C10 newbie advice on buying

[Bisblue]

Hey folks,
I live in an area in Vegas with lots of horse folks and bigger lots. A couple of lots down from mine I noticed this along with a bunch of other vehicles. It's got a v-8 under the hood with chrome valve covers and stock exhaust manifolds with the carb pulled off and a piece of cardboard over the intake.

It's got all the glass, a B&M shifter and some bucket seats. I haven't worked on older cars much, but I just rebuilt the transfer case in my dodge cummins with 315K on it, I've done new heads on toyota's and used to convert diesel vehicles to run on veggie oil, so I'm somewhat competent, I've got a decent shop.

I'm interested in fixing up a truck about this age and keeping the paint/body as is. Just something to cruise in from time to time. I'd love any feedback or ideas of what these are worth. I'd hope to check all the cylinders and try to turn it over by hand etc... before I made an offer. Hopefully it's 500 bucks and get it out of here, but they will probably want 20k for it. I'm looking to fix one up myself and do it as cheaply as possible.

V8 pictures were added to the thread below

Thanks in advance,
Adam

[AcampoDave]

Looks decent. How's the roof dome around the rain gutters? Rust bubbles around there is a bad sign.

[shp4man]

What do you think your total budget may be? Even if the engine is sound, which is unlikely, your looking at about $3k over purchase cost just to make it a driver, I'd bet.

[bpmcgee]

Well, it's a 60-63, and it was pretty well equipped when new -- the big back window and deluxe trim are sought-after options.

If it's a one barrel carb, then the V8 could be original too.

It's hard to tell, but the grill looks 60-61, which would mean the hood was replaced at some point. That's not unusual, since even Chevy was putting newer hoods on them because the nostrils were unpopular.

[DPowers]

Looks like could be a great start and you wont know until you ask about it.

[Bisblue]

Thanks folks,
Budget would likely be 4k if I took my time. Not sure if anything works but someone prepped it before parking it. Valve covers have quick releases.

By cheap, I mean no fancy paint, 20' dubs, etc... Mostly just want it to be somewhat reliable, maybe disc brakes one day depending on how the drums function. I'm fine to grab tires at a used shop, hunt for parts in junkyards, etc....

My main worry is a title, since bill of sale doesn't work in Nevada. That could be epic. But since it's just sitting it doesn't seem like there is a major rush.

[65truckowner]

Check about the windshield for rust as well. That is hard to fix. Looks solid enough even if the motor is stuck.

[Bisblue]

Roof dome and rain gutters, didn't see any rust bubbles, same with the windshield.

I'm sure you folks can tell me what v8 this is? Do 283s have the alternator on the drivers, and 350s on the passenger side, or does it not matter?

[bpmcgee]

Power brakes -- I'm not sure that was an option on 60-63, but if it was, it's rare!

The V8 looks original, judging by the fan shroud, but of course it's been swapped from generator to alternator.

B

[PGSigns]

Looks solid enough. The motor looks like a later model with the long water pump and the holes in the heads. Could be a 305, 307, 350 or even a 400. There will some numbers under the alternator on a pad.
Jimmy

[chevykid65]

Anybody notice the power steering pump? It's been reworked sometime in it's life. Looks like a decent start. Good west coast truck. I wouldn't go over $1000 on it in the condition it's in. Don't go crazy with it and it's easy to stay within budget.

[Captainfab]

I'm not sure if that particular power brake assembly is original to the truck but it is an original '63(?)-'66 power brake assembly. That engine could be any small block Chevy, but I agree with PGSigns. It is likely a 305, 307, 327, 350 or 400. The suffix code on the pad under the alternator and in front of the head will tell you for sure.