What am I getting into here?

[TrojanPower]

I am looking for any and all advice as I try to decide whether or not to purchase this vehicle. Asking price is $850. It supposedly ran and was driven and parked in this position abou 4-5 years ago. The seller was encouraging that it should run with battery and new fuel. Its a 72 C20 longbed stepside, with heavy duty axle, PS, PB/disc in front. V8 350, 4 bbl. Rockers, cab supports/mounts look to be pretty badly rusted. Is this a terrible investment? Interior is not bad, really needs steering wheel, seat re-upholstry, and dash pad.

[hugger6933]

Welcome to the site that truck is def worth the asking price in parts if you decided not to build it. Lots on here would get it up and running and safe to drive then do just that. That truck is kinda uncommon being that it is a long step I would not think there is a ton of them around

[TrojanPower]

Okay thank you for the input. My biggest concern is really the cost to replace the rockers, floor pans, cab supports etc. The metal toward the middle of the cab seemed okay, but I a not welder. I might be able to learn but then there is cost in acquiring all the equipment. Outsourcing seems like big bucks too though...

[67 chevelle]

if frame is good , hell yes

[TrojanPower]

Here are pics from underneath? See anything that looks like it would break the bank?

[kwmech]

Looks like it still has the factory delco shocks on it

[alsriv2]

That kind of rust damage is typical for these trucks and can be repaired fairly easy. Parts are available. If you really like the truck and its unusual features, then by all means go for it. If you have the space and time to learn, you can do the body work yourself. There are many build forums here on this website that show step by step how to do these repairs.
As for cost, anytime you pick up an old vehicle like this, you will encounter costs. Yes it will be fairly lengthy and a bit costly, but if it suits your needs it will be a good project.

[leddzepp]

Buy it, part it out, make a little money and save it for something better. Even if that truck was given to you, it will still be $$$ and time to get it running, repaired, etc.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Buy it, part it out, make a little money and save it for something better. Even if that truck was given to you, it will still be $$$ and time to get it running, repaired, etc.

That truck would be a serious money pit to restore.

[truckster]

Unless you want to learn to weld, that's going to be a very expensive project. Even if you know how to weld, it's not going to be cheap.

[TrojanPower]

Is it possible to replace the rockers, floor supports, and floor pans without removing the cab from the frame?

[raggedjim]

Yes, it is possible (I did it and so have many others). But it is easier if the cab is removed.

I've bought trucks like this one, but I stay away from them now, I'd rather have a rust free non-running truck.

How is the cab inside above the windshield? If there's rust there I would pass on this one.

Good luck, Rg

[TrojanPower]

It actually looked really good along the roof of the cab. Paint is good. Do not remember above the windshield but I do not recall rust there. What would be the concern there? Inner 1/3 of cab looked good in term of dash, radio, GB, gauges. Surprisingly clean. There was surface rust on the engine, but was able to turn the belts by hand and see the balancer rotate.

[TrojanPower]

Did you do the the rockers 1st and then fit the floor supports and pans. Some have said the rocker needs to be set 1st to have a "blueprint for the other stuff to line up. Not sure what the proper order would be for inner, outer, floor pans, and supports. Corners were actually really solid. Maybe all the water drained out where the rockers "used' to be ;0

[raggedjim]

Some good info in this thread... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...+rocker&page=2


I usually remove the rocker to see what I have to work with. Looking at your pics I think you will have to replace front and rear cab supports, inner rocker, a-pillar (in front of door), b-pillar (at rear of door), and outer rocker in that order. Possibly some floor sections too. I usually start on one side and finish it before cutting out the other side (helps to keep everything lined up).

Good luck, Rg

[YBNORML]

Ok, I'm gonna throw an unwelcome opinion out here. Uncommon does not mean valuable. Long bed step sides are basically only really appreciated by the people here on this board. You will more than likely never regain your investment.

That truck is a parts truck. Lots of good parts there. But not worth restoring.

[jessemthompson]

Originally Posted by YBNORML

Ok, I'm gonna throw an unwelcome opinion out here. Uncommon does not mean valuable. Long bed step sides are basically only really appreciated by the people here on this board. You will more than likely never regain your investment.

That truck is a parts truck. Lots of good parts there. But not worth restoring.

I agree with this 100%. Unless you're desperate for a long bed step side I would walk away.

[Chevyland]

X3

[12secondnova]

Definitely would jump on that one. Would NOT do a full on restoration on it though. Buy it, tinker on it, try your hand at fixing some of the rust so that when you find one that you really like you have some experience. Having a beater truck you dont care much about to use for chores is nice to have. Also PLEASE buff it out. That patina will look sweeeet

[lowbucktrucks]

Buy it. I had typed saying if you didn't want it, I would come get it (3.5 hours away) but if I brought another truck home I might get shot. That being said, let me know if you don't buy it, I just bought her a buick GS, she might be in a good enough mood for #7, especially if I call it a parts truck.

[jocko]

I'm with scott, if you KNOW you can part it for more than the asking price - and you have the time and space, go for it, otherwise I'd pass. As for learning to weld with this truck - I'd say that unless you already have significant experience, I'd pass personally. For some these might be easy repairs, but for most, notsomuch. I would NOT contemplate buying this and then taking it elsewhere for bodywork, you'll go broke. I'd submit that, for the money you're going to spend on bodywork tools/parts/paint, etc AND your time spent on doing it, you could start with a nicer condition for the same approx overall investment (or less).

[lowbucktrucks]

Is the bed in good shape?? Please buy it so i"m not tempted. Is the steering column in good shape?? There's an easy $850 in parts in that truck( PS, Pdisc auto steering column, doors bed rear end, shift linkage, or if you have a welder it is restore-able, even if you have to find a cab. Has anyone on this forum cut a stepside bed to short bed?? BUY IT

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by TrojanPower

What am I getting into here?

Based on your posts, way over your head. (sorry, couldn't resist the old cliché)

If you know for a fact that you'll be paying someone else to do all the bodywork, save yourself 10-15 thousand dollars and buy a ready to drive truck in the 6-10K range with as minimal rust as possible. The extra 5-7K up front can save you 10-15K down the road. Since you seem to be interested in longbeds, you can find a REALLY NICE longbed completely done up in the 10-15K range.

[CG]

I wouldn't even buy that one to part out. I don't see any way to even get your money back. It is probably the least desirable of all our trucks. 3/4 ton long wheel base step side. The only thing it has going for it is disk brakes.

Of course this is just my opinion =)

[46stude]

Sorry to hi-jack, but what are those side mirrors? The one visible in the 1st pic looks like the head is larger than the common sport mirrors.

I think the truck's worth more than the asking price in parts, esp if that grille, front bumper, & the interior is all in decent shape. Does it have the stock radio?

Are you looking for a 3/4 ton or a 1/2 ton? THAT is the determining factor in my opinion.