I might be getting a new truck

[99-LS1-SS]

I'm looking at a 1985 short bed 4x4 truck. It's hard to tell from the pictures but it seems to be in decent shape. It has some rust and dings here and there but he says it runs good. It has PW, PL, PS and AC. If all goes well I will get it. Given the pictures do you think it is worth $3800? I feel like it is.

Here are some pictures of it.

[Ski-me]

Looks OK. Does it have the 305? Carb?

Rust can be a big headache if there is a lot....... like the color though.

[99-LS1-SS]

It has a 305 in it.
I'm not sure if it is carb or TBI. Is there a drawback to either?

The rust doesn't bother me unless there are large holes in the floor boards. It will be a camping truck and daily beater if I get it.

[GM-power]

Imo 3800 is alot for a beater, especially with a 305. I don't know what the markets like up there but where I live you can find rust free 4x4s cheaper than that.
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[99-LS1-SS]

Originally Posted by GM-power

Imo 3800 is alot for a beater, especially with a 305. I don't know what the markets like up there but where I live you can find rust free 4x4s cheaper than that.
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I can't find a 4x4 in my area for under $4k unless they are in really bad shape.

[Ski-me]

Most likely it's a carb engine. 87' was the first year for fuel Injection.

I would say it does need to be pretty good condition for that price. The 305 is a drawback for me. If there is any significant amount of rust, that would steer me away.

$3800 is not all you are going to put into it for sure!

Check brakes out real good, ball joints, driveline u-joints, etc. These are safety things and you want them solid. If not, figure in at least another $500+ if you do the work yourself.

A/C probably won't work either. They may say "it just needs recharging"....but they all say that. If you want it to work, there is another $1000, at least!

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by Ski-me

A/C probably won't work either. They may say "it just needs recharging"....but they all say that. If you want it to work, there is another $1000, at least!

That’s always irritated me. Either the A/C works, or it doesn’t. If it needs to be recharged, then you got a leak somewhere to find and fix.

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If it were rust-free, I'd jump on it. However, $3,800 could be a little on the steep side depending on the severity of the rust issues. 99% of the time a “little rust” actually means “a lot more rust than I feel comfortable disclosing”.

But who are we kidding, when you fall in love with a truck, you’ll pay whatever the asking price is. I say the hell with it...go get it.

[99-LS1-SS]

Originally Posted by JCampbell

That’s always irritated me. Either the A/C works, or it doesn’t. If it needs to be recharged, then you got a leak somewhere to find and fix.

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If it were rust-free, I'd jump on it. However, $3,800 could be a little on the steep side depending on the severity of the rust issues. 99% of the time a “little rust” actually means “a lot more rust than I feel comfortable disclosing”.

But who are we kidding, when you fall in love with a truck, you’ll pay whatever the asking price is. I say the hell with it...go get it.

I agree about the leak. Is it likely as simple as the o-rings needing to be changed or is there a "normal" place that these A/C systems fail? Any upfront advice or help is greatly appreciated.

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by 99-LS1-SS

I agree about the leak. Is it likely as simple as the o-rings needing to be changed or is there a "normal" place that these A/C systems fail? Any upfront advice or help is greatly appreciated.

It just depends. My dually was leaking from the compressor and the upper/main hose assembly. My Suburban had a leak at the condenser. My shortbed had another bad upper/main hose assembly.

My advice would be to take it to a shop. Let them check it for leaks, repair it and charge it all in one shot. It’ll cost you a little money, but I’d rather it be done right, one time, the first time. However, for me, air conditioning is one of those “must haves”…I get all pissy when I get too hot.

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by JCampbell

But who are we kidding, when you fall in love with a truck, you’ll pay whatever the asking price is.

Ask me how I know.

[Ski-me]

That's the hard part.....it "could be" just a new compressor, or a leaking line. Then you replace it thinking its fixed. Then pay money to recharge it and later find out the evaporator or condensensor is bad and spit small pieces into that brand new compressor. Ruined. And then you have to replace the damaged compressor and also the condenser.......just an expensive deal.

Best to chang everything out to be sure you don't damage new equipment with a few old, remaining pieces. At least, that's what I did. Probably paid $600 in brand new parts and then charged the system. Fixed!

But, you might get lucky and just install new o rigns. Not probable....but possible.

Just my experience.
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[MalibuSSwagon]

I see it needs cab corners at least. Like everyone said, check it over real well, make sure thats it.

[99-LS1-SS]

Who is a good vendor to get patch panels and various body parts from? This will NOT be a build like the Blazer. I just want this to be a dependable truck to do truck like duties. It does not need to be show quality.

[JRANGER]

I really like Tabco Panels and Ordered direct They ship out of Ohio and got here pretty quick...JMO though....Goodmark from SUmmit is good too

[Zane M]

3800 would be high in this area based on the rust and the 305. But, sounds like it is about right, if not a good price, in your area.

[99-LS1-SS]

Alright guys, I know you all said it was too much but I got it anyway. It runs and stops good. It has a lot of surface rust on the frame and suspension.

My question is, what is the best (easiest/quickest) way to get the rust off so I can put some paint on it? I'm talking things like the leaf springs and the axles.

Thanks.

[JRANGER]

Angle Grinder and a wire wheel

[99-LS1-SS]

Is there anything I need to be concerned about if I start wire wheel'ing the axles and leaf springs?

[JRANGER]

Wear safety glasses and watch all your lines and such...but beyond that its just metal

[99-LS1-SS]

What wire wheel bit should I use? Who makes a decent one?

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Not a bad looking truck at all. Congrats on the newest addition. Sounds like a fun project.

[99-LS1-SS]

Originally Posted by Hoods69BadBowTie

Not a bad looking truck at all. Congrats on the newest addition. Sounds like a fun project.

Thanks. I'm actually looking forward to cutting panels off and trying to see how I do with repairing it.

[JRANGER]

I use DEWALT DW4930 4-Inch by 5/8-Inch-11 Full Cable...
and

DEWALT DW4910 3-Inch by 5/8-Inch-11 Knotted Cup...
but any similar brand should be fine

[99-LS1-SS]

Thank you JRANGER. Luckily, those are the two I was looking at.

[LEEVON]

Nice truck. I would like to know where all of it's counterparts are for less than $3800...a run through Craigslist will show you primered longbeds, really rusty, molested, engine-swapped, ragged out interiors with ugly wheels, and a laundry list of problem all day for $4k.

A nice complete short bed 4x4 like yours is worth every penny if you paid $3800.