73-87chevytrucks.com
General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: dbusher on August 11, 2009, 01:50:22 pm
-
Hi. New to forum. I am going to save a clunker. I just sold my 03 Rubicon and am looking to buy a 87 Chevy. The current owner put in a new tranny, new $3K paint job, bumpers and hoses. Runs real well. I plan on taking another test drive this friday and dig into the details of the truck.
He is asking $3k (a/c and horn does not work).
From the scant details I provided here, does this sound like a good idea?
Also, my wife has concerns about the following:
- Is it going to fall apart and cost more then its worth?
- Are parts hard to find?
- How do you put a family of 5 in this thing?
My answers (would like yours also)
- It will probably have a few issues but the repairs will be relatively cheaper then the ones we would have with our current 03 jeep
- No. Not that I know of anyway.
- Slap a couple of bucket seats in the back bed.
Look forward to you responses.
Dom
-
R10 or V10? Is this a daily driver or a play thing? If so, will it meet your needs as such? Your right about your wife's first two concerns, but she may have a good point on the occupant capacity. Mounting a bench seat in the bed wouldn't be my first choice for a solution. If you really want a 73-87, why not hunt down a nice K5, so the kiddos will have a place to sit. Although, it's unlikely you'll as sweet a deal for a Blazer.
At any rate, $3K for a clean 87, regardless of model, is a good buy in my book.
-
Hi. Thanks for the response.
R10 or V10? //not sure. I will ask.
Is this a daily driver or a play thing? //we have a nice family truck already. This would be for driving about 5-20miles a day to work and back..thats about it.
I will look into the K5.
Thanks for your input.
-
Hi. Thanks for the response.
R10 or V10? //not sure. I will ask.
Is this a daily driver or a play thing? //we have a nice family truck already. This would be for driving about 5-20miles a day to work and back..thats about it.
I will look into the K5.
Thanks for your input.
R10 = 1/2 ton 2WD
V10 = 1/2 ton 4WD
What engine does it have? 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L?
If this is just to get you to work and you like the truck, I'd say go for it. Got any pics of it?
-
First mistake is talking to the wife about it. Second mistake is not already buying it before someone else does.
-
Keep in mind that having passangers ride in the bed is illegal in some state even if you add seats and seatbelts.
-
If your going to be using it for a work truck, how often would there be 5 passengers? It is possible, though most likely illegal. We used to use our 77 to haul 2 adults and 3 children, me and my sister sat on my mom and brother's laps. I think it would be a great buy. Parts are usually easy to find and not nearly as expensive as any newer vehicle's parts. If you take care of it, it will last a long time. Maintenance is fairly simple. If you already have a family truck, this one shouldn't have to haul the family. If you want it for a family vehicle, think about the blazer or even a suburban.
-
Just my 2 cents, i bought an 86 chevy truck for getting wood. as a work truck i cannot complain, the thing is a beast. last trip i hauled 2 cords of wood in the bed and another cord on the trailer i was pullin. never missed a lick and cruised all day long at 60. as a family vehicle, no way. very rough ride could be because its a 1 ton. real stiff suspension, and the wife complained how unconfortable the ride was. good maybe she wont come next time i get wood. :-). as a work vehicle you cant go wrong. as a family vehicle i think there are beter choices. i would personally go with a suburban.
jim
-
I have been driving my 87 R10 since 2005, I sold a 97 lifted TJ for it. Repair cost were the main reason. I have driven my daughter in it and wouldn't think twice about it. She was born after I got it.
As for seating 5 in it, not the best solution. 2 adults and 2 children are going to be cramped.
The biggest repair issue would be the motor/trans and anything can be retro'd in them, or any 87-93 is a bolt in.
-
One of the problems with the new program and just the term "clunker" is that it makes people think that just because a car is, say, older than say 6 or 7 years it's automatically a "clunker."
As we all know, this is so far from the truth. And is it really giving the right message?
-
Here is a pic of the truck. Its a 4x4. AZ allows for kids in the back under 18 if it has a camper shell.
