New to me 73 K20 Super Special - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stomper · 09-26-2019, 06:12 PM

Just picked this up last night. Not sure what to do with it yet. Cosmetically it needs ALOT of love but drives really nice.

**robs71** · 09-26-2019, 06:30 PM

Thats a good one to save..drives good is a plus. Work on it a little at a time and drive it.Also is a nice color combo.......good score!

stomper · 09-28-2019, 01:30 AM

Started a little clean up

Honest Bob · 09-28-2019, 08:23 AM

Love that color combo. They dont make anything this cool anymore.

stomper · 09-28-2019, 05:44 PM

I took the headliner out and It's not pretty. I can push my finger thru in quite a few places. Unfortunately I'm thinking this is a parts truck.

Honest Bob · 09-28-2019, 07:38 PM

Wooooahh yeah thats bad. Were there any holes in the roof? I was expecting leaking cab lights with rust that bad.

sweetk30 · 09-28-2019, 08:34 PM

sad death to this cab for sure with that much that high up . it will only get worse the further down you go .

**hatzie** · 09-29-2019, 01:32 PM

A 4x4 Cheyenne Super is a fairly high trim level truck for 1973.

Just because the roof leaked doesn't mean it migrated further down. A damp headliner from a seeping windshield gasket would've caused the inner roof skin rust you see without migrating down. Small leaks along the top edge can wick into the fabric and keep it damp.

It doesn't look like a body that spent a lot of time next to the ocean. A 1973 would've dissolved in the salt air.

Is the frame and underside that rough?

If the underside is OK you should be able to find a cab that isn't as rough to swap onto that one and patch up the outer bedsides.

stomper · 09-29-2019, 05:43 PM

Cheyenne Super is top dog. Someone should have told the PO that spray foam is not proper body repair.

NEVERENOUGH · 09-29-2019, 06:16 PM

I absolutely love the color combo.

WyattTX · 09-29-2019, 08:01 PM

I'd save the frame, front clip, tailgate and interior bits, and look for another cab, and bed. Once painted, no one would ever know the difference, aside from VIN not matching, unless you can legally swap the old VIN plate onto the other cab (I don't know the legalities for such measures).

**hatzie** · 09-29-2019, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyattTX

I'd save the frame, front clip, tailgate and interior bits, and look for another cab, and bed. Once painted, no one would ever know the difference, aside from VIN not matching, unless you can legally swap the old VIN plate onto the other cab (I don't know the legalities for such measures).

Supposedly it can be done in some states but you have to be very careful to follow the regulations to the letter. It's very very very illegal in the states that don't have regulations that cover it.

The fender bottoms and door skins look repairable. The rear fender arches need to be repaired. The rockers look like they need some attention too but they don't look awful. You need to get that foam crap out of the body ASAP.

WyattTX · 09-29-2019, 11:46 PM

Like Hatzie said, rockers, and door skins look like they can be saved. I just remembered one trick body workers perform is roof panel grafting. If you find a bad cab with a good roof, it can be put on your truck. Apparently people do it with the 67-72 trucks quite often (they make new aftermarket roofs for them).

I know it sounds like a lot of trouble, but a 4x4 Cheyenne Super is somewhat rare, and I think it would be a shame just to gut it, if it can be saved.

**MJN** · 09-30-2019, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomper

Started a little clean up

Nice find! Were you just test fitting the hubcap? Looks like it has a NP205 transfer case and the big Spicer hubs- this picture just threw me a bit. Any pics of the SPID available? My '74 K20 Cheyenne Super started life as a Custom trim level and I built it into a Cheyenne Super, you're lucky enough to have found the real deal.

stomper · 09-30-2019, 09:49 AM

More pix

stomper · 09-30-2019, 09:51 AM

More pix 2

stomper · 09-30-2019, 09:53 AM

More pix 3

stomper · 09-30-2019, 09:59 AM

More pix 4. Sorry about the rotated photos. They look right in my PC folder

stomper · 09-30-2019, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN

Nice find! Were you just test fitting the hubcap? Looks like it has a NP205 transfer case and the big Spicer hubs- this picture just threw me a bit. Any pics of the SPID available? My '74 K20 Cheyenne Super started life as a Custom trim level and I built it into a Cheyenne Super, you're lucky enough to have found the real deal.

The cap is just hanging there by a piece of clear tape. I like the look and I was just doing it for the visual. NP205 correct. I do feel lucky to have found it. I'm second guessing by decision to purchase. Original owner had it for 45 yrs then son-in-law. Was purchased in California, moved to Montana, then Washington where it's a shame it rusted. Looks like the guy enjoyed it alot camping and offroading.

stomper · 09-30-2019, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honest Bob

Wooooahh yeah thats bad. Were there any holes in the roof? I was expecting leaking cab lights with rust that bad.

Top of the roof/cab outside looks fine. There is just a little water coming in at the top of the windshield. It looks like it started there and made the headliner damp, then the owner sealed it all in with silicone from the outside. I'm afraid to take the glass out. The pinch welds will probably stay in the gaskets!

1976gmc20 · 09-30-2019, 01:22 PM

That would make a great firewood truck!

