Need opinions: What to do with $500? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jmil1974 · 01-02-2003, 11:45 AM

Well, I am stuck. I have $500 from Christmas that I am going to spend on ole Shirley. Question is, what should I do? Here's some options I have been kicking around:

OD tranny, there's a built 200-4r on ebay right now. Would be damn near a bolt in deal, important for my skill level. This would make it cheaper to drive her (MPG) more often.

Checkmate soft cover and exhaust, would be more palatable to look at and for the wifey's ears.

Power windows and locks and sound deadener,nicer to drive

New bed wood and shocks, nicer to drive and look at

Gas tank relo and stereo additions
(have CD, amp, 6x9s - would add sub, eq, and maybe dash speakers) -- just cooler to drive

Piece together a TPI or TBI (more likely) EFI system. more driveable and maybe some MPG

I am feeling a little flaky about priorities as none of it is truly NECESSARY and I just want to do it ALL.

Any thoughts, considerations, or new ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Jason

adamls · 01-02-2003, 11:47 AM

You cant beat EFI for ease of use. Nothing like a quick fire on a cold morning.

AndrewDT · 01-02-2003, 11:52 AM

Cold morning? In TX? I think the new wood bed would give you a nice warm feeling every time you looked at it.

adamls · 01-02-2003, 11:56 AM

I am sitting at nice refreshing 9 degrees right now. Yestereday the same with 40 mph winds.

AndrewDT · 01-02-2003, 12:02 PM

Surely you mean 9 degrees Celsius! That's crazy that you're colder than me! It's 15 here.

My '72 is a more reliable starter than my late model cars.

adamls · 01-02-2003, 12:11 PM

Crazy TX panhandle weather. It snowed last night. Supposed to be 60 tomorrow. It is 10:30 and the sun is finally hitting the thermometer it reads 22.

70c10 · 01-02-2003, 12:12 PM

Jason, I'm in the same boat as you!. I can't remember what your truck looks like. If you have nice paint, I would do the bed wood and shocks. That's just me. I was planning on lowering my truck but now I'm going to upgrade my ignition and paint the inside of my bed for about the same cost.

jmil1974 · 01-02-2003, 12:35 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...2&goto=newpost

Here's the post with pics. Well, in Houston, I call cold anything other than properly warmed up.

I have been thinking I could set her up with TBI pretty reasonably, or the OD tranny. The bed or bed cover would be nicest for looks, for sure. I will be doing some serious hauling come spring so I may wait on the wood. Or I may Line-X the bed walls and wheel wells and do the wood anyway. That way I'd have a pretty AND useful bed.

I just have this nagging feeling that something will break as soon as I spend the money.

ANY more thoughts/opinions would be GREAT!

70c10 · 01-02-2003, 12:47 PM

Now I remember it, lookin' good!. What are you going to do about the dash pad?, are you filling it or ??????

Bill72BB · 01-02-2003, 12:56 PM

I would go with eather the EFI or Tranny ,both will pay you back in the long run .

hecticblasts · 01-02-2003, 01:07 PM

jmil1974,it's always been my aproach to take care of the machanicals first,in my opinion there's no sense in looking good if the vehicle can't run worth a crap.If I take care of the running aspects of the truck then I'll not be leaving greassy prints and worst,scratching the paintjob when I have to go back and fix something.The only problem is that a lot of those things are unseen,for example,redoing the suspension will give a nice ride and peace of mind but it doesn't show so we tend to neglect it,the same goes for the whole brake system.Since you asked for opinions i'll give you mine.I'll make sure that the truck is running,steering and bracking good,if I'm satisfied with that I'll take care of the bed,since without a useful bed we might as well be driving a car

.I like your idea of the line x on the sides of the bed,I got my '02 Silverado sprayed last year and I really like it.I may just do the same on my '72 C-20 as well.HF

jmil1974 · 01-02-2003, 01:42 PM

Oops, I am definitely going to do the dash pad, hehe. I just can't decide b/t black or beige.
Better make that $425. That may make it even tougher to put together EFI. Tranny might still be do-able though.
hectic, got brand new brakes on all 4 wheels-including power discs, new "motor", and a redone radiator. I THINK I have my running basics covered. (sh!t, I hope so).

Might go with exhaust (which would also allow me to install my receiver hitch) and stereo. Decisions, decisions . .

Keep 'em coming!

Mudder · 01-02-2003, 01:53 PM

I have some cool ideas but I need about 500 bucks to test them. Send me the 500 bucks then I'll let ya know how they turn out so you wont be throwing your money away when you try them. LOL Good idea?

