Should I buy?

[doug_b72]

Hello all! I'm thinking of buying a C65. I thought it was a 1974 model, but the owner thought it was an '84 model. So first things first, how can I tell the difference?

My main question is that the guy is asking $1500 for it which seemed a little low. Should this be a red flag? Haven't driven it yet but I hoped to this evening. It's got a 427 and a 5 speed with a 4 speed aux box. Twin screw axles, 27500 gvw, 14 foot frame behind the cab and no bed. I think the odometer reads 36 miles or maybe 360, so I've no idea how many times it's rolled over. It used to be a water tanker for a local fire department. Hasn't been licensed since 2012, owner says he's trying to get rid of it before they have to have an auction and have to pay commission to sell it.

My plans were to build a flatbed for it and haul my projects around (if a tandem axle truck seems big to haul a project around, one potential project is a John Deere 4520). What do you guys think? Too cheap to be good, or is it just a good deal?

[Greg58]

Google the VIN number to determine the year, the title will say as well.
Our tandem tanker on our Dept. is a 94 and it has 11,000 miles on it. A tanker only rolls on rural fires and weed fires etc. They sit a lot!
Sounds like a deal to me. That gas burner will drink a lot of fuel.
Good luck, Greg

[doug_b72]

Yup definitely a 74 like I thought, just kinda figured the owner would know what year his own truck is. Im going to see of I can't go drive it this afternoon. Thank you!

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Sounds pretty good to me.

Big trucks are also known to sell for pretty low prices.

Being an Ex-fire truck is a plus for sure.

Like the Trans combo.

Low GVW for a Tandem Axle for some reason. Double-check that when you get to see it.

The John Deere 4520 sounds good too.

[doug_b72]

The gvw I quoted came from the plate on the drivers door frame. Now that I think about it though, you're right. That is low for tandem axles, I mean you can get 20k out of a single axle. The plate reads:

Gross weight 27500
Front end at ground 9000
Rear end at ground 18500
Vehicle identification CCE664V1.....

I'm not sure if I'm going to go for it either, there was a lot of noise coming from the main transmission, and after driving it for a bit I turned the key off and it dieseled until I put it in gear and let out on the clutch. If I wanted a diesel I should buy my uncle's 70ish truck with a 6v71 Detroit in it.. which doesn't sound half bad.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

The dieseling problem can be fixed, in most cases anyway. The truck sounds like it originally had a Single Axle and someone put a Tag or a Pusher under it and never bothered to get it re-certified. Or probably just put a set of Tandems under it, especially if it is actually a Twin-Screw.

[doug_b72]

I see, that's possible that it's been modified considering the frame has been cut and welded back together. Im not even totally sure what causes the dieseling and how to fix it though, care to enlighten me?

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Sometimes it's the Timing. A newer truck like that should also have a Solenoid on the side of the Carb to help prevent it. It could be missing or not working properly.

[doug_b72]

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

Sometimes it's the Timing. A newer truck like that should also have a Solenoid on the side of the Carb to help prevent it. It could be missing or not working properly.

Okay, that makes sense now. Although I just looked at another truck I like a whole lot more. Its a '79 model C6000 stake body grain truck. It has a 350 and CH 465 with a 2 speed rear end. Lots easier to shift compared to the 5 + 4 transmission, I'm sure.

I'd really like to find out what the axle ratios are, any idea how I can find out? I have a picture of the RPO codes.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

A 2-Speed Rear is easier to shift, but not as much fun, lol.

Post the Codes and we will try to decipher them for you.

[doug_b72]

Here's the rpo code plate out of the truck I'm currently interested in.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Little hard to read at that angle, but it looks like a 6.50 Rear Ratio.

I don't really see a 2-Speed Rear any where.

[doug_b72]

I realized the picture wasn't so good after I got home, it was at night when I took it and I was using a flashlight cause my phone wouldn't flash. Anyway I thought the T150 axle was a 2 speed. There's a switch on the shifter, and I thought I saw an actuator on the axle. Thanks for helping though, how'd you determine the 6.50 ratio?

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Unless it changed, and if I remember correctly, the "150" Axle is a Single Speed. This was on a '62 GMC 4000 I had. I also believe that the SPID's would list "both" Ratios of the Rear on a 2-Speed. But if there is a Button on the Shifter, it sure sounds like a 2-Speed. It could have also been added later.

I found the 6.50 Rear Ratio listed on the left column, 5 up from the bottom. At least that's what it looks like to me, lol.

[doug_b72]

Oh my I must be blind, I thought I glanced over it pretty well. I suppose it could've been added later, I'll ask my grandpa and uncle what they know about the truck. I appreciate it though.

[nonstop]

The T150 is a 2 speed, at least per a google search. There is also a 2 speed indicator, which is listed 6 down from the top.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Originally Posted by nonstop

There is also a 2 speed indicator, which is listed 6 down from the top.

I saw that too, but what the heck is a "2-Speed Indicator" ??

Also strange that it doesn't list both Ratios.


BTW, I checked the SPID on my '72 C-10 today.

I have 2 options.

The rest of it is blank, lol. I'm used to seeing long lists like posted above.

My truck has a Painted Rear Bumper and Heavy Rear Springs.

I sure do like the Heavy Rear Springs part though.

[nonstop]

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

I saw that too, but what the heck is a "2-Speed Indicator" ??

Also strange that it doesn't list both Ratios.

I have no clue, unless there is an indicator light on the dash? Agreed about the ratio issue though!

As for two options, that's pretty cool!