resto or rod?? whatta I do? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

krue · 03-23-2003, 01:27 AM

I'm about to take possession of 70 GMC SWB stepside in good condition. 350, auto tranny, factory air (minus compressor), gauge package, was owned by one family and daily driver until 4 months ago. Do I restore it, or do I hot rod it?!? Can't make up my mind.

Longhorn Man · 03-23-2003, 01:40 AM

I say hot rod it, but with a "restoration gone wrong" theme. Make the body look fairly stock, same with the int...but a few updates.
Then go wild under the hood.

Longhorn Man · 03-23-2003, 01:41 AM

Oh, and welcome to the board from Central Ohio. I must say you are getting a sweet starting point for your project...which ever way you go with it.
GMC trucks rule!

1969 GMC · 03-23-2003, 01:42 AM

I think that whatever you do, you'll end up liking it a lot better if you decide what you wanna do with it at the outset. Both of those options have their pros and their cons, and you should just think what you'd like to do more, and do it (or save money for a long time...then do it...like me lol).

krue · 03-23-2003, 01:50 AM

My first vehicle was a 71 Chevy SWB stepside way back when I had more ideas than money. Now got a little more money and found this truck for $800. I don't know whether to restore it or do to it what I wanted to do to my first those long years ago.

LudwigTheMad · 03-23-2003, 01:59 AM

I say hot rod it!!!!

by the way (groan not again) paint it pink...cause pink paint will make it faster....

and chrome makes a engine run better.....

what ever you decide, we have both types on this board...which is really cool.

krue · 03-23-2003, 02:05 AM

Does chrome really make it go faster? I've got a buddy who just bought a chrome shop, he says it made his money go faster, but I will never paint anything pink!

*dtlilly* · 03-23-2003, 02:08 AM

I love old GMC trucks, the grille picks up chicks

Restore the body stock. If it's a 4X4 lift it, if it's a 2WD drop it. Either case, there is no substitute for horsepower and chrome. Welcome, and have fun.

68CST327 · 03-23-2003, 02:44 AM

Give it a moderate lowering to even out the stance, restore the body to stock, stick with original paint colors, put some nice (but not outrageous) wheels on it, then go to town in the engine compartment.

I'm trying to turn a 4600 pound 3/4 ton truck into a hot rod; anything's possible.

yellowgmc · 03-23-2003, 02:46 AM

i say hot rod it. it's more fun!

krue · 03-23-2003, 03:04 AM

the big problem with resto is the original color is olive green and I hate it

yellowgmc · 03-23-2003, 03:24 AM

well then how about black suede primer and flames?

68CST327 · 03-23-2003, 04:01 AM

Is it dark olive green, or light olive green? Either way, I think olive green is pretty neat, and, like any color, would look pretty good with a fresh coat of paint.

If you think about a certain color long enough, it starts to seem really cool to you, even if you didn't like the color to begin with.

72shadetree · 03-23-2003, 07:43 AM

try to figure out what makes you happy because you will always change your mind about little thingsbut when you get half way through a project and wish you had went the other way thats when you lose interst in something real quick.BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE WHICHEVER WAY YOU GO YOU WILL HAVE A BADASS TRUCK THATS THE BEAUTY OF THESE TRUCKS.good luck on it

Blue Beard · 03-23-2003, 10:14 AM

What ever you do will be right for you.

Depends on if this is going to be a keeper or not.

I generally keep everyting that I take off that was stock, so if I want to put it back I can. As long as things don't get too out of hand.

theo70 · 03-23-2003, 12:13 PM

You can try to go the resto route, but it only takes that one guy to lay rubber at the stop light and blow your doors off for you to see the light. I agree with 68CST327, resto the outside and go "Monster Garage" in the engine bay.

Dreaminator · 03-23-2003, 01:25 PM

Great question. If the truck has a lot of options on glove box, the frame is really straight, and rust isnt a big issue than maybe restore it. I thought hard about the same question and decided to have some fun and try to create a custom classic. Reasonable drop, nice suspension and rims, deep paint, and a whole bunch of horsepower and chrome under the hood. I plan on keeping this truck for awhile. Finally, think about the drive train. Torque is awesome, but do you really want to be cranking 3500 rpms at 60 mph? Kinda like going from one gas station to another every other day or so.