Project1970 · 01-02-2003, 01:56 PM

I think, if you're careful, you can get away with a TPI setup for under $425...it'd take some good dealing on eBay, though.

jmil1974 · 01-02-2003, 01:59 PM

LOL, I'm surprised it took this many posts for someone to suggest that!

**COBALT** · 01-02-2003, 04:34 PM

No kidding. The first thing that popped into my head when I saw this post was "Well....you can just give it to me!". Donate it to the Cobalt Restoration Society. Members totaling 1.

My priorities are going to be quickly focused on body and asthetics soon, since I have 99.9% of the mechanical stuff licked. You sound like you're at the same leg of the truck journey as myself, but you have a truck that actually looks pretty. Mine looks nasty, but runs like a top.

If the bed metal is in good shape then I'd go with a new bed kit. Anything on exhaust or intake you'd want to upgrade? What about ignition, or heating and cooling? I thought about a secondary cooler for the transmission, or you could start saving for new heads. I have to start saving for the the all-important body restoration. I'd skip the 200-R4 only because I had one in a blazer once and it sucked a$$. I'll never run one of those again. I'll stick with my TH400.

*rayville body* · 01-02-2003, 05:05 PM

i have a friend that has or had a TPI setup for a small block chevy. he wanted $150 for it. comes with computer and wiring. if you want it i can find out if he still has it.

Dandeluxe · 01-02-2003, 06:15 PM

ID GO WITH A GAYLORDS FIBERGLASS LID THEY ARE AWESOME

XXL · 01-02-2003, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudder67
I have some cool ideas but I need about 500 bucks to test them. Send me the 500 bucks then I'll let ya know how they turn out so you wont be throwing your money away when you try them. LOL Good idea?

What's wrong with you people??? It took 13 posts to this thread for somebody to post a smarta$$ response!

If I had seen it earlier, I would have definitely beat Mudder67 to it. Now that he's stolen my thunder, I'm going to have to sit here and sulk... unless you want to send me that $500 to make me feel better

I'd go with the exhaust, bed, dash, etc., before the FI. I think you'd regret going with a TBI but I don't think you've got enough in your Xmas kitty for much more than that

Kenneth

**NGN** · 01-02-2003, 07:45 PM

If you like to put a hitch on and the exhaust is in the way i'd go for new exhaust and a good class hitch. I like using a trailer for moving materials instead of the bed,keeps it dent and scratch free. I recently used my trailer to pick up a truck frame in Ind. from N.J.(about 28 hours round trip) It worked out great. Also like it cause it's better on your truck and sits low, nice for putting things on and off, I hate went my back takes a sh!t. Gas tank relocated and stereo additions also nice. And that's only if the truck already goes - handles and stop with no problems.
Good luck take care
Nick

jays68yak · 01-02-2003, 07:52 PM

Im lazy so I would say power windows and locks.

The OD is going to be more then $500 once you get all the parts. Prob be cheaper if you not going from a 4 speed like Iam.

Project1970 · 01-03-2003, 02:56 AM

Yeah, but OD is still gonna be more than $500...a well-built 4-speed auto is going to be at least $800, really, for the tranny alone.

**GMCPaul** · 01-03-2003, 03:24 AM

Go shopping on ebay for a complete MPFI system out of a mid-80's-late 80's Corvette, or Camaro. Some of these systems sell for as low as $250 on ebay complete. That leaves you another $100 to get a custom prom burnt. I suggested the early to mid 80's systems as they are Mass Air Flow Systems rather than speed density designed systems ( MAF is better than Speed Density systems ), the computers that come with them are not for computer controlled transmissions, the Corvette VATS ( Vehicle Anti-Theft System ) system is easily overridden with a 555 timer circuit with it all you need is ground and 12v then the output goes to the vats input on the computer.
Its the direction we are beginning to take with our trucks fuel systems. I would hold out on getting the tranny as you would be much happier with a 700R4 over the 200R4, the 700R4 is a better tranny.
GMCPaul