Also, you would always have the right of way at four way stops

Old65C10 · 09-30-2019, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomper

Top of the roof/cab outside looks fine. There is just a little water coming in at the top of the windshield. It looks like it started there and made the headliner damp, then the owner sealed it all in with silicone from the outside. I'm afraid to take the glass out. The pinch welds will probably stay in the gaskets!

I see you are in Western Washington. If you come over here to the East side of the state there are 73-87 trucks all over the place. They are dry and clean.
I even have a 65 that is nearly rust free.
You could easily find a decent donor truck over here and use it to fix that truck up. It would be a shame to let that nice truck become a parts truck.

stomper · 09-30-2019, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old65C10

I see you are in Western Washington. If you come over here to the East side of the state there are 73-87 trucks all over the place. They are dry and clean.
I even have a 65 that is nearly rust free.
You could easily find a decent donor truck over here and use it to fix that truck up. It would be a shame to let that nice truck become a parts truck.

PM me! I can take a day trip to Yakima.

09-26-2019, 06:12 PM	#1
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	New to me 73 K20 Super Special Just picked this up last night. Not sure what to do with it yet. Cosmetically it needs ALOT of love but drives really nice. Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

09-26-2019, 06:30 PM	#2
robs71 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Reading,Pa. Posts: 440	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special Thats a good one to save..drives good is a plus. Work on it a little at a time and drive it.Also is a nice color combo.......good score! __________________

09-28-2019, 01:30 AM	#3
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special Started a little clean up Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

09-28-2019, 08:23 AM	#4
Honest Bob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Easton PA Posts: 219	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special Love that color combo. They dont make anything this cool anymore. __________________ 1975 GMC C35 - Junk yard survivor. 1986 Pampered Private - M1009

09-28-2019, 05:44 PM	#5
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special I took the headliner out and It's not pretty. I can push my finger thru in quite a few places. Unfortunately I'm thinking this is a parts truck. Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

09-28-2019, 07:38 PM	#6
Honest Bob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Easton PA Posts: 219	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special Wooooahh yeah thats bad. Were there any holes in the roof? I was expecting leaking cab lights with rust that bad. __________________ 1975 GMC C35 - Junk yard survivor. 1986 Pampered Private - M1009

09-28-2019, 08:34 PM	#7
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special sad death to this cab for sure with that much that high up . it will only get worse the further down you go . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

09-29-2019, 01:32 PM	#8
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special A 4x4 Cheyenne Super is a fairly high trim level truck for 1973. Just because the roof leaked doesn't mean it migrated further down. A damp headliner from a seeping windshield gasket would've caused the inner roof skin rust you see without migrating down. Small leaks along the top edge can wick into the fabric and keep it damp. It doesn't look like a body that spent a lot of time next to the ocean. A 1973 would've dissolved in the salt air. Is the frame and underside that rough? If the underside is OK you should be able to find a cab that isn't as rough to swap onto that one and patch up the outer bedsides. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

09-29-2019, 05:43 PM	#9
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special Cheyenne Super is top dog. Someone should have told the PO that spray foam is not proper body repair. Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle Last edited by stomper; 09-29-2019 at 06:06 PM.

09-29-2019, 06:16 PM	#10
NEVERENOUGH Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chino Valley Az Posts: 210	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special I absolutely love the color combo.

09-29-2019, 08:01 PM	#11
WyattTX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Down south Posts: 518	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special I'd save the frame, front clip, tailgate and interior bits, and look for another cab, and bed. Once painted, no one would ever know the difference, aside from VIN not matching, unless you can legally swap the old VIN plate onto the other cab (I don't know the legalities for such measures).

09-29-2019, 11:46 PM	#13
WyattTX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Down south Posts: 518	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special Like Hatzie said, rockers, and door skins look like they can be saved. I just remembered one trick body workers perform is roof panel grafting. If you find a bad cab with a good roof, it can be put on your truck. Apparently people do it with the 67-72 trucks quite often (they make new aftermarket roofs for them). I know it sounds like a lot of trouble, but a 4x4 Cheyenne Super is somewhat rare, and I think it would be a shame just to gut it, if it can be saved.

09-30-2019, 09:49 AM	#15
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special More pix Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

09-30-2019, 09:51 AM	#16
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special More pix 2 Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

09-30-2019, 09:53 AM	#17
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special More pix 3 Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle



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09-30-2019, 09:59 AM	#18
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special More pix 4. Sorry about the rotated photos. They look right in my PC folder Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

09-30-2019, 01:22 PM	#21
1976gmc20 Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Montana Posts: 3,696	Re: New to me 73 K20 Super Special That would make a great firewood truck! Also, you would always have the right of way at four way stops __________________ Current/past Chevy/GMC trucks: 1958 Chevy C-60; 1965 GMC C-50; 1965 Chevy C-10; 1971 Chevy K-10; 1973 Chevy K-20; 1976 GMC C-20; 1977 Chevy C-10 Suburban; 1980 Chevy K-10; 1989 Chevy K1500; 1991 GMC V1500 Suburban; 2016 Chevy K2500 HD Other vehicles: 1988 Jeep XJ; 2011 Toyota 4Runner

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