1972 Chevrolet C10 Pirate Yukon Hybrid

Description

FIRST BIT:There are those of us out there that have always loved the Chevrolet C/K, second generation pickups. ('67- '72 GEN II) I think that many of us will agree that the styling is sophisticated.We might also agree that this is somewhat of an anomaly in the vintage pickup world.I have owned a number of them in my life as service vehicles. My personal favorite has been the 1/2 ton, short bed, 4 wheel drive model. When I decided in 2010 to build one as a driver, I soon remembered that late 60's, early 70's vehicle technology rendered these vehicles to resemble the CJ5 jeeps of that same vintage. In other words, rough riding, ill handling, and noisy.
SECOND BIT:In the late 90's Chevrolet realized that is order to be competitive in the SUV market, they were going to need to completely revamp their format. Until this time their SUVs were basically a pickup frame and running gear with a SUV body on. The standard parallel leaf rear needed to come up to the competitions's SUV level of ride comfort and handling capabilities.
THIRD BIT:The wheel base for the Chevrolet C/K short bed trucks was 115 inches up until 1973.The wheel base for the Tahoe/Yukon was 116 inches. Many of us GEN II lovers have wondered why GM put the bed so close to the cab on these models. The closeness actually causes contact as these vehicles age and the rear cab mounts begin to sag. Well, that is where the extra inch went in my "72 GEN II - Pirate Yukon" project.
FOUTH BIT:The 2000 - 2005 Yukon/Tahoe is a very nice rig. I purchased a low mileage 2001 Yukon for this project. It was nothing short of daunting to cut it up! I used the 2001 Yukon floor and firewall in the '72 cab. Now the floor utilizes the same modern vibration absorbing body mounts. The bed is also mounted in the Yukon body mounts. No more body steaks from a solid, frame bolted bed. All of the comfort amenities of the modern Yukon bolt right through the firewall that they came out of to include: Steering column and all steering column controls, brake, e-brake, and accelerator pedals, factory AC and heating, electric and heated leather seats. I was also able to use all of the Yukon gauges, push button four wheel drive controls, and comfort controls.
FIFTH BIT:The weld and seam seal between the original GEN II firewall and the 2001 Yukon firewall is SEAMLESS. The completed cab and the completed bed, as well as the front fenders and cab cowl were painted off the vehicle, same as original. We used the original radiator core-support with an aluminum Griffin radiator and the original style metal inner fenders. This truck is a mind blower for the GEN II aficionado.It has a modern, wide wheel stance, with flat, modern style wheels. Body mounted mirrors, (98 Jeep Cherokee) third tail light, (Dodge Dakota) flipper fuel door, (original Yukon) internal radio antenna, full iPod / telephone bluetooth connect ability, temp and compass mirror, one piece Brothers electric side windows, new glass front and rear, new custom carpet and door panels.Did I mention that the complete bed, tailgate, and front left fender are LMC Truck reproductions which renders them and the rest of the body perfect.
SIXTH BIT:All of the running gear is stock 2001 GMC Yukon. Just for the record: 5.3 LS1 V8 with 4L60E transmission. The computer has been re-flashed for engine performance and to the same shifting curve as a 2006 GMC Sierra pickup. I found the stock CPU set-up for the heavy Yukon body load was too restrictive for this nimble little pickup. It is equipped with the stock Yukon Tow Package with tow button on the dash. It has vented disc brakes at all four corners and a five link suspension at rear; torsion bar front. We installed a MagnaFlow cat back exhaust so the sound is very satisfying.It is quick, comfortable, quiet, and handles superb.
LAST BIT:The build was completed late in 2013. I have put 15,000 miles on it since that time. It has always been kept in a temperature controlled garage. It gets an average of 17 - 18 MPG.The title is clean. It registers as a 1972 C10, VIN CCS142J166420.The CarFax is available on the 2001 Yukon undercarriage. VIN 1GKEK13T11R188301.The truck comes with the complete build file and a professional photo build-book.I am getting old. I am vacating my vehicle storage facility. A few of my prize possessions have to sell. I am hopeful that someone that will enjoy this custom as much as I have will acquire this one of a kind.This vehicle will transfer to a reasonable bid over the reserve price. Please do not ask about the reserve. This not a crisis sale. The build cost of this pickup is well over $100,000. Dealers, please know that I know this market. If you are interested in this vehicle, then please bid.If you are new to ebay, please contact me before bidding.Good Luck !!