Is this truck worth it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Yamaha74 · 07-13-2005, 10:26 AM

I have been looking for a 1973-1987 chevy/gmc truck to restore for a year or so now. I found a 1985 chevy 1500 for sale down the street from my house. It is a long bed, automatic, 350, 4x4. He is asking $1,350 for it, but I think he will take $1,200. I drove the truck yesterday and it seemed to run good except it didn't seem to have the power a 350 should. The engine didn't miss or knock or smoke. The transmission seemed to shift a little hard from first to second, but he said it was rebuilt about 6 months ago. The transfer case was just rebuilt also. The body is in alright shape. It is going to need rockers, cab corners, maybe doors, and tailgate. There is a bed liner in the bed so I don't know how good of shape the bed is. The frame seems pretty solid to me except for some surface rust. The interior need some work. There is no glove box and the dash is cracked and some tears in the seat. I will try to get some pictures if the guy will let me. Do you guys think the price is right?

**Captkaos** · 07-13-2005, 11:08 AM

Hard to say without actually seeing it, but $1200 isn't that bad for a running truck.

Scrubby · 07-13-2005, 11:44 AM

I would say that is a pretty decent price for a running 4x4. Around here anyway. Really depends what it looks like.

86 GMG · 07-13-2005, 02:06 PM

1,200.00 isnt bad at all as long as the 4x4 works

Yamaha74 · 07-14-2005, 07:34 AM

I have some pictures of the truck, but I don't know how to post them.

gldevall · 07-14-2005, 08:13 AM

Where are you located? I would say that is too much for the amount of work needed. Sounds more like a $700 truck.

Yamaha74 · 07-14-2005, 08:45 AM

I am in Ohio. I am trying to get the pictures posted.

86swb · 07-14-2005, 09:46 AM

Does not sound bad to me for a 4x4. But pictures says a lot even though it does not show up everthing. Most of that stuff is a easy fix and really normal. The engine seems to be in good shape. Yel, I think it should be worth the $1200.

86 GMG · 07-14-2005, 10:18 AM

send the pic to a mod they will help you out best luck on your purchase!!!!

Yamaha74 · 07-14-2005, 10:45 AM

How do you send them to a mod? Is there an email address or to I just send it to the email that comes up when you click on the contact us link?

ben@speedbarn · 07-14-2005, 11:04 AM

Yeah that sounds good. I paid 1700 for mine. It was a 76 but it came with all the new body parts needed. It also came with a plow, toolbox and ladder rack.

86swb · 07-14-2005, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben@speedbarn

It also came with a plow, toolbox and ladder rack.

Came with a plow? Wow

Bet that looks good behind the truck.

86 GMG · 07-14-2005, 01:16 PM

i dont know just know that they have helped others do this as well sorry like usual i let my alligator mouth overloud my crokadile a$$ again

SSC's76 · 07-14-2005, 02:55 PM

When you post reply, there is a (manage attachments) button. Click it then it will allow you to upload pics. As long as they are under 100k each you just upload then submit.

$1200 for a truck from the rust belt seems a tad high of course it is a 4x4 and any truck that runs is worth $1000.

kevinr1970 · 07-14-2005, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSC's76

...and any truck that runs is worth $1000.

To each there own of course, but I don't know that I agree with that.

Yamaha74 · 07-14-2005, 04:43 PM

It will only let me upload five pictures per reply, so I will keep replying until I have all the pictures on here.

Yamaha74 · 07-14-2005, 04:45 PM

More Pictures

86swb · 07-14-2005, 05:28 PM

Looks like the interior was red at one time. At least the dash pad. Yes, you do have your work cut out for you but could be a nice truck. Someone just let it run down. You just have to pick it back up. Only thing is the $$$

matthufham · 07-14-2005, 07:52 PM

ouch, that's more than a little rust here and there. i say find a better truck. it needs a new interior as well as rust repair.

