What to look for when buying 73-87 trucks?

[gringoloco]

Hi all, I am a 67-72 guy currently, (70 pickup and 72 Blazer) but am looking around at something to use as a nice daily driver. This led me to the newer 'box style' trucks since they offer plenty of amenities and can be had for what I deem to be a fair price.

Just wondering what are some of the problem areas to look for specifically besides the normal automotive stuff. You know, what areas of the body commonly rust, what are some tell-tale signs of abuse, what things would make you walk away no matter the price, etc.

Hoping the experts can steer me in the right direction.

Thanks -Chris

[hiway]

Fleetsides were bad to rust in the wheel well area above the opening. Also the usual cab corners, battery box, and windshield base at the corners. A lot of trucks had carrier bearing drive shafts that make lowering difficult unless replaced. And if you go the 4x4 route then check the frame closely around the steering box for cracks. Happy Hunting!

[bigblock73]

As hiway mentioned, these trucks rust pretty easy. Above and behind rear wheel wells, above and behind front wheel wells, cab corners & rockers...look carefully on the inside cab floor, near the front kick panels...those like to go too. The front of the hoods on 73-80's rust...and look for kinked hoods on 73-80's. Other than that, everything else is wear and tear items.

EDIT: Desireable options for these trucks include factory bucket seats, tach dash cluster, power windows/locks, etc. On the 88-91 Burbs and Blazers, power mirrors were an option, and as Ken said, fuel injection was introduced in '87. CC was also optional, some trucks had antennas integrated into the windshield (very neat)...and the best part, pretty much every part from 73-87 is interchangable with little or no modifications.

Good luck on your search,keep us posted on your endeavors.

[N2TRUX]

gringoloco- Since you are in the South you should be able to find a rust free truck with ease. Don't settle for one with a "little" rust because there is one with "no" rust right around the corner. If your looking for the most amenities, check with the later versions. The 86's and 87's can be found loaded with options and the 87's had fuel injection to boot.

The draw back of the later 10 series trucks is they only came with a 305. It's not a bad motor by any means, just not as desirable (by most) as a 350.

[N2TRUX]

BTW- I see the chopped version of you Blazer in your avatar. Those wheels and that stance look killer on your truck. Is that the direction you are headed?

[bigblock73]

Oh, here is an article I put together with my knowledge and the help of others on this board, should help you some in your search.

http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7387differences.htm

[hiway]

Forgot about the kinking hoods on the 70's trucks....

[84 400]

ha ha ha wow that is some great points and the famous hoood bend! h ah ah ah. I got my truck down south and it was pretty much rust free compaired to the truck i bought up here of similar vintage. I sould make sure to check the cabe upports and bushings. check the cab corners and rockers for rust. Also if it is a fleet side be sure to look at the wheel arch very well. Also make sure to look over the door jam and door seem were it meets the roof. Mine has a little rot on the Pass side rear wheel arc down low, and some surface rust in the door jam.

[gringoloco]

Thanks for all the help guys. This is exactly the type of info I was looking for. I'll be sure and let you guys know if I find something worth showing off.

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

BTW- I see the chopped version of you Blazer in your avatar. Those wheels and that stance look killer on your truck. Is that the direction you are headed?

I am in the process of bagging the Blazer right now. It is a 4wd that I have converted to the trailing arm setup. The rear is done except for the notch. Spindles just came in today, so the front won't be far behind.

The chop was done with Coy's c5s. I'm actually leaning more towards the Torq Thrust CL205s now since I can get them in the BS I want for the rear. Downside is I will have to shorten the rear axle by ~2" on both sides. Oh well, only time/money...

This mpic is what I'm goin' for, but probably a 20" up front as opposed to the 18".

-Chris

[boatpuller]

sweet blazer.i like the stance.

[KMK454]

So how easily do these guys rust? My truck has literally zero rust on it but it does see rain from time to time.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by KMK454

So how easily do these guys rust? My truck has literally zero rust on it but it does see rain from time to time.

You can hear them rust where salt and snow are dropped on the ground 5-6 months out of the year.

Here are a few pics of the floors on my old 76 I had

[KMK454]

My truck won't go anywhere outside of GA, AL, SC, and NC, so I guess that means I'm good to go?