New vs. building old one

[billnorman]

I own an 85 and an 07 Chev P/U. You can walk down the bed rails on the '85 and not leave a mark. The rails of the '07 are dented to hell and back from leaning on them to load the bed. The difference in metal thickness is about 2:1 on the body's. The paint on the '07 is so thin it scratches if you look at it sideways, and when you shut the doors (x-cab) the whole side of the truck shakes. I would say if you need a family vehicle and can't drive a (Ford) buy a new GM truck, but don't expect much. And don't use it as a truck, it won't hold up.

[andrewmp6]

I love older cars and trucks,I bought a car on payments once years ago well it got totaled and i ended up eating about 1500 bucks when the insurance didn't cover all that was owed on it.But if i had to buy a newer truck it would be a ford super duty i know that's a dirty word here,But after driving my uncles 03 f350 i liked it was built like a truck should be no car like interior or all the extra stuff they try to put on newer trucks.

[tucsonjwt]

Just my luck - it looks like I bought the only 3 problem prone squares to get by Keith's supervision on the Flint assembly line.. They must have been built when he was on vacation.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

Just my luck - it looks like I bought the only 3 problem prone squares to get by Keith's supervision on the Flint assembly line.. They must have been built when he was on vacation.

Sorry 'bout that - If I had known they were yours we would have been more careful...

[DetroitDan]

@ billnorman, I've been hearing reports that the new trucks are made out of such thin sheetmetal that they are having comebacks for ten small dents in the hood caused by slamming the hood too hard with your fingers on it. I've heard of people pushing a pallet in with the second pallet (common forklift practice) and the front of the bed is not strong enough to stop the pallet, so you buckle the bed front wall, damage the cab and of course blow out the rear window. Even the glass is thinner, to save weight. It's just like the new water bottles, they keep finding ways to make the plastic thinner and thinner until there's almost nothing there. Well, I need my truck to do more than just hold 16 oz of water.
You cannot step up on the bedrail, and I am certain you can't step on the roof. Good thing most people never need to stand on their roof.
When I got up in my truck to start painting the roof, I found a bunch of large sneaker prints. No dents or creases either.
I love the idea of a high output diesel engine with 6 forward gears and outrageous (obviously inflated) towing and horsepower figures, and while I admit I do like the return to vertically stacked headlights on the new GMs, I can't help but look at them and think of nothing but their flimsy sheetmetal construction. A shopping cart could probably total one.
I do worry about all the things that are aged and could go wrong at any time. My newest chore is waiting in line to pick up 2 of my kids at their school, since there's no busing. I dread the thought of going to start the truck to move up and hear a click. But, all I can do is hope for the best, and when something goes bad, replace it and hope it lasts as long as the original.
A little more reliability and a lot more fuel economy would be nice right now, but I'm still spending less in repairs and fuel than I would spend making a payment on even a stripper. And I take a perverse pleasure sitting in the school line between dozens of new minivans, SUVs, and crossover SUVs, getting sideways looks from soccer moms who must be wondering what the hell is wrong with me.

[KMK454]

I really want a new 2500HD crew cab short bed... saw this at a local Camaro meet:



I'd love it in black with a long trailer to tow my truck and Camaro!

[Telecasterjoey]

Bringing back and old thread here but..........

I've been thinking bout giving up on my daily driver 97 gmc 1500. something's always breaking on it, there are close to 400000 kms on it and the body is past what I would like to repair lol. So I've found myself driving past the dealership seriously considering financing a 2012 or 2013 silverado or sierra 1500 wt for $25000, but every time I crunch the numbers, Monthly payment (never had one before), Insurance increase, probably not a noticeable mileage increase, and regular maintenance I think If only I had that 25,000$ or even half of it I could build my 86 sierra to be better than new, All new engine, driveline, new paint ect. Or even find a straight frame and clean cab with a title and buy all new parts I could probably do it for less than a new one......

My question has anyone done it? taken a loan or been fortunate enough to have the funds and order everything new?

