What to do ....'71 Longhorn?

[Sam Longhorn]

Hi All ...first post here ...

Details:
- '71 Longhorn ...90% restored
-350 (original?) with 200-R4
-odometer reads 89K
-Red Oak bed with SS
-Gas tank under bed
-non a/c
-truck located in Vancouver, BC (Fraser Valley ....rain forest!!!)

I am seriously considering turning it into a daily driver. Below are some considerations:

-remove the red oak and replace with white oak. White oak is superior to red oak for outdoor use
-could get cover but 100% water tight seal not possible & 3x more $$$
-keep 350 or swap with L4Q (6.0L) and current tranny ...I have the L4Q

I have debated the above for a number of years but am at a point where I have to pee or get off the pot ....I've moved and don't have room for three trucks ....the Longhorn, 2000 Silverado (L4Q donor) and a Honda Ridgeline, and yes the Ridgeline is a truck ....well, okay, ....truck...ish

Pro's .... Con's?
Thanks for any responses.

[darrellyates]

Well, that's an awfully nice truck to use as a daily... You might consider cypress wood or something that is actually impervious to water. Just a thought. Even one of the new metal beds that look like wood? Or, just use it and then re-do it when it needs it. Wouldn't be that much more money.

Even if I used it more, Not sure "daily" would be in the cards. That's a really, really nice truck to be put into daily use.

However, I admire those who drive them all the time. Nothing wrong with it, especially since you already have it. Just keep up with the maintenance and enjoy the heck out of it!!

[Chevyland]

Save money
Drive it the way it is.
When it breaks down
Wears our
Or
Looks bad

Deal with it then

[Sam Longhorn]

Darrell:

I looked into Cypress but my hardwood supplier didn't deal with it. I'm only 20 mins from the border so could possibly import it myself .....assuming its allowed up here!

[ho70]

show pics of your current wood bed

[35boulder]

Nice looking truck.

[notsolo]

Cypress is some what soft. Very difficult to keep paint on it. If you Leave it natural it turns gray. Red oak is already in place, how is it finished?. Tape off the SS strips and coat the red oak with paint or bed liner. As suggested above ..Drive it.

[Sam Longhorn]

Originally Posted by ho70

show pics of your current wood bed

I shall do, once I find it! Its the pic missing from my folder.

[Coley]

Hello...from another Canuck and welcome.
Nice looking longhorn for sure, love that colour....but I don't think I would be moving towards making that a daily driver...certainly not in Vancouver and especially not if I was looking at any number of the commute routes there.
I lived in Vancouver 15 years ago and if I was ever forced by gunpoint to go back....I think I would use up one of the toyota products to put into traffic there in terms of commuting.

That said tho', your truck...you're call.

A lot of guys like those newer motors in these trucks and combined with a newer transmission make for pretty pain free driving.

Again, welcome!!

Coley

[LockDoc]

-
Guys, this is not a for sale thread and he can't sell it on here anyway unless he becomes a paying member, then it would have to be listed on the trucks for sale forum... If it goes any farther I will lock the thread.

Thanks,
LockDoc

[Sam Longhorn]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
Guys, this is not a for sale thread and he can't sell it on here anyway unless he becomes a paying member, then it would have to be listed on the trucks for sale forum... If it goes any farther I will lock the thread.

Thanks,
LockDoc

Sorry about that Leon. For me it was just banter not realizing rules.
I shall speak no more of it!

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Sam Longhorn

Sorry about that Leon. For me it was just banter not realizing rules.
I shall speak no more of it!

Thanks.

On another note, I used a wood on my porch and deck that was called (if I remember correctly) Northwest Pacific Cypress. Not exactly sure where it comes from but it is holding up very well with no finish on it. Going on 18 years....

Edit: It may also be called Alaskan Yellow Cedar/Cypress.

It wasn't cheap but it was worth the price for me.

LockDoc