POS or diamond in the rough?

[68Blu]

Looking for some prospective from people more experienced than me... This is a long one...

After searching for 18 months we bought a 1968 C10 in June. Yes, we were those people who bought a truck online. HOWEVER, we had it inspected by 2 different guys, so thought we were being cautious and as smart as we could be. So 4 months later we have driven the truck less than a half dozen times because its been in the shop for the last 3. The “show quality” “full resto” truck we were sold, of course, is not what we got. She looks great but was just thrown together under the hood. It currently has a 283 with 327 intake and Holley carb. The block is out of a 1961 Impala and will need to be replaced soon. The list of stuff we’ve had to have corrected is quite long, be patient.

* Carbs rejetted
* Speedo connected
* Installed transmission lock up kit to the 700r4
* PO installed the 700r4 but left the clutch and linkage- removed
* Throttle linkage corrected
* Installed electronic fans
* Installed new (larger) alternator
* Installed new seatbelts because you know- the law
* Installed new master cylinder
* Removed old and installed new brake lines
* Upgraded to Lokar gas and brake pedals (old brake pedal was 2 ft off the floor)
* Adjusted shifter
* Replaced steering column spring
* Installed new brake light switch
* Added coolant overflow
* Replaced headlights
* Installed headlight relay
* Fabricated and installed firewall patches
* Changed speedometer drive gear
* Replaced transmission solenoid
* New battery (it died in the 1st week we had the truck)
* New exhaust
* Had to remove the mouse nests in the kick vents

Mind you, this truck came with NOTHING but the pink and keys. I sure I’m forgetting something but you get the just of it. There’s the bad.

The body is in great shape with minimal rust- as in next to none. I found 1 small spot (less than dime size) on the driver rocker. The paint is peeling in the bed.

We’ve been told by 3 different shops that we’re lucky the underside is 100% rust free, painted, and in pristine condition.

So, after dropping too much $$$ into it (I’m sure you know) do we cut and run- suck up the loss? Or do we drop a 350 in it and keep it for a year or 2? Any thoughts/ advise (aside from “You stupid ***”) would be appreciated.

[HO455]

Some photographs would really help us, help you.

[LockDoc]

-
Really doesn't sound like that bad of truck and it sounds like you have most of the small stuff handled. Half the battle is finding a truck with no rust and you have that, so......

LockDoc

[68Blu]

These are the only pictures I have since the trucks still in the shop.

[68Blu]

Sorry took a minute.

[dmjlambert]

It does not sound very rough to me. The list of stuff sounds like stuff the hobby is about. It's got some things about it that are modifications that I would not consider restoration stuff, such as an engine from an earlier year and later model transmission, and non-original carburetor that you had to mess with. I think some folks here call it restomod. If I were needing to make an engine decision, I would put a 350 in it with mechanical fuel pump, stock intake with a new Quadrajet, ram horn exhaust manifolds, and original mechanical fan with thermal clutch and get rid of the electric fans. Bring it back somewhat to "normal" for the period, with only modest upgrades such as a GM HEI distributor and internally regulated alternator. But that's just me. And I would drive it forever, not just for a couple years.

But it's not about me, it's about you. So, it depends on what your goals are. Why do you want one of these trucks? Do you want to fix it up even nicer and trailer it and take it to shows? There's nothing wrong with that. Or do you want a daily driver that is comfortable and that you can use to go to work and to the home improvement store and throw a few boards, appliances, and equipment in the back and have fun doing that?

I didn't understand the part about potential for keeping for 1 or 2 years. Does that mean you expect to be disappointed in it if you put an engine in it? Don't be disappointed, you've already accomplished a lot. Keep it going and enjoy it. You're further along than me, just look at the rust bucket in my avatar photo.

[dmjlambert]

Wow that is a nice truck. Congratulations, good purchase.

[HO455]

It seems to be a solid truck with some loose ends many of which you seem to have addressed. What exactly is the problem with the engine? Maybe finding someone's take out 350 would be the way to go if cash is short. Lots of them showing up as folks replace them with an LSx.
It looks great and I would enjoy driving it myself.

