Can $3500 buy a CLEAN 73-87 SWB truck?

[burger]

Hey!

In a few weeks, I'll have about $3500 to spend on a daily driver pickup. My wife's getting a new minivan, so I get the money leftover from selling her Honda.

What I'd like to buy is a 73-87 SWB truck. Problem is, I'm not sure that I can find one that's CLEAN and DEPENDABLE for $3500. I define CLEAN as no rust, presentable paint, and a mostly intact interior.

Is $3500 reasonable?

Which trucks are worth more? My preference is towards the 73-80 trucks with the 250 six or a later truck with TBI and overdrive. My eventual plans would be to flip the rear and do a spindle/spring drop on the front, keeping the rest of the truck mostly stock.


Thanks,
Ed

[space]

Absolutely.

[Slonaker]

In Texas, yes. I don't know what's left in NJ, though.

Slonaker

[D13]

Not in MI. It will buy a decent looking truck that ONLY needs cab corners and rockers, or one that has been patched and painted but needs ac and interior work. And non-functional AC seems to cost $700-1000 to fix.

Occasionally you will spot a reasonably clean high mileage unit for that. But not very often.

[blu87]

Down South not a big problem, up North I'd be leery of hidden repairs.

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by D13

Not in MI. It will buy a decent looking truck that ONLY needs cab corners and rockers, or one that has been patched and painted but needs ac and interior work. And non-functional AC seems to cost $700-1000 to fix.

Occasionally you will spot a reasonably clean high mileage unit for that. But not very often.

bought my 91 suburban for $3900 with 80,000 miles on it and it was absolutly spotless, and in perfect running condition: new tires, new windshield, rebuilt transmission, new exhaust, and zero rust. I've had it for three years now. Oh yeah, the AC works great.

[thump16]

I looked at two this weekend that are nice and the guy wants 2500.00 for the 86 two tone silverado (red with cream insert) and the other is a 85 gold custom deluxe. Neither truck had rust.


Sledge

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

bought my 91 suburban for $3900 with 80,000 miles on it and it was absolutly spotless, and in perfect running condition: new tires, new windshield, rebuilt transmission, new exhaust, and zero rust. I've had it for three years now. Oh yeah, the AC works great.

That looks kind of like an old Border Patrol truck in that color.

In Texas, a Suburban sells for quite a bit less than a SWB pickup.

Slonaker

[abebummy26]

Originally Posted by Slonaker

That looks kind of like an old Border Patrol truck in that color.

In Texas, a Suburban sells for quite a bit less than a SWB pickup.

Slonaker

That or forestry service.

[streetstar]

rustfree might be hard to do in NJ for $3500--- but, if your patient, anything's possible.

$3500 for a 73-80 short bed in great condition is pushing the envelope almost everywhere now. Long bed would be no problem - i looked at a 76 3/4 ton 454 truck last week for 2000 in great condition - since i like work trucks, i was tempted, but i dont need any more problems in my driveway right now --

an 81-87 short bed should be much easier to find in that price range

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

That or forestry service.

bingo... but it was in perfect condition none the less.

[abebummy26]

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

bingo... but it was in perfect condition none the less.

Thats suprising considering how abused I usually see them down by me. Nice find! The ones I have seen all have the big sealed beam headlights not the nice el mucho one from the Blazers. Is it an what year is it I know its 88-91. Looks like someone put Rallies on it to looks good though.

[82c10]

$3500 will buy atleast 1, maybe 2

[mod58]

Here's a 74 stepside up your way for $2000.00 thats not bad!!!If you don't want a stepside bed,I will trade you a fleet side bed!!!! I can't seem to find a bed around here or near buy!!!!!!!! http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/537916895.html

[mod58]

Sorry burger,Your not to far from me!!!!!!!Thought you where up north!!!!!!

[Kixwy2]

I had a choice between a 74 that needed a little work for $2000 and a 94 extended cab for $4500 that needed some small repairs to the passenger seat and tailgate. Ultimately went with the 74 and talked him down to $1800.

For me it was all about what I could fix/repair on my own and learn in the process to become a DD. (pre smog helps too) When I started, I knew next to nothing. It was a major feat to install a steering wheel and a floor dimmer switch. Now I'm working on installing a new motor...

All I'm saying, price isn't everything.

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

Thats suprising considering how abused I usually see them down by me. Nice find! The ones I have seen all have the big sealed beam headlights not the nice el mucho one from the Blazers. Is it an what year is it I know its 88-91. Looks like someone put Rallies on it to looks good though.

It's all stock as far as I know... I highly highly doubt anything has been changed on the truck. You might be right about the wheels, but I doubt it. Should it have hubcaps? I've thought a few times about putting hub caps on it, but cant' seem to find the right ones. It's a 91.

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by mod58

Here's a 74 stepside up your way for $2000.00 thats not bad!!!If you don't want a stepside bed,I will trade you a fleet side bed!!!! I can't seem to find a bed around here or near buy!!!!!!!! http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/537916895.html

guess i was wrong on having a hard time finding an early shorty for $3500

That one looks good -- it just needs a "La Cucaracha" horn to go with the visor and cab spoiler

[1985LT1_C10]

i bought my 85 swb for 4500 in south jersey...has rallyes presentable paint 305/700r4 and air...i get a lot of compliments on it believe it or not..so they are some around here in the northeast....just keep your eye out..

[burger]

Thanks for the replies! Where do you guys look for used trucks? I keep my eyes glued to the paper, eBay, and the side of the road, but I haven't seen too many for sale locally, especially the pre-81 trucks.



Ed

PS- Mod58: Thanks for the Craigslist link, but I'd have trouble dealing with that visor and spoiler and on top of that I'm not really into the stepside. I'm looking for something where I won't have to do ANY bodywork.

PPS- Anyone want to buy a Honda Accord?

[get me on the road]

Originally Posted by streetstar

rustfree might be hard to do in NJ for $3500--- but, if your patient, anything's possible.

I agree, just be patient. I dont know if you get the local paper in your area, but if you do, check it everyday, as soon as you get it. When I was looking for a new truck, the good ones (in the paper) would be sold within a couple hours, and I bought mine 45 minutes after the paper was delivered.

[1985LT1_C10]

i found mine by local autoparts (mom and pop stores not a pep boys or advanced auto)....those guys are all car nuts and deal with so many people all the time that they usually know most of the cars around that are for sale

[Gary]

See my avatar and sig, $2600 bought my 85 Silverado, but it is a LWB.

Another $3600 bought the 406 and 700r4 to replace the wheezy little 305 and 350 trans

[72freak]

Originally Posted by Slonaker

That looks kind of like an old Border Patrol truck in that color.

In Texas, a Suburban sells for quite a bit less than a SWB pickup.

Slonaker

Yep......you cant compare a Suburban to a short bed truck.......A clean short bed will always bring way more money than a Suburban.

[bobbo]

My boss at work is selling an 86 Chevy Silverado SWB 2wd for $2000.00...It is in EXCELLENT condition...if you are interested I will get some pics for ya. I know I am quite aways from you though...