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03-05-2015, 12:13 AM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mukilteo, Washington
Posts: 48
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'77 Bonanza Build
I picked up a 1977 Chevy Bonanza 20 last weekend. It's got a 400sbc / TH400 with freeway unfriendly gears and 4x4. It's black and silver with red interior. This will not be my first Chevy to wrench on, but WILL be my first full size truck project... I've gone through the fluids, replaced lights n fuses etc (general maintenance). Seems to run good for a nearly 40 year old truck! I think I'm a bit overwhelmed by the rust in the body panels, but I'm also just stupid enough to throw the time it will take to try and save this thing.
 I will post the option code if it's in the glove box and take some interior pics. So far, the only few questions I have about this beast is: What's the ballpark value of this thing as it sits (I paid 2K for it) and it seems to have a lot of options on it for the year (dash clock, carpet, tilt wheel, fancier bench seat and door panels etc). I have some sort of tow ball mounted to the front bumper. Was that an option from Chevrolet or aftermarket or? Thanks for any replies or info. Dan in Washington
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If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side |
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03-05-2015, 10:30 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mukilteo, Washington
Posts: 48
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
I took a few more pics. I looked in the glovebox, but no spec sheet inside...
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If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side |
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03-05-2015, 10:50 AM
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#3 |
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Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 561
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
Yeah the yellow trim only came on the 77 year and the 75 GMC Gentalmen Jims. You may be able to find the build sheet under the seat in the springs/wiring. Also sometimes they in the engine bay on the drivers side fender hump.
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03-05-2015, 09:56 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mukilteo, Washington
Posts: 48
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
So I got home from work today and check the mail. What should be in there? A thick packet of information from the kid I just bought my truck from!! Inside, I see this:
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If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side |
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03-05-2015, 10:53 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 561
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
Awesome man. Nice options on your truck!
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03-06-2015, 09:57 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mukilteo, Washington
Posts: 48
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
Tomorrow is go to the junkyard day! Looking for mirrors, body panels windshield, bedliner and whatever else looks worthy! I tried doing a google search on the front bumper tow ball, but can't find much on it. Anyone know about these? It's not listed on my build sheet, so figure it was an aftermarket addition. I will probably just pop it off and deal with it another day... Anything rare on these 60's-80's I should look out for?
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If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side |
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03-06-2015, 10:34 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 561
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
I wonder what factory wheels came with this truck? The ones you have now look new.
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03-07-2015, 10:59 AM
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#8 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mukilteo, Washington
Posts: 48
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
Quote:
I was talking to a buddy of mine about springs. Seems you can re-arch them to get a few extra inches, but nobody in Wa does this. The HOT method of re-arching costs more than aftermarket springs and no guarantee that either method will last, although some say it worked great for thm and lasted over 10 years. I will probably just go with a 2.5-3" lift and run slightly bigger tires when the time comes...
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If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side |
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03-07-2015, 06:31 PM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Mukilteo, Washington
Posts: 48
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
Today was "go to the local junkyard and see what I could find" day. I scored a rearview mirror, a TH400 dipstick and some trim pieces. Most of the bodies on these old boys are pretty much gone. I will save up and buy the body panels new OR weld in some patch panels...
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If you can't see the bright side of life, try polishing the dull side |
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10-29-2015, 11:40 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 561
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Re: '77 Bonanza Build
Hows the build coming buddy??
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