What to do when you first get your old truck

[42_NATO]

Reason I'm writing this thread is because I'm fairly new to the older trucks and wanted to see if there's any info out there tips or recommendations. On what to look out for and what should be expected. I'm wondering if there are things that should be replaced. My 350 got fresh oil plugs wires antifreeze was good . but what about the tranny rear end bearings bushings . suspensions. Etc. What do u guys recommend

[DPowers]

What I have learned:
Do the things that affect safety first.
Don't just tear it apart.
Have a plan.
Work on items that allows you drive/enjoy it.

[62stepside longbox]

Do a good check for rust or hidden bondo usually in the fenders, rockers, bedsides and cab corners. Also get under the truck and check the floors, inner rockers, front and rear cab supports and the bottoms of the cab corners for rust by poking them with a flat screw driver to see if it goes through.

[Vernski]

I agree with D-powers safety first, and when you fix something keep it derivable with a well thought out plan for the future. Welcome to the forums there is lots of good info to find here, look for the frequently asked questions section you will find a wealth of info there...Vernski

[wcstory]

Safety items FIRST as pointed out by DPowers! Much of this is cheap!

Change ALL the fluids. (Check coolant strength)

Inspect the braking system, drums, pads, calipers, clean and replace as needed.

Check each part of steering system for play or looseness.

Add seat belts.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Definitely check the brakes. You don't want the rear wheel cylinders leak out over night and surprise you when you turn the corner and step on the brakes. Don't ask me how I know this.

[spacedebris]

for me, assuming that it is a running and drivable vehicle that I plan on driving right away.....

1. replace tires. (even if they look ok) I've never bought a vehicle that came with receipts so no telling how old the tires are.
2. Inspect brakes and replace if they show any moderate wear.
3. rewire. You must assume that the wiring has been there since the vehicle was made and has been hacked on for that entire time. Wiring is relatively inexpensive. (compared to burning down the car/truck)
4. Basic tune-up. new spark plugs, SP wires, fan belt/serpentine, new hoses, new filters (fuel, oil, and air), new fluids (oil, gear, tranny, coolant), new fuel and break lines (rubber ones for sure, hard lines if needed)

Most of this is fairly inexpensive. And the rest I budget in before purchase so I dont blow all my budget on the truck ahead of time.

[TJ's Chevy]

What I do:
Buy it
Clean it
Make it run good
Check the mechanical and if it all works "ok" ....................

DRIVE AND ENJOY IT!!!!!

And when you've enjoyed the truck for a bit and see its pros and cons consider what you want to do with it.

[42_NATO]

Thanks all . great tips from all. Saftey is indeed one of my concerns. Was looking into getting power brakea but those old michelins were dry roated like you wouldnt imagine. I. Know my next step would be to inspect the brakes them selfs then hopfully do the booster add.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

What I do:
Buy it
Clean it
Make it run good
Check the mechanical and if it all works "ok" ....................

DRIVE AND ENJOY IT!!!!!

And when you've enjoyed the truck for a bit and see its pros and cons consider what you want to do with it.

now at your advanced age, how many trucks have you done this with?
ron

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by padresag

now at your advanced age, how many trucks have you done this with?
ron

3 of them. lol

[ol_skool_chevy]

My biggest thing when i got my first old truck was...Dong care how it looks but EVERYTHING needs to work...from the motor to the cigarette lighter...everything

[gar187er]

First I got all the lights working properly; had to run new wire for the tail lights.
Then onto the brakes; new shoes and drums.
From there the engine; new intake manifold and carb; change the fluids.
Next for me is suspension; ball joints, shocks, springs.

[padresag]

and you have driven all 3 of them on the road and for how long?
ron

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by padresag

and you have driven all 3 of them on the road and for how long?
ron

Drove my 66 C10 for 2 years before I took it apart for a full resto because of engine problems that came up.
Drove my 64 C20 for about a month before it turned into a parts truck because it had good parts my 66 didn't.
And am currently driving my 64 GMC 1500 which I bought in march of this year.

[Atbyrne]

I really think each one is different. I just got my grandfathers 66 c10 short step side. It has been in the family from day 1. I am redoing it for my father to drive. I am changing it to power 5 lug drum in rear, and 5 lug disc brakes in front. I am also adding power steering along with a 327 and th400. Will worry with rust in the body later.

[jayoldschool]

I agree with everyone. Get it running, get it safe. Drive and enjoy while you make it nice.

[dougf]

I can tell you what NOT to do, and that's tear it apart thinking you will just repair/clean/replace and put back together. It turns out to be way too much time, money, and everything in between. 3 years and I still don't have the front sheet metal back on!

[scum1]

i second what everyone has to say, and just have to add.. do it right the first time around. if you don't have the cash, hold off till you do. You don't want to have to double back on something cause you wanted to get it half a step closer. do it right the first time around and you will thank yourself

[corvettejim1968]

I would say replace the fluids unless you have detailed records. and check brake pads. I took mine on small trips until I felt more confident in the truck.

[67swb72klb]

Like stated above a good safety check and clean especially the floor usually full of dirt and stuff that never drys out...That is why so many are so rusty imo

[chevy2tom]

I'll check/change fluids , hoses & belts, do a brake job & inspect suspension drive it for a week to see how it feels. Then plan my attack.

[50bomb]

Originally Posted by 42_NATO

Reason I'm writing this thread is because I'm fairly new to the older trucks and wanted to see if there's any info out there tips or recommendations. On what to look out for and what should be expected. I'm wondering if there are things that should be replaced. My 350 got fresh oil plugs wires antifreeze was good . but what about the tranny rear end bearings bushings . suspensions. Etc. What do u guys recommend

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD BRAKES!! ASK ME HOW I KNOW!?? from there check all fluids motor,brakes (obvious already) rear end fluid transmission radiator. Maybe new spark plugs and wires? Thats fuel tank clean. I just do basics. Then you have leaks you can replace those.

[benwah]

I would fill the gas tank first and make sure the needle means what it says. Then fill the tank every 100 miles. Check fuel lines and brake lines. Id change fuel filter right off too. Use a clear plastic one so you can keep an eye on it for signs of rust or any crap. Short trips around town first. Unless your crazy like me and drive your new toy 3000 miles home. After buying a 65 dodge for $200 new tiers lines brakes and shocks quick tune up. I have more faith in an old truck than these new computers called trucks today.

[jbgroby]

the only thing I can add to your header question is (Open a lime of credit at your bank) first.