Drive it home...or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

asickber · 05-13-2010, 01:18 PM

I looked at a 71 GMC 1 ton dually with a service bed yesterday that I might be bringing home. 350/th400. It's got A/C and powersteering, but the body's rough. Don't have a whole lot of use for it now but it's a good price and it would be a cool project for the future. Still has some tools in the bins too + a generator.

It was driven to Indiana from Colorodo early last year and pulled a trailer the whole way and has been sitting since. Poured some gas in the carb and it started up fine. According to the owner it ran fine when parked.

If I decide to buy it....do I drive it home...or get a trailer?

cdowns · 05-13-2010, 01:36 PM

how far?

marcsRX · 05-13-2010, 01:37 PM

I've blown up 2 sb350s driving them home from over 100miles away. I've learned my lesson!

Cole Trickle · 05-13-2010, 01:41 PM

Be a risk taker...lol

I just drove my 69 400+ miles from Utah to its new home in So Cal

asickber · 05-13-2010, 01:47 PM

About 80 miles. My brother is all over driving it home, especially since we may have to take the duals off to make it fit onto a trailer.

basemodel67 · 05-13-2010, 01:59 PM

If you have AAA, drive it! Nothing makes for better stories than an adventure/road trip in a new project...

coloradosean2009 · 05-13-2010, 02:02 PM

Depends on what state of repair (or disrepair) the mechanical systems are in. You will also want to assess legal requirements (lights, signals, mirrors).

If you do plan on driving it, make sure that you bring a couple of tools, cell phone, flairs and a fuel filter. Don't forget a roll of duct tape!

**Stocker** · 05-13-2010, 03:15 PM

If it seems to be in decent mechanical condition, I would go for it. Ditto the advice on cell phone and AAA coverage. Someone is driving you there to pick it up, right? Just have them follow you home.

mclairmo · 05-13-2010, 03:46 PM

I would not do it. Not worth gettting hit on the side of the road. Drunks and other idiots will crash into you if you are on the side of the road, even during the day.

big_al_71 · 05-13-2010, 04:00 PM

80 miles I would be driving it just bring cell phone in case it leaves me stranded.

dwcsr · 05-13-2010, 04:16 PM

Your far enough away from my house so go ahead drive it.

jasons · 05-13-2010, 04:21 PM

Just check the fluids and tires before leaving, take it easy and keep an eye on the guages and drive it.

rambler · 05-13-2010, 04:39 PM

drive it! take some tools and check it out B4, but thats part of the fun..
oh and take lots of pics...

extd56 · 05-13-2010, 04:51 PM

I would drive it no problem. Not a lot of problems wil hopefully occur in 80 miles but just make sure that it has good brakes, the oil, radiator, transmission fluid and the master cylinder are all topped off and that the tires are checked to make sure that the tires have the right inflation and are not too weather checked and go for it. I have driven cars a lot further than that, just make sure that you have somebody to follow you. I also have AAA so if it did break down a tow truck is as close as a phone call away.

oldblue1968chevy · 05-13-2010, 04:56 PM

i would..

rsavage · 05-13-2010, 04:57 PM

Are you going to register and insure it for at least liability before you take it out on the public highways so as to protect others who you will share the road with? If I didn't know the vehicle that has been sitting, I wouldn't endanger myself or others without having looked it over closely, i.e. pulled wheels to check brakes, steering components, etc and making sure it was driven home legally. Perhaps your state is different.

gregg72340 · 05-13-2010, 05:03 PM

Drive It!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Danny Bost · 05-13-2010, 06:59 PM

I say drive it. But then again, I bought my last motorcycle in Tuscon AZ after my nephew test drove it for 5 minutes. Then I went and rode it home to Albuquerque NM, 7 hours on the interstate.

into69z · 05-13-2010, 07:45 PM

Drive it! I picked up my truck 525 miles from home-drove 200 miles till the water pump let go-used AAA and flat bedded it 197 miles to Indio, ca to a Napa store-bought a new water pump and drove it home all in the same day. I think I saved money because it cost less to buy and install the water pump than pay for the gas to drive it the whole way!

take tools!