I know there are a lot of nice cheap dd build threads on here, Keith seymour's comes to mind, But has anyone bought everything brand new? like went nuts and ordered all new interior, crate engine, brand new or fresh rebuilt trans, rebuilt rear end, new stock painless wiring harness, all NOS or Aftermarket sheet metal? new dash pad new carpet new rad new.... well you get it, NEW EVERYTHING!

Can it be done for less than 15,000$ Assuming you'd do all the work yourself minus paint maybe? obviously using comparable to stock parts like the goodwrench 350 from jegs for 1400$

I'm aware you could spend 100,000$ if you felt like it i'm just wondering if you could order all new parts and reassemble them for less than the cost of a new truck?

yezzi's bluej thread also inspires me to do this, one clean build and exactly what I picture this brand new 86 truck to look like (well at least the chassis and driveline:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=496609

[billnorman]

One thing, if you want a loan it will come with higher interest than a regular car loan because it will be unsecured unless it's against something like a house that you own.
That said, I'm still driving my old '85 C10. Just blew out a muffler and needs an idler arm kit, but it looks better with the nice chrome 20's.
My dream is to buy a rolled or totalled 2007 or better with the 5.3 or better yet a 6.0 and change the frame, engine, and all the running gear and electronics. My old '85 isn't AC'd and the heater is lame especially in the summer LOL. My '85 weighs 3800 or so, the new x-cab I bought (yucchhh) is around 5100. If I get lucky and buy one that doesn't suck oil like my 2007 it should really move AND deliver 20MPG+ if driven half sensibly.
An added bonus, you could use it as a truck.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by Telecasterjoey

Bringing back and old thread here but..........

I've been thinking bout giving up on my daily driver 97 gmc 1500. something's always breaking on it, there are close to 400000 kms on it and the body is past what I would like to repair lol. So I've found myself driving past the dealership seriously considering financing a 2012 or 2013 silverado or sierra 1500 wt for $25000, but every time I crunch the numbers, Monthly payment (never had one before), Insurance increase, probably not a noticeable mileage increase, and regular maintenance I think If only I had that 25,000$ or even half of it I could build my 86 sierra to be better than new, All new engine, driveline, new paint ect. Or even find a straight frame and clean cab with a title and buy all new parts I could probably do it for less than a new one......

My question has anyone done it? taken a loan or been fortunate enough to have the funds and order everything new?

I know there are a lot of nice cheap dd build threads on here, Keith seymour's comes to mind, But has anyone bought everything brand new? like went nuts and ordered all new interior, crate engine, brand new or fresh rebuilt trans, rebuilt rear end, new stock painless wiring harness, all NOS or Aftermarket sheet metal? new dash pad new carpet new rad new.... well you get it, NEW EVERYTHING!

Can it be done for less than 15,000$ Assuming you'd do all the work yourself minus paint maybe? obviously using comparable to stock parts like the goodwrench 350 from jegs for 1400$

I'm aware you could spend 100,000$ if you felt like it i'm just wondering if you could order all new parts and reassemble them for less than the cost of a new truck?

yezzi's bluej thread also inspires me to do this, one clean build and exactly what I picture this brand new 86 truck to look like (well at least the chassis and driveline:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=496609

I'd get rust free "southern" truck
you would be further ahead,prob not everything would need replacement

[Telecasterjoey]

Originally Posted by motornut

I'd get rust free "southern" truck
you would be further ahead,prob not everything would need replacement

haha thats true! that would make more sense, put new drive train in it and call it done.....

[gearheads78]

For those of you that think you are home free for repairs on a new truck you need to wake up. I make my living as a service writer and I see stuff out of warranty daily on newer cars and trucks. Small example I deal with
- too many modules trying to do thier thing at the same time causing a logic lock and shut down of one or more systems ( $200 repair fixed 2 in the last week)
- lifter / cam failure on AFM trucks ($4000.00 repair I have had 3 in last month)
- failed cam acctuators and solinoids ( can't count all these I fix)
- failed door lock acctuators (these either)
- bad battery cables causing all kinds of electrical grimlins (200-400.00 I do 2-3 a week)
- electric power steering (I worked for Lexus and they almost always failed before 75K and now GM is putting in about anything coming out including the 2014 trucks)
- intake gaskets (3 this week already)
- electric thermostats failing constantly
- air bag light because your kids stuck his foot under the back of the front seat and disturbed the connector ( a least once a week)
I could go on and on.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

The one thing I will say is that if you go old you have to be an enthusiast about the truck your going to get. They often can be quite reliable from the start even if they don't look so, but they will need attention. So if your not going to do much of it yourself they can get expensive quickly.