01-02-2003, 11:45 AM	#1
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	Need opinions: What to do with $500? Well, I am stuck. I have $500 from Christmas that I am going to spend on ole Shirley. Question is, what should I do? Here's some options I have been kicking around: OD tranny, there's a built 200-4r on ebay right now. Would be damn near a bolt in deal, important for my skill level. This would make it cheaper to drive her (MPG) more often. Checkmate soft cover and exhaust, would be more palatable to look at and for the wifey's ears. Power windows and locks and sound deadener,nicer to drive New bed wood and shocks, nicer to drive and look at Gas tank relo and stereo additions (have CD, amp, 6x9s - would add sub, eq, and maybe dash speakers) -- just cooler to drive Piece together a TPI or TBI (more likely) EFI system. more driveable and maybe some MPG I am feeling a little flaky about priorities as none of it is truly NECESSARY and I just want to do it ALL. Any thoughts, considerations, or new ideas would be appreciated! Thanks! Jason __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

01-02-2003, 11:47 AM	#2
adamls Gotta Startem Early Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Amarillo, TX, USA Posts: 364	You cant beat EFI for ease of use. Nothing like a quick fire on a cold morning. __________________ 67 SWB In Progress, one piece at a time, maybe 3 years I will be finished

01-02-2003, 11:52 AM	#3
AndrewDT Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Woods, Minnesota Posts: 196	Cold morning? In TX? I think the new wood bed would give you a nice warm feeling every time you looked at it. __________________ '72 Suburban 4X4 "Save the Earth, kill yourself"

01-02-2003, 11:56 AM	#4
adamls Gotta Startem Early Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Amarillo, TX, USA Posts: 364	I am sitting at nice refreshing 9 degrees right now. Yestereday the same with 40 mph winds. __________________ 67 SWB In Progress, one piece at a time, maybe 3 years I will be finished

01-02-2003, 12:02 PM	#5
AndrewDT Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Woods, Minnesota Posts: 196	Surely you mean 9 degrees Celsius! That's crazy that you're colder than me! It's 15 here. My '72 is a more reliable starter than my late model cars. __________________ '72 Suburban 4X4 "Save the Earth, kill yourself" Last edited by AndrewDT; 01-02-2003 at 12:06 PM.

01-02-2003, 12:11 PM	#6
adamls Gotta Startem Early Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Amarillo, TX, USA Posts: 364	Crazy TX panhandle weather. It snowed last night. Supposed to be 60 tomorrow. It is 10:30 and the sun is finally hitting the thermometer it reads 22. __________________ 67 SWB In Progress, one piece at a time, maybe 3 years I will be finished

01-02-2003, 12:12 PM	#7
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Jason, I'm in the same boat as you!. I can't remember what your truck looks like. If you have nice paint, I would do the bed wood and shocks. That's just me. I was planning on lowering my truck but now I'm going to upgrade my ignition and paint the inside of my bed for about the same cost. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-02-2003, 12:35 PM	#8
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...2&goto=newpost Here's the post with pics. Well, in Houston, I call cold anything other than properly warmed up. I have been thinking I could set her up with TBI pretty reasonably, or the OD tranny. The bed or bed cover would be nicest for looks, for sure. I will be doing some serious hauling come spring so I may wait on the wood. Or I may Line-X the bed walls and wheel wells and do the wood anyway. That way I'd have a pretty AND useful bed. I just have this nagging feeling that something will break as soon as I spend the money. ANY more thoughts/opinions would be GREAT! __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

01-02-2003, 12:47 PM	#9
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Now I remember it, lookin' good!. What are you going to do about the dash pad?, are you filling it or ?????? __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-02-2003, 12:56 PM	#10
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,980	I would go with eather the EFI or Tranny ,both will pay you back in the long run . __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

01-02-2003, 01:07 PM	#11
hecticblasts Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Concord,NC Posts: 94	jmil1974,it's always been my aproach to take care of the machanicals first,in my opinion there's no sense in looking good if the vehicle can't run worth a crap.If I take care of the running aspects of the truck then I'll not be leaving greassy prints and worst,scratching the paintjob when I have to go back and fix something.The only problem is that a lot of those things are unseen,for example,redoing the suspension will give a nice ride and peace of mind but it doesn't show so we tend to neglect it,the same goes for the whole brake system.Since you asked for opinions i'll give you mine.I'll make sure that the truck is running,steering and bracking good,if I'm satisfied with that I'll take care of the bed,since without a useful bed we might as well be driving a car .I like your idea of the line x on the sides of the bed,I got my '02 Silverado sprayed last year and I really like it.I may just do the same on my '72 C-20 as well.HF

01-02-2003, 01:42 PM	#12
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	Oops, I am definitely going to do the dash pad, hehe. I just can't decide b/t black or beige. Better make that $425. That may make it even tougher to put together EFI. Tranny might still be do-able though. hectic, got brand new brakes on all 4 wheels-including power discs, new "motor", and a redone radiator. I THINK I have my running basics covered. (sh!t, I hope so). Might go with exhaust (which would also allow me to install my receiver hitch) and stereo. Decisions, decisions . . Keep 'em coming! __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

01-02-2003, 01:53 PM	#13
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	I have some cool ideas but I need about 500 bucks to test them. Send me the 500 bucks then I'll let ya know how they turn out so you wont be throwing your money away when you try them. LOL Good idea?

