Need advice on c-10 pickup purchase....

[beanious]

There is a 1971 Chevy C-10 near where I live. The body has some scrapemarks, the paint is primer and the interior is ok. It is a 2WD with drum rear brakes and disc front. It has a SBC 350 and a TH350 transmission. The odometer reads 57,345 but there is no way of telling how many times it has gone around. The guy wants 1500 for it. I was just wondering if this is a fiar price.

I was also wondering if there is any way to convert this 2WD to a 4WD vehicle? Conversion kit? If so what is a manufacturer of one?

Also is there a 2WD lift kit for this truck so that I can fit some bigger tires? Is there a 2WD 6" kit?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Bryan B.

[Sinister]

Sounds like a good deal, does it run? Sorry I can't help with the 4 wheel drive part of your question, but someone will chime in I'm sure.

[beanious]

Yes it does run and drive. I am going to take it on a test drive later on this week. If anyone out there knows how to post pics, include instructions in a reply and I'll put some out there for everyone.

[hgs_notes]

If you want a 4x4, just buy a 4x4. They are plentiful. Lifting a 2wd C-10 is not an easy task because of the indepent coil spring front. Especially not 6". If the truck is not rusted, get under the cab and look at the floor and supports between cab and frame, it is probably a good buy.

[beanious]

Thanks for the advise on the cab and floor supports I will definetely check them out. I guess the two main reasons why I'd settle for a 2WD is that I don't have the cash for a 4WD right now (1500 is right in my budget this month) and two the vehicle is less than a mile away, so I don't have to worry driving it back for hours or even worse transporting it. I guess I am just trying to check to see if this is a good platform that will suit my wants in the future. Truth is I will probably fix it up and then sell it when I leave to go back to California in 5 months. It would be cool if it was 4WD convertableso if it doesn't sell I can bring it back and upgrade it later if I want.

Bryan B.

[boundstaffpress]

I think any running truck with a usable bed is worth $1000

Primer trucks are suspect. You never know what was recently hidden. Like was said above check for rust in the rockers, cab corners, cab supports and around the windshield. Take a magnet with you and check for filler in the same places you would check for rust.

2WD to 4WD is a long process. Several people have recently documented their swaps on the forum. You will need a second 4x4 truck, not just a kit and swap frames. 2wd lift does not accomplish anything.

Posting pics - when you are creating a thread or replying there is a small icon with a mountian. Click there and add a link to a pic that is already on the web. Otherwise, click the "Go advanced" link and you'll see an icon of a paperclip. This will allow you to add pics from your computer. There are size restrictions, so you may need to edit your pic first.
We all love pics.

[beanious]

Ok like I promised, here are the pics... she's not pretty...










Let me know what you think...

[retodd7711]

From what I've heard California has a large selection of fairly rust-free trucks. If you're looking for a 4wd my advice would be to look for a 4wd.
I'd be suspect of a primer truck without closer inspection. Beware of an impulse buy. You might end up with more repairs than you bargained for.
You'd be surprised how fast pic #1 turns into pic #2

[rick0312]

get under and check out the frame. if thats ok you will probaly find rust in the floor pans, rockers and cab corners. all fixable. also check out the bracket that ataches the panhard bar to the rear drivers side frame. mine was really rusted out. very dangerous if this bracket breaks!