Hello from San Diego

[Sig619]

Hey, new here on the site. Have been lurking and looking at build threads for the last year or so. Finally might be picking up a truck. I'm in the processing of selling my motorcycle, and when that goes through, I'm getting a truck.

So I want to pick your brains a little when it comes to buying and rebuilding one. I don't plan on doing a full off body re-build/resto, simply due to lack of money. i want the truck to be a daily driver and will eventually make it look purty. Main goal, is to get it reliable and functioning. With that being said, what's the first thing i should do? I was thinking brakes and engine. On brakes, should I restore, or get disks? Disks worth it?

Any advice would help. Have narrowed it down to these three candidates. I have seen them in person yet, but seem to have the least rust on panels compared to others.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3830783699.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3833045497.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3837708736.html

[RANDY COX]

Um,I like the first 1,it looks nice plus it has 3:08 gears,that'll good hi-way gears should make it better gas mileage.....I also like the 2nd one too.....

[Sig619]

Thanks. Im leaning towards that one and the gmc, simply because it has the floor pans done(not sure how good). Only bad thing, it has the 305. gas guzzler right

[1965c1O]

The '64 in Oceanside says it is his daily driver. That is always a good sign and he says he will trade for a cruiser bike! haha

I just bought my 65 in the $4,000 range also.

I looked for 3 years. Keep looking on Craigslist every few days, there will be one every few months that really stands out. They never seem to stop coming on the market.

At this price you can find a decent rat-rod with the core parts in good condition. You probably wont find a matching truck in good shape but engine and transmission should be in good shape as a number one qualifier. The brakes are definitely something that you want done right, so that is a good place to invest. Another good sign is when the seller has documentation of work done at shops. Also, look for bondo, fluid leaks, suspension modifications and of course if it has been in an accident (or salvage title). Also, manual brakes, no power steering and different transmission will greatly effect how and where you end up driving it to.





Also, most of these trucks are going to be gass guzzlers, even the smaller V8's. Don't expect to drive far for cheap!

[spacedebris]

I personally prefer the GMC myself.

But I'm partial to the earlier wrap-around windshield, knee knockers.



engine/brakes is a great place to start. Yes, disc's are definitely worth it, in my opinion breaks should always be upgraded on drivers. Trailer queens are one thing but anything that gets driven should never be left with drums. again IMO.

After engine and breaks, the next I personally would do is wiring. If it has the factory wiring, no matter the condition, I would redo it.

[sevensixoh]

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[Sig619]

Thanks for all the input. I know I'm being unrealistic with mpg, but I really want a truck that I can tinker with. I commute 30 miles round trip, so it's not a huge deal.

I like the GMC since it has a lot done, including the power steering like someone mentioned. However, the c10 looks cleaner.

My plans are as follows.
Brakes
engine (i.e. plugs, plug cables...
maybe paint the engine compartment, maybe cab interior

all on a budget. little by little

[XtechX]

I choose truck number 1. Looks to be the most complete with very easily fixed "cons".
Power disc brakes are definately worth it. Power steering is another great thing. Just my opinion.

[1963c-10]

Welcome from NC. Looking forward to some pics and progress reports on the truck.

[robber grin]

Welcome from SW PA -
rg

[66Submarine]

As for mileage, I know a lot of people get awful fuel economy, but you can get pretty good mileage with these trucks IME. My big 283/SM420 powered '65 C-30 I'm driving now is getting 14MPG. My '65 C-10 with a 250/three speed got 18MPG. As they say, YMMV, but my trucks seem to do alright. IME the smaller engines also predictably seem to use less fuel, all other things being equal.

[61_FL_Apache]

Im running a 305 with 3:08 gears and get around 15mpg.

[Sig619]

Thanks for the tips guys. I was leaning towards the GMC but the engine kinda scared me, but read that a holley carb and regearing would help.

Just surprised how long it is taking to sell my crotch rocket. Want would a reasonable offer be for white c10 or the GMC?

[vegadesign]

Honestly in this area you would be able to do a straight trade with those odds

Especially in the east county!

About what year are you looking for, 67-72?
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[Sig619]

Looking for anything pre 66. Not an apache fan either. So 60-65 is good

[TopFuel1966]

If you would consider a '65 why not a '66?

[dr69burb]

Welcome. I'm in lakeside.
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[Sig619]

ya, 66 ok. Should have specified, just nothing newer.