I believe it is highly unusual to find an original 216 in the early AD trucks. To find one generally means it is very low mile original truck or the rare motor that someone rebuilt a few times instead of replacing. It seems that most folks over the years simply did not spend the money to rebuild 216's when you could bolt a 235 or 261 right in and have a much more modern motor. I remember this being done alot when I was much younger, no one wanted the 216, they were scraped by the thousands. I am not sure of the market for original 216 trucks, but they are definitely rarer than one with a 235. Sheet metal replacement is fine in my opinion, used originals ae best but tough to findfor the bed. Nice aftermorket are available.