01-02-2003, 01:56 PM	#14
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	I think, if you're careful, you can get away with a TPI setup for under $425...it'd take some good dealing on eBay, though. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

01-02-2003, 01:59 PM	#15
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	LOL, I'm surprised it took this many posts for someone to suggest that! __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900



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01-02-2003, 04:34 PM	#16
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	No kidding. The first thing that popped into my head when I saw this post was "Well....you can just give it to me!". Donate it to the Cobalt Restoration Society. Members totaling 1. My priorities are going to be quickly focused on body and asthetics soon, since I have 99.9% of the mechanical stuff licked. You sound like you're at the same leg of the truck journey as myself, but you have a truck that actually looks pretty. Mine looks nasty, but runs like a top. If the bed metal is in good shape then I'd go with a new bed kit. Anything on exhaust or intake you'd want to upgrade? What about ignition, or heating and cooling? I thought about a secondary cooler for the transmission, or you could start saving for new heads. I have to start saving for the the all-important body restoration. I'd skip the 200-R4 only because I had one in a blazer once and it sucked a$$. I'll never run one of those again. I'll stick with my TH400. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

01-02-2003, 05:05 PM	#17
rayville body Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: rayville,LA Posts: 226	i have a friend that has or had a TPI setup for a small block chevy. he wanted $150 for it. comes with computer and wiring. if you want it i can find out if he still has it.

01-02-2003, 06:15 PM	#18
Dandeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: st.louis mo. Posts: 717	$500.00 ID GO WITH A GAYLORDS FIBERGLASS LID THEY ARE AWESOME __________________ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th . DANNY C . ["]FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE F@RD$!! 1969 cst swb corvette hugger orange with 400 hp sbc I started out with nothing and i held on to it

01-02-2003, 07:45 PM	#20
NGN Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Old Bridge,NJ Posts: 820	It's easy to spend your cash If you like to put a hitch on and the exhaust is in the way i'd go for new exhaust and a good class hitch. I like using a trailer for moving materials instead of the bed,keeps it dent and scratch free. I recently used my trailer to pick up a truck frame in Ind. from N.J.(about 28 hours round trip) It worked out great. Also like it cause it's better on your truck and sits low, nice for putting things on and off, I hate went my back takes a sh!t. Gas tank relocated and stereo additions also nice. And that's only if the truck already goes - handles and stop with no problems. Good luck take care Nick

01-02-2003, 07:52 PM	#21
jays68yak Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Gilroy, CA Posts: 1,454	Im lazy so I would say power windows and locks. The OD is going to be more then $500 once you get all the parts. Prob be cheaper if you not going from a 4 speed like Iam. __________________ 1969 Chevy Project SWB Fleet, 20s, 5.3, t56, in the weeds. 1970 Chevy Truck cab on a 1979 Jimmy frame-8.1 liter 496 bbc/sm465/np203-jeds doubler-np205/d60/14bff Welded/42 tsls on recentered H1s 1998 Chevy Crew Cab K3500 SAS'd with hpd60, links and swayaway coilovers. 8.1l vortec DD/towrig "I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me. "

01-03-2003, 02:56 AM	#22
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Yeah, but OD is still gonna be more than $500...a well-built 4-speed auto is going to be at least $800, really, for the tranny alone. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

01-03-2003, 03:24 AM	#23
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,718	Go shopping on ebay for a complete MPFI system out of a mid-80's-late 80's Corvette, or Camaro. Some of these systems sell for as low as $250 on ebay complete. That leaves you another $100 to get a custom prom burnt. I suggested the early to mid 80's systems as they are Mass Air Flow Systems rather than speed density designed systems ( MAF is better than Speed Density systems ), the computers that come with them are not for computer controlled transmissions, the Corvette VATS ( Vehicle Anti-Theft System ) system is easily overridden with a 555 timer circuit with it all you need is ground and 12v then the output goes to the vats input on the computer. Its the direction we are beginning to take with our trucks fuel systems. I would hold out on getting the tranny as you would be much happier with a 700R4 over the 200R4, the 700R4 is a better tranny. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

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