*1FaastC10* · 07-14-2005, 08:03 PM

the lack of power was probably due more to the lack of the correct gearing in the axles. if i were to buy a 1/2 ton 4x4, the first thing i would do was swap the 1/2 ton axles out for a set out of a 3/4 ton. better gears, bigger brakes, and the axles are all around stronger. i broke a stock 1/2 ton rear on bald 30" tires, and i wasnt beatin on it when it broke. 1/2 ton stuff is junk when it comes to 4x4 trucks.

Yamaha74 · 07-15-2005, 07:43 AM

Thanks guys for your input. This truck has been parked in grass for the last couple of years, so I think by sitting in grass it was absorbing moisture which caused alot of the surface rust on the frame. I thought it was a good deal. Cheapest one I have found around here. I guess I will keep looking. I have to sell a Ford 9N tractor before I can buy anything.

SSC's76 · 07-15-2005, 09:08 AM

That has been abused too much. I'd stay away from it unless you really need a project and have lots of cash/time to blow.

motocrosschump · 07-15-2005, 09:46 AM

Oops

rockman20 · 07-15-2005, 11:59 AM

Unfortunately, around here in the Dakotas, that is kind of the going price for a working 4 X 4. Especially with transmission and transfer case work.

It is a project though. Keep that in mind. Also keep in mind that you will probably put more into the truck then what it will be worth.

That's the situation I had with mine. First the transmission goes out, then the engine, after stuffing that much money into engine and transmission I figured I might as well build the truck I want.

Soooooo......3/4 ton axles are now in it, new wheels, new tires, and there are future plans of body panels, gooseneck hitch, and a diesel. Would of been easier to buy what I wanted, but again, around here ANYTHING that has working 4 wheel drive is worth 1000-1500.

07-13-2005, 10:26 AM	#1
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	Is this truck worth it? I have been looking for a 1973-1987 chevy/gmc truck to restore for a year or so now. I found a 1985 chevy 1500 for sale down the street from my house. It is a long bed, automatic, 350, 4x4. He is asking $1,350 for it, but I think he will take $1,200. I drove the truck yesterday and it seemed to run good except it didn't seem to have the power a 350 should. The engine didn't miss or knock or smoke. The transmission seemed to shift a little hard from first to second, but he said it was rebuilt about 6 months ago. The transfer case was just rebuilt also. The body is in alright shape. It is going to need rockers, cab corners, maybe doors, and tailgate. There is a bed liner in the bed so I don't know how good of shape the bed is. The frame seems pretty solid to me except for some surface rust. The interior need some work. There is no glove box and the dash is cracked and some tears in the seat. I will try to get some pictures if the guy will let me. Do you guys think the price is right?

07-13-2005, 11:08 AM	#2
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Hard to say without actually seeing it, but $1200 isn't that bad for a running truck. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

07-13-2005, 02:06 PM	#4
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	1,200.00 isnt bad at all as long as the 4x4 works __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

07-14-2005, 07:34 AM	#5
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	Posting Pictures I have some pictures of the truck, but I don't know how to post them.

07-14-2005, 08:13 AM	#6
gldevall Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Walker, LA Posts: 2,925	Where are you located? I would say that is too much for the amount of work needed. Sounds more like a $700 truck. __________________ Gary -1986 SWB: lowered 4/6, SOLD!!! -Best 1/4 mile: 14.51 @ 91.01 MPH -2001 Pewter Tahoe, billet grill, Corsa Sport Cat-back, K&N FIPK SOLD!!! -2004 Z-71 Extended cab with a flowmaster, BDS 6.5", 3" BL, 35x12.5x18 Trail Grapplers on Pro-Comp 18x9 wheels

07-13-2005, 11:44 AM	#3
Scrubby Check out GMTrucks.org Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boise, Id Posts: 284	I would say that is a pretty decent price for a running 4x4. Around here anyway. Really depends what it looks like.

07-14-2005, 08:45 AM	#7
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	I am in Ohio. I am trying to get the pictures posted.

07-14-2005, 09:46 AM	#8
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Does not sound bad to me for a 4x4. But pictures says a lot even though it does not show up everthing. Most of that stuff is a easy fix and really normal. The engine seems to be in good shape. Yel, I think it should be worth the $1200. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS Last edited by 86swb; 07-14-2005 at 09:47 AM.

