What to look for in buying a 73-87..
 

when looking to buy an 73-87 what are some common things to look for? also specify if these things are for all trucks or 4X4s.

the two main things i look at are the cab corners, rocker panels,and floor pans, to look for rust and deterioration, and that requires getting underneath the truck and visually inspecting the underside, usually bring a flashlight to help better illuminate

also check the framerail around the steering gearbox, as they are prone to cracking and you need see how bad they are if they are cracked, becuase if there is just a hairline fracture, you can buy reinforcement plates that weld to the frame and reinforces the area , otherwise if it is too cracked when it breaks, the frame will most liekly be unrepairable

this applies to both the C and K series of trucks

www.73-87.com/misc/7387ck.htm
its a great article, has all kinds of info, including round about prices and what to look for in a truck.
AAMOF 73-87.com is a good website in general.

Great article
 

Thanks for the great article. One thing I didn't read in that article (maybe I just overlooked it) was that they offered TBI in some 1987's. My 87 SWB Silverado has an odd combo: 305 TBI, th400. It's got the indash clock, AC, Tilt and cruise, but manual doors and windows. Is there a website to decipher the codes in the glovebox door?

The best thing to look for when buying a 73-87 Chevy truck is to buy a 67-72 Chevy truck instead! ;)

I agree, but it is soooo difficult finding an original, completely rust free 67-72. Rust should be listed in the glovebox as standard equipment. :D

You sure cannot argue with that. Rust free 67-72's are about as common as unicorns & pink elephants.