K2Orion · 05-13-2010, 11:15 PM

Drive it.

tasian · 05-13-2010, 11:23 PM

kick the tires and light the fires

**70cst** · 05-13-2010, 11:32 PM

80 miles is about a 1 1/2 hour drive. If it made the initial trip it must be pretty solid mechanically. As others have said...I would check the fluids well, tires, brakes, etc. As mentioned also have a AAA card and cell phone. And lets not forget a camera for we want to see pics.

**leddzepp** · 05-13-2010, 11:45 PM

Drive it home, that's half the fun.

**El Jay** · 05-14-2010, 12:35 AM

Drive it.
Heck, it's only 80 miles.
So I'm guessing that your brother would drive down with you down to pick it up; he can drive "chase", just in case you do have some problems getting home.

tapeworm · 05-14-2010, 02:05 AM

Whats the worst that could happen?

Then again, this is coming from a guy that drove a truck home that had been sitting in the woods for three years

(It was only about 10 miles)

The guy I bought it from shook my hand, and said "you've got b****"

05-13-2010, 01:18 PM	#1
asickber Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Birdseye, IN Posts: 99	Drive it home...or not? I looked at a 71 GMC 1 ton dually with a service bed yesterday that I might be bringing home. 350/th400. It's got A/C and powersteering, but the body's rough. Don't have a whole lot of use for it now but it's a good price and it would be a cool project for the future. Still has some tools in the bins too + a generator. It was driven to Indiana from Colorodo early last year and pulled a trailer the whole way and has been sitting since. Poured some gas in the carb and it started up fine. According to the owner it ran fine when parked. If I decide to buy it....do I drive it home...or get a trailer?

05-13-2010, 01:36 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Drive it home...or not? how far? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

05-13-2010, 01:37 PM	#3
marcsRX 68 C10 SWB Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 216	Re: Drive it home...or not? I've blown up 2 sb350s driving them home from over 100miles away. I've learned my lesson! __________________ "How much physical pain do you go through on a daily basis that you can directly attribute to your lack of intelligence?" -R0bman

05-13-2010, 01:41 PM	#4
Cole Trickle C-10 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Corona,CA Posts: 1,001	Re: Drive it home...or not? Be a risk taker...lol I just drove my 69 400+ miles from Utah to its new home in So Cal __________________ 1969 Short Fleet 350/SM465 4.5/6.5 ECE drop 20" Raceline Wheels 1998 2dr Tahoe 5/7 drop 20"/22" Coys-sold Build thread...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=401910

05-13-2010, 01:47 PM	#5
asickber Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Birdseye, IN Posts: 99	Re: Drive it home...or not? About 80 miles. My brother is all over driving it home, especially since we may have to take the duals off to make it fit onto a trailer.

05-13-2010, 01:59 PM	#6
basemodel67 Factory Strippers Rule! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 707	Re: Drive it home...or not? If you have AAA, drive it! Nothing makes for better stories than an adventure/road trip in a new project... __________________ "Feast your eyes on a feast of smoke." 67 Chevy Short Fleet PLAN: LQ9, 4L60, D60 Looking for School Bus Gauges - Help me out!

05-13-2010, 02:02 PM	#7
coloradosean2009 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 291	Re: Drive it home...or not? Depends on what state of repair (or disrepair) the mechanical systems are in. You will also want to assess legal requirements (lights, signals, mirrors). If you do plan on driving it, make sure that you bring a couple of tools, cell phone, flairs and a fuel filter. Don't forget a roll of duct tape! __________________ __________________________________________ Sean 1972 C20 2005 4Runner

05-13-2010, 03:15 PM	#8
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,694	Re: Drive it home...or not? If it seems to be in decent mechanical condition, I would go for it. Ditto the advice on cell phone and AAA coverage. Someone is driving you there to pick it up, right? Just have them follow you home. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

05-13-2010, 03:46 PM	#9
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Drive it home...or not? I would not do it. Not worth gettting hit on the side of the road. Drunks and other idiots will crash into you if you are on the side of the road, even during the day. Last edited by mclairmo; 05-13-2010 at 03:46 PM.

05-13-2010, 04:00 PM	#10
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Drive it home...or not? 80 miles I would be driving it just bring cell phone in case it leaves me stranded. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

05-13-2010, 04:16 PM	#11
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Drive it home...or not? Your far enough away from my house so go ahead drive it.

