What are the Airbags and Frame Mods doing to the future of these trucks?

[67 cst swb]

First - Don't get me wrong here. I like the looks of a slammed truck and a 4-link rear suspension.
But, with the latest craze of modifying the frame for Air Bags. Then swapping in an LS motor (again, I like this idea).
Then bolting on huge wheels (Ok, I have opinion on anything over 20" wheels on these trucks, but that I may save for a later thread). Luckily they are easy to replace.
What is that doing to the availability of original or unmodified trucks and the value?
I understand that trucks were produced in large quantity compared to Chevelle's, Camaro's, Nova's, etc... but... for comparison, good luck finding a decent original one of those to build.
I guess I am kind of looking at this like... Look what pro-streeting a first-Gen Camaro did to the depletion of available good body cars in the 90's or what chop tops did in the 80's.
Is this latest craze of Big Wheels with Air Bags and a modified bed floor doing the same thing to these 67-72 trucks?

[kamikazekyle05]

Value is all in the eye of the beholder. I wouldn't buy a restored first gen camaro just to turn around and make it prostreet, i would find a partial car or something in rough shape. Most of the guys on here are doing the same to their trucks. They're buying a truck they found in a field or one that's been sitting in someones backyard or grampa's old farm truck. Let's be honest, unless you have a fully restored 100% original w/ every option, you're looking at what maybe 5-20K tops for a truck. All the mods you talked about are pretty much bolt on minus the raised bed floor, and thats a little body work compared to what most of us started out with are trucks ie: rockers, cab floors etc

[special-K]

^^^ Well, guys are buying pristine C/10s and doing it. It bothers me that so many feel this is the only way to go. It would seem it will be hard to find an unmolested truck in the future. It's like they just see the bags and hoopdee rims and chose classic bodies to wrap around them. The same people curse those who cut dashes for stereos, doors for speakers, and tops for sunroofs. How ironic? Guys want their truck preserved so they can shave firewalls and drip rails and cut the frames all up

[leddzepp]

I don't really care what someone does to their truck, it's their business. Bagging trucks isnt a "new" fad, people have been doing for years. As far as value goes, just like always, it's worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And there are a lot of people willing to pay big bucks for bagged trucks.

[bbcmudtruck]

It definitely makes sense! However I'll offer this idea. Most of the guys building these trucks that are putting air bag systems and such are using top dollar parts. I would imagine that the work they put into their truck was good quality work for the most part. With that said, if a guy wanted to buy a truck and make it all original again, he would at least have a good frame to start with! Alot of the builds are being sand blasted and painted. I see it as saving them for future generations. I know I had to replace a ton of metal on my frame. If it sat neglected for another 10 or 20 years, it may have been too far gone to save at all.

[CastIron]

Personally, I'd rather see a clean, near stock truck that has been taken care of. It's like a piece of history. But I have no problem with upgrades, especially if it improves the reliability, function, or safety of the truck.
I have actually never seen one in my area that's really low with big tires. Most of the ones I see are stock height or slightly lowered. But looking at this website makes it seem like everybody's bagging or doing huge custom projects. I think there will be plenty of stock or near stock trucks for a long time.
For the record, my 69 C1500 has a 307, 3 speed on the column, and is almost completely stock except I added power steering, an 10SI alternator, and put some 15" aluminum wheels on it. My future plans include adding some front disc brakes, probably some sort of crate motor, and possibly putting in a 5 speed manual transmission. But I plan on keeping all the parts I take off, so if I ever decide to restore it or sell it (not at all likely) everything will be right there.

[redbaron]

The same thing could have been said about the 32-34 Fords years ago. They have evolved and just keep getting better. When was the last time you seen a bone stock one? For me it was just yesterday, I ran into a stock 4 door 34 that came to the airport. But prior to it, I can't remember another one for quite sometime. I appreciate the originals, but prefer the modern interpretation of them.

As far as our trucks go we have built them both ways. It just depends on what you started with. If it's a rare high option original truck you probably want to keep it fairly close to original. On the other hand if it a regular standard rig in whatever condition, then I say the sky is the limit. I love them all and it really comes down to personal preference. And like the 32 Fords reproduction parts are available to almost build a whole truck.

[leftybass209]

It doesn't bother me in the least. I always look to older vehicles when these things happen. What happened to the Boyd billet craze in the 80's and 90's? It didn't consume every hot rod and there's still plenty that are bone stock. Adapt and overcome, it's been happening for years. There's brand new tri-fives, camaros, 49-54 chevy cabs and other stuff being reproduced. It's only a matter of time before these c10's get reproduced and life will go on.

