What shoud I be wary of with this truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mike Culpepper · 02-28-2003, 02:05 PM

I found a '69 CST LWB about 150 mi. from where I live and was thinking about taking a look at it soon. I called and talked to the owner(business that sells older cars and trucks), and he said that all the A.C parts are there but the A/C doesn't work. Also he guessed the PS pump would need replacing coz it was sometimes hard to turn the wheel. Supposedly no rust on it now, but it was repainted not too long ago. The rocker panels were replaced, the cab corners were in good shape accord. to the guy I talked too.
My question(s) : I'm trying to anticipate "worst case scenarios". What do you think the likelyhood of the A/C compressor is bad and that is the only thing needed to get the A/C running? In other words, is there something else about the A/C system I should be concerned about?
Also, is there a way to tell if the "steering problem" is just the PS pump or a bigger problem.
I know it is hard to tell without looking at the truck. Opinions are welcome.
Mike

Long Knight · 02-28-2003, 02:19 PM

Not long after I got my truck the steering was "sometimes hard to turn the wheel" like the guy said. Turned out to be a much bigger and potentially dangerous problem, the ball joints were VERY bad. Replaced the ball joints and haven't had a problem since.

ckhd · 02-28-2003, 02:30 PM

Hope that all that's wrong with my Suburban's "sometimes hard to turn the wheel" problem is balljoints, because I'm getting new ones (the old ones are definately worn).

The main thing about AC, is that it needs to be sealed up. If it's open to the air (disconnected or leaked everything out), you'll need to have it flushed before you put any new freon in, and get a new reciever-dryer.

Also, make sure that there are no leaks in the system. You could almost buy a new pickup for what it will cost to fill it with r-12. A good shop will pressure-test it with Nitrogen before filling it.

Long Knight · 02-28-2003, 03:12 PM

I don't know about everyone else, but my power steerin works so good I can literally, at any time, steer my truck with two finger on the top of the wheel. One of my friends drove it and said it was "loose." I said "No, it just works really good."

Mike Culpepper · 02-28-2003, 04:03 PM

Thanks for the reply.
I saw a pic. of the engine (and A/C) and everything appears connected. Of course that doesn't mean it has any freon in it. The guy is asking $4,800 for the truck and said he'd take $4,500, but I'm starting to have second thoughts!
If the truck were here in town, I'd go to a shop where I trust the mechanics and get them to go over the truck first, but so far from home, I'd feel like they have the home court advantage.
Here is the truck if anyone is interested:
http://www.gotexasexports.com/

The images take a while to load, it's about 1/2 way down......
Mike

MandarinSixSeven · 02-28-2003, 04:21 PM

Ya, my steering was "hard to steer sometimes" then after a couple months like that, one day i was driving down the highway, no the less, and went to take a corner, boom, the wheel just spun like a skateboard wheel and i kept going straight, talk about scarey!!! It ended up being the steering box was just thrashed!!!

MandarinSixSeven · 02-28-2003, 04:23 PM

Man they have some sweet cars at that place...the truck looks pretty nice, good interior, dual exhaust....there is an even nicer looking blazer further down the page wow!

Long Knight · 02-28-2003, 05:53 PM

That '72 looks pretty good too. Price might be a little high though. Then again, I'm not in the market, I already have a truck.

**COBALT** · 02-28-2003, 06:03 PM

Are you thinking about buying this truck without test driving it or checking it out in person? I would NOT do that, unless I trusted the guy first.

Have someone here who's close go take a look.

travis martin · 02-28-2003, 06:16 PM

Long Knight,ckhd my steering is tight in the mornings when it is cold but after it warms up it steers realy easy. My question is do you think that my ball joints are bad or do you think it is something else? Mike sorry about asking questions on your post. Thanks Travis

Mike Culpepper · 02-28-2003, 06:18 PM

NO, I was trying to decide if the truck was worth driving over to look at . I am looking for a daily driver in good general mechanical shape, and not alot of work to be done on the body....I simply don't have time to do that. I was trying to get an idea of what to offer the guy, based on a worst case scenario, given the A/C and steering problems mentioned. I have a friend who is a certified mechanic and could test the A/C system and fill it at a fraction of the cost, but I would have to buy the truck and get it back here in Houston for him to look at it.
Anyone here live in the Belton/Temple/Waco area that feels like a road trip?
Mike

Long Knight · 02-28-2003, 06:32 PM

This is exactly what my steering felt like...I would be driving along, no problem and then all of a sudden it would feel like my ps pump went out. It would only last for a moment and then come back to normal. It was the "socket" catching in the joint just right and seizing up momentarily. PS pumps don't go bad that often. Mine has been dropped, kinda ran over, ran dry(by accident), and even has a huge dent in the bottom, and still works. However, it sounds like a pump problem you have. I would try changing the fluid (by taking off the return line). Don't have steering fluid lying around, use, dare I say, tranny fluid.

