Need advice, part it or fix it up? 71 swb GMC Ochre

[raggedjim]

I just picked up a SWB 71 GMC that I bought because I needed a tailgate. I originally thought I would part it to recoup some $ but the more I look at it the more I think "Aw, she'll fix right up..."

What would you suggest?

Thanks, Rg

[raggedjim]

Couple more pics...

[N2TRUX]

Part it....

[67ChevyRedneck]

She looks a little rough, so I'm not really sure what you could get in parts for it as it appears all body panels are rusty or dented. Pop in a six popper and 5 speed and have good runnin parts beater you don't have to worry about scratching.

[chevyfarmer]

Man, I would fix it! Short box, GMC, it has some things going for it. Would make great daily driver with some work.

[shifty]

If it was rusted out around the windows or anywhere on the roof to the point you could see or stab through it, I'd part it. I see rust around the kick panel vents and the rockers are gone ... how are the cab supports? I notice rust around the rear trim under the back window...how bad is that? How does it look under the floor mat?

[Rud's 69-C10]

Keep it. Drop in a used engine, go through brakes, drive train, et cetera, with the mind set of making her a dependable daily driver. If you got the extra cash, work on the "bling" thing. As she stands now, I wouldn't be a bit embarassed to drive her around.

my $0.02

-Rudi-

[70rs/ss]

Drive it till it dies, these are cool even as beaters. If you don't want it I'll take it, just bring it to AZ!! good luck with your plans! WOW it has a radio delete, now I have to have it, PM me.

[FormerMember]

If your skills and time allow for it, restore or restorodify it.

They're not making them anymore.

If not, part it.

[phlegm]

I would give the Breakbooster to your old buddy cory and then part the rest.

;-)

[boraxman]

Part it...will make mine worth that much more

[BigSky71]

Its all there, I would fix it up. The truck I began for my restorodification provided me less parts than that beauty! Fix the cab metal, hang a couple of bedsides, drop it a couple inches, find a deal on some wheels and tires and drive it!

Grendel is right, they aren't making them anymore. Well unless GM comes out with another retro truck... that costs $40k.

[stllookn]

SWEEEEEEEEEET Ochre ride! RESTORE IT! That is a great platform to start from. I have it on good authority that it will be about 20 years of bad luck if part an Ochre truck...worse than breaking a mirror! Wish I had that one to start with!

[Dano69c10]

Restore it! (or sell it to me.)
Dano

[Z28Owner]

I finally stopped in there Sun to ask about it but the owner wasn't there. I dought I would have bought it anyways. I really hate parting out complete trucks but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I say if you got the room keep for awhile, If not start parting it. Looks like you have other projects to attend to, you can't save them all! Good luck.

[tomatocity]

Keep'em On The Road - if you can afford it

What are you going to use for a tailgate

[raggedjim]

Well, I've been traveling all day so I'm just now getting a chance to look over the replies.

Thanks for the advice, I just got it yesterday so I am going to be looking it over real close before I make a decision one way or another.

Thanks, Rg

Z28owner, I can't save them all but I can save a few! (until the wife says NO)

[Longhorn Man]

Here's a thought.....
remove the tail gate...
install some old POS 305 or 307...something that you can get cheap, stab it in there...
sell it for 5 times what you got into it. You only paid a couple hundread, right?





oh yeah... I'll PM you the shipping address for that gate.

[Green Machine]

If you've got a fixable cab and a good frame, plus looks like you have good front fenders, the rest can be put together from used or repro parts, especially a SWB GMC, that would be real sweet if you would fix it up -JMHO

[raggedjim]

Longhorn man, if you knew how long I've been looking for a GMC gate at a decent price you would know why I bought a whole truck to get one!

I did lift the rubber mat (which is in great shape, only tear is a small one beside the dimmer switch) and the floor looks great up to the edge that the rocker panels sit in. After working on my jimmy the repairs on this cab look like a piece of cake. As I get more time to look at it I'll take better pics of everything, as it is now it is dark here at 5:00. I hate this time of year...

The owner had also JUST put in a new set of dual exhaust. He had been driving it until 3 months ago when he threw a rod though the side of the block. The inside of the cab around the windos also looks good. The bed is trashed but I have another one if I decide to keep it (as well as doors, fenders, etc.) I'm kind of a pack rat...

Thanks again for everyones advice, I'll keep you posted. Rg

[matthufham]

if you don't mind a little dent here and there, and a little rust, drive it. put a fresh drivetrain in there and drive it like you stole it. nobody's gonna expect a 572 or some other fancy motor under the hood. ductape the hole in the door it it bother's you.

edit: ok find a hood first of all lol

[raggedjim]

matt, I found the hood! It's in the bed... plus 2 more out in the shed, I gotta stop buying this stuff...

Rg

[smirch9]

Pm me when your ready to get rid of it, the new will fade off sooner or later.
Looks like it could be a real nice ride, not to many swb's around here.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

I'd fix it up. My truck is in worse condition(except for dents) than that one is as far as rust goes, and rust goes a LONG way.

[tattoo]

I'd fix it. the truck is worth every penny in the end. I bought my truck in better shape, what i thought ended up just spending $ on a rusted out cab.it was full of bondo and half cracked fix ups and wiring nightmares. before and after pics for yah!