I just got my 74 C20 for $900 because it ran rough, and I played the game. Turned out the guy before did not tune the carb anywhere near right, and a couple of hours of playing it is as right as its going to be till rebuild time. Yes its a rough as one could imagine, but runs like a top with 4 new tires. Also compared to fixed up ones for $4000 or more mine is a blank canvas, and it will be my way when done. Something I can never get off the dealer floor.

In my area of Southern California if time is on your side you can find good runners for less then $1500. To completed restored trucks for $5000 or more.

[sethv]

Payments suck. I will always keep my '78 around cause I know it's usually always there when I need it. And if you treat the older stuff right it will treat you right My Chevy has 204k miles and I would trust it to California and back the way it is now.

[manimal]

6 months after you purchase a new truck, you have an OLD truck anyway...build an OLD truck to begin with.....

[88Jimmy4x4]

I have both new and old LOL

[Gigem]

I asked myself this same question, and am going to test it out.

My truck will have a new, turn key GMPP 350 HO, 330 horsepower.
My truck will have a new, pro built 700R4 transmission
My truck will have the rear end pro built with new 3.42 posi gears
My truck will have a new Vintage Air AC system, pro installed
Front end has been rebuilt. Brakes done. Truck was clean when I got it.
I will Dynomat and insulate the crap out of it, to keep the heat and noise out.
My truck will get a decent "mech-less" stereo.
Gonna leave the body alone. It's far from perfect, but that's fine by me.
Will get new carpet, a headliner and maybe a new seat cover. I am watching the "replacement seat" threads, and Craigslist... I might jump if I find something nicer...

My truck will be basically new from radiator to rear end gear. It has the three things I really need - reliable power, cranking AC and tunes. Nothing else... No power windows, no power locks, no Nav, no airbags, no EFI, no computers, no ABS, no remote door locks, no power seats, no power windows. Hell, it doesn't even have power brakes.

I have a short commute to work.

I will see if I am happy with the truck as a daily driver. I hope so.

[Telecasterjoey]

Originally Posted by Gigem

I asked myself this same question, and am going to test it out.

My truck will have a new, turn key GMPP 350 HO, 330 horsepower.
My truck will have a new, pro built 700R4 transmission
My truck will have the rear end pro built with new 3.42 posi gears
My truck will have a new Vintage Air AC system, pro installed
Front end has been rebuilt. Brakes done. Truck was clean when I got it.
I will Dynomat and insulate the crap out of it, to keep the heat and noise out.
My truck will get a decent "mech-less" stereo.
Gonna leave the body alone. It's far from perfect, but that's fine by me.
Will get new carpet, a headliner and maybe a new seat cover. I am watching the "replacement seat" threads, and Craigslist... I might jump if I find something nicer...

My truck will be basically new from radiator to rear end gear. It has the three things I really need - reliable power, cranking AC and tunes. Nothing else... No power windows, no power locks, no Nav, no airbags, no EFI, no computers, no ABS, no remote door locks, no power seats, no power windows. Hell, it doesn't even have power brakes.

I have a short commute to work.

I will see if I am happy with the truck as a daily driver. I hope so.

Thats pretty much what i'm thinking bout doing, My only dilemma is winter and salt... I'd hate to put a decent old truck through it lol

[D13]

My daughter drives my 99 3/4 extended, it's 5400# and air bags, she'll walk away from most any reasonable accident.

My personal drive of choice is a square. I just can't get comfortable in the new trucks with the seat mounted belts. And the lower foot room isn't good.

I haven't had a truck payment in 10 years, my insurance is reasonable, my plates are $100 less per year for the square. But mostly I just like it.