LudwigTheMad · 03-23-2003, 01:36 PM

hey Dream man one word, two sylables....Overdrive.....

and building for performance and building for gas miliage is the same concept, getting the most out of you gas.....

my "hot rod" burb didn't have a major change in MPG after hot rodding.......at least during normal driving......floor it and the gas went fast, but just cruzing around was the same milliage....

weasel29gm · 03-23-2003, 06:08 PM

Welcome and the main thing is do it the way you can afford and have fun doin' your truck. My term is '' build '' not rod or resto. That way you done it your way. Enjoy the board!!!

slogo · 03-23-2003, 06:55 PM

ROD IT!!!!!!!!!!

lukecp · 03-23-2003, 07:01 PM

I agree with most of these guys, restore the body to stock specs, maybe squirt a different color paint on if you want, and go wild on the engine and drivetrain. Maybe lower it a bit, add an overdrive tranny, sway bars, some sweet chrome wheels, and a hot motor under the hood. Best of both worlds. It would look mostly stock, but drive, handle, and accelerate better than a new truck, and look a whole lot cooler doing it

.

miket · 03-23-2003, 09:13 PM

I have to chime in...

I bought a 71 in the manner/shape...I am sticking with relatively stock height, exterior appearance except for chrome rallies...stock interior and just 3" dual exposed exhaust under the rear bumper...power train has been replaced with T400 and ZZ502 crate motor....I am keeping all the original parts just in case....

BraveDave · 03-23-2003, 09:44 PM

Rod that truck!!! I took my '72 Cheyenne Super to it's first show this weekend. It's "stock" looking but has late model drivetrain, is dropped with 17's. I got more compliments than I could have ever imagined. People really go for that cool look. BUT WAIT!!!! IT'S YOUR TRUCK!!! DO WHATEVER YOU WANT WITH IT!!! When it's all said and done, you have to be able to go out into the garage and say to yourself, "Man oh man, what a cool truck!" I say, To thine own self be true.

Brave Dave

grnddwn · 03-23-2003, 10:31 PM

You gotta Rod it. Its not even a question. 18's and 20's bags fuel injection. Just my opinion though.

ANY CAN RESTORE A CLASSIC IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!!!!!!!

grnddwn · 03-23-2003, 10:32 PM

ANYONE

Not everyone can type

03-23-2003, 01:27 AM	#1
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	resto or rod?? whatta I do? I'm about to take possession of 70 GMC SWB stepside in good condition. 350, auto tranny, factory air (minus compressor), gauge package, was owned by one family and daily driver until 4 months ago. Do I restore it, or do I hot rod it?!? Can't make up my mind.

03-23-2003, 01:42 AM	#4
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	I think that whatever you do, you'll end up liking it a lot better if you decide what you wanna do with it at the outset. Both of those options have their pros and their cons, and you should just think what you'd like to do more, and do it (or save money for a long time...then do it...like me lol). __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

03-23-2003, 01:59 AM	#6
LudwigTheMad Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Ramona, CA Posts: 2,033	I say hot rod it!!!! by the way (groan not again) paint it pink...cause pink paint will make it faster.... and chrome makes a engine run better..... what ever you decide, we have both types on this board...which is really cool. __________________ That's right, I'm back in the game again. No it's not pink..... 1972 Blue and White Suburban.

03-23-2003, 02:46 AM	#10
yellowgmc Getting cabin fever?!?!?! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: chisholm, mn Posts: 1,679	i say hot rod it. it's more fun! __________________ Member of the Discs Up Front Club 1972 GMC 1500 1994 F-150 XL 4x4 Tact is for people not whitty enough to be sarcastic

03-23-2003, 03:24 AM	#12
yellowgmc Getting cabin fever?!?!?! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: chisholm, mn Posts: 1,679	well then how about black suede primer and flames? __________________ Member of the Discs Up Front Club 1972 GMC 1500 1994 F-150 XL 4x4 Tact is for people not whitty enough to be sarcastic

03-23-2003, 01:40 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I say hot rod it, but with a "restoration gone wrong" theme. Make the body look fairly stock, same with the int...but a few updates. Then go wild under the hood.

03-23-2003, 01:41 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Oh, and welcome to the board from Central Ohio. I must say you are getting a sweet starting point for your project...which ever way you go with it. GMC trucks rule!

03-23-2003, 01:50 AM	#5
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	My first vehicle was a 71 Chevy SWB stepside way back when I had more ideas than money. Now got a little more money and found this truck for $800. I don't know whether to restore it or do to it what I wanted to do to my first those long years ago.

03-23-2003, 02:05 AM	#7
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Does chrome really make it go faster? I've got a buddy who just bought a chrome shop, he says it made his money go faster, but I will never paint anything pink!

03-23-2003, 02:08 AM	#8
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	I love old GMC trucks, the grille picks up chicks Restore the body stock. If it's a 4X4 lift it, if it's a 2WD drop it. Either case, there is no substitute for horsepower and chrome. Welcome, and have fun.

03-23-2003, 02:44 AM	#9
68CST327 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: USA Posts: 443	Give it a moderate lowering to even out the stance, restore the body to stock, stick with original paint colors, put some nice (but not outrageous) wheels on it, then go to town in the engine compartment. I'm trying to turn a 4600 pound 3/4 ton truck into a hot rod; anything's possible.

