Is this truck worth buying?

[68CST327]

I have a chance to buy this from a lady and just wanted to get a few opinions from my friends on the board before I head out to look at this thing. Here are the specs:

1970 C10 LWB
396 BB, rebuilt 10k ago
Manual 4-spd w/ granny first
new tires/wheels
Brown
~ $1000

Supposed to run good; I have a feeling this was probably a work truck, probably not in great physical shape, but sounds like a decent project.

One thing that puzzles me is the engine/tranny combo in a C10? Was this a factory option? Also, what are people's opinions on the engine/tranny? My uncle was discouraging me saying that a 396 BB is no good in a truck because it's so heavy, it would be hard to manuever etc. I had to raise an eyebrow to this one... He said he would rip out the engine and put in a 350, and then replace the trans with a 5-spd. I dunno, he's kind of a downer like that sometimes, lol.

So whatta y'all think? Yay or nay? I really want a C10 project to work on, I've kind of decided against trying to build my C20 with 327 into a hot rod.

[GMC71k20]

big blocks rule no matter what they are in. sounds like a good start for a project

[Tx Firefighter]

If you ever offer to trade your big block for a small block, you'll have guys lined up for miles trying to take you up on it.

Nothing feels like a big block!

Torque Rules Baby!

[jerry moss]

sounds like a good buy if everything is as they told you it is. big blocks with 4 speeds aren't too common but is was available. i used to own a sierra grande with a big block, 4 speed, buckets, tach, a-c, p-s and p-b. junked it just for all the goodies, boy was that stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[69GMC396]

i have a 396 in my 69. I've driven a 72 with a 350. Mine handles way better. And You can't beat a big block.

[CPNE]

Based on the resto pack for 71, the BB was not available with a 4 speed in 1/2 tons. You could order an auto or a 3 speed manual column shift. The 4 speed was available with 3/4 and 1 tons however.

We transplanted a 402/4 speed into a 1/2 ton. I personally don't like the 4 speed behind the BB. I like the BB but I'd put an auto with 3.08 gears behind it if it were me.

If the engine is truely rebuilt (all new internals) then 1K is a steal for the engine alone.

Remember it's a truck and it'll drive and handle as such unless you completely alter the chassis and steering components, but a BB with PS is no harder to drive and the SBC, IMO.

[busterwivell]

My 71 came with a 402 and granny 4 speed, I switched to a 700R4 and made a different truck out of it. I love the 402 though.

[68CST327]

Ugh, just got back from looking at it. $1000 is about $800 too much for that thing! Here's a short list of problems:

Rusted rockers; you could open the doors and see the ground through 3 inch wide holes in the door jamb.

Rusted floorboard; would need some serious patch panels in the foot area near the doors

Rusted driprails

Completely screwed up wiring: some sort of aftermarket turn signal device was strapped to sterring column because stock turn signal lever broke off and the wires were all over the place, some spliced together, some grounded to sheet metal screws in the dash. Ignition was grounded like this.

Brake line was sliced open when starter was replaced due to rocks (ROCKS!) being jammed in the starter!

Body was dinged all over, not a straight panel on the thing

Bed didn't sit level, frame damage was suspect

I didn't trust the quality of the engine "rebuild" especially since the previous owners did it themselves. In other words it was a bulls**t half-@$$ job.

Original color was metallic avacado green; repainted (horribly done) a nice creamy turd brown. Overspray all over the dash cluster.

Center gauge bezel was sloppily cut out; gaping hole.

Dash was sloppily cut for radio; uneven and too big.


In other words, it was a mess! And that's not everything I listed! I'm definietely glad I didn't buy it, but it was a 100 mile trip to see that thing.

[Wreck]

might offer like 600 cash or so and just keep the BB..that motor mght be worth it..if not, then keep looking..I had to look for 7 months till I found the right one..I looked at a ton way overpriced and beat to sha t...but the truck sounds like a trashcan.

[Desert Rat]

if it is a original bb truck and has PS alt brackets,ps pump and brackets,fan shroud,pulleys, is worth a minimum of $400(if they are correct) then the motor if it runs $400. then the rest.if you want to part it,but if you just want a driver maybe not a good choice? by the way a 396 in a truck is a hell of a improvement over a 350.my truck handles just as good as any stock small motor truck,just sits a couple inches lower from the weight.heck my big block gets the same mileage as the small block did to,now i can pass anyone going up hills,anyone on the freeway,i wouldnt want a truck with a sbc,with the exception of a 4x4 id thrash in the desert.

[68CST327]

The truck didn't have power steering, in fact no power anything, no a/c, no nothin'. I couldn't tell if the truck originally had the engine; the options list in the glove compartment was faded out so bad I couldn't read the text, and that was after I scrapped a thick film of dust and other junk off of it. The engine ran, not very well, but it started and managed to idle. I coudln't drive it around unfortunately, because the brake line was cut. No pressure in the system, all the fluid was drained out.

I am considering offering less just for the engine; maybe I'll swap it into my C20