[GASoline71]

I'm glad there are cats that wanna restore trucks to stock and preserve them... so I don't hafta.

I don't like big wheels, air bags and laying frame...

But... it's cool to see the craftsmanship and work that goes into them.

You won't see me building a rig with all that malarkey...

Pro-street for me...

Gary

[68shortwide]

Very rarely do I see a pristine truck get customized. Whether it be in the shop or around town. I know for a fact that mines not original. My trucks a cab on a frame with a semi complete 70 stepper parts truck with an extra cab, fleetside bed, and small pile of fenders and doors lol I'm building it the way it suits me as a daily driver. Ls powered, 5/7 drop, body mods, posi, and a custom interior. Would I cut up a completely original matching numbers everyhing been in a garage since 1968 gem of a truck? Hell no. But I don't find those, and it wouldn't suit my use of it. So I take my pieces and make what i want from them, and I'm sure others do the same exact thing. Make the truck to their tastes from trucks they saved from the Crushers or from rotting in a field. At least it lets kids my age and younger see the style and attitude that these trucks can have, the style and attitude that most cars and trucks lack today.

[Andy4639]

I built mine for me only. I drive mine everyday just about and take it on long trips. No I haven't put a full air on it yet but would love to have it someday.

I have it lowered with helper bags all around it and it drives great.

I don't want a stock truck to look at in the garage all winter scared to death it's going to get road salt on it, and drive it 10 miles to a show once a month in the summer just to say I drive it are to work every now and then. I drive mine 15,000 to 20,000 miles a year. Yes you read it right. I built it to drive it and I do. That my friends is why Chevy built them as tough as they did to drive'm!


What is it doing for prices to these truck, making them more valuable if you ask me. Just look at the prices of them compared to 10 years ago. I rather see a old Chevy on the road dragging it's fenders than seeing one more go to a crusher!!! Prices very on anything it's what the person see's and wants that very. Just like the Barrett Jackson stuff. Now everybody thinks there vehicle is worth $50,000.

[simplepeddler]

.........What I have seen on this board in my short time is that nothing done cannot be undone........there are folks with MAD skills out there.

While the value of the end product is going to go up or down relative to trends in areas of the country.......folks with MAD skills will see thier value consistently go up regardless of what the public wants them to produce.

there are guys here that do this "part time" in their shop at home, that could now or soon would make a damn fine living creating and recreating

[shawno72]

Great topic

[Coley]

Great topic...fully agree with most comments and live and let live on this one in my opinion.
Personally I'm not into the fully slammed look but like Gasoline71 says....I really appreciate the craftsmanship.
As well, the slammed modified look is what helped bring these trucks back into the cool...so to speak. This in itself has helped the value of all of our trucks, stock or not so we are all riding that wave right now and thats nothing to complain about.
Great points about the old 30's Fords too....the originals seem to 'peak' out in value but those that have been modified to be more driveable have continued to sustain very good value.
As for value vs. passage of time...who knows but I think there is probably value merit in not modifying the frame and going with a drop that works with the original frame. Oh....and limit sunroofs, door speakers and giant dash holes...lol
On a personal note, I like anything that is a little different and particularly if someone has put innovation and thinking into something so I guess I get a lot of my appreciation there.
Here is a question: what do you y'all think about chopping the roof? value adder or not so much?.....seems to me that is often a deal killer on re-sale but????
All good
Coley

[BigMike]

When working on my truck I invited a buddy to help, in return I would teach him about body work. He was the kind of guy that didn't take any chances and brought all of his stuff to the shop to get work/mods done. I taught him that it's ONLY metal, don't be afraid of it. If it gets a dent, it can be fixed. If someone used a jack hammer to open the dash for a bigger stereo (as it looks like in my case), it can be fixed.

I agree to live and let live like Coley and most others on here. Just because it's a mod I don't like, I can appreciate the time and work that went into it. I also agree it was the air bag scene and lowered stances that made these trucks as popular as they are now, combined with the fact that nearly every part is available in the aftermarket world. I think people like Nate (Porterbuilt) and his incredible engineering have taken our trucks to a whole different level. Not only can you put your truck back to stock if you like, but you can lift it to the skies or make ants run for their lives. The only limit we have with our trucks is our imagination (and wallets).

Although I can appreciate the work that goes into chopping our trucks, I just think our trucks chopped looks funny...and that is a littler harder to "fix" if you want to go back to stock aside from swapping out the cab. Certain vehicles just don't look right chopped and 60 & up Chevy/GM fall into that category for me. Although I really dig ckcp's "Full Custom 70 GMC" that he did, that thing is sweet!

