Wanting an old truck...Ideas??

[Olicat77]

Hi so I'm new to this forum ...and a female...hope there are a few out there in this forum!!
I need some opinions on what to get as far as an old truck and you are thinking well she joined this forum so she must have already decided huh? Well yes and no... I've narrowed it down to '75-'80 Chevy K10 but that is about it! I live in the Mtns and want a 4x4.
1. I want to be able to work on it myself. Recently put in radiator by myself in own car and realized I can take on the world lol. Are these trucks something I can do myself for the most part or am I shooting self in foot?
2. I do not want it to be computerized and not sure which year they started computerizing this truck?? any thoughts on for or against??
3. I want to haul things...firewood...and hook up a flat bed or a small RV up to 5-6,000 pds so wondering if I need a K20?
4. It is really hard to find these trucks available!! I've only been searching for a short time but don't remember seeing any K20?!?!
5. Is there a website that will give me specs on the trucks from these years? This website somewhere that I haven't found yet?
6. I definitely want a automatic because Ive been told they are stronger for hauling...thoughts?
7. Any other thoughts for a complete newbie?

Thanks for any thoughts or comments! I really plan on going through this website/forum more thoroughly in the future but thought I would put some feelers out there.

[dvdswan]

welcome to the site.  depending on where you are in the country will determine how hard it is to find a good quality truck.  what kind of specs are you looking for.  if you are wanting an auto transmission you would be better off finding one with a Turbo 400 over a Turbo 350.  IMO, the 4sp is the best bet though.

[Olicat77]

I live in the Rocky Mtns in Colorado...
Thanks for the welcome and I will look into what you are recommending so I understand it better
Specs as far as towing capacity mostly but interested in comparing any specs on several different years/models.

[werewolfx13]

If in doubt, a k20 (3/4 ton) will provide significantly improved brakes when in proper operation over a k10 of similar years.  A manual transmission, namely the venerable SM465 is SIGNIFICANTLY stronger in terms of sheer durability, but for the towing loads you're asking about, a stock TH350, TH400, or rebuilt/upgraded TH700r4(4l60) automatics would be plenty solid. Towing capacity should be looked at in terms of a specific truck and what GVWR it came configured for, as there were multiple weight options for k10, k20, and k30 trucks.

Computer controls of any kind didn't come around until 1982/83 with the electronic spark control, which is easily bypassed. Computer controlled carbs didn't start in these trucks until 85 or 86 i think.

For the most part, trucks were mechanically similar from 1973-1980. Parts are fairly interchangeable, and they are easy to work on, but plan on being REAL tired of working on rusted parts.

In terms of towing/hauling through the mountains, I would suggest you plan on searching for a k20(or GMC k2500, same difference), and not be overly concerned with what transmission it comes with. Be it a TH350, TH400 auto, or an SM465 manual, the transmissions themselves are plenty durable if not neglected.

[bake74]

     Depending on how much you want computerized, 75-80 is not at all.  Look here GM Heritage in the tech section, you can look around for what came on what year trucks.
     Welcome to the site, and yes there are other women on here also.

[Irish_Alley]

welcome from maryland.
if you want a strong (strong enough for a gms engine power) go with a sm465 like stated, a th400 would be the next strongest auto trans imo.
not 100% sure but most if not all ¾ tons that i have taken apart have had 4.10 ratio which is good for towing and hauling, but not so much for mpgs. if you go with ½ ton you might get a better ratio for mpgs but it will lack on the towing part.
electric brakes on trailer will help stop a ½ ton, there is some differences in brakes even in ½ tons same deal with ¾ tons.
when i go truck shopping it has to be ¾ ton or 1 ton. i plan on using my trucks but dont want to over do it if i have a heavy load.

[Irish_Alley]

couple girls on here (87becky and audrima) there might be a couple more lurkers but those are the ones i remember right off hand

[audrima]

Welcome from wv/nyc/ct!

I have a 78 GMC C25 350/sm465/posi reared  truck,  hm I say 73-80 k20/k25 would be perfect! I would say try to find an auto. I love my standard but I hate it on hills with my 20 footer travel trail behind it.
and Irish said I'm female too :> and I work on my truck myself (will never let my husband work on it!) but I do have to have my dad help with bigger stuff (like when I replace the clutch he's getting a all paid Vacation to CT to help me.) but for most part there easy to work.



Mariah

[78 Chevyrado]

pre80 is no computers.  beyond that...  if you have a 78 or older 3/4 or one ton, you don't have to deal with emissions.  1976 or earlier 1/2 tons, no emissions.  I'd shoot for that.  no emissions is worth lots more than no computers.

Actually how it works is in 1978, all trucks with 6,000lbs GVW or less have emissions.  6,001 lbs GVW and over don't have emisssions.

On 1/2 ton trucks deadline is 1976 AFAIK. 

You want the year of truck you don't have to have a catalytic converter.  whatever truck you buy (assuming the fuel guage is stock)  Look at the fuel guage...  does it say "unleaded fuel" only"  if it does you have emissions to deal with.   my 78 C20 does not say "unleaded fuel only"  so I can do what I want. 

Me personally, 1978 is the earliest truck I'd own.  I hate 1/2 tons and only want 3/4 tons anyway, so I'm good with this.  1978 was the first year of pwr windows n door locks n such...   so 1978 is the oldest truck I'd ever consider for a daily.