in the late 70's. yours has beautiful original paint. It'll only be original paint once. Spend your money on other important things to restore it, including buying me a beer sometime for saving you from making a huge mistake lol Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 04:47 PM	#4
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Nice truck to start with. Doesn't look too bad. Thanks for your service and good luck on the restore. Is there a story for the 1.5 ton 53. Looks pretty descent too. Is it for sale?

07-21-2013, 05:26 PM	#5
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,705	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 I say get it mechanicaly safe and dependable, clean the heck out of it and enjoy it!! Do not paint it!!! Leave it the way it is, remember it was your grandfather that put all the dings and scratches in it! It should clean up pretty good. Its a good looking truck as it is, and congrats on getting it! __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

07-21-2013, 05:27 PM	#6
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 The 1953 1.5 ton I think may be for sale, but I'm not certain. I think it's an International. If you're interested, PM me. Here's a couple of old pics that I took pictures of: And here's me about 30 years ago on the '53, on the bumper. Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 06:31 PM	#7
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 You guys have got me thinking about the paint. It does make sense to leave it original. I'll get the mechanical all done and assess. I'm thinking leaving it 100% original is best for now. Thanks for the input. Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 06:39 PM	#8
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,499	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Sweet looking ride! Eventually I'd like to go to a white top like yours. __________________ "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/

07-21-2013, 06:40 PM	#9
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,770	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Good looking truck! Keeping it in the family is great.

07-21-2013, 06:41 PM	#10
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Great pics of working trucks. I'd buff that paint out and run it like it is also. The truck looks just like it did 30 years ago. Do you work on the A10 Warthogs in your sig pics. Flown by a few in my hangglider here in Arkansas, or should I say they flew by me.

07-21-2013, 06:55 PM	#11
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 I actually get to fly the A-10. I officially have the best job in the world. The truck is 100% original as far as I can tell and my grandfather wasn't the type to mod or upgrade anything. Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 07:06 PM	#12
slow-1 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 830	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Looks perfect just the way it is! Only thing I would change would be put original hub caps back on. And thank you for your service...my son's dream is to follow in your footsteps...starting with the AF Academy. __________________ 1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green" My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983) My first vehicle (1983) Original 350 (3 rebuilds) 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives

07-21-2013, 07:15 PM	#13
trac209 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: winnipeg Posts: 1,107	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Awesome story and truck. Good luck with it and enjoy! Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 07:24 PM	#14
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 I guess those hub caps are later model. And the truck has split rims on it. Is that going to be an issue at all. I've heard tire shops won't work on them. Anyone have experience with them? Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 07:43 PM	#15
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 DM has A-10's, now? I was there with the 100th SRW, from August of '69 until I separated from the USAF in March of '71. We had DC-130's and U-2's, both of which saw duty in Viet Nam, at Bien Hoa AB. I had the task of maintaining the '68 El Camino SS-396 that served as a chase vehicle for the U-2's. That was in addition to occasionally flying on the missions that saw the drones being launched off the coast of Haiphong. Very interesting times. I vote to keep the paint and the truck as original as possible, in memory of your grandfather. I'm sure the mechanics will need some attention in order to be roadworthy. There are reliable companies that can haul your truck to you, if you choose. I thank you for your service to our country. Here's a picture of the El Camino I kept serviced. Attached Images __________________ 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.



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07-21-2013, 07:45 PM	#16
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Split rims will need to be replace with one piece 16" rims, 90's 3/4 ton fords work great and your stock hub caps will fit Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

07-21-2013, 09:21 PM	#21
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Awesome, thanks guys. Sounds like a junkyard trip may be in my future. Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2013, 09:33 PM	#22
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,028	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 First, great Aircraft. As a former ground pounder we cant help but love a good Warthog. Great truck, both of them actually. I'd keep the C20 stock too..as a tribute. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

07-21-2013, 11:22 PM	#24
stexag Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Super South, Texas Posts: 173	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 Awesome truck. Very cool to have a family rig like that. I restored my grandfather's first tractor - so I can relate. Is that first picture taken at your relative's place up north? Do they have kids that show cattle? Just curious because of the panels tied to outside the stock trailer... most exhibitors carry them around like that.

07-21-2013, 11:36 PM	#25
hart11b Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 50	Re: My Grandfather's 1969 C20 No, my grandfather's farm is about 1/4 mile up the road from that farm. The guy that lives there shows cattle. You restored your grandfather's tractor? There's a John Deere 60 that he bought new and an International H in the barn that I would love to have and restore, but I have no room or need for a tractor...but I wish I did. Posted via Mobile Device

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