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by 68Blu

Looking for some prospective from people more experienced than me... This is a long one...

After searching for 18 months we bought a 1968 C10 in June. Yes, we were those people who bought a truck online. HOWEVER, we had it inspected by 2 different guys, so thought we were being cautious and as smart as we could be. So 4 months later we have driven the truck less than a half dozen times because its been in the shop for the last 3. The “show quality” “full resto” truck we were sold, of course, is not what we got. She looks great but was just thrown together under the hood. It currently has a 283 with 327 intake and Holley carb. The block is out of a 1961 Impala and will need to be replaced soon. The list of stuff we’ve had to have corrected is quite long, be patient.

* Carbs rejetted
* Speedo connected
* Installed transmission lock up kit to the 700r4
* PO installed the 700r4 but left the clutch and linkage- removed
* Throttle linkage corrected
* Installed electronic fans
* Installed new (larger) alternator
* Installed new seatbelts because you know- the law
* Installed new master cylinder
* Removed old and installed new brake lines
* Upgraded to Lokar gas and brake pedals (old brake pedal was 2 ft off the floor)
* Adjusted shifter
* Replaced steering column spring
* Installed new brake light switch
* Added coolant overflow
* Replaced headlights
* Installed headlight relay
* Fabricated and installed firewall patches
* Changed speedometer drive gear
* Replaced transmission solenoid
* New battery (it died in the 1st week we had the truck)
* New exhaust
* Had to remove the mouse nests in the kick vents

Mind you, this truck came with NOTHING but the pink and keys. I sure I’m forgetting something but you get the just of it. There’s the bad.

The body is in great shape with minimal rust- as in next to none. I found 1 small spot (less than dime size) on the driver rocker. The paint is peeling in the bed.

We’ve been told by 3 different shops that we’re lucky the underside is 100% rust free, painted, and in pristine condition.

So, after dropping too much $$$ into it (I’m sure you know) do we cut and run- suck up the loss? Or do we drop a 350 in it and keep it for a year or 2? Any thoughts/ advise (aside from “You stupid ***”) would be appreciated.

My take on this is if all this time, material and money bothers you then you picked the wrong hobby. Take up Tennis.

[68Blu]

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

My take on this is if all this time, material and money bothers you then you picked the wrong hobby. Take up Tennis.

I’m probably one of the very few wives on here who doesn’t care about the money. In fact, I’m the one saying “What else does she need?”

[toolboxchev]

Just so you know, all these older vehicles need attention. Most likely monthly. The technology is old, so modifying certain things like ignition, carb, alternator even an LS motor is all done on here daily.

That is a very good looking short box. I would not be discouraged unless I paid too much. A roller motor with a 3-year warranty is only 2,000 bucks and that is a brand new manufactured product from GM.

I would drive it, fix it myself. I have been driving a 300K truck daily for over 12 years now. Yes, there are problems, yet they are very easy to fix compared to that brand new blue on you have.

When I got mine I had to do new bearings all the way around, brakes same, and quite a bit of other stuff.

Even with the cost of fuel and insurance, repairs I still am saving money over a brand new vehicle, or used one with a payment which could be far from perfect.

[bigmac73]

Originally Posted by 68Blu

I’m probably one of the very few wives on here who doesn’t care about the money. In fact, I’m the one saying “What else does she need?”

I would marry you.... LOL
I wish my wife would say things like that ,

Sounds like he just needs to relax and start looking at a engine upgrade, 383 or 396 stroker something that is fun to drive, or just a GM crate that will get you from point A or B if that is his thing.

Old trucks are just that old trucks, there is always something else that need to be correct or tweaked or upgraded. And that is part of the hobby like other have mentioned before.

[vitamin_c95]

Despite what you have said about it, I say find and engine for It. Truck looks very clean otherwise. Then drive it. I bought a 71 back in March, and it's needing a lot of work. I'm good with it tho. It's an expensive hobby. Any car repair in general can be costly. Get that truck running and enjoy it. You have the foundation for a beautiful truck.

