Should I be picky on finding the right truck?

[06rubi]

I am looking for a 67 to match the same year as my 14 year old sons El Camino. Plans for it will be to have a 383/700r combo. Should I be more picky on body damage ie: rust and dents or for it not being a v8/auto? I will drive it with what ever drive train I choose till I build the 383. This is my first restro so my son and I can get some practice and learn a few things before we tackle his Elky.
Kenney

[OARNGESI]

The body the drivetrain really doesnt matter unless you have to put alot of$ init to get it going then makesure the cabs solid and the frames straight everything else is relatively cheap and bolts right on

[raycow]

IMO, mechanical work is MUCH easier than body/interior. Go for the best body you can find, regardless of mechanical condition. Be especially alert looking for rust damage, bondo, etc.

Ray

[cdowns]

i'd go for a real nice original rustfree truck without running gear any day of the year

[PanelDeland]

Body work =$$$$$$$$$ Mechanicl is much cheaper.So if you aren't a bodyman it's easier to learn the mechanicals(on these trucks).
IMHO you will save $3.00-5.00+ for every $1.00 you spend extra on a better body.That's just for bodywork,not including paint.Depending on how much of a perfectionist you are,it could be more.
Also,don't worry too much about year model,the front clips are interchangable and the 71-72 will already have stuff like disc brakes and usually came with more and more desireable option.Just put a 67 front clip on it.

[turp mcspray]

I do restoration work for a living, and I ALWAYS tell people who are looking for a project, to buy the nicest body that they can find. Fixing the body is the most expensive aspect of any build!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

I do restoration work for a living, and I ALWAYS tell people who are looking for a project, to buy the nicest body that they can find. Fixing the body is the most expensive aspect of any build!

There ya go. That is so true.

In CO you should be able to locate fairly rust free trucks. Get the cleanest one you can find and work with your son on the mechanical updates.

[big_al_71]

Buy the best condition truck you can find the mechanical part is the easiest...

[leddzepp]

Body condition is most important, as stated above.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks..

[dan42]

Eastern Oregon and Washington are also great places to find rust free vehicles. Good luck and be picky, you'll be glad you were.

[mikej71]

I agree with all above - get the best body you can find, even if it's not local. I was so reluctant to pay any shipping charges that I only focused on local trucks, and I've regretted it ever since. The extra $1K or so it would have cost me for a good, rust-free Arizona/Cali truck would have actually saved me a ton of money and headaches in the long run. Also, with all of the helpful members of this board, you will probably find someone that is willing to go check out a truck for you if it's too far away for you to look at yourself.

It's definitely a buyer's market, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a good deal on really good truck right now.

Good luck!

Mike

[nyncompute]

Originally Posted by 06rubi

my 14 year old sons El Camino

WTF My parents gave me a hand me down timex watch once.

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks..

x2

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

I would look in az or cali for rust free trucks..

[ChevLoRay]

But....a '67 is 43 years old and there's going to be rust in places you can't see. You can look at the obvious rust and see what it is. What we should be doing is telling him where the rust can be and not be easily seen. I've seen some vehicles from Colorado that were rivals for vehicles from New England, as far as rust is concerned.

But, cab corners, floor pans, cab mounts, kick panels, are just a few places to check.

[06rubi]

Thanks guys! That is what I was kinda thinking. I stopped by a truck I saw on a side road today. As I pulled up I noticed the rear window was broken. As I looked more I realized every window, and light was smashed! There was even some axe like gouges in the doors. I guess they pissed someone off. Another classic ruined!
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[junkyardjohn]

MECHANICALS ARE SIMPLE... BODY REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE. JOHN

[PanelDeland]

You may want to check the classifieds section on the board.There are usually some decent deals there and most members here will be as honest as they can be about a trucks condition.

[Truckbert-CS]

Be a little picky. I bought a truck from a guy at work. It had some sentimental value.

I started fixing a little here and there and now am fully committed to finish the process.

When I'm done the frame, doors, glass and maybe the step side bed will be from the original truck.

So look around and find one that requires a little less work.

[71cheyenne4x4]

Definitely look for the best rust free body that you can find, especially since you'll be replacing the drive train anyway....

['72customdeluxe]

Drivetrain is almost a non issue. Count on rebuilding a v8 and auto trans anyway if they are old, despite how they run at first. Rust however is a biotch
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