71 Stepside PLAINJANE: Newbie pricecheck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71PlainPete · 12-29-2004, 02:40 AM

Hi all, I'm looking to buy a 71 C-10 stepside I found locally that the salesman wants about $3800. I need to know what it's worth, and you can skip the rest of the long post below if you don't want the details. It's actually in pretty good condition as far as I can tell with very little rust underneath, and it was repainted the same original color (light blue) but doesn't seem to have any rust or bondo on the fenders. It has a V-8 that I believe is a 350, with a 2-barrel carb. 4-wheel manual drums, AM radio, and nothing else. There is an aftermarket Cassette player mounted under the dash, and the 3-speed on the column has been converted top 3 on the floor. The bed wood is getting rough, but the metal looks like a sanding and painting will fix it right up. Only one prolbem... it has trouble shifting into 3rd gear, but I believe it's a linkage problem. It can be started in second gear, and then it will shift into third with little problem. Go figure.

So basically I have a very original looking and very plain 3-speed 71 C10 stepside. Is $3800 outrageous? I'd like to get the truck for about $2000 because there has been nothing done to it. The scratches in the paint are rusting, the motor is dirty and the tires are worn with two hubcaps missing. Please help me with some advice about what this truck might be worth. I am currently restoring a 68 Chevelle, and I plan on driving this truck for the next couple of years while the Chevelle is restored, then maybe turning it over to my daughter after I've fixed it up enough to be reliable. Alternatively, I might decide to keep it and get her something else.

Thanks Pete

HeavyD · 12-29-2004, 03:31 AM

Depends where you are from I guess. In salt belt places any truck with little rust would be worth much more than a plain one from Arizona or any area where there is less corrosion. One thing to keep in mind is that to the best of my knowledge (board members correct me if I am wrong) all 1971 and up trucks has front disc brakes, not drums. Front clip swap is not a big deal if you like the new front end, but is an issue if you want to restore it to original. If you really like the truck it sounds like it would be OK for 2500 or so. If you do not want to pay much more than 2K, then don't. There are lots of truck around, so make an offer you feel is fair and if it does not work out, keep looking.

*dtlilly* · 12-29-2004, 06:20 AM

Welcome to the truck forums. I agree, your location is paramount to the worth of a classic. In Texas, you can find running short bed trucks for $1000-$2000. Up here in rustville, finding a 67-72 truck is almost impossible. From what you describle, it sounds a bit high. Spend some time on this board, and $3500 wil buy one heck of a good deal. You just have to be patient.

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-29-2004, 07:36 AM

WELCOME 2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C

*PS - 67-70 HAD DRUMS, 71-72 HAD DISC UP FRONT

Blue Beard · 12-29-2004, 09:20 AM

Welcome from SW Washington State...

The cost of rust repair alone can be expensive if you can't do it yourself.

Rod · 12-29-2004, 09:26 AM

Welcome.

Sounds a little high for whats described.

krue · 12-29-2004, 09:27 AM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi. Easy way to tell is 67-70 drums are 6 lugs, 71-72 discs are 5 lug wheels. Going from manual to power brakes is a very easy swap. Basically bolt a booster and power m/c up and your done.

**Palf70Step** · 12-29-2004, 09:33 AM

Another welcome from south Mississippi.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-29-2004, 09:37 AM

I picked up my clean, running I6 3sp plain jane 67 for $1400 with new tires. I agree it largely depends on where you live but 3800 sounds high. Are you looking at one at a car dealer??? You know that if they are asking $3800 they only paid about $1500 for it. Without pics and looking at it, it sounds like $2000 at the most. For almost 4K you could get a truck with disks, runs great, and a new paintjob...

Putter · 12-29-2004, 11:30 AM

Welcome also from Central Mississippi. You will find a WEALTH of info here to assist in any decision you come up against.

meathead95 · 12-29-2004, 11:34 AM

no offense but it sounds like a 1500-2000$ truck to me

robert wright · 12-29-2004, 03:31 PM

Sounds like big dealer mark up. If you're looking to spend $3-4k on one of these trucks, spend some time on this board/ebay/locally and you'll probably find something better. If you're looking to get something for $2k that you can work on, a rust-free truck will save you a bunch in the long run. Rust free is pretty rare. But I'd rather replace mechanical than all the body parts. You can get alot of mechanical for what it will cost for body work.

gr8scott51 · 12-29-2004, 04:49 PM

Dealer is playing you for a sucker. Take a screwdriver with you and take off the door floor plates - look for rust in the rockers. Use a flashlight and look at the cab corners from the inside - another rust spot. Look at the inner fender under the battery - another. Look at the door bottoms. Look at the floor to kick panel area. Lift the rug or mat and check the floorboards.

