1967 GMC 1/2 ton as first car?

[lamboguy1]

I'm looking to buy a truck, and ran across this 1967 GMC 1/2 ton on craigslist.

Any opinions on buying something of this vintage as a first car/daily driver? And how much would you say this truck is actually worth?

Thanks!

[MARKDTN]

Are you mechanically inclined?

[lamboguy1]

I am, but have never worked on cars before, it's been bicycles and my pop-up camper.

[GASoline71]

I would pass on it as a daily driver then. It's a 40 year old vehicle with a dang near obsolete V6 engine in it. It's gonna need repairs and upkeep to stay roadworthy.

As a vehicle to mess around with and learn stuff on, and you have alternate transportation... you betcha... jump on it.

But if you don't know a lot already and try to make an old rig a DD... it'll leave you stranded.

Gary

[lamboguy1]

Yeah, that's what I expected to hear. Oh well, maybe when I have more money :P

Thanks!

[lamboguy1]

Nevermind the accidental double post.

[50bomb]

Buy it! Its all about learning. Nothing is easy. But you can do it.

[big bad orange]

let me just tell you a little story
I just bought my First truck ( I am 16) a 1972 custom 10 and the cost add up
quick in my case I paid $3000 for the truck and because I have no real tool I had to have the shop fix it and well I just put $1500 in to it just to pass inspection. Plus other little maintenance things So I am up to about $5000 in it. While drive these old trucks are real fun they arent cheap to own. I would say wait and find a running driving one and make sure you have some money to spend.

[Zane M]

If you have your heart set on a "vintage" truck for a daily driver, then you need to spend a fair amount more than what is being asked for the truck in question. Especially if you aren't well versed in vehicle mechanics.
big bad orange's experience is pretty common.

[big bad orange]

yeah and not trying to put you down but there are alot of little things that can go wrong and 10 bucks here and 10 bucks there means you so broke you cant take your date for you drive because you spent the gas money on parts to get the truck running. Even thought I have the truck for 1 month I do think I will part with it even thought I know I still need to spend about $300- $1000 more in maintenance ( tires, belts ,fluids) and that not counting the at best 16 mpg for a STOCK truck.

[vern650]

i must have had really good luck when i got my first truck cuz basically the only problems i had were normal wear items or stuff i tore up being young and dumb. my first truck was a 73 k-10 got for $1200 and i gave it a tune up and drove the crap out of it for 2 years with no major issues that i didn't cause and trust me it got abused most of those two years it was beating around the hills. when i turned 18 i "upgraded" to a 71 k-20 i picked up for$2500 partially restored with a built 350. that truck i scrounged up enough to finish some odds and ends and throw an $800 paintjob on and hit the streets. drove that truck for 3 years with no issues with about 50/50 offroad/street use and that little cammed 350 had my license suspended within the first year of owning it. the only reason i sold that truck was for more cab room for the buddies when goin biking/sledding, and to this day i regret selling it and very much missed driving the old iron which is why i jumped at the chance to pick up the rusted out beater 67 farm truck i found for $300.

i guess what I'm sayin is i'd go for it, if its a good solid foundation to begin with it should be ok and a good simple truck to learn on with none of the computer and electrical crap all the new ones have and will probably be more reliable to. the best times of my life were in those two old trucks and if i could go back I'd do it in a heart beat

[vern650]

i must have had really good luck when i got my first truck cuz basically the only problems i had were normal wear items or stuff i tore up being young and dumb. my first truck was a 73 k-10 got for $1200 and i gave it a tune up and drove the crap out of it for 2 years with no major issues that i didn't cause and trust me it got abused most of those two years it was beating around the hills. when i turned 18 i "upgraded" to a 71 k-20 i picked up for$2500 partially restored with a built 350. that truck i scrounged up enough to finish some odds and ends and throw an $800 paintjob on and hit the streets. drove that truck for 3 years with no issues with about 50/50 offroad/street use and that little cammed 350 had my license suspended within the first year of owning it. the only reason i sold that truck was for more cab room for the buddies when goin biking/sledding, and to this day i regret selling it and very much missed driving the old iron which is why i jumped at the chance to pick up the rusted out beater 67 farm truck i found for $300.

i guess what I'm sayin is i'd go for it, if its a good solid foundation to begin with it should be ok and a good simple truck to learn on with none of the computer and electrical crap all the new ones have and will probably be more reliable to. the best times of my life were in those two old trucks and if i could go back I'd do it in a heart beat

[vern650]

sorry for the double post, phone is being gay. also i don't think I'd go $2grand for that truck, i know around here you can find them a lot cheaper in that kinda shape

[MikeyMan]

Odd engine + needs body work + been sitting a couple years = LOTS of issues.

3 on the tree + manual steering + manual brakes = Not a great driving experience.

Not an ideal situation for your first vehicle. You would need deep pockets and good mechanical skills.
Good luck with your first vehicle purchase, and remember to ALWAYS have it checked by a mechanic BEFORE you make a deal.

[MalibuSSwagon]

If you want an older vehicle as a toy, DD, whatever, first buy a set of tools and learn to use them. Repairs are much easier on the wallet when you are only buying the parts.

[Gokart Mozart]

If you want to learn about your truck, go for it. The biggest issue is make sure it's not full of bondo. Get under it with a magnet. Take a look at the electrical and make sure it's not a taped together rat's nest fire hazard. See where it's leaking and not just engine and trans. Do you have friends or relatives that are mechanically inclined that can look at it and help you along the way? Manual everything will just build you character and the truck theft-proof, how many people know how to drive a 3 on the tree?

[PanelDeland]

Do it!! You'll be a mechanic by the time you are using it as a "Reliable" DD.

Actually I agree with the above.There's not much chance of it not leaving you stranded.It's better as a second "hobby" vehicle.

[msgross]

$2K for a non-running truck in Michigan is too high though. Maybe half that price... and only if the cab is in decent shape (rust wise)...

Find one that's running and road worthy, there is a reason that this one has been dead for a few years.