Back after 32 years! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JC76 · 11-16-2020, 02:08 PM

I built this 1976 pickup 35 years ago and sold it to a relative 32 years ago. Now it is back in my possession. It has been in storage for the last 25 years.

Most of the work I did myself. Lowered it with a kit (springs, hangers etc.), dyed the interior, filled in all of holes from trim, made rear bumper and did paint and stripes. This was one of the last cars I did when I restored and painted cars for a living. Haven't done much of that kind of work since.

Photos are how it looked back when it was first built. Still looks about the same. The wheels are a bit rusty. Tires are shot. Before it was stored the 350 small block was rebuilt. It is an automatic with full power and air.

Trying to decide exactly what to do with it as far as updates. For sure it will get bigger wheels. Comments and tips are welcome. Looking forward to working on this old project.

**cwcarpenter98** · 11-16-2020, 04:31 PM

Welcome! Since it looks about the same, my suggestion would be to play with the suspension some and make it drive really well

**The Rocknrod** · 11-16-2020, 04:39 PM

Brings back memories.

Southcity · 11-16-2020, 05:47 PM

Congrats on getting your truck back, it appears it was in good care while away. I personally love the current look of your truck and can pretty much guarantee you won't see another on the road, at a show or anywhere. Hat's off to you for doing a great job 35 years ago! I'm not sure how drivable it is in it's current setup but would be great to run it as is for a while.

JC76 · 11-16-2020, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Welcome! Since it looks about the same, my suggestion would be to play with the suspension some and make it drive really well

Thanks. Right along the lines of what I was thinking. I was thinking maybe the Ridetech StreetGRIP system.

JC76 · 11-18-2020, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southcity

Congrats on getting your truck back, it appears it was in good care while away. I personally love the current look of your truck and can pretty much guarantee you won't see another on the road, at a show or anywhere. Hat's off to you for doing a great job 35 years ago! I'm not sure how drivable it is in it's current setup but would be great to run it as is for a while.

Thanks. It is in storage again, but closer to me. I know it starts. The tail pipe is dragging on the ground. Since I can't drive on the tires it makes sense to do new wheels and tires first.

notsolo · 11-18-2020, 01:33 PM

Nice to have her back!....if you change the chrome wheels you may want to consider something different for the front bumper, since it's the only other chrome bit on the truck....maybe work with some photo shop ideas....great looking truck.

JC76 · 11-18-2020, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notsolo

Nice to have her back!....if you change the chrome wheels you may want to consider something different for the front bumper, since it's the only other chrome bit on the truck....maybe work with some photo shop ideas....great looking truck.

Good point on the bumper. Actually it was painted white white before I got the truck back. It looks so big even in white. I may try to thin it down or build something.

montsb · 11-26-2020, 05:36 AM

I love the paint scheme! I always enjoyed the look of Weld Drag Stars on those years of trucks... a little old school but I never got tired of that look. Especially the wider/deeper ones if they had big and littles on them lol.
Also, I’d like to tip my hat to the quality of work you must have done if it has held up so nice after all those years!
As For the front bumper, that was a good point. I believe I have seen or I am thinking... shave it down, snug it up and do a bolt less look. Or maybe a front roll pan? Those bumpers were always robust in appearance. Could be a fun project that would really change the look of the front.
Glad you got it back and thanks for posting!

JC76 · 11-27-2020, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montsb

I love the paint scheme! I always enjoyed the look of Weld Drag Stars on those years of trucks... a little old school but I never got tired of that look. Especially the wider/deeper ones if they had big and littles on them lol.
Also, I’d like to tip my hat to the quality of work you must have done if it has held up so nice after all those years!
As For the front bumper, that was a good point. I believe I have seen or I am thinking... shave it down, snug it up and do a bolt less look. Or maybe a front roll pan? Those bumpers were always robust in appearance. Could be a fun project that would really change the look of the front.
Glad you got it back and thanks for posting!

Thank you for the compliment on the paint work! It can be hard to be objective on your own work because you look at it so long. Here are new photos when we hauled it a few weeks ago. Only thing that got changed is the front end look. I will probably go back more to the way I had it with a stock grill.

**special-K** · 11-29-2020, 01:27 PM

That's a cool retro truck as it is. I'd look for some era correct wheels... Convo Pros, Drag Stars, Welds of some sort. That bumper is asking to be painted silver grey. I really like the job you did on the rear one. Maybe something like that. But grey before white is my vote.

'63GENIII · 11-30-2020, 12:36 AM

Cant believe that's 35 year old paint! You sure knew your way around body and paint to have it last that long and look as new as it does!

Glad you got her back and looking forward to the 2nd go round!

gulfcoast66 · 12-28-2020, 11:19 AM

That's Cool Looking Square Body. Still Looks Good after 30 Years...

PhilaTruck · 12-28-2020, 01:26 PM

Convo pros are a great choice, sweet lookin wheels

PhilaTruck · 12-28-2020, 01:33 PM

Are those 245s on front? I have 8” fronts w 245s w a 4”drop. They look good. Love the paint, captured a screenshot for reference when I paint mine. Beautiful truck, have fun w round 2!

Greasey Harley · 01-02-2021, 04:24 PM

I'm seriously diggin' on that rear bumper!!
Nice truck.
-Russ

JC76 · 01-02-2021, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

Cant believe that's 35 year old paint! You sure knew your way around body and paint to have it last that long and look as new as it does!