03-23-2003, 03:04 AM	#11
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	the big problem with resto is the original color is olive green and I hate it

03-23-2003, 04:01 AM	#13
68CST327 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: USA Posts: 443	Is it dark olive green, or light olive green? Either way, I think olive green is pretty neat, and, like any color, would look pretty good with a fresh coat of paint. If you think about a certain color long enough, it starts to seem really cool to you, even if you didn't like the color to begin with.

03-23-2003, 07:43 AM	#14
72shadetree KEEP ON TRUCKING Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: martinsville va Posts: 2,563	try to figure out what makes you happy because you will always change your mind about little thingsbut when you get half way through a project and wish you had went the other way thats when you lose interst in something real quick.BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE WHICHEVER WAY YOU GO YOU WILL HAVE A BADASS TRUCK THATS THE BEAUTY OF THESE TRUCKS.good luck on it __________________ 72 cheyenne 2wd lwb 71 k20 sons bassett va

03-23-2003, 10:14 AM	#15
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	What ever you do will be right for you. Depends on if this is going to be a keeper or not. I generally keep everyting that I take off that was stock, so if I want to put it back I can. As long as things don't get too out of hand. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo



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03-23-2003, 12:13 PM	#16
theo70 COMING SOON... Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ft Worth TX Posts: 408	You can try to go the resto route, but it only takes that one guy to lay rubber at the stop light and blow your doors off for you to see the light. I agree with 68CST327, resto the outside and go "Monster Garage" in the engine bay.

03-23-2003, 01:25 PM	#17
Dreaminator Dreaminator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Posts: 156	Great question. If the truck has a lot of options on glove box, the frame is really straight, and rust isnt a big issue than maybe restore it. I thought hard about the same question and decided to have some fun and try to create a custom classic. Reasonable drop, nice suspension and rims, deep paint, and a whole bunch of horsepower and chrome under the hood. I plan on keeping this truck for awhile. Finally, think about the drive train. Torque is awesome, but do you really want to be cranking 3500 rpms at 60 mph? Kinda like going from one gas station to another every other day or so. __________________ The Dreaminator Daily Driver 1971 Cheyenne 10 Lwb Tilt/Tac 402 .030 TH400.

03-23-2003, 01:36 PM	#18
LudwigTheMad Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Ramona, CA Posts: 2,033	hey Dream man one word, two sylables....Overdrive..... and building for performance and building for gas miliage is the same concept, getting the most out of you gas..... my "hot rod" burb didn't have a major change in MPG after hot rodding.......at least during normal driving......floor it and the gas went fast, but just cruzing around was the same milliage.... __________________ That's right, I'm back in the game again. No it's not pink..... 1972 Blue and White Suburban.

03-23-2003, 06:08 PM	#19
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	Welcome and the main thing is do it the way you can afford and have fun doin' your truck. My term is '' build '' not rod or resto. That way you done it your way. Enjoy the board!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

03-23-2003, 06:55 PM	#20
slogo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Morristown,TN Posts: 482	ROD IT!!!!!!!!!!

03-23-2003, 07:01 PM	#21
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I agree with most of these guys, restore the body to stock specs, maybe squirt a different color paint on if you want, and go wild on the engine and drivetrain. Maybe lower it a bit, add an overdrive tranny, sway bars, some sweet chrome wheels, and a hot motor under the hood. Best of both worlds. It would look mostly stock, but drive, handle, and accelerate better than a new truck, and look a whole lot cooler doing it . __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

03-23-2003, 09:13 PM	#22
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	I have to chime in... I bought a 71 in the manner/shape...I am sticking with relatively stock height, exterior appearance except for chrome rallies...stock interior and just 3" dual exposed exhaust under the rear bumper...power train has been replaced with T400 and ZZ502 crate motor....I am keeping all the original parts just in case.... __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

03-23-2003, 09:44 PM	#23
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	Rod that truck!!! I took my '72 Cheyenne Super to it's first show this weekend. It's "stock" looking but has late model drivetrain, is dropped with 17's. I got more compliments than I could have ever imagined. People really go for that cool look. BUT WAIT!!!! IT'S YOUR TRUCK!!! DO WHATEVER YOU WANT WITH IT!!! When it's all said and done, you have to be able to go out into the garage and say to yourself, "Man oh man, what a cool truck!" I say, To thine own self be true. Brave Dave __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

03-23-2003, 10:31 PM	#24
grnddwn belly dragger Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: sherwood park AB. Canada Posts: 696	You gotta Rod it. Its not even a question. 18's and 20's bags fuel injection. Just my opinion though. ANY CAN RESTORE A CLASSIC IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!!!!!!!

03-23-2003, 10:32 PM	#25
grnddwn belly dragger Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: sherwood park AB. Canada Posts: 696	ANYONE Not everyone can type

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