What is it that attracts us to these trucks?

[eventhorizon66]

I thought I'd get some input from you guys about why in particular you like these trucks.  Most of us just own one, other's have owned or currently own more than they can count on both hands (you know who you are).

But I'm starting to have my doubts about whether or not to keep mine.  I have already spent an embarrassing amount of money on my truck and it's not even in the ballpark of something I would consider a fun-to-drive little truck.  Who knows what it will take before I can call it a hot rod.  I can't justify selling it now (I need to reclaim some of my investment by driving it some).  But maybe I should consider eventually giving it up to pursue another project, like a '32 coupe.  I really have no interest in owning several cars, just one daily and one hot rod.

Basically I want to know why you guys think I shouldn't give up on it.

I'll get the ball rolling.  First, I love the way it looks.  Seriously, in my most unbiased, objective opinion, these trucks have to be the all-time best-looking pickups.  I catch myself admiring mine all the time.  Second, there is some emotional attachment, being my first car and originally owned by my late father.  But sometimes I wish he had kept his '71 Vette instead.

[zieg85]

Parts interchange easily, fairly simple to work on and the looks of course.  Some day when all the 67-72 are all gobbled up these will bring high dollar.  I just like the body style mostly.

[VileZambonie]

If you used this truck as a learning experience then forget about the $ because that is priceless. It educated you and once you put a dollar amount on your trucks they no longer hold their value to YOU. So either you love it or you don't. If you love it keep it, and if you don't then unload it.

[eventhorizon66]

Hard to tell.  It's a love-hate relationship.  But I loved it alot more before it became such a money pit.  Your definitely right about the education angle and I have thought of that before.

I guess this was just a stupid question, because the answer boils down to personal taste, which can't be qualified.  I guess I'm worried that what I really learned is that I don't enjoy working on any automotive project.  I can do a good job in the end but nothing puts me in a bad mood faster than tinkering with my truck.

[VileZambonie]

You must learn patience and finding methods/solutions rather than throwing tools. We've all gotten mad but step back and say to yourself "Self, it's only a truck dude" Then have a beer and tell your woman to help ease your pain. If you thoroughly don't enjoy working on one of these trucks you won't enjoy working on any car/truck. Trust me!

[123 pugsy]

Looks like you should be driving newer cars/trucks that require less maintenance. You've got to have great drive to keep fixing up these things and if there's no tingly feeling when you just complete something and step back and admire it then I really feel sorry for you.
I just love working on my truck and my newest car project as well and there are no doubts about loving to work on these things.
Decisions....decisions...

[overthepond]

Me being a brit it has to do with having a vehicle nearly as wide as a lane, but everything on these trucks is where it should be and by far the easiest to work on,and that "get in my way and your history" look they have from a euro box's rearview mirror...

I'd find it easier and less work pulling my tranny than trying to remove my girlfriends failed power steering pump on her Pt cruiser (bread van).

[dunedigger]

I have three of these truck right now.  My fiance has two.  I have only gave up one of these trucks, it was my first vehicle I ever owned.  It was a 76 chevy longbox with a wood floor.  I was talked into dismantling it to get parts for my 1980 build.  I regret it and wish I could go back and smack myself.  I loved that truck and miss it dearly.  I have never sold one since and I want every single one I see.  Not just the pretty ones but every single one I see.  It's almost something I can't explain.  People are asking me all the time how much money I have into my blue truck.  It's not about the money to me.  I absolutely love working on them, it's like nothing else.  And I have no answer.  I have every receipt for ever part for all my trucks and I can tell you it is a lot but I have no reason to add them up.  I don't know how to share your viewpoint so I thought I would share this side of the fence.  I'll say it again, I will never sell one again but I hope to purchase more of these trucks someday.  Ok, I'll quite rambling

[loudnlow87]

its those square round lines, man. timeless

[eventhorizon66]

Truth be told, I can admit that I am very immature when it comes to my temper and that's my real problem.  I do a very good job controlling it with other people, but I'm very lousy at controlling it toward myself and my mistakes.  I just need to lighten up in general and not try to be such a perfectionist.

Even though I'm not satisfied with my truck in its current state, I have learned a few things about working on this machine, where not to waste money in the future, and a whole volumes in "expectations verses reality".  Example: 250 hp isn't nearly enough power to get my blood pumping, and that 700R4 has got to go (any way you slice it - it's just not a performance trans).  I have visions of a fire-breathing 383 and a TH400 in the future.  We'll see, thanks for all the advice, encouragement, and general ramblings guys.  And thanks for letting my vent my frustrations a little.

[DnStClr]

I don't think there's anything wrong with reaching for perfection. It's a trait we need more of in this 'throw away' culture in which we live. I enjoy your posts and hope you continue to share your truck mods with us. Never having the background for fixing up old iron, I'm one who thoroughly enjoys reading most of the stuff you guys do with your trucks. It gives me inspiration. If you need to vent a bit, there's no better place than here. It's a place where a guy can get listened to.  Now get back to work. We want to see your next mod..
 
 and -thanks for all you've already added to this site.

[Fordeatinz71]

THE SIDE IMPACT EXPLOSIONS MAN  !  lmao, naa, i love the looks, how solid it feels when i'm driving it, how easy/normally cheap it is to work on...

[choptop]

I'm with Dunedigger, I want everyone I see, and it is a constant battle to keep from buying everyone that I can afford. I guess the thing I like the most is the unlimited combinations, and setups that can be done with these truck. I am going to an auction today to see about buying a beatup 01 3/4 ton for the drive train. (Wish me luck) It has a 6.0 and I want it for my extended cab. Guys on this site have everything from the LS1 engines, Olds hotrod engines, to Cummins deisels. You can lift it, drop it, chop it, prostreet it or make it an open top roadster.They have all the disc brake, power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning systems that have to be custom built to install on most anything that is pre 70, but don't have the over engineered electrical systems that the 88 newer have. When tuned right, gas mileage is not bad.( My 86 extended cab gets better mileage than my 04 extended cab) .Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in my eye, these are art. Like Vile said, if you can't stand working on these, then noththing else  would be better. Once you get the bugs worked out, then you will enjoy it alot more. The problem is most people just patch the problems, so it is not ever properly repaired, and keeps coming back.
   I disagree on the 700 tranny not being performance minded. Like everything else on this truck, it can be built for it. None of these trucks were performance minded, thats why we rebuild them to our taste. Hang in there my friend, you know what attracted you to these trucks in the first place, focus on that and learn to take a  break when you start to get frustrated.Most of everyone here has gotten frustrated, and lost their temper at one time.

[VileZambonie]

and that 700R4 has got to go (any way you slice it - it's just not a performance trans).

Yikes! The 700R4 is cheap and easy (like my ex wife) to build and if done correctly will give you much better performance than the TH400

[eventhorizon66]

What do you have behind your 454, Vile?

I just absolutely hate the huge rpm drop between 1st and 2nd.  Maybe a gear vendors would be nice but that's big $$$.  What is your opinion of the gear vendors over/under-drive units for a performance application?