05-13-2010, 04:21 PM	#12
jasons not enough hours in the day Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Axtell, NE Posts: 550	Re: Drive it home...or not? Just check the fluids and tires before leaving, take it easy and keep an eye on the guages and drive it.

05-13-2010, 04:39 PM	#13
rambler MOVE OVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 5,470	Re: Drive it home...or not? drive it! take some tools and check it out B4, but thats part of the fun.. oh and take lots of pics... __________________ No matter where you are..... There you are... Buckaroo Banzi

05-13-2010, 04:51 PM	#14
extd56 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,272	Re: Drive it home...or not? I would drive it no problem. Not a lot of problems wil hopefully occur in 80 miles but just make sure that it has good brakes, the oil, radiator, transmission fluid and the master cylinder are all topped off and that the tires are checked to make sure that the tires have the right inflation and are not too weather checked and go for it. I have driven cars a lot further than that, just make sure that you have somebody to follow you. I also have AAA so if it did break down a tow truck is as close as a phone call away.

05-13-2010, 04:56 PM	#15
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Drive it home...or not? i would.. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4



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05-13-2010, 04:57 PM	#16
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Drive it home...or not? Are you going to register and insure it for at least liability before you take it out on the public highways so as to protect others who you will share the road with? If I didn't know the vehicle that has been sitting, I wouldn't endanger myself or others without having looked it over closely, i.e. pulled wheels to check brakes, steering components, etc and making sure it was driven home legally. Perhaps your state is different. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

05-13-2010, 05:03 PM	#17
gregg72340 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: ambler, pa Posts: 325	Re: Drive it home...or not? Drive It!!!!!!!!!!!!!

05-13-2010, 06:59 PM	#18
Danny Bost Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Aztec NM Posts: 229	Re: Drive it home...or not? I say drive it. But then again, I bought my last motorcycle in Tuscon AZ after my nephew test drove it for 5 minutes. Then I went and rode it home to Albuquerque NM, 7 hours on the interstate. __________________ Danny 71 SWB

05-13-2010, 07:45 PM	#19
into69z "brand new second-hand" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White House, Tennessee Posts: 526	Re: Drive it home...or not? Drive it! I picked up my truck 525 miles from home-drove 200 miles till the water pump let go-used AAA and flat bedded it 197 miles to Indio, ca to a Napa store-bought a new water pump and drove it home all in the same day. I think I saved money because it cost less to buy and install the water pump than pay for the gas to drive it the whole way! take tools! __________________ Steve 69 3/4t custom camper tilt,am/fm,speed warning,air gauge,buddy buckets,aux battery, big block,p/s,p/b,a/c 67 Camaro 96 Impala ss-sold 04 hybrid Honda-saving gas for the blue truck!:b69:

05-13-2010, 11:15 PM	#20
K2Orion Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 75	Re: Drive it home...or not? Drive it.

05-13-2010, 11:23 PM	#21
tasian Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: hangtown, ca Posts: 244	Re: Drive it home...or not? kick the tires and light the fires __________________ Betsy's build 70 c20 4 speed 406sb

05-13-2010, 11:32 PM	#22
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	Re: Drive it home...or not? 80 miles is about a 1 1/2 hour drive. If it made the initial trip it must be pretty solid mechanically. As others have said...I would check the fluids well, tires, brakes, etc. As mentioned also have a AAA card and cell phone. And lets not forget a camera for we want to see pics. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

05-13-2010, 11:45 PM	#23
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,022	Re: Drive it home...or not? Drive it home, that's half the fun. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

05-14-2010, 12:35 AM	#24
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Drive it home...or not? Drive it. Heck, it's only 80 miles. So I'm guessing that your brother would drive down with you down to pick it up; he can drive "chase", just in case you do have some problems getting home. __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

05-14-2010, 02:05 AM	#25
tapeworm fan of "Butters" Stotch Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 267	Re: Drive it home...or not? Whats the worst that could happen? Then again, this is coming from a guy that drove a truck home that had been sitting in the woods for three years (It was only about 10 miles) The guy I bought it from shook my hand, and said "you've got b****" __________________ 64 shortbox fleetside replacing rusty junk with more junk, and one day to become a real truck again

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