Classic GM Trucks - Would you drive one daily?

[Lynn]

Love this truck.
Only down side is a carb in your climate. If it were in MY climate the only down side would be no AC. But, for you, pretty much a non factor.

What a beautiful truck. I searched forever for a decent 1967 - 1972 C20 to use as a tow vehicle. Kept thinking there had to be one in a barn here in OK or down in TX that had been sitting a while, retired from light farm duty.

Never did find what i wanted at a decent price (was shocked at prices, especially rust free examples) so I "settled" for my 2002 2500HD with the 8.1 and the Allison trans. Not a lot of options, but only 87k miles and drove perfectly. After new tires, and catching up on deferred maintenance, and i could not be more happy with it. I love the fuel injection, and it is so comfortable. Being an extended cab with a full 8 foot bed, i doubt I would daily drive it. But for towing, it is great.

I used a modified 68 El Camino for about 7 years for towing. It always performed flawlessly, even though I did not go fuel injection. 1968 vintage Qjet and cast iron intake worked great. My only complaint with the El Camino was that it just wasn't big and heavy enough to tow a really large load (12k pounds) if the need arose. It would do it, but I was on the edge of safety.... probably the wrong edge!

I think the only way you will know is dive in and drive it awhile, after addressing the maintenance issues. Looks like a well done engine. I would be proud to drive it anywhere. Besides, you already have it. Work out the bugs and drive the snot out of it. Enjoy.

As stated, I really like the 67 - 70 trucks. After the newer body style came out in 88 (?), I thougt they were fantastic. Very sleek and clean. For years I detested the square bodies, especially when the newer style came out. Just thought they were too big and clunky looking. They did, however perform well (for that time period) and held up very well, being easy to work on. Almost bullet proof.

Maybe it is just because ALL the full size pickups seem SOOOOO large now (little guys like me and Mitch can't get in the bed without a step ladder), that the square bodies have kind of grown on me.

But.... 67 -72 and the 88 - 98 (or 99... I don't keep up with when the body style changed) are still the best looking trucks GM ever made.

[NorCam]

Originally Posted by Lynn

Love this truck.

But.... 67 -72 and the 88 - 98 (or 99... I don't keep up with when the body style changed) are still the best looking trucks GM ever made.

Hello Lynn,

I actually learned to drive on the farm when I was thrown behind the wheel of a 72 C10 pickup. A black one that I will never forget as I loved wheeling it around the yard and throughout the field. I've owned many GM trucks from 78 on up, but have always wanted a 71/72, just never found the right one...until now.

You're right...up here I really don't need A/C, but may add it if I ever decide to tear right into this one. Right now I am still assessing what I have and the 400 that's in it is looking really stout at the moment. I'll clean up some hoses, redo the pullies and remount a few things to clean it up some, and then I'll wait for some warmer weather so I can get out and torque on it to see just what this thing is capable of. It's setup with a tow hitch and I have a couple trailers so I'll also see how it pulls as well.

If it's good, then I will simply tweak whatever it needs to get it where I would like to have it. One thing is for sure, I'll be bagging some miles on this one as I have always wanted to drive a 50 year old classic truck as my daily. Was always jealous of the guys who drive these old classic 70's trucks around town during the week. Now I'll see if it suits me. :-)