!972 GMC k1500
 

Hello everyone,
Well, I did it, I bought a 1972 GMC K1500 from Montana. Green and white mostly original paint with no rust and nice patina. I have a few questions:

Where do you find details on what a stock truck like this would have in terms of numbers, original interior pics etc,? Want to figure out what I have in terms of original pieces

I would like to keep the truck as is with 2 exceptions:

What is best way to improve steering and ride? Steering box, springs, shocks, lifts?
The motor is not original SB and very underpowered. Thinking about a new motor wondered if any of you have put in modern NA small blocks from chevy performance ?
Open to any other ideas to make the truck better. As I said not restoring it just a few improvements...maybe a killer stereo?!

Thanks

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Where’s the pics?
As for how it’s equipped just find the spid, it’s usually inside the glove box.

Re: 1972 GMC k1500
 

Ok will do, any thoughts on motor or drivability?

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

[attach]Attachment 1814925

Attachment 1814926[/attach]

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Depends on the size of your wallet!
What’s it got for a motor now?
Pics would be nice.
Maybe a sharp tune will wake it up.

Re: 1972 GMC k1500
 

79 400
Suspension options I have looked at new springs/shocks etc. I would like it to feel lively and feel a bit tighter going down the road

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Nice truck! What size are your tires?

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

33x10.5 x15

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

I wouldn't change a thing. Put new shocks on it and drive the wheels off it. You want a fast truck, get a 2 wd and play with that on the side. The 4wd is heavy and it's intended purpose is to haul, pull and go places that a 2wd wont. You have bought a really nice looking truck. Congrats

Any recommendations for shocks?
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Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

I like Monroes, but if you ask a hundred different truck owners, you will get a hundred differrnt opinions. Don't skimp on shocks, they will make or break the ride on rough roads.

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

That 400 should have all the gettyup you could hope for
Tune up first then maybe an RV cam and an internal refresh
Rings etc.
As far as shocks I like monroe on my K20 but if you've got the wallet blisteen are excellent too
By the way congrats on a nice truck
Have fun

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Very nice truck. Congratulations

Thanks guys what brand of blisteins ? Anybody do lifts?
Any good info on where to buy floor mats and update stereo?
I know tons of questions I’m just fired up to do stuff!!
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Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Looks like a nice truck! More pics please.

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

The only thing I would do to that truck is add gasoline. It looks perfect as it sits...don’t screw it up :lol:

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

:agree:

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Real nice truck, enjoy it. Can't quite tell, but has someone stuffed a highlander seat cover in there? Originally would have been olive with olive cloth, would love to see what's in there now. Great looking truck, you bought a very nice rig. Welcome to the forum.

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Truck looks great

4x4s are not rocket ships but if everything is functioning and tuned right it will drive good and be able to move how it is.

steering and suspension inspect everything and find out what is worn out and start replacing it. Again the 4x4s don't steer and handle the greatest as trucks were trucks back then.

To learn about these trucks post pictures, ask specific questions and use the search bar at the top

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

More pics curious what the factory interior should look like
The shocks appear to be original as does the bed
Did they put build sheets in these?
I have owned a few survivor muscle cars so I get everyones vibe about leaving well enough alone. I also know that when a vehicle can have a few "upgrades" to make it more enjoyable to drive, I put radials on my MC, that can be fun too, hence my questions.
Motor wise I don't want to be a race truck but have some power and sound good too, maybe some headers>
Anyway thanks for all the feedback

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

Your interior would have had dark olive vinyl with dark olive cloth inserts and dark olive door panels. Looks great as is, I wouldn't touch a thing. Highlander option was a C10-30 thing, not available for K's that I'm aware. At least that's what the book says. Anyway, your SPID tells the tale. Pic below is a medium olive paint truck, but these are the door panels and seat cover that your truck came with:

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

When it says on the SPID:
Floor board?
Full wheel covers, what do they look like?
Custom deluxe equip

Where is the best way to look these items up?

Re: !972 GMC k1500
 

You can become one with the search function at the top of the page (just remember to click the 67-72 radio button before you search so that it limits the results to this site).
Floor board just means wood bed, it was optional, standard was steel in this year.
Full wheel covers are available on 1/2 ton only, pic below. GMC would have had a GMC center emblem, otherwise the same.
Custom Deluxe is the trim level. It is 1 up from a Custom, but below Cheyenne and Cheyenne Super (and their GMC equivalents).