I've got a chance to get a '71 Chevy C-50 for less than a grand. It has a 350, and allegedly runs and drives. I have yet to look at the truck. Since I've never owned a medium-duty truck this big before, I have a couple of questions...

First, it has a dump flatbed on it, and was originally a grain truck, but with a shorter bed than most. The sides are gone, fortunately, since I do not need 4'-high side boards. The hydraulics are supposed to be good. Is the hydraulic system driven off the PTO on these trucks, or is it driven another way?

Second, the truck has a five-speed trans with two-speed Eaton axle. Brakes are hydraulic. Were these trouble items on '71 trucks? Tires are 22.5s. Yep. Expensive, assuming it needs them!

Any opinions on the '71 med-duty trucks in general? Anything I need to really look for, other than what could be considered normal wear and tear?

Pessimist - Sees glass as half-empty. Optimist - Sees glass as half-full. Gov't- Sees glass and takes it from you because you have a glass.
Political Correctness: A philosophical belief system bereft of common sense and logic, that supports and rewards ignorance and stupidity.