[spencer_41188]

eather way you look at it its cheaper to do it yourself

i would build it ... i did and i never have to worry about the repo man

my best advice is get a fileing cabnet to save all the receipts for all the lifetime warranty parts youll put on it over time

start with a solid running base and invite your friends and faimly to help work on it on the weekends to make it what you want and what you get is what you want and memories made you cant buy that with a new truck

[Rubble]

I like the no payments part too,been using a 86,81 & 82....depends which one I want to drive & what's running at the time for daily work trucks the past 2 1/2 years with no regrets.Simple to work on,parts are cheap and I enjoy driving them! I am lucky that I got a heated shop to work on them,I am a heavy duty mechanic,so that part comes easy.If your going to run these older trucks for a daily driver,you have to be willing to do most of the work yourself.Good luck rolling your 1980 chevy into the local GM dealer to get a tune up,the truck is more than likely older than the guy working on it& he has never touched a carb!! Working on my trucks is half the fun too,it's rewarding dragging some old pos home,then getting it running!! I even got the wife driving them now too!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Rich84]

Originally Posted by Rubble

I even got the wife driving them now too!!
Posted via Mobile Device

I don't like when my wife drives my Square..She attracts too much attention ..lol

[Telecasterjoey]

Originally Posted by Rich84

I don't like when my wife drives my Square..She attracts too much attention ..lol

ha ha, this summer the girlfriend and I were moving and we were using my two trucks, we were cruising up the highway I was behind her with my 97 and she was up ahead, every guy that drove by her slowed down and honked lol.

[Rubble]

The 80 C20 is pretty much hers,I have to ask to drive it....
Posted via Mobile Device

[meatwagon83]

build one!if you take care of it and keep it maintained it wont let you down, i use my truck for work and have driven it to texas , north dakota and south carolina with out any problems

[DetroitDan]

I keep my 82 for chores, dumpruns every weekend, hauling a ton of pellets every two weeks in the winter, now has a snow plow on it too. In the summer it hauls our 11k camper up to the mountains 100 miles. I would love to be able to drive it everyday, but 7-8 mpg kills me. So I bought a 70 Z/28 for a DD, figured a little 350 would save me money on gas, and it does. Not Prius-level savings, but noticeable. Probably going to swap the th350 for a 700r4 for better 1st gear and OD. Mostly I just like driving cool stuff, but I tell my wife it's for gas savings over the truck. Well, winter comes along so the Camaro has to go into the garage, and since the K30 is so bad on fuel I had to get yet another vehicle, (to save on gas). I went to look at an 87 C10 for $1500, but it was a POS so I was going to walk, then the guy asked if I was interested in his Suburban. Ended up buying a 98 GMC C1500 Sub for the $1500, Vortec EFI with OD gets better mileage than the Camaro, has a remote starter and heated seats and loaded with leather etc. So I figured it's the ideal winter beater, trucks the kids around and is (fairly) cheap to operate. People think I'm nuts, buying a V8 Suburban for an economical commuter, but it's all in comparison to what I was spending to feed the 454. Subs from California, has not a speck of rust anywhere on it, only negative is it has over 230k on it, so there is no resale potential at all. Did the math and if I run it til spring I will be slightly ahead, if I can get $1000 for it I'll be ahead.

Love coming back and re-reading this old thread from time to time, it really makes me re-dedicate myself to my 82. Still plodding along with restoring it, haven't had much extra money to put into it, but it hasn't given me any reason to need to. Maybe in the spring I'll finish up a couple weak spots on the body and get some paint on it, that will make all the difference in the world.

I almost want to try driving the 82 daily for a month, just to see how the fuel mileage would stack up against a truck payment. But it's so much easier to push the button and start the Suburban from inside my warm house.

I have considered a lot of different ways to build my crewcab to make it more efficient. Gear Vendors, OD transmission, 6.2 with a turbo or a 6.5 turbo and a 4l80e, but it would all cost so much to save just a little. At this point it makes more sense to me to keep it for the heavy lifting, and run smallblock stuff for DD. Can't wait to get rid of the Sub and start driving the Camaro again. As nice and comfortable as it is, I hate driving it because it is so bland and unnoticeable. Maybe I have ego issues, I need that occasional thumbs up or wave I get when driving the old crew or the Camaro;>