School me on this 1964 real quick

[Puglia10]

Been looking for a SWB c10 for a little while here in MA and they’re not easy to find, or they’re $20,000+....found a 1964 that’s $6k, the body And paint is rough but I actually like them to look that way.
No rot on the frame, just surface rust...came from down south apparently.
How much money or time am I looking at getting this to be a decent driver?
I’m wondering if I should wait and spend a little more of if these are relatively quick fixes.

Holes in the floor
Drum brakes all around
Says carb needs a rebuild. Started right up but carb leaks. 350/350 setup
I6 radiator still in there
No lights work
Bench seat is all torn up
I’d like to lower it about 3/5 or 4/6

Just have a fun patina SWB to cruise around in. He was asking $8500 but we agreed on $6,000 if it’s this week. Keep going back and forth. I can turn a wrench but I’m no builder.

[AcampoDave]

Holes in the floor are way better than holes in the roof at the rain gutter. They can get fixed and covered with carpet.

4 wheel drums work fine when properly maintained, and a dual pot master can readily be adapted for safety.

350/350 is a great combo and carbs are easy to get from Summit or wherever.

The old 6 cyl radiator will likely need an upgrade.

No lights is likely a wiring problem,

Late model seats are comfy and can be made to fit. I put a 2001 Ford seat on my oem tracks.

2/4 drop is easy with springs. Going lower costs more money due to the need to buy drop spindles and disc brakes for an additonal 2.5" as well as relocating shocks and panhard bar. (I realize they sell 3" dropped front springs but say goodbye to your suspension travel at that point.) 5 inches in back is iffy without a frame notch and 6" would need that for sure.

[cwcarpenter98]

Like what AcampoDave said, check the metal around the upper windshield area. If it's already got holes up top, it's going to get worse if you don't do anything about it.

The inline 6 radiator probably will need to go. I've got a Champion v8 radiator that I've been running with no issues for the past 3 or so years.

If the wiring looks good under the hood and back to the tail lights, it could easily be rusty fuse block connections. My wiring was good except for the connections on the fuse block being rusty. I replaced only the fuse block and it made everything that wasn't working to work again.

If you want disc brakes, you can grab stuff off a squarebody to do it a little cheaper. If keeping drums, definitely upgrade to a dual master from around a 69 or so c10.

I have no experience with the lowering stuff, but it seems pretty easy.

From what you've mentioned, you're probably looking at a couple grand on top of the purchase price

[Puglia10]

Thanks guys. After looking at it more, it is tempting to grab a patina short bed...but its just too far gone for my skill set, time, and wallet. I think I'm better off waiting for a better one, even if I pay more up front.

[roll_the_dice]

I think you are smart. A smart man knows his limitations and doesn't bite off more than he can chew.

[AcampoDave]

I've heard it said that when shopping for a classic car...."buy the best vehicle you can afford."