Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71C10SWB · 03-08-2009, 04:49 PM

Hey guys,
I'm looking at buying a '69 Long Bed. It's only showing 84,000 miles and it's pretty solid for around here. the price is right.
My main question concerns the engine. It's a small block, but I'm not sure if it's a 350 or 307. Are there any clues to finding out which one it is. It's a 2 barrel and it appears to be the original.
Thanks

oldblue1968chevy · 03-08-2009, 04:55 PM

if you could get some pics of the numbers on the block..

the numbers are behind the drivers side valve cover..a lil tricky to get to..but not impossilbe....pics of the numbers would help

cparman · 03-08-2009, 05:02 PM

the numbers oldblue speaks of are a raised casting number. On the front of the engine, just in front of the passenger side cylinder head, there will be a small smooth surface with some numbers stamped into this pad. Those numbers will give you a production location, date code, and a 2 or 3 letter code that will tell you wht the engine is. I have a 69, and will post again in a few after I write down what mine says.

mine says VI003ua the UA translates to 307 manual trans 2 bbl 200 hp. my truck was that.

Longhorn Man · 03-08-2009, 06:17 PM

if you think it is all original, then the 307 would be the base model engine, and not listed ont eh SPID. If it was (originally) a 350, then the SPID (option sheet) in the glove box would say so, and there would also be badges on the front fenders.

71C10SWB · 03-09-2009, 06:40 AM

There definitely are no badges on the fenders and there never were.
This truck is definitely all original (paint, engine, etc.) with original paint and minimal rust. But, I think I'll pass on it and keep looking.
I don't have a big problem with the 307, I would prefer a 350 though.

If anybodies interested in the truck, It would make a nice one to fix up. It's just a little bigger project than I prefer and not exactly what I'm looking for.
If it had the 350, I probably would have bought it.

It's at Tam's Auto Sales in Bedford, IN 47421.

ChevLoRay · 03-09-2009, 06:49 AM

From experience, get the best bodied vehicle you can possibly afford. The mechanicals are the easy part. There are places on these trucks that can have hidden rust that would amaze you. If it ain't like you like, and since the mileage on these trucks is never going to show more than 99,999.9 miles, we should be wary of those trucks that some say are original mileage......

71C10SWB · 03-09-2009, 07:24 AM

Oh, I agree with you for the most part. I have in my mind what I want the truck to be, I know I'll have to change a few things over time becuase you never find exactly what you want. Unfortunately, what I want and what this truck is, are too far apart. I would prefer to buy something that's got what I what mechanically (engine size, transmission type, disk brakes...etc) , has a decent body (but I'm not afraid of bodywork), and is something I can work on while driving.
Kind of picky, I know, but I just changed jobs and knocked about 20 miles off of my commute. I plan to drive whatever I buy daily. I can drive something while doing body work, the machanicals can keep you down for a day or two.

Thanks for the input though.

djracer · 03-09-2009, 07:45 AM

I have a buddy with a very nice 71 short fleet. It has no rust that I know of except under the battery. It has a 350 and 350 tranny in it. It has 8 inch rally wheels and could be an awesome truck. He wants 6500 for it but the body is super nice.

**fine69** · 03-09-2009, 11:47 AM

Look in the for sale section. Board member BRAD. Thats his screen name, has a 67 short fleet for sale.

Longhorn Man · 03-09-2009, 04:53 PM

actually, brads 67 sold last week.

03-08-2009, 04:49 PM	#1
71C10SWB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seymour, IN Posts: 42	Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... Hey guys, I'm looking at buying a '69 Long Bed. It's only showing 84,000 miles and it's pretty solid for around here. the price is right. My main question concerns the engine. It's a small block, but I'm not sure if it's a 350 or 307. Are there any clues to finding out which one it is. It's a 2 barrel and it appears to be the original. Thanks

03-08-2009, 04:55 PM	#2
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... if you could get some pics of the numbers on the block.. the numbers are behind the drivers side valve cover..a lil tricky to get to..but not impossilbe....pics of the numbers would help __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

03-08-2009, 05:02 PM	#3
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... the numbers oldblue speaks of are a raised casting number. On the front of the engine, just in front of the passenger side cylinder head, there will be a small smooth surface with some numbers stamped into this pad. Those numbers will give you a production location, date code, and a 2 or 3 letter code that will tell you wht the engine is. I have a 69, and will post again in a few after I write down what mine says. mine says VI003ua the UA translates to 307 manual trans 2 bbl 200 hp. my truck was that. Last edited by cparman; 03-08-2009 at 05:17 PM.

03-08-2009, 06:17 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... if you think it is all original, then the 307 would be the base model engine, and not listed ont eh SPID. If it was (originally) a 350, then the SPID (option sheet) in the glove box would say so, and there would also be badges on the front fenders.

03-09-2009, 06:40 AM	#5
71C10SWB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seymour, IN Posts: 42	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... There definitely are no badges on the fenders and there never were. This truck is definitely all original (paint, engine, etc.) with original paint and minimal rust. But, I think I'll pass on it and keep looking. I don't have a big problem with the 307, I would prefer a 350 though. If anybodies interested in the truck, It would make a nice one to fix up. It's just a little bigger project than I prefer and not exactly what I'm looking for. If it had the 350, I probably would have bought it. It's at Tam's Auto Sales in Bedford, IN 47421.

03-09-2009, 06:49 AM	#6
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... From experience, get the best bodied vehicle you can possibly afford. The mechanicals are the easy part. There are places on these trucks that can have hidden rust that would amaze you. If it ain't like you like, and since the mileage on these trucks is never going to show more than 99,999.9 miles, we should be wary of those trucks that some say are original mileage...... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

03-09-2009, 07:24 AM	#7
71C10SWB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seymour, IN Posts: 42	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... Oh, I agree with you for the most part. I have in my mind what I want the truck to be, I know I'll have to change a few things over time becuase you never find exactly what you want. Unfortunately, what I want and what this truck is, are too far apart. I would prefer to buy something that's got what I what mechanically (engine size, transmission type, disk brakes...etc) , has a decent body (but I'm not afraid of bodywork), and is something I can work on while driving. Kind of picky, I know, but I just changed jobs and knocked about 20 miles off of my commute. I plan to drive whatever I buy daily. I can drive something while doing body work, the machanicals can keep you down for a day or two. Thanks for the input though.

03-09-2009, 07:45 AM	#8
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,891	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... I have a buddy with a very nice 71 short fleet. It has no rust that I know of except under the battery. It has a 350 and 350 tranny in it. It has 8 inch rally wheels and could be an awesome truck. He wants 6500 for it but the body is super nice. __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole! Last edited by djracer; 03-09-2009 at 07:45 AM.

03-09-2009, 11:47 AM	#9
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... Look in the for sale section. Board member BRAD. Thats his screen name, has a 67 short fleet for sale. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

03-09-2009, 04:53 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Looking to buy 69, couple of questions... actually, brads 67 sold last week.



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