Is this truck worth buying? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68CST327 · 07-08-2003, 09:15 PM

I have a chance to buy this from a lady and just wanted to get a few opinions from my friends on the board before I head out to look at this thing. Here are the specs:

1970 C10 LWB
396 BB, rebuilt 10k ago
Manual 4-spd w/ granny first
new tires/wheels
Brown

~ $1000

Supposed to run good; I have a feeling this was probably a work truck, probably not in great physical shape, but sounds like a decent project.

One thing that puzzles me is the engine/tranny combo in a C10? Was this a factory option? Also, what are people's opinions on the engine/tranny? My uncle was discouraging me saying that a 396 BB is no good in a truck because it's so heavy, it would be hard to manuever etc. I had to raise an eyebrow to this one... He said he would rip out the engine and put in a 350, and then replace the trans with a 5-spd. I dunno, he's kind of a downer like that sometimes, lol.

So whatta y'all think? Yay or nay? I really want a C10 project to work on, I've kind of decided against trying to build my C20 with 327 into a hot rod.

GMC71k20 · 07-08-2003, 09:22 PM

big blocks rule no matter what they are in. sounds like a good start for a project

Tx Firefighter · 07-08-2003, 09:39 PM

If you ever offer to trade your big block for a small block, you'll have guys lined up for miles trying to take you up on it.

Nothing feels like a big block!

Torque Rules Baby!

**jerry moss** · 07-08-2003, 10:31 PM

sounds like a good buy if everything is as they told you it is. big blocks with 4 speeds aren't too common but is was available. i used to own a sierra grande with a big block, 4 speed, buckets, tach, a-c, p-s and p-b. junked it just for all the goodies, boy was that stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

69GMC396 · 07-08-2003, 11:23 PM

i have a 396 in my 69. I've driven a 72 with a 350. Mine handles way better. And You can't beat a big block.

**CPNE** · 07-09-2003, 09:16 AM

Based on the resto pack for 71, the BB was not available with a 4 speed in 1/2 tons. You could order an auto or a 3 speed manual column shift. The 4 speed was available with 3/4 and 1 tons however.

We transplanted a 402/4 speed into a 1/2 ton. I personally don't like the 4 speed behind the BB. I like the BB but I'd put an auto with 3.08 gears behind it if it were me.

If the engine is truely rebuilt (all new internals) then 1K is a steal for the engine alone.

Remember it's a truck and it'll drive and handle as such unless you completely alter the chassis and steering components, but a BB with PS is no harder to drive and the SBC, IMO.

busterwivell · 07-09-2003, 12:33 PM

My 71 came with a 402 and granny 4 speed, I switched to a 700R4 and made a different truck out of it. I love the 402 though.

68CST327 · 07-09-2003, 10:49 PM

Ugh, just got back from looking at it. $1000 is about $800 too much for that thing! Here's a short list of problems:

Rusted rockers; you could open the doors and see the ground through 3 inch wide holes in the door jamb.

Rusted floorboard; would need some serious patch panels in the foot area near the doors

Rusted driprails

Completely screwed up wiring: some sort of aftermarket turn signal device was strapped to sterring column because stock turn signal lever broke off and the wires were all over the place, some spliced together, some grounded to sheet metal screws in the dash. Ignition was grounded like this.

Brake line was sliced open when starter was replaced due to rocks (ROCKS!) being jammed in the starter!

Body was dinged all over, not a straight panel on the thing

Bed didn't sit level, frame damage was suspect

I didn't trust the quality of the engine "rebuild" especially since the previous owners did it themselves. In other words it was a bulls**t half-@$$ job.

Original color was metallic avacado green; repainted (horribly done) a nice creamy turd brown. Overspray all over the dash cluster.

Center gauge bezel was sloppily cut out; gaping hole.

Dash was sloppily cut for radio; uneven and too big.

In other words, it was a mess! And that's not everything I listed! I'm definietely glad I didn't buy it, but it was a 100 mile trip to see that thing.

Wreck · 07-09-2003, 11:44 PM

might offer like 600 cash or so and just keep the BB..that motor mght be worth it..if not, then keep looking..I had to look for 7 months till I found the right one..I looked at a ton way overpriced and beat to sha t...but the truck sounds like a trashcan.

**Desert Rat** · 07-10-2003, 05:57 AM

if it is a original bb truck and has PS alt brackets,ps pump and brackets,fan shroud,pulleys, is worth a minimum of $400(if they are correct) then the motor if it runs $400. then the rest.if you want to part it,but if you just want a driver maybe not a good choice? by the way a 396 in a truck is a hell of a improvement over a 350.my truck handles just as good as any stock small motor truck,just sits a couple inches lower from the weight.heck my big block gets the same mileage as the small block did to,now i can pass anyone going up hills,anyone on the freeway,i wouldnt want a truck with a sbc,with the exception of a 4x4 id thrash in the desert.

68CST327 · 07-10-2003, 06:16 PM

The truck didn't have power steering, in fact no power anything, no a/c, no nothin'. I couldn't tell if the truck originally had the engine; the options list in the glove compartment was faded out so bad I couldn't read the text, and that was after I scrapped a thick film of dust and other junk off of it. The engine ran, not very well, but it started and managed to idle. I coudln't drive it around unfortunately, because the brake line was cut. No pressure in the system, all the fluid was drained out.

