What to look for ??

[70GMCer]

I've been away for nearly 8 years since I had my 70 GMC. I do miss it...

But now I'm back & am going to look at a 80 c10 Short Fleet on Friday.

Not knowing too much about these years, what should I look for as far as any problems?

It's a 2wd sb with auto....

If I do buy this, I will post pics

[Bandit130]

BACK. Looking forward to pics if it works out for you.

[Mattchu60]

I like to look underneath for rust issues - behind rockers, floor, inside fender wells, the bed supports behind the wheels like to rot away.

Otherwise i would look at things like the making sure both tanks work if it has dual fuel tanks, if the A/C works or not, check all the sheet metal over for dents to see how much work its going to be to get it looking nice again. The rest of the stuff is pretty standard - engine feels worn out or not, trans shifts ok, tire condition.

[mongocanfly]

I agree...look for rust...especially if the truck is around where you live...

[Dead Parrot]

Cab corners. Check under the plastic gas tank protectors if equipped. Those have been known to capture gravel and ironically cause rust after the rocks rub the protective coat off the tank. Under the battery tray. Under the floor mats.

Does it still have a spare and place to carry? The carrier often disappears if a PO added a hitch.

If required in your area, emissions equipment. Often removed.

[70GMCer]

Thanks for the replies. I kinda figured about looking for the rust, but also didn't know about the gas tank protectors or under the battery tray.

Another question concerns the VIN.

Will the VIN tell me if the truck is an original short fleet?

Is there a post on the 1980 VIN & trim plate breakdown?

Thanks for the help. I'm hoping this shorty is going to be worth looking at....

[UKNOWME]

http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7380vin.htm

Doesn’t look like the vin answers those questions

[70GMCer]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7380vin.htm

Doesn’t look like the vin answers those questions

THANKS

[1774btcrew]

Look at the doors in the jambs above the hinges for cracks. This is very common as over the years of the doors being over extended when opened they crack there. Also the triangular support on the inner fender wells rusts. I would almost guarantee this truck has that issue being from Maryland. Not that big of deal but even here in AZ, I had to pull 3 pairs to come up with a nice set for a customer. None of the issues above are a major issue as they are common but good bargaining material as it will cost money to fix. Check column if it is a tilt to see if it loose. The farthest back frame cross members also tend to rust out in areas like yours. The firewall seam right above the distributor can also have rust issues as the cowl area collects leaves and dirt. I would say this would be the most concerning of the issues I have mentioned. Good luck. These are great trucks and are just climbing in value.

[dagnabbitt]

Beware of bent hoods on that year.

New hoods are cheap, though, so if it has that problem you could use it to get a better price for the truck.

[70GMCer]

Well the 80 C10 was a no go. POS. But, found a 83 C10 that I can't believe what my eyes saw....

I bought it on site.

It's a heavily optioned one at that.

This truck does NOT have any rust that I can find, nor has it been in any accident that I can see.

It will need a paint job & a windshield. Also the AC is going to have to have some work.

The interior is a little ragged. Needs a headliner

It looks as though it was an original Long bed (131" wheelbase) then converted to a short bed with a short bed frame.

I'm picking it up tomorrow morning

[Gregski]

that's a nice "clean" truck, congratulations, and I don't mean to rain on your parade, but it looks like a respray (ie newish paint job) so it's not what we would call an honest truck, but that's ok, I am just saying be prepared for some surprises, as not knowing the history this truck screams "quick flip" to me, but again I am not trying to be a jerk just trying to help, show us a pic of the bed and lift the carpet on both passenger and driver sides and poke at it with a flat screw driver

[70GMCer]

Originally Posted by Gregski

that's a nice "clean" truck, congratulations, and I don't mean to rain on your parade, but it looks like a respray (ie newish paint job) so it's not what we would call an honest truck, but that's ok, I am just saying be prepared for some surprises, as not knowing the history this truck screams "quick flip" to me, but again I am not trying to be a jerk just trying to help, show us a pic of the bed and lift the carpet on both passenger and driver sides and poke at it with a flat screw driver

I'll be picking this up today. Will post pics as I dig further into this truck.

Yes, I do know that it needs a respray. Is NOT the original color.

Yes, I already lifted the carpet & is very solid. Same as the toe boards/firewall. Inner & outer rockers solid.

From what I have seen, this is a solid truck. But, the paint is junk.

I even went all around the panels with a magnet & no filler is present.

I have more pics, but could only upload so many on this post.

I'll be starting a new thread soon as I have more questions about the Canadian truck....

[jkk]

Nice clean truck like the rounded grille corners

[Palf70Step]

Nice truck!

[70GMCer]

Got it home & is in "The Barn" with my 63 Impala.....Now, what to do 1st on it?

Here's the complete SPID on the inner fender.

This is a highly optioned truck...but is missing the cruise control system, the ac compressor, brackets & hoses. Will be sourcing them as I go along.