New to the board

[hotwls]

Hello, I just purchased a 1972 C-10 Ochre/White with factory A/C. It has the following specs. I’m in the process of evaluating it and taking care of the minor fixes it needs. Overall the Truck was really clean and has little work to do. It has the attached specs.

My question, and I know its personal preferences, but what is the best setup for these trucks if you will only have it as a hot rod toy?

Do I keep the same engine and transmission to have a numbers matching truck or swap it out with a different engine and transmission? My dad and brother have expressed their differing opinions. Will the 402 provide enough power to be fun and will the transmission work for around town and occasional highway use?

Cosmetically I just want it to look like my Grandpa's truck, with the exception of lowering it a little and new wheels and tires.

Any tips are appreciated.

[Lokin4AReason]

welcome to the board ....

[RenoKeene]

Welcome aboard from Florida!
The 402/400TH is a good combo, no need to change unless you find hidden problems internally.
How about some more pics....

[hotwls]

Here are the pictures from the ad and some one at my fathers house, where it's getting reconditioned. As you can see I'm removing some of the extra's the previous owner installed.

[kcsa75]

Looks pretty sweet! Welcome from Kansas City.

[leftybass209]

Welcome! You'll have to define "hot rod" as everyone has a different interpretation. Opinions are long and wide on this board. What would I do with that truck:

static drop it on steelies and caps
rebuild the engine so that it looks stock, but has 400lb ft of torque to get that long bed moving, and run ezefi and a 700r4 or 4l60 for a few extra mpgs
redo the interior stock but with speedhut gauges and a modern sound system
then drive the wheels off of it.

[68350]

oh man, that is one sweet half ton! The 402 should give you plenty of power

[nlped]

Welcome from Sweet Home Alabama! Hot Rod Toy is a wide open question. I would say that the 402 with a little love should be able to move that beast down the road just fine. The rest is all personal preference.

[1968aj]

welcome from another Houston member. nice truck. where did you find it?

[hotwls]

Originally Posted by 1968aj

welcome from another Houston member. nice truck. where did you find it?

Thanks! I can't wait to get it down here. My brother actually found it on craigslist in Idaho. He new I was looking but not serious about getting one so soon. Once i saw it and knew it had AC I made the call and purchased it. I'll see it for the first time in February.

I'm thinking of a drop, just not sure what kind. I don't want to loose ride quality or towing/hauling ability.

[hotwls]

Ok so I just found out that one of the cylinders is failing. it only has 25 pounds when the compression test was run. I'm told I have two options. I can either rebuild the 400 or put in a 350. What are your opinions on this? I am struggling with the idea of going from a big block to a small block. My family is pushing for the 350. Really all i am looking for is a faster truck that will smoke the tires and haul or tow a good size load.

[leftybass209]

Well what you are looking for is torque. By the time you purchase a 350 (aside from a crate motor) and put enough money in it to get the torque you're looking for, they'll both be eating away at your wallet for fuel. Since you NEED either a rebuild or a new engine purchase, I could suggest an LS swap. Better fuel, more efficient, and plenty of power to keep you purchasing tires every week.

[hotwls]

Originally Posted by leftybass209

Well what you are looking for is torque. By the time you purchase a 350 (aside from a crate motor) and put enough money in it to get the torque you're looking for, they'll both be eating away at your wallet for fuel. Since you NEED either a rebuild or a new engine purchase, I could suggest an LS swap. Better fuel, more efficient, and plenty of power to keep you purchasing tires every week.

thank you, I'll add the LS Swap in my research.

[undertaker72]

welcome to the board , that's a nice truck and the spid shows it has some nice options , looks very nice