Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tcwivwallace · 02-02-2016, 04:17 PM

Hi there everybody. My name is Ted. I am 19 years old and I just bought a 1972 GMC 1500. These old trucks sure are cool. Anyhow, I just wanted to see if anybody here has driven their 67-72 on like 100-200 mile journeys? Like I said, I just bought it and it certainly isn't a show piece, just my work truck, but my only vehicle. I have to drive it from Eustis l, Maine down to Southern New Hampshire. Any advice from anyone on what I should do in terms of not driving it or to just drive slow on the back roads? Thanks!

KEL · 02-02-2016, 04:38 PM

Welcome from Southern Maine.
I'll be keeping an eye out for you.
Nice truck !

Tcwivwallace · 02-02-2016, 05:05 PM

You should see me. Driving from Farmington down through. No highway for this ol' rig!

engineer_gregh · 02-02-2016, 06:10 PM

Any idea of what rear end ratio and transmission is in the truck? What size tires are you running? I drive mine on long trips but not over 65 mph as I'm running big blocks with turbo 400 transmissions.

68Gold/white · 02-02-2016, 06:21 PM

What's that white stuff on the ground???

Tcwivwallace · 02-02-2016, 06:33 PM

Hydra-Matic Transmission. I wouldn't know about the gear ratio. I'm just getting into mechanics and these old trucks.

54blackhornet · 02-02-2016, 07:11 PM

Welcome to the Classic GMC family ! Otherwise known as "Four Eyes " you have a unique vehicle for sure. Reach out to fellow members on our board that might be close to you, lot of experience and help available ......

frenchy51 · 02-02-2016, 07:15 PM

Welcome to the club! We need you "young guys" to keep our hobby going. Driving an old truck is no different than a new one-except it's way cooler. and I don't mean the temp....(showing my age)

bigdog55 · 02-02-2016, 07:40 PM

I have a 70 version of your truck. I just drove mine from east Texas to the Dallas area (aprox. 150 miles) Half of the drive was freeway an the rest back roads. It was a fun drive, I took my time driving it. I just put a set of 22 in tires on it. They would rub when my front end bounced.

hugger6933 · 02-02-2016, 07:59 PM

As long as it runs good steers and stops i say drive it all you want. A 200 mile trip shouldn't be a problem for you or your truck if every thing is on the up and up.Welcome to the site and to the 4 eyed world. Enjoy.

Ringo934 · 02-07-2016, 12:21 PM

I bought mine 350 miles from my house in Midlothian, Texas and drove it back the same day. No problems to report. I will admit, that I didn't particularly care for driving 70 MPH with a TH400 for that long. But, it was the best deal I could find.

HeavyD · 02-07-2016, 01:57 PM

Where I live everything is a few hundred miles away it seems, so get in and go. Like I have told my friends over the years, when these trucks were new there were highways and interetates..not new inventions. It worked then, will work now!

JCD · 02-07-2016, 02:35 PM

I have a 72 with the 350 two barrel with Dana 60 rear, and I use it as a daily driver.
I'm not sure of the rear ratio, but it's very highway friendly.
Surprisingly good on gas usage.

jim ellis · 02-07-2016, 02:57 PM

I have a 1969 longbed c-10 that I bought new and have driven it all over the U.S. Drove it down to Arizona via Idaho and Nevada in oct 2015without any trouble, and drove at highway speeds. It has a 350 with a 4 speed ,cruise control, air conditioning, and tilt wheel which helps make the long distance driving more enjoyable. Just make it reliable and have fun and enjoy.

jim ellis

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-07-2016, 03:25 PM

I would check the brakes and all fluids (brake, transmission, power steering, engine oil, differential) and all the lights and fix anything necessary before the trip.

Nice truck, wish I could trade you for mine since my right knee would appreciate the Auto trans.

Eddie H. · 02-07-2016, 04:43 PM

Nice truck, Ted

Maybe I'm different, I've owned a few Chevys, but I still prefer the four eyed long beds.

I have been driving my 69 GMC since I was 17. I'm 61 now, so yes it has made a few 200 mile trips without any problems.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-07-2016, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

I would check the brakes and all fluids (brake, transmission, power steering, engine oil, differential) and all the lights and fix anything necessary before the trip.

Nice truck, wish I could trade you for mine since my right knee would appreciate the Auto trans.

LEFT knee that is! (Never post before coffee consumption to spec)

Tcwivwallace · 02-07-2016, 10:39 PM

Thank you for the warm welcomes everyone! Feels good to be part of the "Four Eyes"! The truck will be all inspected this coming week. And more importantly, the trip will be next weekend. I can't wait to do the drive! I will be slowly improving everything on the truck as I drive it. As long as it's inspected, I can do all the work I want to make it my own. First things first, a cassette player! And some weatherstrips might help on the door :P

swamp rat · 02-08-2016, 12:59 AM

Had to fix these for you..

trac209 · 02-08-2016, 01:03 AM

Welcome to the hobby and forum

02-02-2016, 04:17 PM	#1
Tcwivwallace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Derry, New Hampshire Posts: 18	Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Hi there everybody. My name is Ted. I am 19 years old and I just bought a 1972 GMC 1500. These old trucks sure are cool. Anyhow, I just wanted to see if anybody here has driven their 67-72 on like 100-200 mile journeys? Like I said, I just bought it and it certainly isn't a show piece, just my work truck, but my only vehicle. I have to drive it from Eustis l, Maine down to Southern New Hampshire. Any advice from anyone on what I should do in terms of not driving it or to just drive slow on the back roads? Thanks! Attached Images

02-02-2016, 04:38 PM	#2
KEL 72 GMC Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wells, Maine Posts: 534	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Welcome from Southern Maine. I'll be keeping an eye out for you. Nice truck ! __________________ KEL Members I have met : 2014.02.01: bruceman1968, Mr Handy, colgad, RenoKeene, CaptRMW

02-02-2016, 05:05 PM	#3
Tcwivwallace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Derry, New Hampshire Posts: 18	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. You should see me. Driving from Farmington down through. No highway for this ol' rig!

