Is it really worth it???

[kuzykustoms]

Ok, I bought the pickup in Feb. 03, it sat and sat and sat some more until I put a trans in it. It ran for four months, then I blew the engine. It hasn't ran in 14 months, I found a 4 inch crack in the valley of the block. So now I need a new engine. It's a '71 half ton chevy, long bed. I had big plans for it, but as I dig deeper they all get shot down. The body it strait, other than the drivers side front fender. Is it worth it to keep working on this project, or forget it? Please send your feedback.

[shifty]

Buy my inlines

Meanwhile, welcome to the forum

[68haywagon]

I think it all depends on if you think it's worth it. If you like the truck and plan on keeping it, yea it's worth it. But if you just want to get it done and sell it, you will never see your money back. My truck is a basket case with rust and everytime I go and want to do something to it I find a new problem to fix first. It gets a little discouraging after a while, but I know when it's done it'll be beautiful.

Oh and to the board from PA

Mike

[Striker169]

haha My truck was in MUCH worse body shape and body work is MUCH more expensive than drive train work. I would go for it build it up and be sure to post pics along the way.

Welcome from Austin Tx.

[ckhd]

You are the only one who can answer that.

There are people here that would say that it isn't worth it, while others would say that it is.

The question is: is it worth it to you?

[wibilly]

do it up moters are cheap it was time for a new one anyway you'll be that much happier with it when your done buinding moters is much more fun than fixxen rust anyways you'll never regret doing it but you sure would miss it if it were gone the don't make them anymore

[kuzykustoms]

Thanks guys, but I have another question. Will my 350TH work with a big block, or will I blow it to peices?

[Jimbotronics]

Welcome from central fl...

[krue]

Definitely worth keeping in my opinion.

[Old Yeller 1970]

Originally Posted by kuzykustoms

Thanks guys, but I have another question. Will my 350TH work with a big block, or will I blow it to peices?

Depends on how much HP you put to it. As long as you don't get too krazy you should be all right.

Also, I think you should keep the truck and build it as long as you plan on keeping it. What ever you do don't scrap it out if its savable.

[stllookn]

Always worth saving a truck! Welcome to the board from Kent, WA! Engines are cheap...toss that one, save all the accessories off it and put another engine in it!

[LUV2XCLR8]

I'd keep it, I have had much worse, just stay positive

[Huck]

These old trucks are like old well worn shoes, clothes etc. If you like the fit, feel, look, then by all means keep it and invest in it. Most parts are cheap, available, and when done very reliable and easily serviceable. If you want the pleasure of newer technology, go buy a newer vehicle. IF you keep it, get it together enough to use it, then upgrade when time and money permits. If you just let it sit, it will become like a pebble in your shoe and it will only drive you nuts thinking about it. A 350 turbo transmission is one of the best 3 speed auto's out there. If not abused and in decent condition, running a cooler will help it a bit but they do seem to last forever. IF you want more umph, upgrade to a turbo 400 as they are "like a rock"!! hehehehe

[Bad Dog]

It is so worth keeping its not even worth wasting time talking about it. Damn thing is all metal, not made in china and easy to work on!

[Green Machine]

How much are payments on a newer truck ? Whatever the number, if you put even $200 a month in your truck, pretty soon it will be like new !!!

[cableguy0]

200 a month for a new truck??? lol where u been shopping. payments are generally 500+ anymore plus insurance

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

200 a month for a new truck??? lol where u been shopping. payments are generally 500+ anymore plus insurance

True dat yo, My truck is 6 years old, low miles, gave 16K for it before gas shot up, 4.5 year payment plan and I pay 242 per month.... I don't even think you can lease a new one for under $350

Sell them bling blings and tires off you F-150, throw the stockers back on, and viola, enough cash for a GM perfomance long block complete with valve covers, intake, oil pan, and timing chain cover

Be seriously though, motors aren't that expensive, it's everything else you're gonna we to it that makes it so much to restore one. Looks like a nice truck and they look awesome when they are finished. Get it running again and work on it while you drive it (keeps you from getting discourage looking at a pile of parts for 2 years). They're fun trucks, keep it and enjoy.

[crazy longhorn]

After playing with this my 69, for 21yrs.....I have asked myself the same ? many times! I got my longhorn in Dec of '84 (not 1884, 1984) at any rate, I completely dismantled the old truck & started on a "restofication".....stock, but with disc brakes,ect. The old truck lay in pcs , & didnt run for about 8yrs.Ideas changed, & across tween a 60's style rod, & a cruiser/sled started. You know that life is what happens when we are bizzy making different plans! After 21 yrs, I have a serious "love/hate" relationship with the old truck......I hate it, but I love it so much I have a hard time thinking about parting with it. That old truck has enough "giddyup" to flat run my wifeys 04 B ville into the dirt on the open road......& it feels good at speed(heavy/smoooothe) Is it worth it?......You are the only one to answer that ? best of luck, L

[ol yellow 72]

reguards to the 350 turbo behind the big block. i say go for it, i have a 454 h.o. in my 72 with a 350 turbo behind it and its great only bout 5000 miles on it so far but those have been hard miles, numerous burn outs, racing, hand shifting, all the abuse i could do becuase the rebuilder gave me a 6 month 6000 mile warrenty so i gave it hell since the rebuild. my suggestions for running the 350 turbo witht the big block is another tranny cooler and a nice firm shift kit, and give er hell

[glock35ipsc]

Heck yeah it is worth it!! New fenders are relatively cheap, good used ones are even cheaper, crate motors are cheap, and old trucks like these are just gonna get harder to come by.

[Green Machine]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

200 a month for a new truck??? lol where u been shopping. payments are generally 500+ anymore plus insurance

Well I did say newer not new. My point was that you can't buy anything worth driving for less than that, why not put atleast $200 or more if you can afford it in the truck each month ??? Sooner or later all those parts and repairs you will have a nice truck.

[generalgob]

well of corse i bought the 70 more than a year ago it sat from 1995 till the day i bought it . I dropped a 93 vortec 350 in it cause it had a blown 305 new edlebrock intake and carb and lots of go fast(chrome) rebuilt the tranny now i am down to body work need cab corners and floor


i am new here to

[kuzykustoms]

Thanks guys, and I've kinda thrown the Big Block idea out. I'm going to stick with a 350 for now. I'll be posting more and more as I get depper into the build.

[kndall]

Originally Posted by generalgob

well of corse i bought the 70 more than a year ago it sat from 1995 till the day i bought it . I dropped a 93 vortec 350 in it cause it had a blown 305 new edlebrock intake and carb and lots of go fast(chrome) rebuilt the tranny now i am down to body work need cab corners and floor


i am new here to

Welcome from a fellow Moore-on.

[kndall]

As to the fixin or getting rid of the truck in the original post. You should sell for scrap metal...to me of course. lol how does 50 bux sound??
Seriously if you can afford to fix it do so now and if you can't (it appears to be in a garage of some sort from the photos so it is out of the weather) let it sit until you can. If you get rid of it you Will regret it down the road.
Welcome to a fellow OKIE.