How much is a clean, straight, rust-free body worth?

[Loptics]

Gentlemen,

I have a 1972 Cheyenne Super 1/2 ton 4x4 that runs very well with it's 350 engine and TH350 tranny and GM HEI ignition. It's a black and white longbed body that needs some TLC. The body has a "CC" VIN number so I presume it is not original to the frame and running gear. The estimates to restore the body run about $6000-$8000 for labor and about $4000-$5000 for parts, metal, and paint.

In my area I got a tip that someone was selling a mint K20 Camper Special. After a phone call to the owner I learned that the body is also a "CC" VIN code and is not original to the frame. The original 400 V-8 motor is out of the truck, as is the original tranny (TH400?). Both are available "as is". The truck has a 350 with TH350 and Spicer manual hubs.

I went and looked at the truck yesterday, it has the large camper mirrors, running lights on the cab, tool box on the passenger side fleetside, Cheyenne Super trim, green and white paint, with green "sport bench bucket" seats with tach dash, headliner, etc.

To make a long story short, the truck didn't run all that great, it had problems staying in 4-Lo and the tranny dipstick has grease on it where it sticks in the fluid. There is black smoke coming out of the exhaust on startup and idle, and the engine revs too high at idle (1100 rpm). The speedometer doesn't work but the other gauges do.

Oh, but that body. Clean, straight, very little rust; rocker panels, cab corners, cab supports, bed, all nearly cherry. Has the original radio, the defrost/heater/vent controls work perfectly. It is an AC cab with all the parts there to make it work. The seats are comfy, the interior trim/carpet is in very satisfying condition. Just needs painting and some window/door moldings (and sliding rear window latch) and it is about perfect.

What I was thinking is to buy the truck for the body and have a "transplant" done to create my dream truck. Since neither body is original to their respective frames/running gear, I would sleep pretty well.

Problem(?)...he wants $10K for the truck.....is the body worth it?? I don't think the engine/tranny is but with the 3/4 ton axles and 4x4, maybe so?

Any thoughts/opinions/advice are greatly appreciated. I am going to have the truck inspected by a mechanic and autobody guy I know to assist in the decision making.

Thanks!!

Scott