Is this a good deal?

[amacc]

The last couple of months I have been looking for a 72 shortbed with a 350 or 402, but I came across a man who is selling a 73 longbed with a 350. Everthing is original and there is little to no rust. The truck does not currently run but the engine looks pretty decent. That is all I know at this time. I really don't know that much about a 73. Is this a good year model, parts easy to find? the guy wants $300 for it. Is that about right or is that a good deal? Thanks

[Prerunner1982]

if the engine is the only problem then yes it is a good deal.... but if trans is shot.. rear end.. front end.. it will get costly.. just depends on what you would want to do with it though.

jon

[amacc]

Thanks for your help. How can I determine if the transmission is alright without the engine firing? I also don't know how to determine if the front end or rear is in good shape. Is there a way to determine this with a visual inspection? Thanks

[BigRed]

If the tranny is an auto, you can see if the tranny actually will shift into all the gears. Not sure what else you can do.

About the suspension, you can visually look at some of the bushings to see if they are severely cracked. Also, you can probably tell by the way the truck is sitting. Jump up and down on the bumper. See what happens.

Yes, there are plenty of parts for '73s around!

[75stepside]

dont make the same mistake i did... make sure to check those rocker panels and cab corners... on the outside of the body and underneath the truck... be sure to ask if the doors/fenders have ever been replaced... and if they were, did he use GM metal or aftermarket. it depends on what you wish to make the truck. i bought my '75 with intensions of building a show truck and now i wished i would have bought a different truck b/c i've replaced most of the body to date.

(if you need a set of aftermarket doors, drop me a line!)

[ElGracho]

You didn't say where you are, but that actually makes a big difference for your availability of parts. I recently moved from the east coast and my 84 was a really old truck over there. Here in the Northwest, there are still plenty of these old GM trucks around. I went to a wrecking yard in Montana that didn't have any of the 73-87 trucks because they were "too new"!!!

These trucks are probably the least expensive vehicles out there to buy parts for. They are also the most likely parts to be carried in stock at any given auto parts store. The hardest stuff to find is original style interior and exterior trim parts, but everything else is very easy to find.


I'd say it would be hard to go wrong for $300 if the body is any good at all.

[79BIG10]

I agree as long as the bed and cab are decent shape then the doors and front end are easy to replace with aftermarket. The others is where it gets $$$.

[78SilveradoSWB]

For $300 and a clear title, wouldn't this be a good parts truck anyways? I would think he would get more than his $300 investment if he sold the parts

[Tom]

Id pay $300 just for a good strait front clip, its a great deal.

[76 k20]

300$ complete and solid definately worth it. even if it needs to be overhauled, a turbo 350 is cheap to buy or rebuild yourself, diffs should be ok as long as theres lube in them, there pretty tough.
I would say buy it fast before he changes his mind!!

[1974ChevyC10]

sounds like a piece of crap gimme the phone number and address ill go buy it LOL it sounds like a good deal so far but give us some more info like where you live and the overall condition of the truck and all that.then we can help ya decide if its a good truck or better for parts.

[racedvl]

I bought my 86 GMC for $500 neededing an engine. But the truck also included a used engine to install. Now I live in northren IL, and this truck is not what I call rust free, but for around here, she's in pretty good shape. Really, that sounds like a great deal. The great thing is, these trucks are easy to work on. If it needed a engine, then needed a trans later down the road, who cares? Still cheaper than a new truck payment, and you get the enjoyment ( i use that loosely ) of working on it. If it has a TH350 trans, you can get ones out of summit I think around $600? That ain't really too bad. I dunno, if the body is claen, I think it's a great deal!

[old Rusty C10]

id buy it if the body looked good heck like the others said for $300 you can part it out and make more thanyour investment and even for a motor its not bad ive seen enough of them go for alot more. Heck if you dont want it and its local let me know ill take it