How much is this truck worth?

[2wd73blazer]

I found this truck for sale. Its a 79 Silverado with a 454 auto and a/c. Its all original except for new black paint and the engine was rebuilt. The owner says it has 119000 miles on it. He is asking $6500.

[gchemist]

Well, the owner is no mechanic. I see several things wrong with the engine bay. I bet it does not run very well. Tell him it does not run well. Fix it, then boost the power.

It's a very straight truck.

[GM-power]

Are trucks in that shape around that price were you live? Down her that $4,000-$5,500. What shape are the interior and rust prone areas on the body? It looks like a good truck, just seems pricey. Do you know how many miles on the rebuild?
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[misternash2]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Well, the owner is no mechanic. I see several things wrong with the engine bay. I bet it does not run very well. Tell him it does not run well. Fix it, then boost the power.

It's a very straight truck.

you must be referring to no vacuum line on the distributor?

[2wd73blazer]

Pretty straight with no rust and interior is ok but could use a little work. I havent seen a swb big block optioned truck for sale around here thats why I wasnt sure if it was priced right. Owner said there was about 20k miles on the rebuild.

[Firebirdjones]

Vacuum line not being hooked up isn't that big of a deal as long as you run enough initial timing in it. If initial and total are set right it would run fine. However the vacuum advance would help tremendously for part throttle response and cooler operating temps, and you may pick up 1-2 mpg.

As far as price, seems fair if it's straight and rust free. That truck East of the Mississippi (the rust belt) will easily fetch that kind of money. Out West here,,,not so much since rust free trucks are a dime a dozen. I think it would also depend on whether that's a factory 454 truck or not. 350's are more common.

That's why (when I lived in Ohio) I came out to Battle Ground, Washington to buy my 79 454 1 ton. Didn't have it 3 days and a good friend of mine that runs a body shop offered me $5500 and that was 15 years ago
Everything on the Eastern side were rusted pieces of junk, people are willing to pay more for a clean vehicle from the West side of the country

[GM-power]

Have you seen it in person?
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[Firebirdjones]

That engine bay does need some cleaning up. Alot of minor things, some of it personal preference.

My biggest issue is the fuel line. I can't stand rubber lines,,,dangerous. Some simple cheap 3/8 tubing and a tube bender, a good flare tool, and you can make something nice,,,and safe!!!

That thing looks like it's running right down to the exhaust manifold and an inline filter is sitting down there. Bad idea, and probably will cause vapor lock problems in traffic. I'm guessing he is running some sort of electric fuel pump?? Can't see any other reason why you would run a fuel line in that direction.....

Clean up some of the wiring, redo the plug wires etc....just little nit pick stuff.

[cory d]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

My biggest issue is the fuel line. I can't stand rubber lines,,,dangerous.

like how it runs right by the exhaust manifolds? yikes

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by cory d

like how it runs right by the exhaust manifolds? yikes

Yeah that's the very first thing I'd address. I'm not a big fan of the Edelbrock carbs either for various reasons,,,,one of them being a very goofy place for the fuel inlet. Coming toward the front of the engine with a steel bent line requires going under the choke thermostat down there where all the engine heat is,,,yuk....
Going over the choke thermostat causes aircleaner fitment issues if you have a drop base.

[2wd73blazer]

I havent seen it in person. Its about 3hrs from me so I didnt want to make the trip if it was overpriced.
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[Firebirdjones]

If you are a serious buyer looking for just that type of truck, I personally wouldn't blink at making a short 3 hour trip to look at something, no sweat



Are you there yet???

[J Knight]

If you go look at it, check the 3rd vin digit, it should be S for 79 factory BB truck. IMO its the only thing that will make it worth that much.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by J Knight

If you go look at it, check the 3rd vin digit, it should be S for 79 factory BB truck. IMO its the only thing that will make it worth that much.

^^^^Yup!