Vince M · 02-28-2003, 06:49 PM

Post another thread asking for people in the area where the truck is located. I think you'll find that somebody on the board is closer than you and they might be willing to go look at it. It's a good idea to get an "impartial" opinion.

If the A/C system is complete it probably has a leak in it. It could be anywhere. Large dollar items are the compressor, evaporator, and condensor. If you need to buy any of these you'd be better to convert to r134a and get rid of the r12.

Steering pumps aren't that expensive. Have them fix it for you for you if your interested in the truck. That way you'll know if it is the pump.

my new 72 · 02-28-2003, 07:47 PM

I see a 327 in that truck not a 350. Look at the intake. I would definately have someone look at if for me, and the price is a little too high for that truck.

mikep · 02-28-2003, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Long Knight
Don't have steering fluid lying around, use, dare I say, tranny fluid.

You mean they make steering fluid?

Ive always used either type F or straight hydraulic oil. I get the feeling steering fluid is just repacked hydraulic oil anyway.

Hutch · 02-28-2003, 09:13 PM

Got some extra cash I would look into this one.

1971 Chevrolet Longhorn

70shortnphat · 02-28-2003, 09:58 PM

In the picture of the engine compartment you can see there is no belt on the compresor. Perhaps the clutch froze up (pully)?

mikep · 02-28-2003, 10:13 PM

That guy is a lunatic. I went through his page and scoped out some of his prices and damn near choked. I hope these arent typical of the prices in Houston. $5800 for this ???

mikep · 02-28-2003, 10:15 PM

Only $1800 for this 6 cylinder hotrod ...

Mike Culpepper · 03-01-2003, 10:14 AM

Mikep,
i thought some of the prices were pretty high as well, but I haven't been looking for a '69-'72 p/u for very long either.
What would ya'll think would be a "fair" price for the '69 LWB on this site?
BTW this place is in central TX. between Austin and Waco. That area has a large pop. of armed service personel (Fort Hood is in that area).
MikeC

Dreaminator · 03-01-2003, 03:41 PM

I would get it on a hoist or get on a creeper. In the north country it is cab supports, frame in front of rear axle, trailing arms, and the cab under the interior gas tank that can cost a grand or two after you bring it home. The burb down the page is really interesting though! It must be heaven living in the dry south.

jeepbut · 03-01-2003, 04:13 PM

I am wary of texasexp. I have looked at what they bring to swap meets for sale and in my opinion it is all overpriced junk. If they have a truck priced at $4800, then expect about a $2000-$2500 truck. Around the Texas swap meet crowd they're reputation is such that a bad or junk vehicle is known as a "Beltonwagon". But who knows, this could be that one good deal!

mikep · 03-01-2003, 04:21 PM

Sounds typical of business's operating outside military posts. Young dumb kids with bonus checks and no bills will pay anything for something that looks cool whether its any good or not. From what I saw their prices are about 3X what I'd expect to pay around here pretty much across the board so I'll assume the same applies to their trucks.

Mike Culpepper · 03-01-2003, 11:02 PM

I REALLY appreciate the info.
Especially the word about their rep around the 'meets.
I'm just gettin' started and one thing I have learned over the years is to not get in a hurry when buyin' a vehicle.

I went to Classic Truck Shop.com and feel this would be a class 4 POSSIBLY a class 3 truck if you streched it. According to them it should be valued between $2000-$4500 at most.

I looked at the link to the longhorn in Conroe and that truck looks NICE, but too rich for my blood.
THANKS again!
Mike

72CustomCamper · 03-02-2003, 01:29 AM

Everybody throw your 2 pennies in if you agree...

The best buys on these trucks are found by accident.

You know, the one in the field, or the one at the estate sale, or maybe the one you get from grandpa..like mine!

