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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: gravycat99 on December 15, 2022, 12:01:37 am

Title: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: gravycat99 on December 15, 2022, 12:01:37 am
Hello!,

So over the past few years i've been getting more into these amazing trucks and plan to buy one soon. I don't really have any specific plans for a truck other than fix it up and give me something to do on the weekends. I'm considering buying this 1980 C20 Cheyenne Camper Special with a 454 and 200K miles for $3500. The box has been swapped out and is a different color. Also the body is all in great shape, no rust at all from what I can see. I've been looking on facebook marketplace for about 6 months and Prices on C10s are getting insane here in So Cal.. Seems like very few decent trucks that are driving for under 4-5K.

So My question is will I be sorry getting a c20? Should I hold out for a c10? What do you think?
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: Shifty on December 15, 2022, 08:15:27 am
A half-ton will definitely give better ride-quality, a 3/4 better load capability.  Comes down to wants/needs. Welcome either way from Tucson, AZ!
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: gravycat99 on December 15, 2022, 11:27:26 am
Thanks Shifty, Yeah I don't really know what I want/need. I just have a little cash burning a hole in my pocket and need something to wrench on!
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: Shifty on December 15, 2022, 11:37:03 am
Tough time to buy, but a great time to sell.  If you're just playing, I'd stick to the half-tons, they are much easier to sell later.  Long beds can be had much cheaper than shorties, but I'm sure you've seen that. 
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: Swampyankee74 on December 15, 2022, 12:44:46 pm
Make sure you look for rotten t-posts and around windshield and rear window frame. And check to make sure the cowl isn't rotted out. Check the to make sure the firewall isn't rotted at the horizontal seem behind the motor.  You live in a nice place to find some nice older vehicles.
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: gravycat99 on December 15, 2022, 09:31:32 pm
Thanks for the tips Everyone, I'll post if I buy something..
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: JohnnyPopper on December 17, 2022, 08:36:47 pm
Welcome from SoCal San Diego.

I'd stay with the 1/2 ton. In fact I have one I might let go... 8)
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: AsolMarandy on December 28, 2022, 09:12:13 am
I went through the same....looked for used truck and choose between two different models, for me the most important was vehicle inspection report, I bought the car with better report results and it was a good deal             
Title: Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on January 14, 2023, 10:09:13 am
My .02 :

It sounds like you want a 1/2----because you "just want something to work on / weekend project."    1/2 tons are closer to cars, for example 5 lug wheels vs.  8 lugs for the 3/4 ton.   1/2 tons are more "car-like,"  therefore more "hotrod-able."   Although a 3/4 ton could be hotrodded or worked on obviously.

If given two available choices, then i would go 1/2 ton.  Since only one choice is available at the moment, then the 3/4 is not a bad route.

Both ways are winning without any real losing either way.