It's probably a 305 instead of a 350. You will get tired of the 3 speed winding out at 55.

Oh yeah, welcome to the board from soggy western Washington.

71PlainPete · 12-29-2004, 05:23 PM

Wow, Great responses. Thanks guys. I'm in East TN and there are lots of trucks here, not as many as when I was growing up in Texas, but trucks are pretty common. I'm going to take your advice and re-check the truck in the specific spots you mentioned. The fact that it lacks disc brakes concerns me a lot. That's why I came here.

What I like about the truck is the intact body. My Chevelle restoration is going to be expensive because of all the body work, and I don't want to go through that twice. If it's a 305 engine, I can live with it for now, as long as it will get me to work and/or my daughter to school. It would be a couple years before I make the decision to restore to original, give to my daughter, or sell it. But there is a recurring sentiment that $3500 will get me a pretty decent truck, so I may try to be patient with this one.

Anyway, thanks for making me feel welcome, and I'll be lurking around.

Pete

68w/sbc406 · 12-30-2004, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71PlainPete

I'm in East TN
Pete

robert wright · 12-29-2004, 05:51 PM

Everyone has given you good info. An intact body for a 71 truck is a rare find,unless it's lived in Arizona/texas it's whole life. My first experience with these trucks was when my buddy bought a beautiful low mileage longhorn. It had been repainted recently and looked "intact". After a couple months we heard about rust in the cab corners being a problem. I pushed a screwdriver into the cavity (gently) and it popped through. The new paint was the only thing left. Ended up with new cab corners/rockers and one body support.

You should be questioning why a 71 has drums up front. Also should be 5 lug. If it's 6 lug someone has their year wrong. For a driver, I'd highly recommend the discs and power brakes. Manual drums work, but they sell alot of conversions to discs nowadays. Good luck.

GreyHoundSteve · 12-29-2004, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert wright

Everyone has given you good info. An intact body for a 71 truck is a rare find,unless it's lived in Arizona/texas it's whole life. My first experience with these trucks was when my buddy bought a beautiful low mileage longhorn. It had been repainted recently and looked "intact". After a couple months we heard about rust in the cab corners being a problem. I pushed a screwdriver into the cavity (gently) and it popped through. The new paint was the only thing left. Ended up with new cab corners/rockers and one body support.

You should be questioning why a 71 has drums up front. Also should be 5 lug. If it's 6 lug someone has their year wrong. For a driver, I'd highly recommend the discs and power brakes. Manual drums work, but they sell alot of conversions to discs nowadays. Good luck.

True that. I bought what i thought was a "restored" 67 swb and after scratching the surface of the new (4 coat) paint job i noticed that some of the floor had pin holes and later discovered after pulling the new carpet that it needed extensive body work.

Its real easy to make one of these old trucks look pretty good with a little paint but chances are it will need ALOT more work than what you expect and any money saved up front will help you in the end.

The options you described dont seem to justify the price you listed imo. Unless your 100% sure its a solid rust free bondo free truck ..... i'd offer about half of what their asking.

Harold Shepard · 12-29-2004, 07:31 PM

There are alot of these trucks still running around East Tenn, WNC- Don't just look at this one- search a little there are more around. In this area another concern is the lower portion of the tail gate- there is always rust in these trucks in that area in this part of the world. Just be patient I6 and three speed no options is not worth more than $1500 around this area.... Don't let a salesman convince you that they are are rare- sounds like he would also tell you a three door sub is rare.

71Chevy4-speed · 12-29-2004, 10:50 PM

I thought only the 307 came with a two barrel in 71?? with a three speed? wouldn't that be the plain jane option? or am I wrong.

71Chevy4-speed · 12-29-2004, 10:57 PM

Oh yeah, where are you from??? My brother sold a chevelle to somebody that planned to fix it up like last spring...and somebody that had a daughter.... 68 Chevelle 48,000 all original miles...green, 307... just curious?

71Chevy4-speed · 12-30-2004, 01:37 AM

ooopss..sorry...missed it.