02-28-2003, 02:05 PM	#1
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	What shoud I be wary of with this truck? I found a '69 CST LWB about 150 mi. from where I live and was thinking about taking a look at it soon. I called and talked to the owner(business that sells older cars and trucks), and he said that all the A.C parts are there but the A/C doesn't work. Also he guessed the PS pump would need replacing coz it was sometimes hard to turn the wheel. Supposedly no rust on it now, but it was repainted not too long ago. The rocker panels were replaced, the cab corners were in good shape accord. to the guy I talked too. My question(s) : I'm trying to anticipate "worst case scenarios". What do you think the likelyhood of the A/C compressor is bad and that is the only thing needed to get the A/C running? In other words, is there something else about the A/C system I should be concerned about? Also, is there a way to tell if the "steering problem" is just the PS pump or a bigger problem. I know it is hard to tell without looking at the truck. Opinions are welcome. Mike

02-28-2003, 02:19 PM	#2
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Not long after I got my truck the steering was "sometimes hard to turn the wheel" like the guy said. Turned out to be a much bigger and potentially dangerous problem, the ball joints were VERY bad. Replaced the ball joints and haven't had a problem since. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-28-2003, 02:30 PM	#3
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	Hope that all that's wrong with my Suburban's "sometimes hard to turn the wheel" problem is balljoints, because I'm getting new ones (the old ones are definately worn). The main thing about AC, is that it needs to be sealed up. If it's open to the air (disconnected or leaked everything out), you'll need to have it flushed before you put any new freon in, and get a new reciever-dryer. Also, make sure that there are no leaks in the system. You could almost buy a new pickup for what it will cost to fill it with r-12. A good shop will pressure-test it with Nitrogen before filling it. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

02-28-2003, 03:12 PM	#4
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	I don't know about everyone else, but my power steerin works so good I can literally, at any time, steer my truck with two finger on the top of the wheel. One of my friends drove it and said it was "loose." I said "No, it just works really good." __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-28-2003, 04:21 PM	#6
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	Ya, my steering was "hard to steer sometimes" then after a couple months like that, one day i was driving down the highway, no the less, and went to take a corner, boom, the wheel just spun like a skateboard wheel and i kept going straight, talk about scarey!!! It ended up being the steering box was just thrashed!!! __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

02-28-2003, 04:03 PM	#5
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	Thanks for the reply. I saw a pic. of the engine (and A/C) and everything appears connected. Of course that doesn't mean it has any freon in it. The guy is asking $4,800 for the truck and said he'd take $4,500, but I'm starting to have second thoughts! If the truck were here in town, I'd go to a shop where I trust the mechanics and get them to go over the truck first, but so far from home, I'd feel like they have the home court advantage. Here is the truck if anyone is interested: http://www.gotexasexports.com/ The images take a while to load, it's about 1/2 way down...... Mike

02-28-2003, 04:23 PM	#7
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	Man they have some sweet cars at that place...the truck looks pretty nice, good interior, dual exhaust....there is an even nicer looking blazer further down the page wow! __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

02-28-2003, 05:53 PM	#8
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	That '72 looks pretty good too. Price might be a little high though. Then again, I'm not in the market, I already have a truck. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-28-2003, 06:03 PM	#9
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Are you thinking about buying this truck without test driving it or checking it out in person? I would NOT do that, unless I trusted the guy first. Have someone here who's close go take a look. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

02-28-2003, 06:16 PM	#10
travis martin CoonHunter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: valley falls ks Posts: 346	Long Knight,ckhd my steering is tight in the mornings when it is cold but after it warms up it steers realy easy. My question is do you think that my ball joints are bad or do you think it is something else? Mike sorry about asking questions on your post. Thanks Travis __________________ 72 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 4" inch lift. 2000 Chevy Malibu

02-28-2003, 06:18 PM	#11
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	NO, I was trying to decide if the truck was worth driving over to look at . I am looking for a daily driver in good general mechanical shape, and not alot of work to be done on the body....I simply don't have time to do that. I was trying to get an idea of what to offer the guy, based on a worst case scenario, given the A/C and steering problems mentioned. I have a friend who is a certified mechanic and could test the A/C system and fill it at a fraction of the cost, but I would have to buy the truck and get it back here in Houston for him to look at it. Anyone here live in the Belton/Temple/Waco area that feels like a road trip? Mike

02-28-2003, 06:32 PM	#12
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	This is exactly what my steering felt like...I would be driving along, no problem and then all of a sudden it would feel like my ps pump went out. It would only last for a moment and then come back to normal. It was the "socket" catching in the joint just right and seizing up momentarily. PS pumps don't go bad that often. Mine has been dropped, kinda ran over, ran dry(by accident), and even has a huge dent in the bottom, and still works. However, it sounds like a pump problem you have. I would try changing the fluid (by taking off the return line). Don't have steering fluid lying around, use, dare I say, tranny fluid. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick Last edited by Long Knight; 02-28-2003 at 06:35 PM.

