A Question

[Crossling]

Hello all!

I am currently looking into purchasing a '69 K10 for $1,500.
It's a has the stepside bed and the body is in good condition. The seller, however, says that the previous owner spliced the frame.

My question to you, is:

Are there any frames from newer vehicles that fit this particular model?

I have had two Impalas in the past ( a '67 and a 68') but never got down to the frame so I have a very basic knowledge of car restoration. Have never dealt with a truck before. I just want to know how difficult or expensive it is going to be to replace the frame on this truck.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[R.L.]

If by spliced the seller meant it was cut and shortened and it was a good job don't worry about it, it will be fine. Take someone with you who can look it over, it might not be an issue. If you need a new frame due to a bad job of "splicing" I'd walk away.

[68shortwide]

Pretty sure replacing the frame with a newer model would require fabbing to the cab mounts and by the time and money put into it, you'd prolly be better off just buyin a frame off Craigslist or here from a member.

[hugger6933]

The only newer model frame would be the ones from 70-72 but of course they don't really count as they are the same as what you have. so as to answer your question I would say no probably not. However I have heard of some people using the K truck frames from the next gen truck up from that [73-80]but I didn't hear how much fab work it took to make work or how it looked once done. I am not sure of their level of build experience compared to yours or if they even had any[much or some,I just don't know]. My best advise would be like above if you think it needs a frame get someone to go look that may stay neutral cause you may be attached already and they can remain objective and tell you their opinion on if it is wreck damage or bad build or what. If it is either of those two[I own a body shop I have seen both over the past almost 30 years] keep looking. I know the K truck is harder to find but you will be happier in the long run if you have to pass on one or more than to by a pile that needs more to fix than you bargained for. Jim

[57taskforce]

The 73-87 k frames have a longer wheel base so you'll have to move the rear axle or chop that frame down. Having done a frame swap before it's a lot of fab work. With the right tools it's not bad. I wouldn't want to do it again anytime soon but it can be done. I'd sugest if you feel it's not a good frame than I'd suggest finding an oe replacement.

[Crossling]

Thanks for the advise, all.

The truck had been in a accident and doesn't currently run. The seller says it is because the carb has been removed and (because of the accident) the radiator is smashed.

After we spent about a day takling about the truck, via text, he updated his posting (below) to include the additional pictures he sent me and added a little more information. That is where I saw the frame splicing note. I am going down to look at it tomorrow, possibly, but he said the previous owner is the one who did the splicing so I am not sure if he would even know what the reason was or how well it was done. Even if I did need another frame, and needed to replace the parts in the front end that are smashed, would this truck be worth the $1,500 he is asking for it?

From what the rest of the truck looks like I assume there is at least that much money in the truck.



https://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/4677572486.html

[Crossling]

Would I be able to use the frame from this truck?

https://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/4627456180.html

[57taskforce]

Ya you could probably build one truck from two. I wouldn't pay 1500 for the white one. That's a hell of a hit. Look at how the front frame rails are off level.

[Crossling]

What would you say the white truck is worth?
Since the seller notes that I could "double my money" if I parted it out, I assume he won't be will to much lower, if at all.

[CG]

Let the seller "double his money". You should find a better starting point if you want to get in to these trucks. Lots of much better deals out there if you do a little digging. I don't mean better deal by less money, but just better to start with a fixer upper and not a wreck.

[old Chevy guy]

Not sure about the quality of the splice job but the frame looks bent in the front. The add says the truck is in Vermont? The other frame could be used but if you want a short bed your back to cutting and splicing again. If you want a 3/4 ton long body well then there you go. As a New Englander I would say another correct frame will be hard to find around here for sure. If the cab was exceptional and the bed was really good you could say the parts were worth a lot in this area but I would still try to go a lot lower on the price. Its a good parts truck maybe but not really a good starting out point to getting a running driving truck. Let us know what the cab and bed look like. Ive parted a few and you wont lose money at around a $1000 if its not all rotten or bent ,but your not getting rich either. More like worst case recouping your money if you don't find the truck this one is parts for. Also be able to sit on it money wise the parts may not sell over night. Good luck

[Crossling]

Thanks again for steering me in the right direction guys.

I do prefer the short bed so it wouldn't really be worth it to buy one crappy frame just to transfer the body to another from that would have to be cut anyway. I suppose I will keep looking. I don't find these trucks in VT much, is there a state that you guys would suggest I keep an eye on? (Via Craigslist) Preferably as close to New England as possible.

I would much prefer a C10 over a K10.

[57taskforce]

Nm,Az,Nv,etc. far from New England but there's still some very nice specimens in the west. I pass 5-6 that are sitting, everyday on my way to work with no rust at all and mostly all original.

[Crossling]

Would something like this be a step in the right direction. I don't weld so I would have to fork over more cash to have that taken care of, plus the cost of purchasing a bed for it.


http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/4688731023.html

[cdowns]

from the sound of the thing i'd go a maximum of $250 for a a parts truck

[old Chevy guy]

I don't know what your price range is but there's a 67 step on the CL for Hartford Connecticut that might be what you want, its 4500 though and you have to call for pictures.

[old Chevy guy]

http://nwct.craigslist.org/cto/4656221437.html I found it with pictures I think this is the link

[old Chevy guy]

Heres another in NY http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4646776122.html

[Crossling]

Nice. For the truck in Albany, how difficult or expensive would it be to replace the cab corners?

[57taskforce]

Easy if you can use a grinder and welder. Unfortunately if the rust is in the cab corners it's probably in the rear floor supports and possibly the rear section of the floor. Not to mention the lower rear pillar. Hard to say for sure if that one is like that but these are things you need to look for if you go look at it. The good news is the patches are all pretty cheap. If you can install and refinish them yourself you won't be out any more than parts,supplies and time.