Newbie with questions

[earlysecond]

Hi everybody,

I am a new guy to the board. Currently I am in search of a 4X4 pickup. I am pretty fresh off of a frame off resification (restoration with some modifications) of a 1970 Camaro and have valued the help of the folks at nastyz28.com for years.

I recently found a 1968 K 20 for sale locally. I need some help so that I know what to look for (problem areas) and a rough guide to price. The truck is rough and while I am confident that I could probably restore is, I am not sure if I want to commit the time or money to a major project right now. It looks as if the only parts on this truck that are positively good are: The front clip (fenders need work) the cab (which is pretty solid) and the frame, axles and transfer case and tranny (4 speed).

This truck would need some major metal and I have some questions as to how good the frame is. I could post pictures if it would help a bunch. The bed IS shot. The guy claims that the 327 quit running about 4 years ago. After reading some of the posts on the board I am really worried about finding suspension and especially brake components (read drums) I am probably not confident enough to do a disc conversion but it is not out of the question. I will USE the truck for hunting, fishing, possibly towing and firewood, mulch etc. I would build my favorite chev small block, a 383 (same as the Camaro only built for truck use) and set the numbers match 327 aside for later.

The '68 is being sold with a complete '66 frame and driveline (non running 283) transfer case, same 4 speed, and both axles. It is a package deal and the guy will not sell it separate. Since the '66 is a former generation truck I was not sure how much use the extra roller would be for parts?

I could email pictures if anyone can help.

Thanks in Advance from a Newbie
Brent

[krue]

Can't help with the 4x4 questions, but welcome to the board from South Mississippi. Rule of thumb is buy the best you can afford to start with.

[CHEVYE]

welcome from tn. that`s alot of ?`s you have there. the things i look for depend alot on where you live, you might want to update that in your profile. the major problem areas in these trucks are rocker/cab corners which are pretty easily repairable. the hard repairs or things i don`t touch are windshield areas at the top inside of the cab or at the bottom of the w/s frame. most anything else can be replaced and parts are plentiful for these trucks, again depending on where you live.

[LUV2XCLR8]

WELCOME 2 THE BOARD FROM W. TEN-UH-C

[earlysecond]

I am so new that i did not update a profile.

I and this truck are in central PA. Major rust area. I am most worried about the frame, any specific areas to check on it. I was told that the rear spring perch areas were troublesome. I just do not want to get in over my head.

Thanks
Brent

[Hooter]

hmm well its just going to be your typical old truck restoration. if the cab is solid then you are already way ahead then most of folks here. Drivetrain, id check the rear end for sloppiness u joints etc... if you can get it for a good price you will be way ahea of the game, and these trucks will only go up in value

[longnlow72]

door bottoms, rockers, cab corners, cab and bed floor, the usual rust spots to check

[silvertonguedevil]

...a little off-topic here but.....you got any pics of the Camaro? Welcome to the board from the rainy Pacific Northwest!

[CHEVYE]

yeah they do rust around the spring perches, i`ve seen em. eventually they break, usually when a heavy load hits em.

[Brainchild]

Welcome to the board.I agree with krue,buy the best you can afford,lots less work;D

[earlysecond]

Thanks guys.
Silvertongue,
I'll try a Camaro pic for you or 2





Tons more pics on my website including the complete build pretty much photo documented the address is: http://webpages.charter.net/BBCamaro/.

I know the "buy the best that you can" mantra VERY well and fully agree. I guess, in that case I really want a mechanically sound, solid framed '70 that already has a disc conversion, is waiting for a new motor has a manual, needs minor body work for around $2500 that somebody would deliver to me! Now that that dream is likely over. . .back to the current truck that I have found. (unless somebody out there has one that meets this description for sale, if so, let me know)

Guys,
help me out is there an area on the board where projects are for sale? Maybe I could find something that is a much better starting point than the one I found this week?
I really LOVE bodywork and painting. I have no struggles with the interior. My suspension and brake knowlege is OK but I have never messed with 4X4's. I would hate to buy this local truck and find that the frame is rotted beyound use. Over the weekend I can probably get some pics of it posted.

Thanks,
Brent

[silvertonguedevil]

Thanks! Nice looking car!

[Blue Beard]

Welcome from SW Washington State...

[silvertonguedevil]

Brent--If you're looking for a project, you should check out the 67-72 parts board. I wouldn't worry too much about the rust on these frames. I would just check it over pretty good and make sure there is nothing obvious. The rust-prone areas of the cabs/doors/fenders has already been covered. This place is THE resource for these trucks. Stick around and ask lots of questions, you will soon find out how detramental this board is. If there is anything I can do for you, just ask.

[Hutch]

earlysecond
The early frames (67-68) seem to be prone to cracking where the steering box mounts to the frame. It is difficult to see due to all of the dirt and grease that builds up in this area.
I have also seen a few frames where folks have tried to repair this problem and created other issues.
Some folks just weld the cracks up and grind them down and others will simply cut the front of the frame off and weld another on.
I am unsure of which method of repair works the best but I myself would stay away from cracked frames.
You may want to look at the 71 72 series they changed the 4x4 line quite a bit over the years and the later ones had all the improvements.
Another series of trucks that may interest you would be the 55 thru 59 Napco series.
If you can find a clean original they are about as sturdy as you can find and would serve you well.