'71 or '70

[Will Rotten]

If I remember right my dad said my truck was a '70 sold as a '71. Then I found it had front disk brakes and they didn't come out until '71. I ordered a service manual and my VIN number isn't showing up. Anyone??

[71threequarterton]

Changing the front clip is not unheard of but just out of curiosity, what does yours look like? Is it the "egg crate" style with the one big plastic insert?

Try this: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=vin+decoder

[Will Rotten]

I'll be. According to that chart it's a '72. I'll have to find the title the next time I'm back in OK.

[Will Rotten]

I remember my dad buying a part for it once and had to return it and get a part a year older. Could it be a '71 sold as a '72? If not, anyone want to buy a '71 service manual????

[Steeveedee]

Keep the manual! There are only slight differences between those years.

[Will Rotten]

Thank you 71threequarterton and Steeveedee. I wish I had started this while my dad was still alive. He was a jet mechanic in the navy but before that he grew up on a farm. He never taught me much about mechanics, except to not shine the damn light in his eyes... I figure I'll get help when I need it and I appreciate this forum to get information. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but that's never stopped me.

[rharris]

Originally Posted by Will Rotten

If I remember right my dad said my truck was a '70 sold as a '71. Then I found it had front disk brakes and they didn't come out until '71. I ordered a service manual and my VIN number isn't showing up. Anyone??

The T states it is a GMC, 1972. All other years would not have the first C or in your case T. Also, the number after the 4 (2) is your year - 72.

[rharris]

so it was a GMC, 2wd, V8, half ton, pickup, 72, St Louis plant, truck # 504723. Frame stamp should be 2S504723

[rharris]

also, 72 would not have the mirror pad in the cab roof, it would be on the windshield.

[71threequarterton]

Originally Posted by Will Rotten

Thank you 71threequarterton and Steeveedee. I wish I had started this while my dad was still alive. He was a jet mechanic in the navy but before that he grew up on a farm. He never taught me much about mechanics, except to not shine the damn light in his eyes... I figure I'll get help when I need it and I appreciate this forum to get information. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but that's never stopped me.

You'll learn just about everything you need to know here. I'm fairly new and super novice at this stuff so this place has been a great resource

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by 71threequarterton

You'll learn just about everything you need to know here. I'm fairly new and super novice at this stuff so this place has been a great resource

You'll not only learn just about everything you need to know you'll also buy some great OEM and NOS parts.

[BlazerBill]

Rharris, my 70 c does not have a mirror pad. Not sure if anyone else can confirm that?

[feller]

I've got a 72, VIN and title all match, that has mirror pad on roof, and it has been repainted at least, but I see no sign of a new panel being used?? I can get pics later. But this confuses me.

[rharris]

Originally Posted by BlazerBill

Rharris, my 70 c does not have a mirror pad. Not sure if anyone else can confirm that?

vins were swapped on these quite often. 72 was the only year that they didn't put the mirror on the roof. Maybe you could special order. I'm sure some others will chime in. Some people would relocate a 72 mirror to the roof, so the holes were there. But the bump in the cab for the mirror wouldn't be there, only the holes. Hope that helps. You could check your frame VIN to see if it matches the vin plate. it is located on the top of the frame near the power steering pump, or where one would be if it is non power steering.

[rharris]

Originally Posted by feller

I've got a 72, VIN and title all match, that has mirror pad on roof, and it has been repainted at least, but I see no sign of a new panel being used?? I can get pics later. But this confuses me.

Maybe it was a leftover cab used in 72 if you're sure the year is correct. I hope some back me up on the mirror. 72 also had different door panels, window regulators, and I think 71/72 only had a vent above the vin tag on the door jam. 71 is my favorite year - not a fan of 72 window rear view and door panels.

[rharris]

For those wondering, be sure your roof mounted rear view has a pad and not just screw holes. If my truck wasn't so original it would have those three little holes for the roof mirror. The below link explains some differences. I have a 71 parts truck, and my 72 driver. I could get some pictures if anyone wants. The original VIN tags were rosette riveted on. If your tag has standard round rivets, it was removed for one reason or another. However, you can buy NOS rosette rivets for about $20 a rivet to look more authentic.

If your truck is a 67-71, the fifth digit in vin would dictate the last digit of the year. If it was a 72, it would be the sixth digit since GM defined whether it was a Chevrolet or GMC.

Back to VINS - You could look on spid if available, however there are some very nice reproductions out there. The vin tag on door jam. The title, obviously. The frame stamp in engine bay, and a frame stamp under or near the cab. The frame stamps will be the last 8 of your title or vin tag. If your truck is a 67-71, the fifth digit in vin would dictate the last digit of the year. If it was a 72, it would be the sixth digit since GM defined whether it was a Chevrolet or GMC with T or C at the start.


http://pattson.com/maych/67_72_chevy.htm

[rharris]

For those wondering, be sure your roof mounted rear view has a pad and not just screw holes. If my truck wasn't so original it would have those three little holes for the roof mirror. The below link explains some differences. I have a 71 parts truck, and my 72 driver. I could get some pictures if anyone wants. The original VIN tags were rosette riveted on. If your tag has standard round rivets, it was removed for one reason or another. However, you can buy NOS rosette rivets for about $20 a rivet to look more authentic.

Back to VINS - You could look on spid if available, however there are some very nice reproductions out there. The vin tag on door jam. The title, obviously. The frame stamp in engine bay, and a frame stamp under or near the cab. The frame stamps will be the last 8 of your title or vin tag.

http://pattson.com/maych/67_72_chevy.htm

[Will Rotten]

It appears the mirror is attached to the windshield. But I do remember my dad having to return parts for '71 parts. Perhaps it wasn't rolled off the line until after July of '71?

[rharris]

The mirror and the vin plate with 'T' definitely yells '72. GMC front end or someone changed clip?

[Will Rotten]

It's 100% GMC. 76K original miles. All original. Only customization is two extra gas tanks under rear wheel wells. They don't work and I will remove them.

[Will Rotten]

Originally Posted by 71threequarterton

Changing the front clip is not unheard of but just out of curiosity, what does yours look like? Is it the "egg crate" style with the one big plastic insert?

Try this: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=vin+decoder

71threequarterton, I don't understand the "egg crate."

[rharris]

Originally Posted by Will Rotten

71threequarterton, I don't understand the "egg crate."

Egg crate grille in 71/72. Your GMC wouldn't have this. Gmc's used same style 67-72, some had black paint on.

[rharris]

so we now know some things about your truck. how about some pictures????

[Will Rotten]

Here's a few. The front right quarter panel is the only body damage besides rust. It's been sitting for 18 years. I'm just starting this project. Wheels are pulled and being powder coated. I'll throw some used tires on it to get it into the shop.

[Will Rotten]

A few more...