Wendy's 72 chevy Build

[SnowGecko]

My wife Wendy is inheriting a 1972 chevy long horn. it has a 402 bb and a th350. the engine was rebuilt 5k ago after the engine fire, but the truck hasn't really been of use since I've came to the picture a few years ago.

She grew up in this truck, she remembers riding next to her dad on Daddy+Daughter Dates, or DDD's.

well my Dad came to me and said he's ready for a project, and since we can't do our original intention of a restoration... we will do her 72.

ok that's the intro... now to the fun...



1972 c-20 longhorn with factory 402bb and th350

plans...
4wd
NP203 transfercase (keeping full time 4wd)
keeping the 3/4 ton (ness) of the truck
rear shackle flip should net 2-3 inches
front 52inch shackles
new suspension
new shocks
new steering, probably high mount steering with over arm link... (I know the term isn't right, just for got what it's called)
700r4 - k from bowtie trans... stage 1 is fine
Remote 4x shifter to push the 4wd part up and away from the seat and 'feet'
I'll probably need a new floor and cut our the exsiting to make room for the 4wd bits... like the t-case
new engine belly pan for 4wd application...
fix the hood from rusting too much, probably send to sand blast, and prime
fix any structural on the body/bed (some metal area's have stress cracks, like in the bed)
then clean and paint... stock ish blue and white.
new wireing harness
new Atomic or Holley TBI setup.

we won't be fixing any dents or dings, unless it's compromising the strength,

there's so much more into this build... so any tips to watch out for please let me know.

here are some parts I'm thinking of now for the suspension and engine mount work...

B-52 First gen Chevy
Shackle Flip n Switch First Gen Chevy
First Gen. Chevy engine crossmember

[SnowGecko]

this build is split into phases... since my dad and I don't weld/fabricate, we will stick to the bolt on options... we can do most everything else...


Ok, here's the plan,


Each 'phase' can be broken into smaller sections.
there is no time line given for any phase, they can be any length of time. or as much length of time needed between the next phase.

phase 1: ~$ Suspension and steering
take front clip off
new front axle
new springs and shocks
spring mounting kit
steering
rebuild axles (bearings and seals)

Phase 2: ~$ Disk brakes
IF front axle doesn't come with disk, then convert to disk. other wise, rebuild brakes
convert master cyl with proportioning valve to the rear drums.

Phase 3: ~$ Drive train
- pull engine (possible gasket re seal)
clean engine and trans
clean engine bay
- paint engine bay
- new hood springs/hinges
- prime the hood to stop rusting
rebuild NP203

Phase 4: ~$ Interior
remove all interior
- re-upolster seat with self kit

Phase 5: ~ wireing
- re-wire the entire truck, lets make it new, incorporate LED where possible

Phase 6: ~$ engine bay assembly
install engine/trans
- new engine/trans mounts

Phase 7: ~$ fuel injection conversion
~ - install the fuel injection Kit
~ - install fuel pump and gas lines
~ - convert gas take to for return gas line

Phase 8: interior install

Phase 9: ~$ exhaust
~ - new dual exhaust with dual muffler, X pipe (price is high, cause it's a long truck but we can put nice quiet muffers on there, plenty of room.

Phase 10: ~$ axles
~ -

Phase 11: ~$ Exterior and parts
~ - replace all exterior parts that are dmgd, if new is available.

Phase 12: ~$ Paint
~ - paint to Wendy's colors. (I'm told it'll be stock, but darker on the blue)

[Greg58]

Looks like a good solid truck, you know GM never made a 4x4 Longhorn?

Greg

[LockDoc]

-
Do some searching and reading on the different phases of the build before you start. For example on the front end rebuild, there is no front axle per-se, there is a front cross member and suspension components. The '72 will already have disk brakes. Whatever you plan to do someone on here has already done it and has posted a how to on it, even converting from 2wd to 4wd. If you don't find the info on the individual part of the build you happen to be working, on post up a question. The 67-72 projects and builds forum is also a great resource for information.

Here are a couple of pictures of my '70 4x4 Longhorn. In the first picture it is driveable but not finished.

LockDoc

[Greg58]

What kind of wood did you use on the bed floor LockDoc?

Greg

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Greg58

What kind of wood did you use on the bed floor LockDoc?

Greg

It is Cedar wood cut from old power poles. It def. has a lot of character....

LockDoc

[jocko]

Welcome, nice truck and interesting story. Will enjoy following along. One question that popped up for me as I read your plans is the choice of an NP203 to 'keep' full time 4WD. The word keep was what caught my attention - that implies it actually had a 203 or could have. It wasn't available in 72 (on K10/20 127" wb trucks, no K longhorns at all from the factory as mentioned above) and many folks in the squarebody world that have full time 203s spend a lot of time and money to convert back to the part time 205 that was available in 72 (and some manual trans squares shortly thereafter). 203 wasn't available until very early in the square years). 205 is a good bit stronger than a 203, so was curious on the specific choice to install a square year only, somewhat weaker t-case. If you happen to have one lying around, I could see it, but if starting from scratch, I'd consider a 205 with manual locking hubs as a possibly better option. No biggee though, just wanted to mention. Looking forward to seeing your build, nice truck and welcome!

[cypressbog]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

It is Cedar wood cut from old power poles.

That brought back a memory from my mid-teens. I worked for a tree removal guy that also ran an old saw mill where he made pallets that he sold. One time he came into a load of old telephone poles. Well, we got one of the poles on the cutting table and away we went with the 4 foot blade, right up until we got to the bottom section that was soaked in creosote. It filled the air with a black dust so thick we could barely see to get out of the barn. Lucky we didn't die that day.

[Greg58]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

It is Cedar wood cut from old power poles. It def. has a lot of character....

LockDoc

It looks great!

Greg

[SnowGecko]

Originally Posted by jocko

Welcome, nice truck and interesting story. Will enjoy following along. One question that popped up for me as I read your plans is the choice of an NP203 to 'keep' full time 4WD. The word keep was what caught my attention - that implies it actually had a 203 or could have....

great point/observation... it comes with some explaining...

This truck according my wife and her dad LOVES to break loose if not loaded. they 'never' drove it when it was raining because of this reason. Being modern she asked me about 'AWD' as we have it on our 99 4runner, to be more of a safety option... I told her I don't want electronics, so probably not going to happen, but I was still curious and so I researched.

Appearently, AWD is the electronic version of 'Full time 4wd' as this is the original AWD that is safe on pavement. np203 was available from 73-79 on most 'full size' 4wd GM's. I know it weaker, but it's abundant and common. when I presented her with this, she was hesitant because of the 4wd shifter location... she still wants to sit next to the driver. but she warmed up with a remote shifter...

granted, I could go with ANY transfer case that I want as long as it gives power front/rear safe enough for street use.

here's a great list...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Venture_Gear

I would be fine to use any of the NP119-147 gear boxes, as long as they bolt up and aren't electronic... the truck in most honesty will be a pavement king... with occasional camping trips for 'nostalgic memories'...