[68Blu]

My husband purchased the truck as a daily driver. The current engine is running on low compression in all cylinders. She’s showing her age in other words. He’s feeling discouraged (and ripped off) while my attitude is “in for a penny, in for a pound.” I’m trying to get him to see this can be a project for us to share (our son just left for college so why not?). At this point I told him I’ll drive it every day before we sell it.

I don’t believe in having a vehicle just for show. Leaving any classic in the garage is a waste to me. They were made to drive, so drive it.

The point about keeping it a year or 2 was to fix her up, get some fun out of it, then sell. Maybe time would help take the sting out.

I asked for other opinions because I tend to fall in love with something and cost be damned.
(Attached is my daily. I guess you can say His and Hers)

[MARKDTN]

I'd put a motor in that one. Looks like a nice truck. I like fuel injection, so I would do a TPI conversion while I was swapping it. All classic cars require maintenance, so I would not get discouraged. But shops will be an expensive way to keep this going, I would learn to do at least some of the work. Looks like you have a garage. This forum is great. There are probably YouTube videos as well for many things you might want to do. A basic engine swap is a day job. Adding LS swap or TPI conversion would add a bit more time. My '83 K20 was driven to work on Friday with a carburetor and on Monday as a different 350 with fuel injection. Good luck with it whatever you decide.

[special-K]

They don't have to be perfect mechanical condition to be show quality or restored. How many restored trucks out there include a new or rebuilt drivetrain. The emphasis is on cosmetic appearance and as long as a mechanical component is working most just make that look good. To be show quality it just has to make it from the trailer to it's space at the show

I think the problem here is 'having' shops take care of this truck, just dropping it off saying "Let me know what it needs". That list could be long as your arm on some of the nicer looking trucks you see on this website. Just a couple examples I plucked from the list. "Needs electronic fans"? No it doesn't. "Needs speedo connected"? Not being mean, but if you can't take care of that maybe you shouldn't be driving an old vehicle. I should say, unless you are prepared to find the right shop and spend money a lot. For me that is a nice truck that just needs a little effort put in, which I see as part of owning one, to make it really nice and really mine. If all those items listed are what these shops told you, either they aren't qualified to work on these trucks or they saw you coming. They may be playing on your husband's negative got screwed attitude. "You are right, sir. You did get screwed but we can fix you right up. It's only money". I don't know too many shops that wouldn't smell money when someone comes in with a classic vehicle willing to pay to have the simplest items taken care of.

It doesn't need and wouldn't be part of a restoration:
* Headlight relay
* Lokar pedals
* Coolant overflow
* The other things I mentioned above

Your thinking is right on for any hobby vehicle... Fall in love and cost be damned. That's how it works. If the vehicle costs $10k you need more than that! This is true for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes. Some cost you more to sit than use. We see all the trucks in pictures and want one, but we aren't buying a picture and we aren't buying a new vehicle. They may seem to be an investment because of how the prices keep going up the more people turn their eyes to them, but a risky one at best. If someone wants to invest, I suggest silver.

Looks like you got a pretty decent truck worthy of taking care of the loose ends left by, unfortunately, a no integrity seller. No shortage of those, either. Plenty of snakes out there smell the money with classic vehicles with no intention of doing any more than needed to make a nice picture for someone to want to put money in their pocket for.

On a purchase like this, cut losses and sell is the worst option in my opinion. What's done is done and you got what you wanted, just not as nice as you thought but capable of getting there. To me, the only way to get your money's worth out of it now is fix it and 'get the enjoyment out of it for your money'. We have no problem spending money for pleasures such as eating out, vacations, attending events, etc. Classic vehicles are no different. A $2,000 GM crate engine will be fun to drive and so would that 283 if it was healthy. I could jump in that truck today as it is and have fun. It doesn't have to have a 383 or 396 to have fun

[72c20customcamper]

Let's start with you bought a very nice truck. Show truck/car and a turn key truck/ car are two entirely different type vehicles. I know guys with show cars that I wouldn't move from one space to another under its own power

The list you have so far isn't that extensive. You didn't need the electric fans if the truck overheating with the stock items something is wrong my 350 with A/C runs in the normal range in 90+ weather. And most likely you had to put a larger alternator because of the fans. It becomes a vicious circle. The carb reject may just have been from altitude change did the truck come from a high altitude area . I know my carbed vehicles run terrible at high altitude since its jetted for my area.

