What is the wheelbase of a 1972 Chevy long bed?
The wheelbase of a 1972 Chevrolet long-bed pickup is 131 inches, about 10 feet 11 inches.
This figure applies to Chevrolet’s regular-cab, eight-foot (long) bed configuration in the 1972 C/K full-size pickup line. The year marked the tail end of Chevrolet’s first-generation trucks, which offered multiple wheelbase options depending on bed length and cab style.
Context and definitions
Wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear axles. For classic Chevrolet pickups, the wheelbase varied with bed length: longer beds required a longer wheelbase, while shorter beds used a shorter wheelbase. Understanding the wheelbase helps with restoration, parts compatibility, and overall vehicle dynamics.
Two bed lengths offered in 1972
Below is a quick breakdown of the common configurations for 1972 Chevrolet pickups. The following list provides typical wheelbase measurements by bed length, noting that exact figures can vary slightly by trim and cab configuration.
- Short-bed regular cab: approximately 115 to 117 inches wheelbase.
- Long-bed regular cab: 131 inches wheelbase.
These figures reflect the standard two-wheelbase approach used by the 1972 Chevrolet C/K lineup, with the 131-inch wheelbase corresponding to the eight-foot (long) bed option.
Practical notes for collectors and restorers
When dating a specific truck or verifying parts compatibility, measure the distance between the centers of the front and rear axles or consult the original purchase documentation and VIN/build data. Variations can occur by cab type (two-door vs. crew cab) and regional production differences, so precise measurement is the most reliable confirmation.
Summary
In short, the standard wheelbase for a 1972 Chevy long-bed pickup is 131 inches. If you’re comparing to a short-bed model, anticipate a wheelbase around 115–117 inches. This distinction helps in identifying proper parts, restoration steps, and alignment with historical specifications from Chevrolet’s first-generation C/K trucks.
What is a 1972 Chevy truck worth today?
The value of a 1972 Chevy truck varies significantly, but in good condition with average specs, expect to pay around $22,388 for a C10. Prices can range from a low of about $5,500 for trucks needing extensive work to over $134,995 for exceptional examples. Key factors influencing price include condition, mileage, original parts, and desirable features like a CST trim package or a well-executed restoration.
Factors affecting value
- Condition: A truck in poor condition with rust or major mechanical issues will be worth much less than a well-maintained or restored one.
- Restorations: A frame-off restoration can significantly increase value, while modifications may not always be a positive unless they are high-quality or sought after (e.g., a modern engine swap).
- Originality: A truck that is all-original, including the engine and interior, is generally more valuable to collectors than one that has been heavily modified.
- Trim and options: Specific trim levels, such as the Cheyenne Super (CST) package, add features like bucket seats and a center console and can increase value. Other desirable options include a longhorn bed or factory air conditioning.
- Mileage and history: Lower mileage and a clean, documented history can command higher prices.
Examples of value variations
- Average condition: Approximately $22,388 for a 1972 Chevrolet C10 in good condition with average specs.
- Lower end: Around $4,950 was the lowest sale price at auction for a 1972 C10 in the last three years, likely for a project vehicle with issues.
- Higher end: A rare or exceptionally well-maintained example with desirable features sold for $253,000 at auction.
- Auction examples: A 1972 CST model with a big block engine sold for $88,000 at auction, more than double its #1-condition value of $39,900.
What is the wheelbase of a 72 C10 long bed?
The 1972 C10 long bed wheelbase is 127 inches. This corresponds to the 8-foot bed option, while the short bed (6.5-foot) version has a 115-inch wheelbase.
- Long Bed (8-foot bed): 127-inch wheelbase
- Short Bed (6.5-foot bed): 115-inch wheelbase
What Chevy trucks have a 127 wheelbase?
The C10 was a new type of truck for Chevrolet. It was originally available in a 6.5-foot bed with a 115-inch wheelbase and an 8-foot bed with a 127-inch wheelbase. The C10 had improved weight distribution compared to previous Chevy trucks thanks to the increased load capacity of the front axle.
What is the wheelbase of a 1974 Chevy C10 long bed?
131.5 in
The wheelbase length was extended to 117.5 in (2,985 mm) for short wheelbase pickups, and 131.5 in (3,340 mm) for long wheelbase pickups.
