New to square bodies, checking one out today...

[PurdueSD]

Going to check this guy out today. Looks like a little rust in the cab corners and above the rear wheels. Low miles and un molested supposedly, says it has a 350... any tips on what to look for?

I am not looking to make this a project, just something i can run around with while i work on getting my 51 on the road. What do you think a fair number on this one is?

[PurdueSD]

[Oberon67]

It's really hard to put a number on it... local markets vary widely.

Check the papers in your area, and check Craigslist to see what's comparable. That'll give you some idea.

[PurdueSD]

Ya I've done some of that. Oddly enough, there aren't many 73-87s that are very decent around anymore. Think the salt got em all... Couple really nice trucks there asking 12-15 for and junkers people ask 800-2000. Not much in between, thats why I'm headed to check this one out

[Tom]

Around here, $1500-$2000, and I only say 2k because the interior looks really clean. Otherwise nothing special and its rusted out.

Nothing major to look for, these are very solid trucks.

[PurdueSD]

Thanks^ The cab corners don't really concern me too much as long as the rust stops there and doesn't get into the rockers. 1 good day in the garage and i can take care of patching those and spotting them back in. The bed sides are a bit of a bummer, but i was thinking about maybe two toning the truck with white in the middle at some point, i could patch the bedsides at that point. If the rust spots are pretty localized ill probably make an offer...if not Ill just keep looking.

The guy says that the truck is mechanically perfect and the interior is really clean. We will see i guess.

Can you see the engine numbers in front of the passenger side head on these trucks with the alternator in place? I would like to verify its a 350 vs 305

Thanks!

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by PurdueSD

Can you see the engine numbers in front of the passenger side head on these trucks with the alternator in place? I would like to verify its a 350 vs 305

Decode VIN number: http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN2.htm

If the block deck has been resurfaced, there may be nothing there. In that case, try to read the block casting number by looking down on the block "shelf" behind the drivers side cylinder head. Also, the last 3 digits are usually cast into both sides of the block between deck and oil pan. But you'd probably need to get under the truck to see those.

[allengator]

Originally Posted by MikeB

Decode VIN number: http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN2.htm

If the block deck has been resurfaced, there may be nothing there. In that case, try to read the block casting number by looking down on the block "shelf" behind the drivers side cylinder head. Also, the last 3 digits are usually cast into both sides of the block between deck and oil pan. But you'd probably need to get under the truck to see those.

agreed... but the VIN of the truck only helps if the engine is original... cant tell that if you cant read the deck on the front....

I would definitely try to read these casting numbers on the back...

I also agree that price varies wildly by market...

In Texas a long bed with rust wouldn't be worth much... but up north "rust" is a subjective term!

[Oberon67]

Originally Posted by PurdueSD

Going to check this guy out today. I am not looking to make this a project, just something i can run around with while i work on getting my 51 on the road.

So what did you think? Did it come home with you?

[PurdueSD]

I didn't, I left it behind. Really nice, impeccably original truck. It had a 305 not a 350 and the rust was more than i was willing to deal with. Really a perfect truck for somebody to use for the next 10 years, but i want more than just transportation

[tucsonjwt]

Good call. I always say that getting a rust free truck from the southwest is worth the effort. Of course, if you can get a good truck with rust and everything else is nice (like interior, especially a good dash pad), then it makes sense to buy a rusty truck and strip it for parts swap to a good southwest rust free truck. This is assuming that your rusty truck purchase is $1,000 or less.

The leftover carcass of a rusty truck can still be sold for scrap and maybe even sell parts (like good suspension parts) on Ebay. Even a scrap 350 engine has $250 in value. I have learned that it takes a lot of determination to get a 30+ year old truck in cherry condition, but it is worth it if you are a square head.