Please help me make up my mind...what truck?

[Madbomber88]

Ok guys, I realize this forum is highly biased, but I need some sound advice. I am in the need for a pickup. I already own a 71 K5 CST that I have partially restored and I love the style and and everything about it. I bought a house and am in need of a 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup for trips back and forth to to Mecca (Home Depot) hauling lumber and everything else.

I've got about $6000 to work with. Should I buy a later model 2500, like 84-87, or maybe even an early to mid 90s?

Or should I buy a 67-72 K20?

Advantages of the first option as I see it are:
- More reliable
- More fuel efficient
- Can get fuel injected models
- Smoother ride, more comfortable

Advantages of the latter are:
- More stout (axles)
- More available manuals (I really prefer a SM 465)
- Inexpensive parts and simple to work on
- Great styling and a much cooler ride

What would you all do? I want something that is as reliable as a daily driver, and allows me to do lots of work along the way. I want something that is well mannered on the highway and back roads. What is a fair price to expect to pay?

Looking forward to the replies! The pic is of one I have in mind.

[northcountry67]

I have owned them all, from a 1963 1/2 ton Chevy straight six with three on the tree, to a 2002 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton 4X4 four door. I have to say this. Buy what you like. My old 63 was one of the most dependable trucks I've ever owned. The 67-72 is by far my favorite body style and the small block Chevy is timeless and very dependable.
Ask yourself this question. Do I want to go to Home Depot for lumber and just load it and leave, or do I want to go to Home Depot for lumber and have at least five people tell me how cool my truck is?

[71SWBChevy]

get the classic truck you won't regret it.

[mikesgmc68]

I just sold my 68 gmc on ebay, it needed too much work. Started looking for a good driver truck. Know what I ended up getting? A 70 gmc 3/4 ton 8 lugger, only 2wd. Brought it off my buddy for about 800 less than he paid. He got it from the original owners, had it shipped and the guy who picked it up said the owners were crying! This thing only needs rocker and cab corners, of course!! Just get in and drive. I want to use it for my yard projects etc. To make a long story short. Buy the old one. Thats why we do this stuff. It would be so cool to cruise down and get some lumber and cruise back just chillin'. Plus they look much cooler and have style! Just my thoughts.

[409biscayne]

Here's a different view , i'm an old truck guy for sure , i own 4 68 - 72's now , BUT i just sold a 96 3500 ( non dually) 454 Vortec auto 4 x 4 single cab , factory everything including buckets , posi , etc. Sold for $6500 , pretty close to your target . This was just the nicest truck i've had from Chevy in a long time , it's that fuel injected eng and a 4l80e trans ( i think thats the model ) plus ac cruise , safety ,etc. I think the reason you can buy a truck like this so reasonable is it was a single cab , if it had been an extended cab it would probably be in the 8500 - 9000 range . Just food for thought . Good luck in your search .

[Castiron9]

How about a Dually,or a Longhorn...............

[Canadian694x4]

I'd do it but it all depends on your needs & wants...

[jsbgump]

I'd go with a 67-72

[blazerparts]

Classic trucks will increase in value while more current models probably won't.