A favorite amongst classic Chevy truck enthusiasts, the 1972 Chevy truck was introduced with a new grille design and black paint styling. In addition, the '72 was the very last of the "all-steel trucks." In fact, even the interior of this truck was composed of steel components. This truck also marked the introduction of power windows for Chevrolet truck models, so it is certainly a classic in terms of Chevy history. Restoring this truck can be challenging, but with the proper tools and patience, anyone could properly restore a 1972 Chevy truck.
Obtain information specific to the 1972 Chevy truck, such as diagrams and manuals for a complete restoration. The more knowledge you have about the 1972 Chevy truck, the easier it will be to complete the restoration project successfully and in a timely fashion. You can subscribe to magazines on classic trucks or purchase handbooks from your local bookstore or automotive repair merchant.
Set up a large, enclosed work space that will can be easily kept clean and organized. You want an area that has lots of lighting and access to electrical outlets for power tools and air compressors. Keep in mind that once disassembled your 1972 Chevy truck will require three times the original amount of space it occupied when assembled. You need room to work, as well as room to place all of the parts once the truck has been disassembled. Lay down your tarp in an area of the work space and secure it to the ground. As you disassemble your Chevy, place the majority of parts on the tarp to keep track of them. In addition, label storage containers or bins for storing small pieces, including nuts and bolts. The more organized your work space, the easier it will be to successfully restore your truck.
Disassemble your truck, beginning with the larger parts of the exterior. Use your ratchet and set of sockets to remove the front and rear bumpers, disconnect and remove the headlights and taillights, and detach the front grille, hood and tail gate. Remove the doors of the trucks and then set all of these parts aside. Use your jack to lift the truck off of the ground, place jack stands underneath the frame for stability, and then remove the wheels from the wheel assembly and set them aside as well. Next, remove the axles. Then, disconnect the engine and use a hoist if necessary to remove the engine, transmission, and radiator from the body of the truck. Set these parts aside. Keep track of all bolts, nuts and screws by storing them in labeled containers. If these pieces suffer from excessive rust or corrosion, you will need to replace them.
Remove the interior parts and pieces. Pull up the carpeting and discard it. Remove the trim and console. Remove all interior buttons, handles, clips and seat belts for replacement or individual restoration. Remove the seats from the cab of the truck. These will need to be re-upholstered individually, preferably with a re-upholstery kit for Chevy trucks, in order to make the process easier and maintain the authenticity of the truck. Then, remove the fenders on the front and rear of the truck. Place all parts off to the side. Check the viability of all parts and purchase any required replacement parts.
Survey every part, accessory and component that has been dismantled from the 1972 Chevy's frame. All operable parts will need to properly cleaned and fully restored individually. Any damaged parts must be replaced. If any metal pieces are completely eroded by rust, then these must be replaced as well. Replacement parts can be ordered through Chevrolet or through restoration merchants.
Reassemble the exterior slowly. Perform patchwork with various pieces of healthy metal and a MIG welder to repair holes or rusted areas along the body of the truck. Ensure that the body of the vehicle is straight and smooth. Repair any dents or scratches by buffing them out. Be sure to examine the condition of the floorboards, truck bed and smaller areas such as the trim or along the fenders. Examine the hood, tail gate, fenders and doors. Replace any parts if necessary.
Prep the body of your 1972 Chevy truck for paint by sanding the surface and priming to prevent future rust damage. The best paint job with the highest quality of automotive paint will look bad if the body of the truck is not smooth, straight or rust-free. If the panels are aligned and the body of the truck is smooth, then sand the exterior and prime. After the primer has dried completely, paint the body of the truck.
Restore or replace the truck's power components. These should all be in working order before installation. These parts include the engine, alternator, carburetor, radiator, axles, starter, drive shaft, transmission and the engine itself. Check to ensure that the brake systems are also operable. Use a hoist to place the engine and transmission into the truck. Install the axles, and then install the brake systems. Keep in mind that the installation of all of these components will take three times the amount of time required to disassemble the truck. Be sure to be patient and work slowly in order to prevent damage to any new or restored parts.
Install new or restored electrical components. Use new wires. Install the headlights and taillights, then reattach the restored front bumper to the truck's body. Install the restored or new windshield to the front of the truck, then install any mirrors and windows. Check the trim of the truck for signs of rust or damage, then re-chrome the trim if necessary. Attach and install the wheels to the wheel assembly. Lower the truck to the ground, removing the jack stands.
Install the restored interior parts within the Chevy truck. Install new carpeting, then the newly re-upholstered seats. Install new or restored components of the consoles, door panels, interior trim and other parts such as seat belts, door handles and knobs. Ensure that everything is in working order and that all electrical wiring for the interior components is operational.
