What do we think of a 1970 Chevy pickup as a project vehicle?

[Hohn]

I personally love the styling of the 67-72 GM trucks.

I can get a 1970 locally for under a grand and it's pretty rust free, though it needs some dent removal on the passenger side of the bed. It's a 350/350 I hear.

A truck like this appeals to me as a project because it's cheap and easy to build, and the aftermarket for these trucks is HUGE-- you can get anything and everything for them.

Also, the trucks are super simple-- little to no electronics, so that makes the build easier.


Mopars are still my faves, but the rich folks have priced them beyond my reach. In MOpar land it's hard to find a potential project for less than $5K, at least something remotely desireable.

So I'm looking to satisfy my resto/mod/hot rod itch in a cheaper, yet satisfying way.


I guy I went to HS with had a 72 with a Corvette engine swapped in (I believe it was 327-- aluminum!), and that truck was a blast!

 

[phloop]

Go for it if it is a short/wide box 2wd. Those are really neat trucks. If I could find one of those I would snap it up in a heart beat. Still got's lotsa small block go fast goodies sitting in the shop.

 

[BarryG]

Also one of my favorites. I say go for it if you have the space and the time to deal with it.

 

[KBennett]

I like those years Chevy's as well and sounds like a cool project. Nice and simple and the parts are very cheap.

 

[Sled Puller]

The one that showed up at Indy was real nice.

 

[Extreme1]

The one that showed up at Indy was real nice.

That's as big an understatement as saying Jennifer Aniston isn't bad looking...

 

[Philip]

I talked to the gentleman at Indy for about an hour on his conversion.



He used 2nd gen engine mounts. He had a alumn raditor in it. But it was built to 2nd gen spec's. He had a alumn intercooler. He had to mod it to clear the hood latch. He cut a notch out of the upper support bar across the intercooler.



He needed to notch the oil pan a small amount for cross member room.



No changes were done to the steering in any way.



His biggest challenge was the heater box on that year truck. It didn't have room for the turbo and heater box. He trimed the box down and moved the heater core into the cab.



He had a factory tach dash. But he didn't have the tach wired up yet. He said he had a diagram for hooking it up. But he didn't go into details.



I like that year truck. If my W350 ever gets crunched I am looking for another 68-72 C/k30 for my drive train. I have had 5ea 68-72 C30's over the last 20 years.

 

[JLEONARD]

Excellent choice. I ran a 67 2wd shortbed for lots of years. I put a built up 292 6 in it and it would run pretty good for being a tank.

Would be awsum with a 6bt in it.

Jay

 

[fkovalski]

I had a 72' Blazer... greatt ruck to have... . easy to get parts, easy to work on.



Might want to check out this website---->Long Motor Company (LMC) Get one of thier free parts catalogs for your years. The parts are a bit pricey (in my opinion) BUT, the catalogs read like a factory parts manual! A great refernce.

 

[TowPro]

I had a 71 with 307 and 3 on the tree. Great truck. If I got another one I would make it stock, maybe try to find parts to make it a Cheyenne Like this one (way over priced)



But that is where the stock would stop, I would probably try to put a 4cyl bread truck Cummins in it with a mid 70's GM 5 speed (like found in the Monza line). I mean I don't need it to tow anything, just for looks.



Be sure to check out the cab corners and cab supports!

 

[scootergmc]

They are exactly as you say, simple, parts are plentiful, etc. I had 5 of 'em (projects) before I got married, then down to two, now none. Too bad for me. But I have to pick one up again, as it will be my daughter's first vehicle and will teach her the value of a dollar.



I would convert the drums to disc on the front end. If you need a geek forum like the TDR, check out: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

The one that showed up at Indy was real nice.

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[Sled Puller]

2Gen engine mounts? 24 valve or 12? They are different, I found out. Say, anyone need a brand new pair of 24 valve engine mounts? Straight from Dodge :-laf .

 

[DBogo]

i say they make great project vehicles, heres mine '70 chevy C20 350 w/4spd

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[fkovalski]

... heres mine '70 chevy C20 350 w/4spd

Uhhmmm... I think you missed a spot... . I see some dirt on that rear fender :-laf :-laf



Seriously- that is SHARP!!!



Is there something about yellow? was it just the most color produced during that era? Mine was yellow too (more like mustard yellow. ) In fact, it's nickname was "Col. Mustard!"

 

[RyanB]

I also took a bunch of pictures of that truck at Indy but non turned out:-( was it just me or did he have to cut the fire wall and move the engine back? I could be wrong but it looked like that to me.



If I do another conversion now that mine is almost done it will be into that style (70-72) long box 4x4... . I would love to have one of those more than the one I just built!



Ryan