Should I keep this '75 stock?

[blizno23]

Hey everyone!
This is a:
1975
Original Shortbed
Fremont Factory
250 Inline 6
3 on the Tree
Original wood bed
VERY minimal rust only on the lower driver door

Truck was the owner's truck at the construction company he worked for as an apprentice. He retired, then bought the truck off the company.

I'm struggling with the fact that maybe I should just leave everything on it, as I think I respect it too much to modify it.

What are your guys' thoughts and opinions?

[blizno23]

Pics fixed. Sorry!

[blizno23]

Do I keep it how it is, and save for one I can go to town on, or leave her just the way she is?

[mongocanfly]

Great looking truck...what mods were you thinking of?...
a little lowering and some nice wheels would really set it off without doing something that couldn't be undone...
Bottom line....its your truck...do as you wish...

[smokehouse]

That is a super clean truck just don't get to crazy and don't do something that can't be undone. That is sooooo clean.

[hatzie]

They're only original once.

[blizno23]

I wanted to lower it, throw an ls in there, and re-do the interior. Nothing too crazy, but I think I'd kick myself for messing with such a stock truck.

[mongocanfly]

Me pesonally..I'm not overly concerned with keeping anything stock....if it were some super rare ,numbers matching,only 1 of 10 ever built,,I might think about leaving it alone..buts its not..it may be 1 of 20,000 built..and I like to tinker to much though to not do something...if it were mine...it would be lower,tires and wheels,LS and so forth...and I'd never regret it...

[MJN]

It's your ride, do as you wish. IMO, the rides that are unique are the ones that stand out and in this case being bone stock and simple makes it unique among the lowered, SBC/BBC/LS swapped rides. Nothing wrong with those if thats what you want to do but not too many bare bones work trucks are left in their work clothes either.

[old Rusty C10]

I would keep that bone stock.. no lowering or anything id rock it just like it is

[blizno23]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. I think I'm going to leave it stock, and save for one I can modify with a clear conscious.

[57NAPCO]

Originally Posted by old rusty c10

i would keep that bone stock.. No lowering or anything id rock it just like it is

+1

[Dead Parrot]

If the mechanicals are in good shape, my vote would be to leave it stock. Might loose the ladder rack, front hitch and maybe swap the rear bumper for a less massive one.

If that is the original paint, it will likely buff back to a nice shine. Add a little wax and it could look showroom fresh.

Even if this isn't the truck you want, nothing says you can't apply a little elbow grease and flip it for a profit. Then find a truck with shot mechanicals that is begging for a new motor, transmission and interior. Could drive this one until the 'needs new guts' truck shows up. Shouldn't take long to sell a clean looking truck.

[4u2nv]

Will you be keeping the front receiver ball . They are pretty handy up front .

[Loco83]

A slight lowering job, run rally rims and a sport bumper, if the paint is in good condition have it buffed out and your good to go.

[stomper]

Sweet truck you have there! I'm sort of in the same boat... Threw some rallys on it tho because I couldn't find chevy dog hubcaps like you have! Usually I lower them immediately but I'm digging the stock stance and buzzin half dozen.

[SCOTI]

When a vehicle changes hands, there's nothing wrong w/the new owner making it 'theirs'. The 'they're only original once' creed would apply for me if it's a super low mileage, rare, no rust, time capsule. Beyond that, it's a truck & it's now YOUR truck. Make it reflect YOUR tastes.

More than one guy has taken a previously modified truck & returned it to original appearing so modifications can work both ways. Hacked dashes can be returned to stock appearing. Speaker holes cut into doors can be patched up if desired. Suspension mods can be returned to stock spec. Wheels & tires are changed all the time.....

If you like it as-is, leave it alone. Whatever you choose, it will be what you wanted.

[Vixvega]

8" rallys in back, 6" front, radial TAs for the sweet ride shackles in back, lose the ladder rack and front hitch. Drive it.

[nekkidhillbilly]

just lower it and change nothing else

[special-K]

I think your own inclinations are the one you should follow. Many giving advice are those who are only into trucks to customize. Many accuse me of being a purist for my appreciation of these trucks as they were built. The fact is I modify most trucks and leave some original. I have always appreciated the pure stock restorations but never could personally resist the temptation to follow my creative thoughts on making them "cool". I'm a '60s hot rodder at heart. But, as I've matured and these trucks have gotten older I have evolved from that day-1 tear into making it mine mentality. A truck doesn't have to be a highly optioned, rare optioned, used in a movie, or owned by a star to be worth keeping original. Yours is a great surviving example of a simple work-a-day Chevy Stepside, a continuation of the long lineage. Especially in Woodland Green which has been a GM truck color ever since Chevy started building trucks. It was always in the selections and when it wasn't in later years, it has remained to this day as a fleet color to service the needs of longtime businesses and municipalities that use the color on their trucks, same as Omaha Orange. The truck in my avatar is that color and I'm showing a friend's '69 Panel, the '92 I ordered, and a newer truck down below.

There are many different forms of appreciating trucks, and one of them is for their historic value, been helpers in building America and keeping it rolling. This truck is pushing on 50 years now. I doubt most here who are under 40 could appreciate that to the degree it deserves. There are two major clubs in American, both form around '72, dedicated to elderly trucks and what their contributions to the nation were... ATCA (Antique Truck Club of America) and ATHS (American Truck Historical Society). They aren't stuffy organizations like ATCA, Corvette clubs, or other such groups. In fact, their shows aren't judged. The trucks are brought our for the sheer purpose of sharing the appreciation. No rules on originality but certainly a great appreciation for the ones that are. IWe just love trucks. I'm a longtime member of both.

[ShortHaul]

Man that's a tough one. It is, after all, your truck so do with it what you like. But I can see the need to think it over. This one is an awfully clean, all original example... There are plenty of these trucks around still, so snagging one in a little rougher shape to perform your motor swap/drop kit etc wouldn't be too tough. And in the mean time, you can cruise this around in style! Take it to a few local meets/shows, you'll be surprised how much attention an original, unmolested square will get.

[Gregski]

that is one sexy hunter green step side girl, do whacha whacha want, but it's a beauty

[Rich84]

That is a time capsule. You can make it yours and keep it original.
Congrats on one awesome little truck!

[ShortHaul]

Ha! after all that you're selling it?


https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...971548541.html

[Warrens69GMC]

Hey, he's doing the next owner a favor by not modifying it. Then he can buy a square he can modify and have a clear conscience. I applaud his decision.