Need opinions
 

I know that I will get lots of different opinions, but want some input from other truck guys. I have 1966 GMC 1-ton, original stake side, with less than 10,000 miles. It has surface rust, not really any good patina and I am not a big patina fan anyway. I will attach some pictures

My question is, do I re-paint everything to make it look show room new or keep part of it original, or all original? I will have to redo the wood in the bed.

thanks,

Re: Need opinions
 

you could also clean up what its there, polish the paint and have it clear coated.
Pull the engine, detail the engine and replace the seals .

Re: Need opinions
 

Give it a good wash with CLR. You may just like the beautiful nostalgic look and decide to just preserve it in its natural beauty.
Then start with painting the grill and the bumper.
They are only original once.

Re: Need opinions
 

A total no-brainer here. Preserve it.
Honestly, unless you have a ton of time and money that you are trying to burn, the choice is obvious. Also, the truck won't be worth any more after a restoration than it is now, maybe even less.
The reason is, what you have NOW is a rarity. With some care and knowhow, that truck will cleanup quite nicely, and for cheap. Any wear or flaws that still show will not appear like neglect, but rather honest character and proof of a solid, unmolested, well maintained vehicle.
Patina may not be your thing, but even in the highest of high end collector cars, original unrestored examples are getting the most attention and bringing the biggest money.
It's YOUR truck, so do what makes you happy, but after a restoration it's going to be just another restored work truck. there are lots of those.

Re: Need opinions
 

In my opinion, I would re-paint it all.

I'm not much of a patina fan either, but I love new paint.

Un-restored originals are something special, but more with cars and more so with better paint than what you have there.

Real nice truck by the way. It sure reminds me of my '64 C-30. One of my all time favorites. My truck also had all the original wood Stake Sides like your truck has. I reconditioned it and drove it as a daily driver for over 9 years. Did a lot of hauling with it as well.

Keep us posted on it.

Re: Need opinions
 

Look, don’t worry about it at all, send it to me so you won’t stress over this! I will be happy to help out a fellow enthusiast with this sacrifice.

Re: Need opinions
 

I'd let the rain gutters decide. That area is prone to rot. If it looks kinda rough up there you should do something. Once the cab rots you don't have much left.

Re: Need opinions
 

That truck is about as good as they come. I would just clean it up and drive it. No way would I paint that truck. Once you paint it its no longer original. That stake box is the cakes topping. It even has power steering

Re: Need opinions
 

Clean, preserve, detail, maintain. That thing looks great.

Re: Need opinions
 

I concur