02-02-2016, 06:10 PM	#4
engineer_gregh Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Smyrna TN Posts: 1,153	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Any idea of what rear end ratio and transmission is in the truck? What size tires are you running? I drive mine on long trips but not over 65 mph as I'm running big blocks with turbo 400 transmissions. __________________ 1971 Longbed BB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed SB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed Highlander Custom Deluxe 1975 K5 4x4 full convertible Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645165 Greg Smyrna TN

02-02-2016, 06:21 PM	#5
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,275	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. What's that white stuff on the ground???

02-02-2016, 06:33 PM	#6
Tcwivwallace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Derry, New Hampshire Posts: 18	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Hydra-Matic Transmission. I wouldn't know about the gear ratio. I'm just getting into mechanics and these old trucks. Attached Images

02-02-2016, 07:11 PM	#7
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,254	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Welcome to the Classic GMC family ! Otherwise known as "Four Eyes " you have a unique vehicle for sure. Reach out to fellow members on our board that might be close to you, lot of experience and help available ...... __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

02-02-2016, 07:15 PM	#8
frenchy51 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Orland, Nor-Cal Posts: 617	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Welcome to the club! We need you "young guys" to keep our hobby going. Driving an old truck is no different than a new one-except it's way cooler. and I don't mean the temp....(showing my age)

02-02-2016, 07:40 PM	#9
bigdog55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: TX Posts: 122	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. I have a 70 version of your truck. I just drove mine from east Texas to the Dallas area (aprox. 150 miles) Half of the drive was freeway an the rest back roads. It was a fun drive, I took my time driving it. I just put a set of 22 in tires on it. They would rub when my front end bounced. Attached Images __________________ Brian

02-02-2016, 07:59 PM	#10
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,257	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. As long as it runs good steers and stops i say drive it all you want. A 200 mile trip shouldn't be a problem for you or your truck if every thing is on the up and up.Welcome to the site and to the 4 eyed world. Enjoy.

02-07-2016, 12:21 PM	#11
Ringo934 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Toketee Falls, Oregon Posts: 42	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. I bought mine 350 miles from my house in Midlothian, Texas and drove it back the same day. No problems to report. I will admit, that I didn't particularly care for driving 70 MPH with a TH400 for that long. But, it was the best deal I could find. __________________ 1969 GMC C/1500 LWB Wideside 355 SBC/TH400/3.73 posi-traction Daily Driver. Carburetors, because I don't care to consort with that of the robot race.

02-07-2016, 01:57 PM	#12
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,167	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Where I live everything is a few hundred miles away it seems, so get in and go. Like I have told my friends over the years, when these trucks were new there were highways and interetates..not new inventions. It worked then, will work now! __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

02-07-2016, 02:35 PM	#13
JCD Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles California Posts: 352	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. I have a 72 with the 350 two barrel with Dana 60 rear, and I use it as a daily driver. I'm not sure of the rear ratio, but it's very highway friendly. Surprisingly good on gas usage. __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe Highlander C20 1971 Javelin SST New Project 1971 Demon 340 1969 SS El Camino 1968 SS RS 396 Camaro 1967 Barracuda Formula S 1965 140/4sp Corvair Monza Convertible Sorry, but I don't do Fords.

02-07-2016, 02:57 PM	#14
jim ellis Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: maple valley wa Posts: 46	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. I have a 1969 longbed c-10 that I bought new and have driven it all over the U.S. Drove it down to Arizona via Idaho and Nevada in oct 2015without any trouble, and drove at highway speeds. It has a 350 with a 4 speed ,cruise control, air conditioning, and tilt wheel which helps make the long distance driving more enjoyable. Just make it reliable and have fun and enjoy. jim ellis

02-07-2016, 03:25 PM	#15
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,855	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. I would check the brakes and all fluids (brake, transmission, power steering, engine oil, differential) and all the lights and fix anything necessary before the trip. Nice truck, wish I could trade you for mine since my right knee would appreciate the Auto trans. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.



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02-07-2016, 04:43 PM	#16
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Nice truck, Ted Maybe I'm different, I've owned a few Chevys, but I still prefer the four eyed long beds. I have been driving my 69 GMC since I was 17. I'm 61 now, so yes it has made a few 200 mile trips without any problems. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"

02-07-2016, 10:39 PM	#18
Tcwivwallace Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Derry, New Hampshire Posts: 18	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Thank you for the warm welcomes everyone! Feels good to be part of the "Four Eyes"! The truck will be all inspected this coming week. And more importantly, the trip will be next weekend. I can't wait to do the drive! I will be slowly improving everything on the truck as I drive it. As long as it's inspected, I can do all the work I want to make it my own. First things first, a cassette player! And some weatherstrips might help on the door :P

02-08-2016, 12:59 AM	#19
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Had to fix these for you.. Attached Images __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

02-08-2016, 01:03 AM	#20
trac209 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: winnipeg Posts: 1,107	Re: Just bought: 1972 GMC Long Bed. Welcome to the hobby and forum

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