71PlainPete · 12-30-2004, 05:47 PM

I'll check the specific places you guys recommend, and thanks for the tips. The truck is sitting in a little carlot on the side of a highway, not a dealership. I can be patient.

I'm looking for a stepside from 67-72, long or short WB. I read on this site that the 71-72 years had a lot more options, which is a good thing. I'm not going to be too picky except for the body metal.

Pete

12-29-2004, 02:40 AM	#1
71PlainPete Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6	71 Stepside PLAINJANE: Newbie pricecheck Hi all, I'm looking to buy a 71 C-10 stepside I found locally that the salesman wants about $3800. I need to know what it's worth, and you can skip the rest of the long post below if you don't want the details. It's actually in pretty good condition as far as I can tell with very little rust underneath, and it was repainted the same original color (light blue) but doesn't seem to have any rust or bondo on the fenders. It has a V-8 that I believe is a 350, with a 2-barrel carb. 4-wheel manual drums, AM radio, and nothing else. There is an aftermarket Cassette player mounted under the dash, and the 3-speed on the column has been converted top 3 on the floor. The bed wood is getting rough, but the metal looks like a sanding and painting will fix it right up. Only one prolbem... it has trouble shifting into 3rd gear, but I believe it's a linkage problem. It can be started in second gear, and then it will shift into third with little problem. Go figure. So basically I have a very original looking and very plain 3-speed 71 C10 stepside. Is $3800 outrageous? I'd like to get the truck for about $2000 because there has been nothing done to it. The scratches in the paint are rusting, the motor is dirty and the tires are worn with two hubcaps missing. Please help me with some advice about what this truck might be worth. I am currently restoring a 68 Chevelle, and I plan on driving this truck for the next couple of years while the Chevelle is restored, then maybe turning it over to my daughter after I've fixed it up enough to be reliable. Alternatively, I might decide to keep it and get her something else. Thanks Pete

12-29-2004, 03:31 AM	#2
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	Depends where you are from I guess. In salt belt places any truck with little rust would be worth much more than a plain one from Arizona or any area where there is less corrosion. One thing to keep in mind is that to the best of my knowledge (board members correct me if I am wrong) all 1971 and up trucks has front disc brakes, not drums. Front clip swap is not a big deal if you like the new front end, but is an issue if you want to restore it to original. If you really like the truck it sounds like it would be OK for 2500 or so. If you do not want to pay much more than 2K, then don't. There are lots of truck around, so make an offer you feel is fair and if it does not work out, keep looking. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

12-29-2004, 07:36 AM	#4
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,484	WELCOME 2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C *PS - 67-70 HAD DRUMS, 71-72 HAD DISC UP FRONT __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

12-29-2004, 09:20 AM	#5
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Welcome from SW Washington State... The cost of rust repair alone can be expensive if you can't do it yourself. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

12-29-2004, 09:26 AM	#6
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Welcome. Sounds a little high for whats described. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

12-29-2004, 06:20 AM	#3
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Welcome to the truck forums. I agree, your location is paramount to the worth of a classic. In Texas, you can find running short bed trucks for $1000-$2000. Up here in rustville, finding a 67-72 truck is almost impossible. From what you describle, it sounds a bit high. Spend some time on this board, and $3500 wil buy one heck of a good deal. You just have to be patient.

12-29-2004, 09:27 AM	#7
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Welcome to the board from South Mississippi. Easy way to tell is 67-70 drums are 6 lugs, 71-72 discs are 5 lug wheels. Going from manual to power brakes is a very easy swap. Basically bolt a booster and power m/c up and your done. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-29-2004, 09:33 AM	#8
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Another welcome from south Mississippi. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-29-2004, 09:37 AM	#9
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	I picked up my clean, running I6 3sp plain jane 67 for $1400 with new tires. I agree it largely depends on where you live but 3800 sounds high. Are you looking at one at a car dealer??? You know that if they are asking $3800 they only paid about $1500 for it. Without pics and looking at it, it sounds like $2000 at the most. For almost 4K you could get a truck with disks, runs great, and a new paintjob... __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

12-29-2004, 11:30 AM	#10
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Welcome also from Central Mississippi. You will find a WEALTH of info here to assist in any decision you come up against. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

12-29-2004, 11:34 AM	#11
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	no offense but it sounds like a 1500-2000$ truck to me __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

