looking at a truck this weekend

[jasnake65]

Getting into the truck market since I sold my 67 Pontiac lemans convertible.
Wife would like to get a 4X4 but i can go either way. I did find one but the body was put on a 87 4x4 frame. Was wondering what do I look for and to stay away from. Part of me also would like a 2WD for being cheaper to maintain and cost overall

[PGSigns]

Rust and mechanical condition around here. Mainly the best truck we can find with the least amount of rust.
Jimmy

[Mathew21]

For me I hate rust repair. So I looked for the most solid rust free truck I could afford.

[TJ's Chevy]

Depends on the price. If the guy was to ask over $3000 for it then that thing better Not have ANY rot. Lower parts of the cab and fenders are the most common places for cancer so keep an eye out there. Also the floor boards tend to rot out. Look for any Major mechanical problems.

[Eazyrider111]

To be perfectly honest I would stay away from something with a different frame. Make sure you look at the frame if you decide to go that route. Booger welds, cracks, rust through, etc. plays a major roll down the road. Try to find something that is as original as possible with the least amount of modifications. That way the choices are endless you can leave it stock or modify it yourself. Good luck and good hunting.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I agree with easy Rider. Conversions like that are generally head akes.

[spacedebris]

Originally Posted by jasnake65

Getting into the truck market since I sold my 67 Pontiac lemans convertible.
Wife would like to get a 4X4 but i can go either way. I did find one but the body was put on a 87 4x4 frame. Was wondering what do I look for and to stay away from. Part of me also would like a 2WD for being cheaper to maintain and cost overall

On the 60-66 trucks you want to watch for rust in the cab corners, rockers, floor, lower rear of front fenders, rear of hood, and above windshield. Of course you want to watch for rust everywhere but those are the typical prone areas on these trucks. The 63-66's are the more modern suspension and easier to upgrade brakes and such. The 60-62's are torsion bar and are a little bit more difficult to upgrade. 60-63 are wrap-around windshields and the 64-66 are flat windshields.

Personally I like 4x4 but each to their own. In your neck of the woods 4x4 may be easier to find but you'll have to really watch for rust. You may want to consider looking in the South West for a 4x2 and avoid many of the rust issues. But then you'll have to figure on getting it shipped to you. If you go this route, keep an eye out in AZ, NM, and CA.

Those are the main things I can think of that I would be looking at.

[jdl71]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

Depends on the price. If the guy was to ask over $3000 for it then that thing better Not have ANY rot. Lower parts of the cab and fenders are the most common places for cancer so keep an eye out there. Also the floor boards tend to rot out. Look for any Major mechanical problems.

I'm going to have to disagree with you TJ. I think that's a matter of perspective. Or at least location. Here, and probably in Michigan also it's not likely we will ever find something for 3k with zero rust unless it's been restored. Would I pay 3k for something with some rust? Yes. But not a lot and not in the wrong places. (ie around windshield).

[dougf]

Rust. Do not underestimate how hard it is to fix rust. I bought my truck with visible rust in the floor pans 3 years ago and turned out to be rust in the cowl, fenders, bed, rockers, front and rear pillars, drip rails, kick panels, rear of cab, etc... Nightmare. 900 so far in patch panels and still not done. Hours and hours and hours of work just to fix a small area. Did I say nightmare? Buy something with NO rust and enjoy driving it. I almost literally set my truck on fire out of frustration today due to rust.