Author Topic: Going to look at 83 GMC tomorrow, what should I know?  (Read 3040 times)

Offline swanny

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Going to look at 83 GMC tomorrow, what should I know?
« on: July 07, 2010, 11:15:55 pm »
I'm going to look at this 83 GMC Sierra 1500 tomorrow - http://regina.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-pickup-trucks-1983-GMC-Sierra-1500-W0QQAdIdZ215026806

Well, actually I looked at it the other day and I'm very interested in making the guy an offer tomorrow if he still has it.

First off, I just want to know what are the "big" issues I should look for? All I can think of is to see if the frame is cracked by the steering box. Not sure though if that's a 2WD or 4WD issue (this truck is 2WD). Any thoughts, comments on what else I should inspect before making an offer?

The good: New windshield, carb, exhaust, tires, box sides, front fenders, gas tank. In the last 4 years there was brake work, cab corners replaced, inner fenders replaced (just with non-rusty ones, not brand new ones). Engine idles smooth, only had one small miss on test drive while driving.

The bad: Left turn signal does not cancel ($13 cancel cam fix). Left power door lock switch doesn't work (right one works though). No A/C (not a big deal up North here though). Cruise doesn't work (don't care). Driver's floor pan "pop" when you step in and out due to maybe not being replaced correctly (he said that was replaced as part of the inspection a few years back).

See the attached pics for what it looks like now (blah) to what I want the final product to look like (nice!). This is a project truck so it doesn't need to be perfect.

Whaddaya think?

Offline 1HI4x4

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Re: Going to look at 83 GMC tomorrow, what should I know?
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2010, 05:25:35 am »
How Much $$? It really matters, if you told me you were buying it for $1,000 I'd say jump on it. If you told me $5,000 I say not so fast.


I went back and read the add, $3,700 seems a little high..........
« Last Edit: July 08, 2010, 05:29:34 am by 1HI4x4 »
1988 V30 Crew Cab, Cummins power, 47RH-NP205, 8" lift, 13.50x35x20 Fuel Mudders on 20x14 XD Diesels -76 offset. Soon to be repainted, seats from a 2010 Lariat to be installed.

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Going to look at 83 GMC tomorrow, what should I know?
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2010, 02:11:38 pm »
Rust in Rockers, cab corners, core support, floor pans, wheel housing, cowl area(under the wipers), windshield area
electrical gremlins (does everything work), water leaks in the floor (see cowl area)
body bushings, frame by the steering box (BOTH 2wd and 4wd)