Project Checkbook - 1971 Jimmy Custom

[72 tigger]

Wow- looks awesome! Congrats on almost being done

[lks dcvn]

Very Nice!

[tristan]

I babysat the truck at the show all day yesterday. If you ever need some validation on the time and money you spent on a 1969-72 K5 restoration, enter yours in a large mixed-make show and watch what happens. I am the only vintage 4X4 in a show that probably has 500 cars and bikes in it. I had people clustered around the Jimmy all day with lots of compliments, conversations and pictures taken. I apparently have been Instagrammed, whatever that means.

The most frequent questions were about the color, engine and the absent top, along with how long I have had the truck and what I have had done to it. I also had many persons who have family C-10s or 20s to sort out. I let a couple of kids sit behind the wheel if they showed interest in the truck, and I have to admit that several attractive ladies were granted the same courtesy.

[Chulisohombre]

Originally Posted by tristan

I babysat the truck at the show all day yesterday. If you ever need some validation on the time and money you spent on a 1969-72 K5 restoration, enter yours in a large mixed-make show and watch what happens. I am the only vintage 4X4 in a show that probably has 500 cars and bikes in it. I had people clustered around the Jimmy all day with lots of compliments, conversations and pictures taken. I apparently have been Instagrammed, whatever that means.

The most frequent questions were about the color, engine and the absent top, along with how long I have had the truck and what I have had done to it. I also had many persons who have family C-10s or 20s to sort out. I let a couple of kids sit behind the wheel if they showed interest in the truck, and I have to admit that several attractive ladies were granted the same courtesy.

That’s what happens with my 72 blazer as well. Im not even in the car show in most cases, just parked out to go to car shows, and every time I come back out to leave there’s a crowd around my truck. Haha. It’s a great feeling.
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[tristan]

Also looming is a decision regarding Project Checkbook 2, which I have had in storage for a few years. A great and desirable rarity in the C-10 world, and with the advance in collectible truck prices it is a lot easier to rationalize moving forward with a full-blown frame-off restoration and its costs.

[tristan]

I had a visit today to check on progress of the punch list items that I identified while the Jimmy was at the auto show. I was also supposed to test drive the truck but there are some minor mechanical issues to resolve before I can do that.

Most of the punch list items are completed, and as you can see the top has been re-installed. They still need to install the bolt covers on the top and lift gate as well as a few other things but it is nearly done. I had them yank the roll bar and repaint it parchment to better match the upholstery. The top looks good and it should given how much I have paid to get it straightened out.

[tristan]

Here are some of my HE accessories either newly installed or renewed. My life is now complete since my rear HE differential cover has been returned to the right color.

[lks dcvn]

Looks incredible - very nice truck!

[IronCanine]

Looks great with the top. Tough not to be able to drive it as good as it looks. Here’s to some road pics soon!

[72 tigger]

HE goodies look great. How much will you drive it when it's complete?

[tristan]

Originally Posted by 72 tigger

HE goodies look great. How much will you drive it when it's complete?

Thanks Kirk. The Jimmy also has HE transfer case and gas tank skid plates installed as well as the HE swing-away spare/jerry can carrier. The roll bar isn't Hickey.

I am conflicted about driving the truck at all and am going to have to sort it out. When fully complete it will be in something close to concours condition and driving it is going to degrade its value. Restoring a vehicle to new condition brings its own set of considerations.

[nds1968]

Very nice! Congrats on seeing the project through....

[tristan]

Not the last word on my project, but a nice capstone to it:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=785354

[tristan]

If my luck holds, the final chapter of Project Checkbook will be written at Mecum - Harrisburg next Saturday morning around 11:00 AM. I hate that I have to miss Truck Carlisle for this but first things first. I am neck-deep in paying my way through Project Checkbook 2 and have to make choices like most people. I will be babysitting the truck all day Friday if any of you happen to be going. If you have been dying to buy it but were too shy to say so then here is your great opportunity:

https://www.mecum.com/lots/PA0819-37...971-gmc-jimmy/

Wish me luck!

[72gmguy]

Good luck with the sale! I hope it brings crazy money! Beautiful truck!

[IronCanine]

Good luck. We are but caretakers and you did right by this one. Thanks for sharing the process. As always, she’s a beaut.

[Chulisohombre]

Good luck. Hope it goes well or went well if it already happened.

[72 tigger]

Best wishes on the sale! Don't let the mecum guys pressure you into letting it go for less than you need

[DeadheadNM]

Congrats! Good price. Wonder if that's a record for a Jimmy?

[tristan]

Thanks! I thought the hammer price was OK; not a blowout but I am content with it. The Jimmy got plenty of attention and compliments on the build quality. Mecum certainly has a well-oiled auction machine.

[IronCanine]

Let me add my congratulations for your result. Great truck, great build...and a lot of grist for the PCBII mill!

[CG]

Amazing build. I guess you built it to sell hmm?

What was the hammer at the auction?

[tristan]

It hammered for $57,000 so the buyer paid just under $63K with premium. I think it might have gone a little higher if it were a Blazer and if it weren't ochre, but I am content with the results.