68 c-30 swb?

[benjaminearle]

Howdy,

I'm looking seriously at a truck in on, you guessed it, craigslst. It's listed as a C-30 GMC, "all original, except Chevy bed." According to the owner (not original either), it started life as a flatbed and somebody put the fleetside bowtie box on it. Overall i love the truck - simple and pretty clean. 327 I assume, 4-sp, high-hump, buckets. Owner says it has only surface rust in the rockers - easily repairable with a TIG welder (that's not MY def'n of "surface" rust."

One thing bothers me though - in my limited research I find C30s only came with a 133" wheelbase - a SWB bed shouldnt fit (should it?). Also, the pics make the rear axle appear too far forward. Now, with this being a leaf spring truck, not a trailing arm is that easily adjustable - just knock the shackles back? Oh and the wheels have got to go. All my trucks get American Racing Outlaw wheels. I'd like to make an offer on this thing today if i can get some insights from my esteemed colleagues here. Pics attached.

Oh, and what would any of you pay for this?

Thanks,

Ben

[RenoKeene]

First of all welcome aboard from Central Florida!
This thing is definately made-up. Grill is a 69-70, front bumper is Chevy not GMC, like you said rear axel sits too far forward, etc.
If it runs and drives its worth $1000-$1500 with a title. I would be very interested to see the SPID and title.
If you could get it for under $1000 you could make a couple bucks parting it out, depending on condition.
My .02 cents worth.

[benjaminearle]

Thanks RenoKeene. I've been lurking while looking for a truck - was surprised when my post said it was #1 for me. I figured I'd posted at least ONCE.

I'm not too worried about it being franken-truck - just needs to be solid, as i would use it to drive mostly to home depot, etc. See no reason to buy a sheeple-truck 90s F150/C1500 when i could be driving something much cooler.

Is the axle placement adjustable?

[Joesjunk]

Is it just me or does that look like the V-6 GMC motor?

[benjaminearle]

Originally Posted by Joesjunk

Is it just me or does that look like the V-6 GMC motor?

IDK - is that a good thing or a bad thing?

[Joesjunk]

Originally Posted by benjaminearle

IDK - is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Some love them, and some don't

[benjaminearle]

Originally Posted by Joesjunk

Some love them, and some don't

Well, I think I'd want a V8. Just something wrong with a V6 - no torque (well, unless it's a Buick 3.8GN)

[benjaminearle]

Just found out it's the 305 V6. This thing is looking worse and worse, no wonder he hasn't sold it.

[LMREESE]

Whats his asking price?
Posted via Mobile Device

[benjaminearle]

Originally Posted by LMREESE

Whats his asking price?
Posted via Mobile Device

He wants $1800 and that's his "reduced" price. With a 327 i was going to offer $1k. Your thoughts?

The earlier poster is exactly right - i'm reading about this anchor and people either think they belong in an ocean trench or they would marry them if they could (and probably can in Vermont).

PS - I married a girl from Ringgold.

[flashed]

Look in the classified section here for a good idea of whats available and also check Atlanta Craigslist .Better trucks are out there .

[GMCJOE]

I would like to know what he is asking for it myself. Those 305 big block v-6 are 165hp and 280ft torque at a mere 1600 rpms. Like was stated before, some love them and some don't. Those engines run forever and hard to kill. That truck should be able to haul a decent load. The truck may have been built up to the way it is, that only hurts it if it was done wrong or not what you are looking for. The body seems to be in pretty good condition. I would say, if you pay anywhere between $1000-2000 you are doing just fine.

[GMCJOE]

Originally Posted by benjaminearle

He wants $1800 and that's his "reduced" price. With a 327 i was going to offer $1k. Your thoughts?

Offer him $1500 when you go look at it, if he doesn't take it. Give him your number and tell him to call if he changes his mind. Go home and wait for the call. I doubt he goes down to a $1000. But ultimately, offer him what you are comfortable with paying.

Look at the frame where the rear axle is, see how much modification has been done. If it looks like the frame has been shorted, then it was a long bed. Though, I think the axles and front hubs were probably just swapped over to the truck. Originally a half ton, upgraded to a C30. Check the SPID and see what it says if it is present or readable.

If it was in my area, I would probably have it in my drive way if I could talk my wife into it...lol