The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Chev C-10

Hi I was wondering what you thought about the idea of buying an old truck, thats already restored and using it as a daily driver. Also I was wondering how reliable these old trucks are? I am looking at a 71 Chev C10 and what things should I look for? Thanks

Welcome to the Stovebolt Carl!
If they are in decent shape, they are simple enough and rugged enough to last a good long while. I pulled a 64 C10 out of a cornfield, did the repairs that made the prvious owner park it in the first place, and drove it for eight years. That truck towed and hauled and never once sent me walking,
Scott

Welcome to the 'Bolt, Carl. Personally, I have absolutly no problem with getting a truck that's already done, just as long as the price isn't outrageus. I will admit, there's nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction of having done it yourself, but not everyone necessarily has the time or the skills to do a complete restoration. As far as reliability, I drive my '55 pretty much every day from mid spring to late fall, or at least I did until my little accident in December :rolleyes: . As long as the maintainance is kept up, they're just as reliable, if not more, than any modern truck. And being a '71 that you're looking at, it's alrwady got superior braking and suspension than most old trucks.
There's several things you want to look for, and I'm certain other will add to this list; Rust, especially in the fender openings, door sills and bottoms, and in the lower cowl area. Aslo oil leaks, engine and tranny. If you can see the maintainance records and receipts form the resto, that will help too.
If you do get it, let us know. And of course we'd like to see some pix, possibly some before you purchase it. You'ld be surprized at what some of us can see just in a picture of a truck.

The mechanics of fixing it up fairly basic I am hoping so that is why I want an older truck. Is this right? Here is a link: http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details...D2FE9AFDA54EFF8F16B94782E4F0C8&CAT=2

That era of g.m. trucks is probably the best trucks ever built. I drive a 70 with 71 axles. I have an R.V. winch in the back with ramps. I can haul mowers & motorcycles. Or I can pull a heavy part into the bed. Yes they are easy to work on especially with the help of fellow bolters. I,ve never seen one for sale that is "done". I would expect to do some work on it. I wouldn,t pay a fortune for a show piece & use it for a daily driver.

CC, welcome to the 'bolt... those trucks are nearly indestructible and easy to maintain...although they are not as comfortable as a new truck...

I have a '72 C10 that has served as a daily driver at times in the past few years. Its really my primary backup vehicle these days.

I've spent some money on maintainance over the years, but probably spent more replacing the tires than all the other work together in nearly 10 years I've owned it.

It made a 3,200 mile road trip a couple years ago without missing a beat. I would not be afraid of one of that era truck and if you maintain it I'd expect years of useful life. Mine is rusting away and rust is probably what is going to stop it. Once a door falls off I'll probably start parting it out.

I agree, you can't go wrong with that era. My '67 has been in use for work almost every day since it was brand new.

Oh sorry here ya go: http://www.trader.ca/search/Results...D2FE9AFDA54EFF8F16B94782E4F0C8&CAT=2

What do ya think? Worth the price?

Looks like a good buy to me if it doesn,t have any serious rust isues.

Looks good to me too. I wonder which "4-speed auto" it has?

Hard to say without seeing it in person, but seems to be worth the asking price.
Only worries would be the quality of the body work that (most likely) was done on it.

Good Luck

I am woking on getting my 69 ready to go in to daily driver duty. I have been driving imports for years and using the old cars for pleasure but I can't stand it any more and I have decided to drive what I love insted of putting up with somthing that I don't like. I say go for it, if you are unsure about the condition of the truck let a trusted mechanic take a look at it. Good luck.

Sean

So I asked the owner and it turns out the truck has a 350 with a 700 R automatic transmission which is a 4 spd auto. There are no accessories with the truck . The truck will need paint, front bumper is bent up, and will need general work, is what I have gotten from the owner. So could you tell me if this engine-transmission combo will work good. Thanks

Carl, Welcome to the BOLT. I have that combo in my 68 and I couldn't be happier with it. New bumpers run about 100-120 bucks US. Many of the site vendors carry them.

Carl, Just wanted to welcome you to the Bolt!