I am considering offering less just for the engine; maybe I'll swap it into my C20

07-08-2003, 09:15 PM	#1
68CST327 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: USA Posts: 443	Is this truck worth buying? I have a chance to buy this from a lady and just wanted to get a few opinions from my friends on the board before I head out to look at this thing. Here are the specs: 1970 C10 LWB 396 BB, rebuilt 10k ago Manual 4-spd w/ granny first new tires/wheels Brown ~ $1000 Supposed to run good; I have a feeling this was probably a work truck, probably not in great physical shape, but sounds like a decent project. One thing that puzzles me is the engine/tranny combo in a C10? Was this a factory option? Also, what are people's opinions on the engine/tranny? My uncle was discouraging me saying that a 396 BB is no good in a truck because it's so heavy, it would be hard to manuever etc. I had to raise an eyebrow to this one... He said he would rip out the engine and put in a 350, and then replace the trans with a 5-spd. I dunno, he's kind of a downer like that sometimes, lol. So whatta y'all think? Yay or nay? I really want a C10 project to work on, I've kind of decided against trying to build my C20 with 327 into a hot rod.

07-08-2003, 10:31 PM	#4
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,845	sounds like a good buy if everything is as they told you it is. big blocks with 4 speeds aren't too common but is was available. i used to own a sierra grande with a big block, 4 speed, buckets, tach, a-c, p-s and p-b. junked it just for all the goodies, boy was that stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

07-09-2003, 09:16 AM	#6
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Based on the resto pack for 71, the BB was not available with a 4 speed in 1/2 tons. You could order an auto or a 3 speed manual column shift. The 4 speed was available with 3/4 and 1 tons however. We transplanted a 402/4 speed into a 1/2 ton. I personally don't like the 4 speed behind the BB. I like the BB but I'd put an auto with 3.08 gears behind it if it were me. If the engine is truely rebuilt (all new internals) then 1K is a steal for the engine alone. Remember it's a truck and it'll drive and handle as such unless you completely alter the chassis and steering components, but a BB with PS is no harder to drive and the SBC, IMO. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

07-09-2003, 12:33 PM	#7
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	My 71 came with a 402 and granny 4 speed, I switched to a 700R4 and made a different truck out of it. I love the 402 though. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

07-09-2003, 10:49 PM	#8
68CST327 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: USA Posts: 443	Ugh, just got back from looking at it. $1000 is about $800 too much for that thing! Here's a short list of problems: Rusted rockers; you could open the doors and see the ground through 3 inch wide holes in the door jamb. Rusted floorboard; would need some serious patch panels in the foot area near the doors Rusted driprails Completely screwed up wiring: some sort of aftermarket turn signal device was strapped to sterring column because stock turn signal lever broke off and the wires were all over the place, some spliced together, some grounded to sheet metal screws in the dash. Ignition was grounded like this. Brake line was sliced open when starter was replaced due to rocks (ROCKS!) being jammed in the starter! Body was dinged all over, not a straight panel on the thing Bed didn't sit level, frame damage was suspect I didn't trust the quality of the engine "rebuild" especially since the previous owners did it themselves. In other words it was a bulls*t half-@$$ job. Original color was metallic avacado green; repainted (horribly done) a nice creamy turd brown. Overspray all over the dash cluster. Center gauge bezel was sloppily cut out; gaping hole. Dash was sloppily cut for radio; uneven and too big. In other words, it was a mess! And that's not everything I listed! I'm definietely glad I didn't buy it, but it was a 100 mile trip to see that thing. Last edited by 68CST327; 07-10-2003 at 04:40 AM.*

07-08-2003, 09:22 PM	#2
GMC71k20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: mass Posts: 1,277	big blocks rule no matter what they are in. sounds like a good start for a project

07-08-2003, 09:39 PM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	If you ever offer to trade your big block for a small block, you'll have guys lined up for miles trying to take you up on it. Nothing feels like a big block! Torque Rules Baby!

07-08-2003, 11:23 PM	#5
69GMC396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Goldendale, WA Posts: 54	i have a 396 in my 69. I've driven a 72 with a 350. Mine handles way better. And You can't beat a big block.

07-09-2003, 11:44 PM	#9
Wreck Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Paris, TX Posts: 60	might offer like 600 cash or so and just keep the BB..that motor mght be worth it..if not, then keep looking..I had to look for 7 months till I found the right one..I looked at a ton way overpriced and beat to sha t...but the truck sounds like a trashcan.

07-10-2003, 05:57 AM	#10
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	if it is a original bb truck and has PS alt brackets,ps pump and brackets,fan shroud,pulleys, is worth a minimum of $400(if they are correct) then the motor if it runs $400. then the rest.if you want to part it,but if you just want a driver maybe not a good choice? by the way a 396 in a truck is a hell of a improvement over a 350.my truck handles just as good as any stock small motor truck,just sits a couple inches lower from the weight.heck my big block gets the same mileage as the small block did to,now i can pass anyone going up hills,anyone on the freeway,i wouldnt want a truck with a sbc,with the exception of a 4x4 id thrash in the desert.

07-10-2003, 06:16 PM	#11
68CST327 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: USA Posts: 443	The truck didn't have power steering, in fact no power anything, no a/c, no nothin'. I couldn't tell if the truck originally had the engine; the options list in the glove compartment was faded out so bad I couldn't read the text, and that was after I scrapped a thick film of dust and other junk off of it. The engine ran, not very well, but it started and managed to idle. I coudln't drive it around unfortunately, because the brake line was cut. No pressure in the system, all the fluid was drained out. I am considering offering less just for the engine; maybe I'll swap it into my C20



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