I am going to take another test drive this Friday. Its been a while since I bought an older vehicle. Any suggestions on
what I should look for that might be a deal killer?
He is trying to sell for 4K along with him fixing the A/C. I am going to offer 3K as is or $3500 if he fixes the AC.
The front seat has a cover but its a bit ripped up as is the carpet.
I will let you know how it goes on Friday.
-
If the rest of it (inside and under it) looks as good as the photo, and you can get it for $3000 then I'd say you got one heck of a deal. The biggest issue I've seen with the truck up here in the northeast is they literally rust to pieces (mostly cases it's body rust), but if it's a southern vehicle then you should be fine. With a family, I'd look into a Blazer (K5) as I'm not a fan of kids riding in the back, even with a seat and belts - there's no roll-over protection for them back there. But a Blazer will cost you more. Either way, a Blazer is also prone to the same issues as these trucks.
If you aren't sure on the mechanical condition, take it to a trusted mechanic and have them give it the once-over to spot anything you might have missed. If it were me, I'd at least do a compression check on the motor and wind it up on the highway for 10 or 20 miles (if he'll let you) and listen for any clunks or noises from the tranny, transfer case, and differentials. These and a bad motor would be your biggest repair bills. Steering components can get expensive if everything is worn and sloppy, so give that a good going-over. Be wary if it was running before you went to look at it. See if you can do a "pop-over" and watch it start from cold. And lastly, check the frame where the steering box attaches and look closely for any cracks on the inside and outside of the frame. This is a known weak spot on these trucks, and there is a weld-in repair kit for this. If it's cracked, you just found another way to reduce the price. If it's repaired, don't be alarmed as it is common.
Many places sell carpet and seat covering kits for about $500 total (if I recall) so don't let that be a deal breaker, but do use it as a bargaining tool. And if you do get it, check the store out on this site for parts you may need. I have yet to order anything, but everyone raves about Chris's prices and service and quality of merch.
-
I would hardly call a vehicle I paid 4k for a clunker. In fact I never give more than 1k for one of these trucks and some of them are very nice.
-
I had to go Vile's way, Don't talk to the wife about it and just do it. My wife gave me a hard time for a while for getting my truck a few months ago, but now she is over it and I have a Great truck. ;D
-
Hi dumbucket1. So 3K might be to much? I can't seem to find a truck like this for under 2K that doesn't seem to need considerable work.
-
It depends on the area that you live in as to how much these trucks go for. It may be well worth it in your area.
-
If that truck is 1/2 as good as it looks in the picture it's a steal. I guess it all depends on where you live.
$3,500 in Mass will just buy you someone else's problem.
-
As mentioned..the AC does not work in this truck. He said it has a pinhole. Any idea how much it will cost to get something like this fixed? I am going to be on foot starting tomorrow once I sell my jeep and really want to get into this truck fast..and not wait for him to fix the air. Does it make sense for me to pay him $500 bucks more to fix the air now? Sorry for all the noob questions
-
Buy the truck!!! You can deal without AC for 20 miles. My 81 doesn't have AC and my 85 has it but doesn't blow cold so I can deal with it. You can always get it fixed later. You never know, you may bump into someone who'll fix it cheap just because they like your truck. Good luck
-
Just spoke with the seller. Its a 1984 with a 305 crate(?) V8 4x4.
He wont take less than 3500.00 I am going to go test drive tomorrow. He said it had no rust but a few small spots that required bondo.
I will ask where those spots are and bring a magnet to see how big of a spot it is.
If all goes well I will be take..unless anyone experts here tell me that is a bad idea :o Thanks for all the input and help..this is a very informative forum.
dom
-
That pic makes it look well worth $3500. Fixing the AC is a piece of cake and not worth $500. Be careful plopping a magnet on someone's paint.
-
regarding the statement about starting cold...I assume it starts ok cold but if will check that out....if it doesnt what would be the issue there and is the fix costly?
