I can see a chink of light at the end of the tunnel for the Midas project now that I have had some assistance with the electrics. Once it is complete, I am considering going in a very different direction for my next Retro project, if funds allow. The Midas is tiny. I am not, not anymore, and I have always fancied something US-flavoured (flavored?). Having grown up in the 70s and 80s watching a large amount of US-based TV such as the Dukes of Hazzard, TJ Hooker, Hunter, The Fall Guy, Knight Rider etc (the latter 2 were sponsored by GM so most of the vehicles used were GM products), the 73-87 "Square Body" pick ups do appeal.
Has anyone on here owned one, or used one? It would be good to hear of any problems encountered. I know of some the pitfalls ("taco-ing" the hood and chassis cracking where the steering box mounts to for example), but I would imagine that they're relatively easy things to work on. My ideal truck would not be that far from stock, as I am not really into putting a huge amount of mods on it (apart from maybe the engine); obviously I'd like to ensure that it's sound and that all the suspension has been looked at and bushes replaced or upgraded. I'd just like a good, usable and working vehicle that could be improved with some mild mods. I've always wanted a V8 as well - a small block sounds the more sensible* approach - not sure of the need for a 454 in Suffolk!
* because 5.7 litres is perfectly sensible, right?
A heavily patina'd truck is my idea of hell though (I am aware that this look is popular though) - a decent single colour or 2-tone truck would be nice. Am I right in thinking that the difference between an SWB and LWB is 2 feet - the beds being either 6 or 8 feet? Are these the C10 and C20? It'd be the shorter one I'd want. I am also aware that to get a decent condition one I'd most likely be looking at £10k plus. Would it be more financially viable to source a US truck via a company that finds vehicles and have them import it? I am thinking that the choice in the US would be significantly higher than over here!
Happy to listen to any advice, pitfalls, etc. This would purely be a toy, to use only a few thousand miles a year, but I'd like something working this time!
As penance here's a couple of square bodies - a 76 stepside I saw at the local Shotley pub meet last year (it's now been sold and has reappeared for sale elsewhere, but it's an inline 6 and a bit too patina'd), and a nice two-tone truck I saw in Orlando - although I am not 100% sure it's not the later 87-onwards GMC 1500...
Has anyone on here owned one, or used one? It would be good to hear of any problems encountered. I know of some the pitfalls ("taco-ing" the hood and chassis cracking where the steering box mounts to for example), but I would imagine that they're relatively easy things to work on. My ideal truck would not be that far from stock, as I am not really into putting a huge amount of mods on it (apart from maybe the engine); obviously I'd like to ensure that it's sound and that all the suspension has been looked at and bushes replaced or upgraded. I'd just like a good, usable and working vehicle that could be improved with some mild mods. I've always wanted a V8 as well - a small block sounds the more sensible* approach - not sure of the need for a 454 in Suffolk!
* because 5.7 litres is perfectly sensible, right?
A heavily patina'd truck is my idea of hell though (I am aware that this look is popular though) - a decent single colour or 2-tone truck would be nice. Am I right in thinking that the difference between an SWB and LWB is 2 feet - the beds being either 6 or 8 feet? Are these the C10 and C20? It'd be the shorter one I'd want. I am also aware that to get a decent condition one I'd most likely be looking at £10k plus. Would it be more financially viable to source a US truck via a company that finds vehicles and have them import it? I am thinking that the choice in the US would be significantly higher than over here!
Happy to listen to any advice, pitfalls, etc. This would purely be a toy, to use only a few thousand miles a year, but I'd like something working this time!
As penance here's a couple of square bodies - a 76 stepside I saw at the local Shotley pub meet last year (it's now been sold and has reappeared for sale elsewhere, but it's an inline 6 and a bit too patina'd), and a nice two-tone truck I saw in Orlando - although I am not 100% sure it's not the later 87-onwards GMC 1500...
Ax GTi Turbo
