[LILRED66]

When pondering a purchase like this, I consider the following:

What is the overall goal...parts truck, daily driver or project?

Is the truck complete?

Does it have a title and matching VIN?

Is it a roller?

Is it rolling on the factory running gear?

Does it have engine, tranny & driveline.

Is it operable?

Is the frame intack and structurally sound?

Which of the following factory/dealer options does it have?

chrome front bumper
chrome rear bumper
anodized aluminum grille
stainless steel windshield wrap
Custom Cab sails
anodized aluminum body molding
body badges
side mirrors
underbed spare tire carrier
license plate bracket
jack assembly
dash gauge cluster
factory in-dash tach
factory AM radio
chrome dash knobs
factory cigarette lighter
factory arm rests
factory sun visors
factory AC
factory automatic tranny/steering column
factory V8
factory power-assist steering
factory power brakes
big back window
swb fleetside

All of these accessories/options increase the overall value of the truck, whether considering it as a donor, daily driver or build and should be considered when deciding whether to purchase a 4-5-6 Chevy truck.

Overall condition of factory sheet metal...check for rust in the front of the inner fenders, bottom of the radiator support, behind the head lights on the grille support, front fender tails, front cab mounts, rear cab mounts, inner rockers, outer rockers, "A" pillar, above windshield, kick panels, floor boards, cab corners, rear wheel arches and frame. All of these areas are prone to rust on the 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks and should be considered when pondering the purchase of one of these trucks. Although there are patch panels and good, used replacement parts available, all of this will increase the cost on top of the initial investment in purchasing the truck.

Overall condition of mechanicals...does it start, run, drive, steer, accelerate, stop and operate in an acceptable manner? If so, great...if not, consider what if will take for a brake job, tune-up, front-end alignment or general maintenance items. What are your mechanical abilities...are you able to fix/repair the trouble area or will you need to take it to a mechanic shop? A unforeseen brake, steering or mechanical failure can lead to big problems, if not detected and corrected.

Overall condition of electrical...will it operate safely, without the possibility of catching fire or damage? Although complete wiring harnesses are available in the aftermarket, they add to the overall investment to get it road-worthy. What are your electrical skills...if you can safely fix/repair electrical systems, this is good, but if not, consider the cost to replace faulty wiring or have it repaired by a local auto shop.

All of these points help determine if the truck is a candidate for a daily driver, parts truck or build project. If the overall condition is poor, but it is well-optioned, I assign a reasonable price to the optional equipment, that can be sold, to determine the overall value. If it is standard-equipped model, but it is in running condition, I consider the cost to get it road-worthy, registered, licensed, insured and tagged and determine if it is a worthy investment.

There are so many things to consider when purchasing a 4-5-6 Chevy Truck and with a rational plan, the decision is made with your brain, not your heart. I have a shop full of parts and several donor trucks, so if I am considering one, my decision is easily made by how much work it will take to get it road-worthy or if I can recoup my initial investment by pulling parts to sell or use for my own projects.

In closing, I would save all 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks, if I could, but I make every effort to rescue the ones that have some upside potential. Good luck with your decision and having a plan for the truck, going in, is always a good basis for making a decision on whether to purchase one or not.