Just my $.02 for what it's worth

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

First - Don't get me wrong here. I like the looks of a slammed truck and a 4-link rear suspension.
But, with the latest craze of modifying the frame for Air Bags. Then swapping in an LS motor (again, I like this idea).
Then bolting on huge wheels (Ok, I have opinion on anything over 20" wheels on these trucks, but that I may save for a later thread). Luckily they are easy to replace.
What is that doing to the availability of original or unmodified trucks and the value?
I understand that trucks were produced in large quantity compared to Chevelle's, Camaro's, Nova's, etc... but... for comparison, good luck finding a decent original one of those to build.
I guess I am kind of looking at this like... Look what pro-streeting a first-Gen Camaro did to the depletion of available good body cars in the 90's or what chop tops did in the 80's.
Is this latest craze of Big Wheels with Air Bags and a modified bed floor doing the same thing to these 67-72 trucks?

Bags and notches can't change the future any more than Gassers did in the 60's or fuzzy thinking. As for the 'depletion of good body cars' you need spend less time at your computer and get out more. According to GM they sold a total of 268,922 first gen Camaros. There are so many here in Tucson you can't throw a rock without hitting one. Average price for a driver is 10K. Hardly the 'depleted' rare bird you are talking about.

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by Fitz

According to GM they sold a total of 268,922 first gen Camaros. There are so many here in Tucson you can't throw a rock without hitting one. Average price for a driver is 10K. Hardly the 'depleted' rare bird you are talking about.

Trucks or camaros?

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by NC_John

Trucks or camaros?

You even quoted the post and you still don't know? I said CAMAROs.

GM made more 1/2 ton C10's in just 1967 than the ENTIRE first Gen Camaro run starting in 1967 and ending in 1969. I also said "the depletion of good cars due to the Pro Touring Craze is just !!!! If there were less than 300,000 first Gen CAMARO's built and you can't throw a rock anywhere in southern Arizona without hitting one can you just imagine how many 1/2 ton C10's are here in the land of no rain, no snow, no salt and no rust? Just try crossing the street here in Tucson without looking and you'll get hit by a bakers dozen of them.

[mooseknuckles]

as long as it's being saved from the crusher, I could care less about what mods are being done to them, restored, retro-mod, whatever the case may be...that goes for all old vehicles, cause once they're gone they're gone!

[eightbanger]

Originally Posted by Fitz

Just try crossing the street here in Tucson without looking and you'll get hit by a bakers dozen of them.

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by Fitz

Bags and notches can't change the future any more than Gassers did in the 60's or fuzzy thinking..

Good Point

Originally Posted by Fitz

As for the 'depletion of good body cars' you need spend less time at your computer and get out more. .

Hey, How do you know how much time I spend at my computer.

Originally Posted by Fitz

According to GM they sold a total of 268,922 first gen Camaros. There are so many here in Tucson you can't throw a rock without hitting one. Average price for a driver is 10K. Hardly the 'depleted' rare bird you are talking about.

I know where to go to buy Camaros to flip. Wholly crap!

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

I know where to go to buy Camaros to flip. Wholly crap!

I checked out craigslist for that area after I saw that and they are priced the same there as they are here. A piece of junk shell or cut up drag car for $10K. No drivers for less than $20K and not much of one for that.

If he can come up with some examples to back his claim I am on my way with a trailer to find me a good '67 or '69.

[SHILOW]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

Hey, How do you know how much time I spend at my computer.

Most people who post in car forums do so to show the work they have done to their vehicles. The people who keep there trucks stock don't post as much because the only modification they have done is with soap and water. Might as well post a pic of the brochure.

If you go by the ratio of modified trucks to stock trucks on the forum, it looks like everyone is slamming or lifting their truck.

[jeffahart]

Originally Posted by SHILOW

Most people who post in car forums do so to show the work they have done to their vehicles. The people who keep there trucks stock don't post as much because the only modification they have done is with soap and water. Might as well post a pic of the brochure.

If you go by the ratio of modified trucks to stock trucks on the forum, it looks like everyone is slamming or lifting their truck.

Yes I modified my soap with water.... er... my water with soap wait... now I'm confused! What... speak up... I'm just and old buzzard... what do I know!

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by jeffahart

Yes I modified my soap with water.... er... my water with soap wait... now I'm confused! What... speak up... I'm just and old buzzard... what do I know!

That's funny right there !!