Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

Hey Guys
I have been a looker on the website for a while now finally took the jump.

I am looking at a 1980 C35 Sierra Classic Camper Speical 3+3 dually. I have seen a few pictures of the truck inside and out. Nothing to close up. I have talked to the owner a few times about the truck. 454 automatic California truck. I don't have the vin yet to see what those details tell me. I know A/c doesn't work. Owner said it needs to be recharged. Unsure of mileage due to gauage cluster being changed out. The truck was lowered and has Alcoa rims. Air bags in the rear. The truck was a daily driver a few ago now is just weekend fun truck. Owner did driver it to Havasu last year said it ran well. This truck will also be my weekend boat puller and fun truck.

What other questions should I ask the owner?
What should I look for on the truck?

I have been trying to find information about these style truck but have seen the same few website a dozen times.

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

I'd ask how long he's owned it. Does it use any oil? Any recent repairs? Any body work that he knows of? Any leaks? I wouldn't put any stock in the "a/c just needs a recharge" story. Maybe ask what gears it has, slow speed towing gears or highway gears? How much is the asking? Also post some pics for us to see.

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

This is the truck Iam looking at.

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

That 454 is a sweetheart of a motor. I had a 83 C30 BB with a turbo 400 and limited slip and a 4.10 gear and it was a great combination. Hauled a 3500 pound camper without squatting the truck even a little bit. Lasted 280,000 miles until I nailed a cow on the road at night. Wish I still had it.

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

A 454/TH400 is a good combo, pulling or not. In stock form 4.10 gears are a good all-purpose ratio but 3.73's will be just as good if it spends most of its time in flat country or on 70MPH highways. All the mechanical components in that truck are about the stoutest GM used. Check all the fluids to make sure they're halfway clean and not contaminated. Start/drive and watch/listen for any noises or other bad feedback. Depending on how you think it's priced and how the seller is marketing it (aka, supposed condition) it wouldn't be out of line to take it to a shop of your chosing and get it up in the air where suspension, etc. can be inspected.

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

Clean ride from the pics.

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

Man that looks nice!

Re: Looking at a 1980 c3500
 

Just plan on full A/C rebuild. If it needs recharged then it has a leak, most likely front seal on the compressor.

Truck looks super clean. As others have said, the 454/TH400 is awesome. I have that same combo with 4.10 gears and it does scream on the freeway. It has no problem pulling our 4500lb trailer at 65mph.