I don't know how much you have in the truck but I say do what needs to be done drive and enjoy the truck.

[cdub2010]

sell it. buy a honda civic.

[Ol Blue K20]

I think it's a great start to work with. Put some more money into it and get some enjoyment out of it.

[MDPotter]

I don't know what you paid for it, but I think all the previous comments are valid. It looks like a nice truck and it is show quality. It's rust free, has a good paint job, and it sounds like most of it has been touched. You're not going to be able to drive and own this truck without putting more money into it, it's just the nature of this hobby. If I were you, I would put different engine into it. If you want to keep it simple, stick with a SBC like a 350 or 383. If you want to go down a rabbit hole and spend a bunch of money and time, do an LS swap. If you don't care about the money and don't mind spending the time, I would do an LS swap.

In the meantime, drive it and enjoy it.

[68Blu]

Thanks everyone. It’s nice to know I’m not lost in my “I LOVE IT,” rose tinted glasses world. The shop we took her to has been great. They tried to talk my husband out of a few things but he insisted. They have asked permission before each step, but have just kept uncovering. I can and love to do small stuff but I’m still learning and am afraid to make things worse. My husband can no longer work on car due to a stroke so he talks me through as much as he can.

Special-k you’re right we didn’t need some stuff like the the Lokar pedals but when the gas pedal is on the floor and the brake pedal requires your knee to be in your chest, might as well upgrade while fixing them. You’re right about not being able to connect the speedo cable. It needed to be replaced and since she was already being gone through I figured add it to the list. That’s something my just learning self could have done. I really want to learn how to do this stuff, so be prepared to see my posts.

My “what else does she need?” isn’t said at the shop but in my living room while looking at your trucks.

[kwmech]

Put some sort of anit-theft system on it. Being in the central part of the state it may just 'disappear' someday while you're out driving it

[special-K]

We are glad to help our fellow members here. There are no dumb questions (only dumb answers... haha). You won't get "Google is your friend" (much) and if someone refers you to check the FAQ section it will be because they know it is well explained in a thread there. You may just get a link to take you there easier.

I'm pretty knowledgeable with these trucks, know what to look out for, and know what questions to ask. I know the best mindset to approach buying a vehicle is for best results. I can read people pretty well, especially when involved in a sale, yet I still get snookered some. So tell your hubby not to worry. A lot of this stuff the truck needs you couldn't see or tell. It sounds like one that was put together to sell, not what the previous owner had being runnin' and lovin' for some time. If he did it for himself and drove it, many of these bugs would have been dealt with. A vehicle coming out of a classy resto shop can show issues once driven. The first cars to be "built" by their owners were hot rods, cars of the '20s and '30s. It's a common practice to get one all done and running before paint and final cosmetics to run the first year. That's the "shakedown" period for learning what went well and what didn't. Stress cracks, parts rubbing, cooling issues, and all have a chance to get worked out before making her shine. It's just the way it is with putting a thing together in a way different from how it was, or even same as it was. That's restoration!

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by special-K

......….A vehicle coming out of a classy resto shop can show issues once driven...……..

Yep.. got a buddy with a 50 Ford Woody who spent 15 years and north of $250K building it, the first local car show where it was driven any distance it overheated Was traced to a trigger wire that fell off the fan relay. Of course we showed him no mercy!

[68Gold/white]

I believe that buying something and spending any money on it, and planning to sell it, may often be a bad plan...
I never sell anything, maybe I'm the one with the flawed plans...LOL

I believe in buying it, regardless of condition, drive it, enjoy it, make repairs or modifications or improvements...keep driving it!!!

GM makes crate engines as low as around $2000.00 Get one of those, put your pretty stuff on it. It would be more reliable, and add to the value.

Since this is not a DIY deal for you all, do one or two things at a time. Address the safety issues first (sounds like you are going that direction).

You and your husband bought this because you and/or he like this type of vehicle. I see way more good things than bad in your pickup, even with the paint peeling and such.

Carry on!!!