Looking for advice on 71-72 or should I buy newer truck

[dman535]

My wife wants an old Chevy truck. She was born in 72 so I have been keeping my eye out for one. I don't want a restoration project, looking for something that may need some slight mechanical work and that's it. We live on 5 acres and need something to just work the property. I also see a lot of later (73-up) trucks and was curious on any thoughts on the big differences. We are down in the south - so there are a number of decent trucks around, just wondering if there is any justification to buy a slightly newer truck. I personally like the two tone 71-72 models, v8 with a manual trans.

Thanks

Derek.-

[oldno7]

I would buy a 72 4x4, you will regret buying anything newer especially when your wifes bday is involved, you will always hav that in your mind if you buy something newer. These trucks are classic in you will fall in love with them. Good luck!

[ho70]

Well, first your asking the 67-72 guys which truck to buy, so if they answer 73+ they are in big trouble. Buy what you both like and down south there are ample good trucks available-good luck

[In The Ten Ring]

I'd get a 1972. 4x4 is a good choice also.

[djgebert]

Go and look at a couple of trucks. Sit in or drive a 67-72 and then sit in or drive an equivalent quality/condition 73 or newer. We won't need to tell you which one to buy because there will be no question in your mind. Of course I am a little biased in what I like, but I still think I'm going to be right about which one you will choose.

[hotrod68c10]

definetly get the old one I drive a 68 coil spring all around manual drum all around 350 rock crusher 4 speed and have been since I was 13 I am now 20 and work at a napa iv done 1 brake job many oil changes changed 1 distributor to go hei went ahead and replaced intake since it was coming off anyway went to alum hi rise from factory cast also did a fuel pump factory pump was leaking around crimp went with holley mechanical and love it bought it off the farm 4 1250 cash drove it about 45 minutes home with 1 working drum but the old rock grinder helps out quite a bit with stopping has been 100 times more reliable than the 02 Camaro I owned in highschool and the 87 niss 300zx I traded a neighbor a vizio tv 4 drives great in any weather I was able to get the heater working very easily takes very basic tools to work on her I would have been afoot many a time the cars let me down but the old cheby would fire right off doesn't get great mileage but theyre bulletproof bub also the 72 youre looking 4 will probably have front disc brakes most likely even power

[dman535]

I have a 77. corvette, so very familiar with the older cars, I just wasn't sure if there was some big upgrade on the newer trucks. I want factory disc brakes, so not looking at anything older than 1971. Is it my imagination or are the 73 up trucks bigger?

[Mike C]

How much money do you want to spend? As mentioned, this is primarily a '67-'72 truck board so expect answers to that question to be skewed! Mechanically, not much difference between a '72 4x4 and an '87 4x4. Same with 2x4. With that in mind, the earlier trucks, especially 4 wheel drive command a premium.

I have both, prefer the earlier trucks if all things are even, but the '73-'87 trucks are where the value is right now. (and V30 trucks through '91). Do you want 1/2 ton or 3/4? Or for that matter, do you need a dually? Manual trans or auto? Long bed or short?

No matter how you look at it, a '72 truck is 15 years older than an '87 so you figure it's going to need more things fixed sooner. (Keeping in mind the most important factor in a used car purchase is how big a moron was the previous owner?)

Cliffs Notes: Older trucks cooler but more expensive, especially 4x4. If you have $10k to spend you can get a nice truck regardless of year.

[djgebert]

Nope, no big upgrade. The 72 is the last year for the primarily metal interior trucks. In 73 everything turned to plastic. The 67-72's are classics, 73 on up are just old, lol. By the time they got to 75' or so they were way down on the horsepower and starting to get into all the low compression, pollution control engines. Look at a picture of a 70 Chevelle SS and a picture of a 73' chevelle SS or a 69' Camaro and a 75' Camaro and you will kind of get the idea what I'm talking about. The older trucks were just more rugged and about the easiest thing on the planet to work on.

[dman535]

I was thinking 2wd, long bed, 1/2 ton and more along the lines of 3-4k. I see a lot of survivor trucks in that price range down here. Maybe a little surface rust, no cancer that need some minor mechanical cosmetic work.

[Mike C]

I think you are on the right track. You should be able to buy a clean 1/2 ton long bed for $3k or so. Actually, you may be able to get an even nicer 3/4 ton as they seem to be in less demand. I sold my 70 GMC Sierra Grande and really miss that truck. It will be more fun owning the older truck and do most basic truck jobs. Look forward to an update with a pic of your 71-72!

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The 71-72 trucks are the best ones Chevy ever built.