07-14-2005, 10:18 AM	#9
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	send the pic to a mod they will help you out best luck on your purchase!!!! __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

07-14-2005, 10:45 AM	#10
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	How do you send them to a mod? Is there an email address or to I just send it to the email that comes up when you click on the contact us link?

07-14-2005, 11:04 AM	#11
ben@speedbarn Done yet? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 118	Yeah that sounds good. I paid 1700 for mine. It was a 76 but it came with all the new body parts needed. It also came with a plow, toolbox and ladder rack.

07-14-2005, 01:16 PM	#13
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	i dont know just know that they have helped others do this as well sorry like usual i let my alligator mouth overloud my crokadile a$$ again __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

07-14-2005, 02:55 PM	#14
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	When you post reply, there is a (manage attachments) button. Click it then it will allow you to upload pics. As long as they are under 100k each you just upload then submit. $1200 for a truck from the rust belt seems a tad high of course it is a 4x4 and any truck that runs is worth $1000. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

07-14-2005, 04:43 PM	#16
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	It will only let me upload five pictures per reply, so I will keep replying until I have all the pictures on here. Attached Images

07-14-2005, 04:45 PM	#17
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	More Pictures Attached Images



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07-14-2005, 05:28 PM	#18
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Looks like the interior was red at one time. At least the dash pad. Yes, you do have your work cut out for you but could be a nice truck. Someone just let it run down. You just have to pick it back up. Only thing is the $$$ __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

07-14-2005, 07:52 PM	#19
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	ouch, that's more than a little rust here and there. i say find a better truck. it needs a new interior as well as rust repair.

07-14-2005, 08:03 PM	#20
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	the lack of power was probably due more to the lack of the correct gearing in the axles. if i were to buy a 1/2 ton 4x4, the first thing i would do was swap the 1/2 ton axles out for a set out of a 3/4 ton. better gears, bigger brakes, and the axles are all around stronger. i broke a stock 1/2 ton rear on bald 30" tires, and i wasnt beatin on it when it broke. 1/2 ton stuff is junk when it comes to 4x4 trucks.

07-15-2005, 07:43 AM	#21
Yamaha74 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 56	Thanks guys for your input. This truck has been parked in grass for the last couple of years, so I think by sitting in grass it was absorbing moisture which caused alot of the surface rust on the frame. I thought it was a good deal. Cheapest one I have found around here. I guess I will keep looking. I have to sell a Ford 9N tractor before I can buy anything. Last edited by Yamaha74; 07-15-2005 at 07:46 AM.

07-15-2005, 09:08 AM	#22
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	That has been abused too much. I'd stay away from it unless you really need a project and have lots of cash/time to blow. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

07-15-2005, 09:46 AM	#23
motocrosschump Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texarkana, AR 71854 Posts: 397	what is it worth 81 Silverado Oops __________________ 2006 Titan SE Crew Cab Daily Driver 2005 Mazda Tribute (Wifes car) 1969 C10 SWB 350/3 Fleet "Max" 1969 Chevelle 2 door 350/3 Last edited by motocrosschump; 07-15-2005 at 09:52 AM.

07-15-2005, 11:59 AM	#24
rockman20 "The dude abides" Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 472	Unfortunately, around here in the Dakotas, that is kind of the going price for a working 4 X 4. Especially with transmission and transfer case work. It is a project though. Keep that in mind. Also keep in mind that you will probably put more into the truck then what it will be worth. That's the situation I had with mine. First the transmission goes out, then the engine, after stuffing that much money into engine and transmission I figured I might as well build the truck I want. Soooooo......3/4 ton axles are now in it, new wheels, new tires, and there are future plans of body panels, gooseneck hitch, and a diesel. Would of been easier to buy what I wanted, but again, around here ANYTHING that has working 4 wheel drive is worth 1000-1500. __________________ RockMan 1993 Chevy Silverado C3500 1 ton dually 1994 Honda Civic 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 1953 IH Farmall Super M New to the fleet: 1992 Subaru Loyal

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