1974 C20 & a couple questions

[69Tom]

So I ended up picking up this today. Can't say I've seen many of these around. C20 Cheyenne Super, stepside, with a 454. Color is supposed to be Desert Sand with a Saddle interior. Still has the original engine and it runs pretty good.

As I'm sure is common, needs patches in the front and rear section of each fender. How are the repop patches? Do they suck like most patches for the 67-72 patches do?

Also, it needs new hood hinges. How are the repop hinges? Good, bad?

Once I get some minor body work done on it, including the aforementioned patches, I'm going to get some paint on it. While I'm not sure how much I love the Desert Sand, it's a heck of a lot more work to prep for a different color, so I think I'm just going to stick with it. This is my work/hauling truck, so I don't need another project.

Already sourced some correct 16" wheels thanks to t.korniek, so those will be going on soon.

I'll try and get a pic of the SPID tomorrow. Has AC, aux tank, power steering and brakes, etc...

Thanks for the help.

[Palf70Step]

Nice looking truck. LWB stepsides are definitely not around much. I don't think I have every seen one with a big block.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Nice looking truck. LWB stepsides are definitely not around much. I don't think I have every seen one with a big block.

Yeah, I would have expected that to come with a 292/SM465.

Maybe the engine or the bed has been swapped ???

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Maybe the engine or the bed has been swapped ???

Nope, it's all on the SPID. I'll get a pic of it tomorrow.

[jocko]

Nice find - not many long step Supers running around. I like the desert sand - here's a pic you might like

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by jocko

Nice find - not many long step Supers running around. I like the desert sand - here's a pic you might like

Oh wow. Cool. That actually looks pretty good. Also has made up my mind to go with the white steel wheels and hubcaps.

[Gregs71]

Cool truck. I think that truck popped up on my FB market place. Picture of it was on a car trailer. But being from Northern California, I was thinking it was in California... Whether its the same one or not, I really like the long step bed!!

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by Gregs71

Cool truck. I think that truck popped up on my FB market place. Picture of it was on a car trailer. But being from Northern California, I was thinking it was in California... Whether its the same one or not, I really like the long step bed!!

As you're in CA, there's a good chance it could have popped up on your feed. I never saw a pic of it on a trailer, but maybe it was at some point. Think it's a life-long AZ truck, as it has no mention or sign of any smog equipment. Fremont built.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

Nope, it's all on the SPID. I'll get a pic of it tomorrow.

Nice thing about the Old Days was that you could order virtually any combination of options.

I wanted to get a stepside K/20 with a 292 six and four speed, but it was going to cost so much more than something off the lot that I just gave in and bought the K/10. Ended up selling it for capital a couple years later

[69Tom]

Here’s the SPID as promised.

[Palf70Step]

As nice as that is, I'd almost bet it was setup for a in bed camper. Sweet ride none the less.

[69Tom]

That would explain the mostly decent original bed wood and the previously inexplicable GMC tailgate that now leaves me looking for a Chevy tailgate at a reasonable price. For some reason people with original Chevy stepside tailgates think they’re made of gold.

Oddly tho, it’s not a Custom Camper model.

[HOTFUN]

Or it was a custom ordered out by a truck utility sales company, or a farmer or contractor then they would custom convert the truck by removing the step/rear fenders and install matching painted utility bin/ door boxsides like an OBECO or Omaha brand. Probably pulled a bumper hitch trailer too with the 454 automatic.
Some would even have sliding bed covers to keep tools and equipment or product in the bed and their box bins for more storage on sides. You used to see a lot of new take off tailgates, stepside fenders, and long steps for sale back in the 70's and 80's from this conversion of company and farm trucks and sometimes take off tailgates from tailgate lifts.

[LT7A]

I think that thing looks pretty neat as it sits! I like your idea of going back to original wheels and hubcaps. After that I'd be inclined to clean it up, and get it mechanically sound and just patch what's needed. Not trying to talk you out of what you want to do, but that rough and ready, wear-and-tear look works for me.

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by LT7A

I think that thing looks pretty neat as it sits! I like your idea of going back to original wheels and hubcaps. After that I'd be inclined to clean it up, and get it mechanically sound and just patch what's needed. Not trying to talk you out of what you want to do, but that rough and ready, wear-and-tear look works for me.

Pretty much what I'm planning on doing. Except I do have to paint it. PO sanded down numerous sections to bare metal and it's starting to rust. Going back to the Desert Sand. Just ordered yesterday. Was kind of hard to find. Not many places stock the mixing paint apparently to get the color.