Newbe with some questions

[big bad orange]

First off I would like to thank you guy for having such a great forum and Pics (I love the long beds), any way
I am going to get my first truck in 3-6 months (getting my permit) and I have always loved the looks of these trucks any
my Question is do most of you guys use your trucks like trucks or are they just show pieces?
Living In Pennsylvania I worry about rust since anything I get will be outside but Also I am cut lawns so it will haul a 4'x3' trailer full my my stuff.
So a c10 would be my daily drive, work truck and just something to show off. as for the price I will always work harder to get what I want just need to show my parent that just because it's a 1971 it does not mean it not a good truck
P.S The pic is one for sale by

[RenoKeene]

Welcome from Florida....All these were good trucks, simple, easy to work on and plenty of parts available. Much cheaper than the same era muscle cars.
As for your question...members here drive everything from rust buckets to show stoppers and are more than willing to help with advice, parts, etc. In my case I started with a solid driver and am now building it into a show truck. I will still drive it about twice a week and am looking for another driver.
Be carefull or you will get THE FEVER, most of us already have it.
Good luck to you.

[big bad orange]

I know what you mean, you just want to make it your own and stand out from the rest. I keep getting told I should just look for a 90's truck and forget about it but I love old school stuff.

[webfoot]

I drive what most would call a "beater". It mainly looks beater cuz of the wheels and tires, and its dirty with ugly paint, plus the (original!) windshield is cracked clear across. (yep, beater!) But, it runs & drives great, and I like it so I don't really care.

Pretty easy to make them look better though, in my opinion.

[truckster]

Mine is what I call "a work in progress." Every year I do something more to it, but I don't have the time or money to do it all at once. When I first got it, I had big plans (400 SBC, 700R4) but my wife said, "Just get it running." I put a used 350 in it and got it on the road, and she was right, because I enjoy driving it every day.

As far as being a working truck, I don't think a couple of lawnmowers is going to put much of a strain on your truck. My first truck I had when I owned a glass business was a 66 GMC.

Here's a list of priorities I would consider if you're buying any used vehicle, and the order I would address fixing issues: 1. Make it safe (brakes, steering, etc.) 2. Make it dependable. 3. Make it comfortable. 4. Make it yours - what do you want it to be?

Good luck, and welcome to the board.

[Daddy Brim]

First off welcome, you have come to the right place. These trucks are very easy to work on and their is a reason they are around 40 plus years later. Don't know if you can say that about a 90's truck I guess we will half to Wait until 2034 and my truck will still be on the road. I have a 67 C-20 and drive it every day and use it for all of my hauling needs. Plus they just look cool.

[flashed]

My daily driver was a 72 Chevy fleetside shortbed until it went to the bodyshop a few months a go. It is now in the process of getting a frame off rodstoration and when finished in a few more months will become my daily driver again .I will use it to pull my utility trailer and also haul light stuff in the bed ,but the bed floor will be covered in bedliner .My bodyshop says it will be the nicest daily driver 72 Chevy truck around here but he is glad that I drive my classic cars and truck. He knows he will get to keep them looking good.

[litew8]

When I was your age, I had similar aspiration and went out and bought me my very first car.
It was a Vega hatchback! I mention this because after about one year I threw a connecting rod and it went out the side of the block.

Since it's your first vehicle, I'll give some advice. I think a truck should be used as truck. To haul items and to make money like you intend to do! Good job. Second, use it to learn how to perform preventive maintenence. Check things often, get familiar with the responsibility - it will last you the rest of your life and the future cars/trucks you will own. Check oil, fluids, breaks, grease suspension infrequently, check battery, clean battery posts, etc... etc... As for modifying the truck - I'm mostly the kind of guy that likes STOCK design/structure and don't really like messing with or changing something that a room full of engineers designed/developed. If I changed something, it would be very conservative in nature. Just make sure you check for serious rust on the underside, check breaks make sure they're all good, wheels, etc... Do all the above and by the time your old enough to have saved some good cash - you'll be better informed through knowledge/experience to decide what's best.

[oldblue1968chevy]

i gotta 68 c10 for my dd when i was 16, it looked better then than now but its just an old truck that costs alot to keep up.

When i first got it,,,im 19 now

check thread for more info!

[litew8]

Sorry, brakes not breaks.

Engine (not motor = electric) oil & radiator check cold. Tranny warm.
Take auto-shop in High School if offered!

[special-K]

Using one of these trucks for a daily driver during winter in Pittsburg will result in having a rust bucket. These trucks can go all day long as daily drivers. But,anyone who knows what they're doing doesn't use their truck in the salt,if they want it to last. These trucks were rusted by the '80s in your area,unless they stayed out of the salt.