Jason Jackson's 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-10 Longbed

25 September 2006
# 1677

From Jason :

           This is my 1972 Cheyenne C-10 Longbed. I bought it on eBay from a guy who relocated from Texas to Colorado and had to sell off his projects.

           The engine and auto trans are newly rebuilt. The engine block in not the original but has matching numbers. There are the typical rust problems in the rockers, door bottoms and bed but in overall good condition for the age. The truck is in excellent mechanical condition.

           What I liked about the truck is that it originally came with many options such as: the turbo hydromatic trans, 350 engine, Cheyenne trim, AC, power steering, disc brakes and leaf suspension on the rear.

           This truck is a daily driver / utilitarian truck. The truck is mainly “original” with a few exceptions such a as a later model seat, tilt column and after market steering wheel, later model wheels.

           My goal is to eventually restore (back to original, not lower and shave panels) the truck. I am in the Navy and stationed in Kingsville, Texas. I will be moved to Norfolk, Virginia in a few months so any major work will have to wait till after the move.

           I am not insanely anal about purity. I am considering either airbags for the rear leaf springs or a heavier set of springs to help with the towing and hauling capacity as I will be using this truck to help with my moves. I also like the stance of the ¾-tons so I plan on putting 16” wheels on if I can find some 16” steel wheels with 5-bolt pattern.

           According to the Restoration Kit from Chevrolet, 16” wheels was an option on the '72. I do have the (an) original seat and am recovering it with 1972 Cheyenne repo vinyl to replace the later model Silverado seat and I will replace the after market steering wheel soon. I have not decided on the tilt column yet.

           Eventually I will buy new doors, replace the rockers and other rusted, miscellaneous cab parts, replace the bed floor and repaint everything the original ochre yellow / white paint scheme. I do not care about having a pretty truck I just cant stand corrosion. For safety concerns, I may install shoulder belts and install a gas tank under the bed.

           As always any pointers from those with experience in '67-'72s would be appreciated.

Jason Jackson
"jason '72 longbed"
Bolter # 11993
Kingsville, Texas