Classic GM Trucks - Would you drive one daily?

[69PostSSChevelle]

Originally Posted by Ryan1969Chevelle

Let’s see it!!

Ryan W31

Here you go Ryan.

[NorCam]

The truck arrived today in -27C (-16F) weather, and remarkably, it did start coming off the truck. Quickly ran it home and into the heated garage. A few little leaks and drips which I will start chasing this week, and then it was time to start checking out the mechanical. All I was told is that it used to have a Weiand 150 blower on it and that the guy I bought it from had it removed last year with a new Edelbrock intake and carb then installed. He said it was a 400 cubic inch but knew very little other than it had aluminum heads.

Well it idled up real nice while warming up this AM and didn't sound half bad. I ran the suffix codes on the block to see it was a run of the mill 400 smog block and figured it was nothing special. Then I peaked between the header flange to see DART markings. So I pulled one of the covers to confirm the heads, and they are Pro-1 series 200 cc heads and they're setup with Comp pushrods, guides and roller rockers (nice). The prior owner is now trying to source the previous owners contact info as he built the motor and restored the truck. Lots to learn but the body is impeccable so now hoping to find out what the bottom end is and what camshaft is in it. Hoping it's a well built 406 or something along those lines.

Still lots of stuff to go through and make it mine.

[NorCam]

A little video with the truck coming off the hauler today. It was super cold out. Dash in the Tahoe said -24 but the regional forecast said it was -27. So what's 3 degrees right. (lol)

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Originally Posted by 69PostSSChevelle

Here you go Ryan.

Nice in about 1998 I owned a 1997 GMC SLE extended cab short box, black grey interior 2WD.

Ryan W31

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Originally Posted by NorCam

The truck arrived today in -27C (-16F) weather, and remarkably, it did start coming off the truck. Quickly ran it home and into the heated garage. A few little leaks and drips which I will start chasing this week, and then it was time to start checking out the mechanical. All I was told is that it used to have a Weiand 150 blower on it and that the guy I bought it from had it removed last year with a new Edelbrock intake and carb then installed. He said it was a 400 cubic inch but knew very little other than it had aluminum heads.

Well it idled up real nice while warming up this AM and didn't sound half bad. I ran the suffix codes on the block to see it was a run of the mill 400 smog block and figured it was nothing special. Then I peaked between the header flange to see DART markings. So I pulled one of the covers to confirm the heads, and they are Pro-1 series 200 cc heads and they're setup with Comp pushrods, guides and roller rockers (nice). The prior owner is now trying to source the previous owners contact info as he built the motor and restored the truck. Lots to learn but the body is impeccable so now hoping to find out what the bottom end is and what camshaft is in it. Hoping it's a well built 406 or something along those lines.

Still lots of stuff to go through and make it mine.

Beauty truck!!!

I love the 71/72’s best!!!

Ryan W31

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 69PostSSChevelle

Here you go Ryan.

That one looks like something my dad would drive.

Dad's truck:

[He widened those wheels for the truck and his fifth wheel travel trailer. Somewhere in the world there are 8 of those wheels that are 15x8 instead of 15x7]

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by NorCam

Still lots of stuff to go through and make it mine.

Ain't that the truth!

I picked up this 2015 back in May. It's completely stock but still a lot of rubbing on it it make it my own (fixing scratches, different bed cover, etc).

Owned by an older gentleman who apparently did not have any black touch up paint!

K

[pdphilson]

drive it -- sold my loaded 2018 and just drive my 68 Camper Special

[markinnaples]

Norcam, love your new truck!

[Lynn]

Love this truck.
Only down side is a carb in your climate. If it were in MY climate the only down side would be no AC. But, for you, pretty much a non factor.

What a beautiful truck. I searched forever for a decent 1967 - 1972 C20 to use as a tow vehicle. Kept thinking there had to be one in a barn here in OK or down in TX that had been sitting a while, retired from light farm duty.

Never did find what i wanted at a decent price (was shocked at prices, especially rust free examples) so I "settled" for my 2002 2500HD with the 8.1 and the Allison trans. Not a lot of options, but only 87k miles and drove perfectly. After new tires, and catching up on deferred maintenance, and i could not be more happy with it. I love the fuel injection, and it is so comfortable. Being an extended cab with a full 8 foot bed, i doubt I would daily drive it. But for towing, it is great.

I used a modified 68 El Camino for about 7 years for towing. It always performed flawlessly, even though I did not go fuel injection. 1968 vintage Qjet and cast iron intake worked great. My only complaint with the El Camino was that it just wasn't big and heavy enough to tow a really large load (12k pounds) if the need arose. It would do it, but I was on the edge of safety.... probably the wrong edge!

I think the only way you will know is dive in and drive it awhile, after addressing the maintenance issues. Looks like a well done engine. I would be proud to drive it anywhere. Besides, you already have it. Work out the bugs and drive the snot out of it. Enjoy.

As stated, I really like the 67 - 70 trucks. After the newer body style came out in 88 (?), I thougt they were fantastic. Very sleek and clean. For years I detested the square bodies, especially when the newer style came out. Just thought they were too big and clunky looking. They did, however perform well (for that time period) and held up very well, being easy to work on. Almost bullet proof.

Maybe it is just because ALL the full size pickups seem SOOOOO large now (little guys like me and Mitch can't get in the bed without a step ladder), that the square bodies have kind of grown on me.

But.... 67 -72 and the 88 - 98 (or 99... I don't keep up with when the body style changed) are still the best looking trucks GM ever made.