I Need some advice/opinions..

[randomhero472]

im 100% new to these older trucks, i am looking @ a local truck.. 69' swb, its been redone, still lacks a few things... it has newer chevy interior, newer 350/350.. but there are somethings it lacks, and a few things i dont like. Im looking for opinions/advise on how much this stuff will cost me, and if its even necassary. First it still has 4-wheel drums, this truck will be my daily driver, so i would really like to have disc's up front for sure. Second, no power steering, which is somthing i could live w/o.. but would really rather have it.. third it needs the entire grill assembly & headlight bezels, the last thing im not thrilled about is that it has shaved door handles and tailgate handles, i really dont like that.. so here's the info im looking for, how much will this stuff cost me, to do it right the first time, where can i find parts/kits, would i be overpaying for the truck, i have the guy @ $6500.00, the truck has new paint, but its nothing fancy.. needs some tlc, however he insists that 90% of the money is spent.. which i can see, please shed some light on this for me.. thanks

[boundstaffpress]

If it's not what you want keep looking. $6500 sounds to me like too much for something I didn't like. I might go as high as $3000. I'd talk him up about the changes he made that you like. Don't let him know that you aren't going to buy, just pump the info you want.

If you want front disc brakes you'll need to look into a 71 or 72. Disc brakes were standard then.

It sounds like you'd be buying a half finished project with some nice mods, but not a complete project. Some of the others here may tell you that its worth it, but I'd rather spend my money on a nearly stock truck so that I can chose the mods and spend my money on things I think are important not on things the PO (previous owner) thought were great.

If you'd like a catalog LMCtruck.com (nice documentation) or chevyduty.com (color pics) will send you free catalogs. I like GMC Paul's, a vendor on this board, because they accept paypal. Brother's is also a vendor here, and they are good folks. I hear a lot of good things about Early Classic Enterprises, but have not done any investigation.

Hope this is the info you are looking for. If you want a better idea of price, you will need to include some pics. Include a pic of the option sticker that is inside the glovebox door.

[shelby987]

I agree....WAAAAAAAY too much for something that isn't completely done, and 90% if not more what you want.....you are in oklahoma for gods sake....you have the cream of the crop pickins' down there.....hunt around....if you are seriously looking, and $6,500 is not a problem......hit up ebay and a couple of different trader magazines....grab the local autotrader rag and look through....there are always a couple of these trucks in there.....you could buy something really nice off of ebay and have it shipped half way across the country for less than $1,500....and $5,000 could go toward your perfect truck.
just my $0.02......which is no where near $6,500 (lol) so you probably need more opinions.....oh, and we need pics to truely pick this apart!
oh, and before its said....always be weary of a recent paint job....especially if its "nothing special" I can do nothing special in my driveway for $50

[71swb4x4]

I think your biggest hurdle is going to be the shaved handles. It may not be a huge project, but you are cutting into the truck, and who knows how the holes were filled before. You could end up spending some serious cash fixing them. It may even be better just to start with new doors, but you really won't know that until you tear into the current doors.
I have no concerns on the grille, brakes, and power steering. They are fairly easy to do and you pretty much know what you are getting into when you start.
There are quite a few of these trucks out there. I would keep looking for one that doesn't have shaved handles if you really don't think you will like the truck with them.

[thejoker]

I think for $6500 you get get something you like and it would not need anything done, maybe minor repairs. You sound a little like me. I had an idea in my head to buy an old truck and nothing was going to stop me. Luckily I had a friend that held me back or I could have made several mistakes.

Hopefully I'm wrong and you're a patient person. I would hold out a little longer and find one you are completely happy with.


JKR

[OhioChevy]

I agree with these other guys. Pass on this truck and find one with more of
what you are looking for. In your area of the country you should find a nice
ride for $6500. JMO

[70short/step]

Agree with the others, For that money you should fine exactly what you are looking for!

[Longhorn Man]

Something I didn't see mentioned about the door handle issues... you are pretty much garunted to have to repaint the doors becouse the holes shoulda been welded up. So now you are looking at paint and body on the 2 doors and tail gate at a minimum...
If 6500 is doable, then you have the best part of the marker there for you. I would recomend using the internet and locating something in the south or west. Granted, you are right there, but the further south and west, the better.

[randomhero472]

yea, i passed on the truck, and actualy found EXACTLY what i wanted on here about 30 minutes after posting, im going to try and pick it up tomorrow night, thanks and i think you'll be seeing more of me on here, thanks again guys!

[MDC]

Sounds like you made a good decision. That's a lot of money for something you don't like. Good luck with the new one you found. Post some pics and let us know how it works out.
BTW Welcome from N Texas

[_Dick_]

i read your questions ,but your first 3 words says it all ----I'm 100% NEW----i would say your starting out correct people on the board are worth a million bucks i sure listen to then .I am guessing you felt something is wrong before you wrote, if i was you i would slow down a bit read info here ask questions ect and Spend 25 bucks to join . if your going to look something that has worked for me ,when i use it . after you look at something ,heard the story ,saw any paper thats backs up the great story ,If you like the truck or not or not there is a number in this case between 6500 cash and a dollar .It's number you cant pass up period, maybe it 3000 or 2100 or 1500 who knows you get a gut feeling ,at this point theres no emotion just dollars ,if you have the what ever it takes to say the number ,your going to be surprised sometimes and insulted other times but so what its your money ,i know sounds hard ,but think back every time your selling you car or truck to a car sales person (trading in your car or truck to buy something ) its what they do to you .you dont have to be mean,be polite just say whats all its worth you smile and shut up--- the balls in his court keep your mouth shut no matter what .DONT SAY ONE DAMM WORD NOT ONE let him answer no matter how long ot takes

good luck

PS i look hard when i am buying