New guy with pics and questions...

[CenValyCali]

Just a few pics to start it off...

1983 chevy short bed...







I've got a chance to pick up a 74 long bed with a 454 for a few hundred bucks. Now I'm not into long beds but the price is right and it comes with a few pieces that I plan on getting anyways. It has a one piece back window, Rear sport bumper, Clean doors, after market steering wheel, new tires and clean tail lenses. If I feel up to it I might just change the fenders too. So here's comes the questions. I spent way to much money as it is and I'm going to need to make some money off this long bed. I know 454 aren't as desirable as they use to be but what do they sell for?
How about the cab or the trim? Interior and trans mission? It's probably going to be about 400 for the long bed. Do you think I can make some money back?

Thanks

[Burlinator]

I paid $500 for my 454, air cleaner to pan with all accesories and a th-400 bolted to the back of it

Are you going to use the big block too? if not you "should" be able to recoup your investment, it all depends on what you are going to be taking off and how long are you willing to have a truck sitting in your yard

EDIT: nice truck by the way

[West Texas Z]

you should do fine. Do it.

[bigarmzz]

you could always list it on here, should move quickly...if it runs good, around here they typically go for around $500 including all the accessories

nice truck by the way, just needs another mirror

[softballnrd27]

Why not change the longbed to a short bed and then you don't have to worry about smog in CA?

[KrazyRay]

A 74 truck is very desirable in CA. If the 454 has no egr then it will sell fast. The cab will sell fast just for the early vin. Make sure the cab goes with the vin because it is a heinous crime to sell the vin by itself. I just sold a 74 and made the guy take the cab even though he just wanted the vin. You can make a bed trailer out of the back end and it will sell fast to all of the people leaving CA. I've made over 100 of them and most buyers are taking them out of state because it is cheaper to buy one rather that rent a u haul trailer one way.
You can't miss on this one for a few hundred bucks. If you don't want it then let me know and I will run down there and drag it home.

[73chevyman]

damn wish you were closer i'd buy that cab from ya

[Restrorob]

If that 74 grille is in good shape it would sell quickly on here I'm sure !


Become a site supporter HERE and you could make quite a bit off smaller shippable parts that would other wise be trashed.


BTW, That shorty of yours looks just like my 74 did before I stripped it...

[CenValyCali]

Then the deal is done I'm going pick it up saturday. I haven't heard it run yet but the guy told me it knocks. I'm not really sure how bad that is though. Anyone? Grill is in great condition with the 454 emblem still on it. All the chrome trim is there and in good condition. I would love to register my truck as a 74 but it sounds like I could get in alot of trouble for changing vins. It doesn't sound that hard though. What's the difference in the 74 driving around and the 83 driving around with no smog? I can only drive one vehicle at a time Dinner time! I can't wait to hear everyone response to the knocking motor. Thanks

[73chevyman]

if you have a clear title for the 74 swap cabs and then it's a 74 then sell the 83 as a long bed

[73chevyman]

or cut frame and put your short bed on it... well theres just to much you can do

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Sweet looking truck looks good! I say go but that truck you should be able to break even or at least get close. Good luck with it. Motor still will sell just not as worth as much cause the damn knock!

[CenValyCali]

So it seems tomorrow is going to be the day I take the front down a few inches. The front still has a stock ride height and the back is a flip kit with the overload leaf takin out. I don't plan on big wheels, I'm probably going to keep the 15's and maybe combo them with whitewalls. What kind of drop can I safely get away with in the front? I still have a 2 inch shackle to put in the back so I should be at about 6 or 7 inches in the back. Thanks

[CenValyCali]

Should I go for 6 inches out of the front? I'm going to be cutting the coil spring? Thanks