Howdy, newbie and I need your help 1972 4x4

[Loptics]

Hi Gentlemen,

Here's my story in a nutshell. I had a 1972 C20 back when I was a kid and eventually had to sell it when I couldn't afford to keep it. Loved that truck. Fast forward 20 years later and I stumbled across a 1972 Super Cheyenne 1/2 ton 4x4, black and white, 350, TH350, NP205 (1972 made), 12 bolt rear, the owner had the tranny 100% rebuilt, new 2 inch Les Scwab suspension and shocks, overhauled transfer case, new axle seals/bearings, new Warn hubs, new brakes, new BFG tires, new exhaust, runs and drives super, all it needs is TLC with body and paint, and maybe one day the motor. The body is straight but with rust in the cab supports, rocker panels, a bit in the fenders and wheel wells. It needs weather stripping, headliner, seat work, and window channels and such. I do not believe the motor is original.

Anyway, I was all proud and after driving it home, I THEN decided to do my research (carfax wouldn't run the VIN before 1981), and finding the VIN buster, I see my truck left the factory as a 4x2!!! So it looks like I have a 2wd body on a 4x4 chassis. As I said, the running gear appears "correct" for the vintage but I have no way of knowing where the trucks running gear/frame came from.

Now, the $20,000 question. Is the truck worth restoring?? Yes, I understand if it is "worth it to me" then go for it, but what I'm asking is if the collector/intrinsic value of the truck has taken a such a substantial hit (I know about the motor, but old motors don't run forever anyway, and I accepted that) that putting money in the restoration would be a real economic case of diminishing returns. I would restore the body/paint/trim to original condition, no custom changes.

I'm really on the fence about this. Any suggestions/opinions/advive you could give me would be GREATLY appreciated. I've been out of the game for a long time and it's a whole new market now.

Thanks!

Scott

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Welcome to the 67-72 Chevy Truck Board from West Michigan!

Restoring it for your own satisfaction is a good reason to restore it if you are going to use the truck in the future. To creat a much more valuable truck by restoring it probably won't get you a lot.

Jim

[67_C-30]

As old cars and trucks get older, numbers matching becomes less and less important. I've seen resto rodded standard Camaros sell for higher than their numbers matching Z28 and SS counterparts at times. Clones bring top dollar nowadays, and only the most astute enthusiast knows (or even cares) how it rolled out of the factory. From what I see on high end auctions, big swap meets, and ebay the quality of the restoration dictates a lot of prices. I believe with any disireable vehicle is worth restoring if its not too far gone. The prices of these trucks have literally doubled in the past several years, I think that trend will continue IF the economy improves (the while market is off right now).

BTW, Welcome to the board, and where the heck are the pics of it!!

[caminokid]

I am doing a truck that is everything between 69 and 72. 72 frame...69 cab...72 bed...71 tailgate....69 rear end....87 front crossmember, suspension and p/s set up...78 454....69 Muncie M-21....75 and 77 wheels....God only knows what other years are going to end up in my truck. To restore it for your own pleasure is what you should do it for. If you love it restore it!

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by Loptics

I would restore the body/paint/trim to original condition, no custom changes.



Scott

BTW, this type of truck seems to be the most popular. Some of the highly modified versions are a hard sell, in part mainly because I think the vast majority of people prefer the classic look of these trucks, but with maybe with wheels and tires and modern drivetrains.

There are several fine examples owned here by members of the board.

[caminokid]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

BTW, this type of truck seems to be the most popular. Some of the highly modified versions are a hard sell, in part mainly because I think the vast majority of people prefer the classic look of these trucks, but with maybe with wheels and tires and modern drivetrains.

There are several fine examples owned here by members of the board.

I for one likes the looks of the stock body with no mods...unless its like your dually! It looks stock.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by caminokid

I for one likes the looks of the stock body with no mods...unless its like your dually! It looks stock.

Yeah me too. Even mods like the truck taillights in Hart Rod's Burb, Frizzle Fry's Burbahoe, and Rockcrln and Ext56's crewcabs have the phantom appeal to them - they are being made to look like they could have came that way. Now, a 6" chopped top with '97 F150 haedlights and Camaro spoiler on the roof- not so much!

[StormRider]

A couple of weeks ago I almost gave up on selling mine. I was gonna take a huge lose but thank god no one wanted to finish my project. I guess I lost motivation after tackling it by myself for 2 years. Now I am going to finish restoring it because at one time I was very proud of my project. My point is that if you love these trucks and you love it when people compliment it, then restore it have fun and then drive it. Try to do as much as you can by yourself ( I mean don't take it a shop) if possible and that will keep your cost down a little. To be honest with you, you probably won't make any money off of these trucks but you will get close to what you invested when and if you decide to sell it. That's just my $.02. If you need help or motivation just hit me up. I am getting ready to mine also. Welcome and good luck! Storm.

[caminokid]

If you replace every last nut bolt and screw in it...then its truly yours. Its something you can say you did.

[usdabeef]

Here's my 72 that left the factory as a 2x4. As you can see it's had alot of time, money, sweat and tears into it. Was it worth it? Hell yeah. It's not stock by any means, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 383 stroker, 3" body+ 4" susp. 35" tires. Gets the looks all the time.

