What to look out for when buying 74 C10

[richard j]

Hi Guys

I'm in the UK and I'm looking at buying a 74 C10 (like the shape) could be as soon as tomorrow

Just wanted to pick your brains on here as to what to look out for when buying one of these, pit falls etc.

I'm new to trucks, just sold my Firebird, so knowledge of them is pretty much nil

Any help appreciated

Cheers

Richard

[boulky12]

Welcome.

Check for rust in the common areas. Cab corners, rockers. Behind and front of the rear wheels. Behind and front of front wheels.

If it has A/C check to see if its been converted to R134 or your gonna have to pay up to get your system converted.

One thing I like to check for is to see if the inside of the fenders colors match the firewall and rest of the truck.

Open the glove box and check for a sticker with codes. This will tell you all the options the truck originally came with.

Take a look underneath just to make sure your not buying some hack job.

[winky]

also if you can look where the cowl is welded to the fire wall... ive seen them rust there as well

[cvbear]

Check to make sure the VIN on the glovebox sticker matches the one on the windshield   Be sure the keys work in all the locks.  Look for rust in the door jambs (pain to fix).  Confirm spare tire is there.  If dual tanks listen for "click" when switching tanks.  Make sure safety items, brakes, horn, windshield wipers, lights all work.

[big_al273]

Arrange to have a decent length test drive (a good mix of city and highway driving long enough to get the truck up to operating temp and then another few miles) and make sure everything runs well and doesn't over heat, listen for any unusual noises, use some ramps if you need to and look at the underside, the body, body mounts, tie rod ends, frame, suspension, fuel tank(s), engine and transmission, brakes, look for rust, signs of damage or fluid leaks. Oh ya do the checks before the test drive, and if you do not have the mechanical experience to assess the condition of a vehicle yourself you should bring a friend or relative who can with you who can point out problems too you and explain why they are problems

[Irish_Alley]

welcome from maryland

check this out. theres a "Areas to look at when buying a 73-87 Truck"

[VileZambonie]

Check to make sure the VIN on the glovebox sticker matches the one on the windshield   Be sure the keys work in all the locks.  Look for rust in the door jambs (pain to fix).  Confirm spare tire is there.  If dual tanks listen for "click" when switching tanks.  Make sure safety items, brakes, horn, windshield wipers, lights all work.

There is no VIN in the windshield. It would be near the drivers door striker.

74 is a great early year with minor differences from later models. If the truck is relatively unmolested it will be a nice score. Post pics

[cvbear]

Check to make sure the VIN on the glovebox sticker matches the one on the windshield   Be sure the keys work in all the locks.  Look for rust in the door jambs (pain to fix).  Confirm spare tire is there.  If dual tanks listen for "click" when switching tanks.  Make sure safety items, brakes, horn, windshield wipers, lights all work.

There is no VIN in the windshield. It would be near the drivers door striker.

74 is a great early year with minor differences from later models. If the truck is relatively unmolested it will be a nice score. Post pics

Of course Vile is correct.  VIN did not move to the dash until later.   value in checking is to not to rely on the glovebox codes if they are not for your truck 

[minmon]

Watch for body rust in the cab and box especially since they are harder to replace than front fenders/hood etc. Ensure you get the parts you need for replacement and don't want to ship! Many of these trucks were work horses so don't be surprised to find some improvised repairs. Original Chevy parts (AC/Delco etc) are generally better quality. Good luck with finding the right fit for you. Short beds generally cost more but may be worth it for you if you plan to park it in town! M

A title in the seller's name is best. No title = No buy.