Looking for opinions
 

It's an 81 1ton. Main thread is at the link below.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=226740

You guys with 73-87 experience help me out. Thanks

Re: Looking for opinions
 

Advice. Snide remarks. Ridicule. Anyone???

Re: Looking for opinions
 

Opinions on what? I have some work I could use that truck for could I borrow it for awhile. Just kidding nice truck. NOT sure what you want Opinions on?

Re: Looking for opinions
 

Ahh a nibble.

Advice--> What to look for as far as problem areas?

Opinion-->Also, fair market value assuming it is a low-mile well maintained ex-municiple fire dept vehicle? FYI, ad does not state but it is a factory 4x4.

If you were buying this what would you look for and what would you expect to pay if decription is accurate?

Re: Looking for opinions
 

in my opinion those trucks are like a rock. not much for troubles other than coolant leaks, tune-up, etc.

oh, do the wipers move slow (ie. tired motor)?

anyone else?

Re: Looking for opinions
 

Manual 4 speed, 350, and it probably has low miles, right? Not a whole lot to go wrong!

Bodywise, if the door bottoms are in tact and the cab corners are good, it should be a solid truck. The door pins did tend to wear out fairly easy on these trucks. The interiors were also prone to severe fading and cracking (cheap ass plastic) especially the dash, but it probably spent most of its life in a garage?

I'm assuming a dump box? Check for hydraulic leaks :D

81 4x4 1 ton....hmmmm, maybe $3,500? I'm not sure how to price one?

Re: Looking for opinions
 

One of the local fire departments that we maintian there equipment has a couple older carb'd trucks. An 80 F-200 (or is it an F-250? Either way) and a 76 C/60 tandem axle. Even though both trucks are used regularly, the township refuses to spend the money on getting the carb adjusted correctly. They both run rich as hell, and the oil is diluted like mad. The Chevy got diluted so bad that once the oil warmed up to op-temp, the sucker would have no power, fall on it's face, and the rockers would clatter like crazy. Turned out, there was a lot of fuel in the oil level, and when ever it'd show up over full, one of the fire men (who happens to think he is a mechanic, but really he's just an idiot) would drain off the excess. When i drained the oil out of it after figuring out what was goin on, it was as thin as 2% milk, and was more silver than black.
We see a lot on the columbus Police department fleet that follow the messed up induction and ignored problems too.
Pretty much most our fleets have something on hand that'll fit in this low mileage vehicle, induction problem, ignored and neglected, but seem awsome.
I say try to look over rit real good. I've seen a lot of vehicles like that that seem to be a great deal, but end up being just an ok-ish deal.

Re: Looking for opinions
 

Looks like a solid truck from the photo - 4wd to boot! Don't know values on those year trucks but has to be worth about $3,500 or so.

Re: Looking for opinions
 

ttt

Re: Looking for opinions
 

is that a dana 60 up front?

Re: Looking for opinions
 

yeah. in purely "parts" terms, the truck is worth $1500.

$3500 sounds right, but i've seen people pay more for ultra-clean examples.

Re: Looking for opinions
 

check the frame for cracking, especially around the steering box. our local fire dept had the same truck and even though it had low miles, the underside was beat to hell from bouncing off rocks. i replaced the mufflers and tailpipes a few times from them being ripped off or smashed.
if everything checks out, i'd say 3500-4000 is a good deal.

Re: Looking for opinions
 

Well it was as advertised. Runs and drives like new. Solid and clean for a 25 year old Maine vehicle. Dump body added 3 years ago then it sat when owner passed away. Dump body hydraulics work well. Former FD water tanker truck. Bought for $3500. Dana 60 front, Dana 70 rear, NP205 4 speed granny low.

Rust on rh rocker, not rusted through though. Fan switch does not work, nor does gas or temp gauge. Needs rear tires (weather cracked) and a hitch on rear for trailer.