Going to Look at My First Truck... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LeighP · 10-17-2007, 03:42 PM

Well, a guy I met has a 78 C20 for sale.....going to take a mechanic friend over and have a look at it sometime in the next week or so.
Apparently has drop spindles, 5 stud conversion, fresh heads and a rebuilt steering box - good everyday driver truck. He's only selling as he has bought a later model extended cab truck with back seats for his kids (2nd one on the way).

So....being as how I don't know these vehicles, what sort of things should I be looking for?
Thanks for any advice.

Eyegore · 10-17-2007, 04:02 PM

Welcome first of all. Well one major thing is usally rust, but i'm not sure that is a problem in Sydney. Also worn out steering, i.e. ball joints, bushings, steering gear - but you said that was rebuilt. Radiator is something else. You did not mention what motor and transmission, but everything else is pretty straight forward on these. Is it a right hand drive, and the last thing you'll be asked PICS if you got them.

derrickc · 10-17-2007, 05:59 PM

pics would help people determine what your getting into somewhat, and I would love to see one that is right hand drive

LeighP · 10-18-2007, 04:39 AM

Thanks guys....yes, its been converted to right hand drive.
Its good to know I need to look at just the usual things with an older vehicle. I understand its a 350 SBC and auto drivetrain with a C10 rear axle in it.
I'll be sure and take my camera when I go see it.

bb1979 · 10-18-2007, 06:47 AM

About time some fellow aussies found this board lol, Sydney you'll more than likely have rust check the rockers and all under the cab. The seam across the firewall maybe showing its age. Across the back of the roof. Post some pics of it for sure mate. I would check with an automotive engineer about the conversion to five stud and the drop spindles the police don't particularly like the fact that I've got dropped spindles in mine despite the fact its all engineered. Gotta go outback to find a good rust free one

bent · 10-18-2007, 01:02 PM

I know for a fact that the floor pan on the passenger side is where you will morethan likly find rust i ahd a 80 and a 78 parts truck and they where both rusted out thgere i looked at 15 cabs befor i found 1 that wasnt rusted on the right side so look over that aera real good if you have to go under the truck

10-17-2007, 03:42 PM	#1
LeighP Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 4	Going to Look at My First Truck... Well, a guy I met has a 78 C20 for sale.....going to take a mechanic friend over and have a look at it sometime in the next week or so. Apparently has drop spindles, 5 stud conversion, fresh heads and a rebuilt steering box - good everyday driver truck. He's only selling as he has bought a later model extended cab truck with back seats for his kids (2nd one on the way). So....being as how I don't know these vehicles, what sort of things should I be looking for? Thanks for any advice. __________________ Regards, Leigh Sydney, Australia (looking for a GMC.... )

10-17-2007, 04:02 PM	#2
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: Going to Look at My First Truck... Welcome first of all. Well one major thing is usally rust, but i'm not sure that is a problem in Sydney. Also worn out steering, i.e. ball joints, bushings, steering gear - but you said that was rebuilt. Radiator is something else. You did not mention what motor and transmission, but everything else is pretty straight forward on these. Is it a right hand drive, and the last thing you'll be asked PICS if you got them. __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

10-17-2007, 05:59 PM	#3
derrickc Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 51	Re: Going to Look at My First Truck... pics would help people determine what your getting into somewhat, and I would love to see one that is right hand drive

10-18-2007, 04:39 AM	#4
LeighP Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 4	Re: Going to Look at My First Truck... Thanks guys....yes, its been converted to right hand drive. Its good to know I need to look at just the usual things with an older vehicle. I understand its a 350 SBC and auto drivetrain with a C10 rear axle in it. I'll be sure and take my camera when I go see it. __________________ Regards, Leigh Sydney, Australia (looking for a GMC.... )

10-18-2007, 06:47 AM	#5
bb1979 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 205	Re: Going to Look at My First Truck... About time some fellow aussies found this board lol, Sydney you'll more than likely have rust check the rockers and all under the cab. The seam across the firewall maybe showing its age. Across the back of the roof. Post some pics of it for sure mate. I would check with an automotive engineer about the conversion to five stud and the drop spindles the police don't particularly like the fact that I've got dropped spindles in mine despite the fact its all engineered. Gotta go outback to find a good rust free one __________________ 1979 C20 pickup 454 big block turbo 400, 4.56 gears

10-18-2007, 01:02 PM	#6
bent The master of disaster Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Warsaw Texas Posts: 249	Re: Going to Look at My First Truck... I know for a fact that the floor pan on the passenger side is where you will morethan likly find rust i ahd a 80 and a 78 parts truck and they where both rusted out thgere i looked at 15 cabs befor i found 1 that wasnt rusted on the right side so look over that aera real good if you have to go under the truck



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