[Loptics]

WOW! You guys are great! What a helpful bunch of folks.

Looks like the restoration will be in our plans. My wife wanted to know what you guys thought, this was very helpful

Pics, I'd love to post but I simply have never used the online photo hosting programs.

usdabeef, what a sweet looking rig. Mine is the exact same color scheme but factory black and white.

OK, I can screw in or bolt anything, but body panel stuff, seals and painting isn't my forte.

Soooo, anyone know anyone who could be trusted to do this? Maybe a member here on the board? I'm in northwest Montana, but don't mind driving the rig to Idaho or eastern Washington for the services of an experienced and like minded craftsman. Don't mind paying for quality work also.

Thanks gentlemen!

Scott

[Blazer1970]

What is the VIN? A 1972 Chevy VIN will start with CC if it is 2WD, and CK if it is 4WD. The extra C at the beginning just means Chevy. You probably knew that, but I did not see it mentioned in this thread.

[Loptics]

Originally Posted by Blazer1970

What is the VIN? A 1972 Chevy VIN will start with CC if it is 2WD, and CK if it is 4WD. The extra C at the beginning just means Chevy. You probably knew that, but I did not see it mentioned in this thread.

The VIN begins with CC, which was how my whole bubble got burst.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by Loptics

WOW! You guys are great! What a helpful bunch of folks.

Looks like the restoration will be in our plans. My wife wanted to know what you guys thought, this was very helpful

Pics, I'd love to post but I simply have never used the online photo hosting programs.

usdabeef, what a sweet looking rig. Mine is the exact same color scheme but factory black and white.

OK, I can screw in or bolt anything, but body panel stuff, seals and painting isn't my forte.

Soooo, anyone know anyone who could be trusted to do this? Maybe a member here on the board? I'm in northwest Montana, but don't mind driving the rig to Idaho or eastern Washington for the services of an experienced and like minded craftsman. Don't mind paying for quality work also.

Thanks gentlemen!

Scott

If you have the pics on your computer, you can upload directly to the site by going down to manage attachments on the reply screen and browse your computer. If you have any trouble with that, just shoot me a few at chattahoocheeatv@hotmail.com and I'll post them for you.

[67_C-30]

Here's a little more inspiration for ya!!!

[Loptics]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

If you have the pics on your computer, you can upload directly to the site by going down to manage attachments on the reply screen and browse your computer. If you have any trouble with that, just shoot me a few at chattahoocheeatv@hotmail.com and I'll post them for you.

10-4, I'll try what you suggest, and if that fails, I'll email them to you.

Thanks!

Scott

[caminokid]

He called us gentleman!

We do are best here to try and help as much as we can. This is a very low conflict forum. I have never been on a forum that has been this helpful. Great bunch of guys here.

[usdabeef]

Thats one good lookin' truck. Looks very clean.

[StormRider]

Well Loptics, glad to hear that you are going to restore it. Are you planning on doing a complete restoration like frame off? Maybe some board members that live nearby you might be able to give you a hand with the bodywork. I too am a mechanic and not a bodyman but hey we all gotta try some time. Remember to start a build thread so we can keep up with your progress. I will start one soon even though mine is all apart. You came to the right place. These guys on here are the most helpful. Must be that chevy truck bond thing. Good luck. Storm.

[va_tlc]

yep looks like a nice truck to restore, is those tow hooks i saw? good luck and youll get plenty of help from this board, welcome from va. lucky you livin in montana lovely country, how close are ya to phillipsburg mt.

[Loptics]

Originally Posted by va_tlc

yep looks like a nice truck to restore, is those tow hooks i saw? good luck and youll get plenty of help from this board, welcome from va. lucky you livin in montana lovely country, how close are ya to phillipsburg mt.

Yes, two massive tow hooks. I am about 4.5 hours from Philipsburg, I was there last August and stumbled upon a classic car show right in town.

I'll dig up a couple of photos from the show.

[Gray Ghost]

I am not one to worry about the factory stuff, 67 C-30 is right as rain about what these trucks can bring regardless of the VIN. Seeling anything right now isn't a good idea as some of you might know so I say forge on and make it your own. I have always 'restified' my cars and trucks....mainly cause I drive them either daily or very often [in the case of my last toy the El Camino].

[Loptics]

Originally Posted by Gray Ghost

I am not one to worry about the factory stuff, 67 C-30 is right as rain about what these trucks can bring regardless of the VIN. Seeling anything right now isn't a good idea as some of you might know so I say forge on and make it your own. I have always 'restified' my cars and trucks....mainly cause I drive them either daily or very often [in the case of my last toy the El Camino].

Excellent advice.

As promised, heres some pics from the Philipsburg, Montana show last August.

[prairewolf]

Welcome to the board. ....... I do not know about the collector/intrinsic value of your truck, ..... but with the right stance, wheels and tires, the Beefcake value is priceless. .... good find on your truck.

life is good,kent

[72BlckButy]

Looks like a great project to start with. to the board from Mid-MO!!!