Glad you got her back and looking forward to the 2nd go round!

Honestly, I am very surprised the paint isn't all checked and cracked. (Although there is a little on the white areas). Most of my work started cracking after so many years. This one survived because I did not clear it. So the the buildup of the lacquer is less than most custom paint jobs from that era. It also helped that it was stored very well.

JC76 · 01-02-2021, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilaTruck

Are those 245s on front? I have 8” fronts w 245s w a 4”drop. They look good. Love the paint, captured a screenshot for reference when I paint mine. Beautiful truck, have fun w round 2!

Fronts are 235/60/15
Rears 275/60/15

**kev2809** · 01-02-2021, 09:59 PM

ha! thats a cool story, and welcome!

11-16-2020, 02:08 PM	#1
JC76 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 4	Back after 32 years! I built this 1976 pickup 35 years ago and sold it to a relative 32 years ago. Now it is back in my possession. It has been in storage for the last 25 years. Most of the work I did myself. Lowered it with a kit (springs, hangers etc.), dyed the interior, filled in all of holes from trim, made rear bumper and did paint and stripes. This was one of the last cars I did when I restored and painted cars for a living. Haven't done much of that kind of work since. Photos are how it looked back when it was first built. Still looks about the same. The wheels are a bit rusty. Tires are shot. Before it was stored the 350 small block was rebuilt. It is an automatic with full power and air. Trying to decide exactly what to do with it as far as updates. For sure it will get bigger wheels. Comments and tips are welcome. Looking forward to working on this old project. Attached Images

11-16-2020, 04:31 PM	#2
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,488	Re: Back after 32 years! Welcome! Since it looks about the same, my suggestion would be to play with the suspension some and make it drive really well __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

11-16-2020, 04:39 PM	#3
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Back after 32 years! Brings back memories. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

11-16-2020, 05:47 PM	#4
Southcity Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,177	Re: Back after 32 years! Congrats on getting your truck back, it appears it was in good care while away. I personally love the current look of your truck and can pretty much guarantee you won't see another on the road, at a show or anywhere. Hat's off to you for doing a great job 35 years ago! I'm not sure how drivable it is in it's current setup but would be great to run it as is for a while. __________________ 66 GMC Suburban Custom 66 Chevy K10 Suburban

11-18-2020, 01:33 PM	#7
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,482	Re: Back after 32 years! Nice to have her back!....if you change the chrome wheels you may want to consider something different for the front bumper, since it's the only other chrome bit on the truck....maybe work with some photo shop ideas....great looking truck. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605

11-26-2020, 05:36 AM	#9
montsb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: White City, Oregon Posts: 64	Re: Back after 32 years! I love the paint scheme! I always enjoyed the look of Weld Drag Stars on those years of trucks... a little old school but I never got tired of that look. Especially the wider/deeper ones if they had big and littles on them lol. Also, I’d like to tip my hat to the quality of work you must have done if it has held up so nice after all those years! As For the front bumper, that was a good point. I believe I have seen or I am thinking... shave it down, snug it up and do a bolt less look. Or maybe a front roll pan? Those bumpers were always robust in appearance. Could be a fun project that would really change the look of the front. Glad you got it back and thanks for posting! __________________ If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. - RUSH

11-29-2020, 01:27 PM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Back after 32 years! That's a cool retro truck as it is. I'd look for some era correct wheels... Convo Pros, Drag Stars, Welds of some sort. That bumper is asking to be painted silver grey. I really like the job you did on the rear one. Maybe something like that. But grey before white is my vote. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-30-2020, 12:36 AM	#12
'63GENIII Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Carlos, Ca. Posts: 3,048	Re: Back after 32 years! Cant believe that's 35 year old paint! You sure knew your way around body and paint to have it last that long and look as new as it does! Glad you got her back and looking forward to the 2nd go round! __________________ Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29

12-28-2020, 11:19 AM	#13
gulfcoast66 64-66 CHEVY JUNKIE Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cypress ,Texas Posts: 1,516	Re: Back after 32 years! That's Cool Looking Square Body. Still Looks Good after 30 Years... __________________ 1966 C-10 Fleetside LWB, 350 Lt1 4l60-E 2008 Silverado Crew Cab, 4.8 4l60-E 1998 GMC Yukon 4x4 L-31 Vortec, 4l60-E 2017 GMC Serra 4x4 5.3 Vortec, 4l60-E Do It In A Chevrolet

12-28-2020, 01:26 PM	#14
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: Back after 32 years! Convo pros are a great choice, sweet lookin wheels __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!

12-28-2020, 01:33 PM	#15
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: Back after 32 years! Are those 245s on front? I have 8” fronts w 245s w a 4”drop. They look good. Love the paint, captured a screenshot for reference when I paint mine. Beautiful truck, have fun w round 2! __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!

01-02-2021, 04:24 PM	#16
Greasey Harley Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Post Falls, ID Posts: 898	Re: Back after 32 years! I'm seriously diggin' on that rear bumper!! Nice truck. -Russ __________________ Insert clever text here:

01-02-2021, 09:59 PM	#19
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,174	Re: Back after 32 years! ha! thats a cool story, and welcome! __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.