-
nevermind on my last questions. My neighbor has driven this truck and says it starts up cold no problem. thx
-
Looks well worth the $3500.
use a plastic refrigerator magnet, although I wouldn't want someone doing it to my truck, and it doesn't have bondo.
-
regarding the statement about starting cold...I assume it starts ok cold but if will check that out....if it doesnt what would be the issue there and is the fix costly?
I saw your answer and am glad it starts okay. But my reasoning was: This is going to be a daily driver for the most part and you probably don't want to spend a lot of time trying to troubleshoot starting or rough idle problems right after you get it, and it sucks to have that "I hope it starts this time" feeling every time you get in. That, and what you see out of the exhaust pipe right after starting can tell you about the condition of the motor. All clues to the overall puzzle that is an unknown truck.
As for the price, how long has it been for sale? If it's been a while, offer $3k cash and see what he says, and be prepared to walk if he says no but leave your number. Then I bet he buckles in a few days and calls you. Only you can make that decision.
Good luck!
-
I got it! Had it looked at by a mechanic and he said it was worth the 4K the guy was asking for. However, He did give me a few things to talk him down with....Bench seat needs repaired.. AC, Manifold may need to be replaced because it was poxied..although not leaking and no spare tire. Also the AC motor is not stock..looks like they put a R4(?) in so the belt is just slightly misaligned. Bought the truck for 3500.
Now...Need to find an spare tire and figure out the cheapest route to repairing the bench seat..looks like it needs bottom padding and new cover.
Thanks for the help everyone.
-
Nice. Now enjoy it
-
get the foam for it from a donor or aftermarket whatever and put the upholstery on it yourself. It is easier than you think. Get some hog ring pliers and a bunch of hog rings and go for it!! I did my 65 mustang's interior and upholstery many moons ago a week before the Washington DC Mustang show and took home 2nd place for the '65-'66 mustang Concours correct division. My hands were sore after doing two buckets and the bench, it will give your hands a work out but, the finished product is awesome and you'll learn something new.
-
We sell replacement seat covers and seat foam and you can recover it yourself if you choose. You just need to call to order them.
-
There you go. You'll get a lot of satisfaction doing the interior yourself and I tell you, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to do this. I did it when I was 18.
(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol.jpg)(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol1.jpg)
(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol2.jpg)(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol3.jpg)(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol4.jpg)
I took over the living room with my upholster work. That's my cousin playin with the dog, not doing the upholstery.
A week after the upholstery work, I took home a 2nd place trophy.
(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol5.jpg)(http://www.delbridge.net/uphol6.jpg)
Both my WimbledonWhite '65 Mustangs. The concours restored coupe, next to my '65 GT Mustang Convertible, 99% original from original owner. Both palomino interior color.
-
Hey Sgt, did you change the hubcaps on the coupe?
-
Hi Captkaos. I went to your site but couldn't seem to find the foam inserts/price. I went to ..whew...$500 just for the foam...I guess that is the going rate. I will look again at your links to see if I can find what I am looking for. thx
-
Hey Sgt, did you change the hubcaps on the coupe?
Ha, you noticed. the last pic is the 65 with the 68 (yellow stang) hubcaps. I had so many 65 hubcaps, some with spinners, some without. I don't recall why i had the 68 hubcaps on the 65 after the car show. Of course, If i had the 68 covers on a 65, they would've deducted like 30 points in judging it. That's equivalent to scrathing your finger nails down a blackboard....mustang enthusiasts notice that right away.
-
Well, THIS is my site too, but ONLY the bottom cushions are available for the 82-87 trucks because the back is molded to the frame.
My price is is $249 + shipping, it is not listed in the catalog because I only charge what it cost to get shipped from the supplier.
Same goes for the covers, but you can see what we offer here:
Seat Covers:
http://www.acmeauto.us/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=4321
Optional colors/materials (if you chose a non standard version, there is a surcharge)
http://www.acmeauto.us/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=4435