02-28-2003, 06:49 PM	#13
Vince M Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,076	Post another thread asking for people in the area where the truck is located. I think you'll find that somebody on the board is closer than you and they might be willing to go look at it. It's a good idea to get an "impartial" opinion. If the A/C system is complete it probably has a leak in it. It could be anywhere. Large dollar items are the compressor, evaporator, and condensor. If you need to buy any of these you'd be better to convert to r134a and get rid of the r12. Steering pumps aren't that expensive. Have them fix it for you for you if your interested in the truck. That way you'll know if it is the pump. __________________ ............................................................ 68 Chevy CST SWB w/LS1, carb & 700r4. Golden Anniversary clone with a few improvements.

02-28-2003, 07:47 PM	#14
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	I see a 327 in that truck not a 350. Look at the intake. I would definately have someone look at if for me, and the price is a little too high for that truck. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

02-28-2003, 09:13 PM	#16
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Got some extra cash I would look into this one. 1971 Chevrolet Longhorn Attached Images __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS



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02-28-2003, 09:58 PM	#17
70shortnphat "See the U.S.A....." Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Richmond TX. Posts: 269	In the picture of the engine compartment you can see there is no belt on the compresor. Perhaps the clutch froze up (pully)? __________________ 1970 short bed fleetside 1949 all origional chevy 3600 1974 camaro Richmond , Texas(just S.W.of Houston)

02-28-2003, 10:13 PM	#18
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	That guy is a lunatic. I went through his page and scoped out some of his prices and damn near choked. I hope these arent typical of the prices in Houston. $5800 for this ??? __________________ No truck :-(

02-28-2003, 10:15 PM	#19
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Only $1800 for this 6 cylinder hotrod ... __________________ No truck :-(

03-01-2003, 10:14 AM	#20
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	Mikep, i thought some of the prices were pretty high as well, but I haven't been looking for a '69-'72 p/u for very long either. What would ya'll think would be a "fair" price for the '69 LWB on this site? BTW this place is in central TX. between Austin and Waco. That area has a large pop. of armed service personel (Fort Hood is in that area). MikeC

03-01-2003, 03:41 PM	#21
Dreaminator Dreaminator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Posts: 156	I would get it on a hoist or get on a creeper. In the north country it is cab supports, frame in front of rear axle, trailing arms, and the cab under the interior gas tank that can cost a grand or two after you bring it home. The burb down the page is really interesting though! It must be heaven living in the dry south. __________________ The Dreaminator Daily Driver 1971 Cheyenne 10 Lwb Tilt/Tac 402 .030 TH400.

03-01-2003, 04:13 PM	#22
jeepbut Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Corpus Christi, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 271	I am wary of texasexp. I have looked at what they bring to swap meets for sale and in my opinion it is all overpriced junk. If they have a truck priced at $4800, then expect about a $2000-$2500 truck. Around the Texas swap meet crowd they're reputation is such that a bad or junk vehicle is known as a "Beltonwagon". But who knows, this could be that one good deal!

03-01-2003, 04:21 PM	#23
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Sounds typical of business's operating outside military posts. Young dumb kids with bonus checks and no bills will pay anything for something that looks cool whether its any good or not. From what I saw their prices are about 3X what I'd expect to pay around here pretty much across the board so I'll assume the same applies to their trucks. __________________ No truck :-(

03-01-2003, 11:02 PM	#24
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	I REALLY appreciate the info. Especially the word about their rep around the 'meets. I'm just gettin' started and one thing I have learned over the years is to not get in a hurry when buyin' a vehicle. I went to Classic Truck Shop.com and feel this would be a class 4 POSSIBLY a class 3 truck if you streched it. According to them it should be valued between $2000-$4500 at most. I looked at the link to the longhorn in Conroe and that truck looks NICE, but too rich for my blood. THANKS again! Mike

03-02-2003, 01:29 AM	#25
72CustomCamper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 86	Everybody throw your 2 pennies in if you agree... The best buys on these trucks are found by accident. You know, the one in the field, or the one at the estate sale, or maybe the one you get from grandpa..like mine! __________________ '72 GMC C20, "2500 Super Custom", Custom Camper, New 454 '93 K2500 Suburban, Old 454 (157K)

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