12-29-2004, 03:31 PM	#12
robert wright Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anch. Ak Posts: 50	Sounds like big dealer mark up. If you're looking to spend $3-4k on one of these trucks, spend some time on this board/ebay/locally and you'll probably find something better. If you're looking to get something for $2k that you can work on, a rust-free truck will save you a bunch in the long run. Rust free is pretty rare. But I'd rather replace mechanical than all the body parts. You can get alot of mechanical for what it will cost for body work. __________________ bw 70 chev short/fleet:son's hotrod w/tickets to prove it 69 gmc short/step: project in pieces 87 chev short/step: still thinking about 2000 gmc xcab/step: daily driver

12-29-2004, 04:49 PM	#13
gr8scott51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 1,839	Dealer is playing you for a sucker. Take a screwdriver with you and take off the door floor plates - look for rust in the rockers. Use a flashlight and look at the cab corners from the inside - another rust spot. Look at the inner fender under the battery - another. Look at the door bottoms. Look at the floor to kick panel area. Lift the rug or mat and check the floorboards. It's probably a 305 instead of a 350. You will get tired of the 3 speed winding out at 55. Oh yeah, welcome to the board from soggy western Washington. __________________ Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott

12-29-2004, 05:23 PM	#14
71PlainPete Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6	Wow, Great responses. Thanks guys. I'm in East TN and there are lots of trucks here, not as many as when I was growing up in Texas, but trucks are pretty common. I'm going to take your advice and re-check the truck in the specific spots you mentioned. The fact that it lacks disc brakes concerns me a lot. That's why I came here. What I like about the truck is the intact body. My Chevelle restoration is going to be expensive because of all the body work, and I don't want to go through that twice. If it's a 305 engine, I can live with it for now, as long as it will get me to work and/or my daughter to school. It would be a couple years before I make the decision to restore to original, give to my daughter, or sell it. But there is a recurring sentiment that $3500 will get me a pretty decent truck, so I may try to be patient with this one. Anyway, thanks for making me feel welcome, and I'll be lurking around. Pete

12-29-2004, 05:51 PM	#16
robert wright Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anch. Ak Posts: 50	Everyone has given you good info. An intact body for a 71 truck is a rare find,unless it's lived in Arizona/texas it's whole life. My first experience with these trucks was when my buddy bought a beautiful low mileage longhorn. It had been repainted recently and looked "intact". After a couple months we heard about rust in the cab corners being a problem. I pushed a screwdriver into the cavity (gently) and it popped through. The new paint was the only thing left. Ended up with new cab corners/rockers and one body support. You should be questioning why a 71 has drums up front. Also should be 5 lug. If it's 6 lug someone has their year wrong. For a driver, I'd highly recommend the discs and power brakes. Manual drums work, but they sell alot of conversions to discs nowadays. Good luck. __________________ bw 70 chev short/fleet:son's hotrod w/tickets to prove it 69 gmc short/step: project in pieces 87 chev short/step: still thinking about 2000 gmc xcab/step: daily driver



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12-29-2004, 07:31 PM	#18
Harold Shepard Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Canton North Carolina Posts: 466	There are alot of these trucks still running around East Tenn, WNC- Don't just look at this one- search a little there are more around. In this area another concern is the lower portion of the tail gate- there is always rust in these trucks in that area in this part of the world. Just be patient I6 and three speed no options is not worth more than $1500 around this area.... Don't let a salesman convince you that they are are rare- sounds like he would also tell you a three door sub is rare.

12-29-2004, 10:50 PM	#19
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	I thought only the 307 came with a two barrel in 71?? with a three speed? wouldn't that be the plain jane option? or am I wrong. __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

12-29-2004, 10:57 PM	#20
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	Oh yeah, where are you from??? My brother sold a chevelle to somebody that planned to fix it up like last spring...and somebody that had a daughter.... 68 Chevelle 48,000 all original miles...green, 307... just curious? __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

12-30-2004, 01:37 AM	#21
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	ooopss..sorry...missed it. __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

12-30-2004, 05:47 PM	#22
71PlainPete Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6	I'll check the specific places you guys recommend, and thanks for the tips. The truck is sitting in a little carlot on the side of a highway, not a dealership. I can be patient. I'm looking for a stepside from 67-72, long or short WB. I read on this site that the 71-72 years had a lot more options, which is a good thing. I'm not going to be too picky except for the body metal. Pete

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