Please read this For Sale ad and comment.

[Grizz1963]

Some of you know I am looking at a 1960 C10 SWB Fleet, fitted with 350/700R4 combo.
It is on airbags in the rear, but when the front clip was changed to 5 stud, the airbags were not replaced....duhhh?
So it runs on 5 stud front end, and 6 stud rear, different wheels etc.
It has bubbling on the door bottoms, and was repainted at some time, some paint damage typical of a used truck. There is a bit of cracked paint on the loadbody where one assumes some filler was to generously applied.
Most of the load bed is intact, but possibly the original, and quite scruffy.
The truck sounds great, I do not know about the gearbox, as I am fed info via an acquaintance, who is a friend of a friend of the owner.
The starter apparently works 8/10 times as well.
The valve covers and large air filter cover have Edelbrock embossed on them.... not sure if that means a whole lot (one can fit cosmetic bits ehhh?)
This truck is 800 miles from me, and would cost around £600 or $1000 I guess to get back to where I live.
The owner does not know I am interested, so no price has been established, but I think it will be in the region of £8000 if I get lucky.

Yes, American trucks are expensive over here.

As she stands, stored up.








ANYWAY.......

I was on another website last night and found this truck for sale..... n

1964 Stepside. £7750

Copied the text, and pics below.

It has a small block 350 Chevy which has a 650cfm Demon carb fitted (recently), Holley ally inlet, headers, power flex fan, HEi Dizzy, new Air Cleaner, freshly serviced, and runs a TH350 Trans with a 10 bolt rear end. The exhaust has flowmaster boxes and twin rear exiting pipes, it doesn't "Drone" when travelling but does make the right noises when you drop a cog.

The brakes are new, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, flexi's front and rear, handbrake cable and shoes also. Turn signal mechanism is new as are the door weather strips, exterior emblems, lug nuts, gas cap, it also has a new power steering conversion from classic performance products and a new battery. The previous owner stripped the bed slats and had them blasted and then powdercoated and replaced the timber with oak, as you can see from the pictures it looks real clean. The interior is very clean and has been retro-fitted with captains seats from a day van, they are very clean and have no rips or tears at all, and are very comfortable. A centre console has been added and a floor mounted B&M Shifter sits on top of the black carpet.

As you can see from the interior shots it has after market gauges fitted, they look like the period "Sun" items from the late seventies or early eighties - they look the part and all work. All wipers and washers work as they should and it starts first time every time. I have driven the truck my self and can say that it drives real nice, the steering is very positive and is very easy to get on with, the brakes feel postive and work great, he has just replaced the heater matrix in the last couple months as well.

The bodywork is clean with a repaint in the States before it came over, the paint is presentable and of a "User Quality", but by no means a show winner but then again, it is an everyday truck to use. Bring a magnet with you if you decide to view, it does have some marks and the odd Tesco dent, the cab corners are spot on The wheels are alloy and are the modular style, the tyres are virtually new and have stacks of life left in them.

If your looking for a pick up then you'll know that imported non runners are fetching crazy money, this is ready to go and you can drive home, it has everything done - so please feel free to come and see it, I will try and be as flexible to your needs as possible when viewing, I am around for the majority of the week.

TERMS: Payment in cash/bank transfer only before the pick up is collected/delivered. Call me for a quote.

He will sell to overseas bidders in Europe, please contact me for a quotation on delivery to a port of your choice.

This truck will suit whatever need you have, the odd car show, a Sunday driver - or a daily driver................ It runs and drives fine as all the hard stuff has been done, however it is 48 years old and is by no means a new vehicle!
















All opinions and comments appreciated.

I do not know anything about various engine and gearbox and other mechanical options, so please fire away.

Cheers

Rian

[bj383ss]

Hello Grizz,

Heres my input.


What the 60' has going for it is an old school hot rod look. The 64' is more of an 80's street rod look.
The Edelbrock chrome pieces are just cosmetic. And if they are faily new they are made in China pieces. The 5 lug and 6 lug is not that big of a deal to change the rear to 5 lug. 5 lug gives you more wheel choices.
The 350/700R4 combo is fairly common and the 700 has the overdrive which will make your mileage a little better and a deeper first gear over the Th350.
The interior of the 60' looks to be better than the 64'
The starter is very easy to change. The cost is minimally over here not sure about where you are.

I have a 64 Short Step just like the red one. It does have the Big back window which is more desirable. The 64' has later style 70's towing mirrors on it and the seats look a little out of place but these are just my opinions.

I think it comes down to your taste and what you want. You have two totally different trucks there. I would choose the 60'. Hope you get one of them!

Bret

[UK62LW]

To be honest Grizz - I wouldn't spend £8k on either of those

As Bret said, the resell red truck is out of fashion and would be difficult to move on over here as is. The green one looks better BUT the rust repair and repaint, unless you can do it yourself, should be factored in and I'd want to know more about the engine/box (easy to fry a 700).

What style are you really wanting..?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Hello Grizz,

Heres my input.


What the 60' has going for it is an old school hot rod look. The 64' is more of an 80's street rod look.
The Edelbrock chrome pieces are just cosmetic. And if they are faily new they are made in China pieces. The 5 lug and 6 lug is not that big of a deal to change the rear to 5 lug. 5 lug gives you more wheel choices.
The 350/700R4 combo is fairly common and the 700 has the overdrive which will make your mileage a little better and a deeper first gear over the Th350.
The interior of the 60' looks to be better than the 64'
The starter is very easy to change. The cost is minimally over here not sure about where you are.

I have a 64 Short Step just like the red one. It does have the Big back window which is more desirable. The 64' has later style 70's towing mirrors on it and the seats look a little out of place but these are just my opinions.

I think it comes down to your taste and what you want. You have two totally different trucks there. I would choose the 60'. Hope you get one of them!

Bret

Hi Bret

Thanks for the comprehensive and helpful reply.

I am partly hostage to Nicola, my wife's taste when looking at trucks.

I think if I could have any truck, (but with more modern abilities) it would be the 38-48-ish Chevy's
I always loved and still love the pre/post was shape trucks. Make is not that important, as I love the overall look and feel of this era.

Through a process of elimination, (it took a while and many photos etc) it came down to the 60-61 bonnet and looks for Nicola. Chevy, not GMC (although for some reason I prefer the GMC front end grille etc)
She shares the hobby, and has to have a say in it all for me, as she allows and encourages me to spend money

I am happy to drive a '60 for its looks, and think it would work quite well with the Teardrop I built for us. it is a 5x10 foot rather than the usual 4x8 foot base, so the proportions should work well.

My preference is for the Old Skool look, rather than the '80s look.
However, with a rather limited available selection in the UK, I have to loook at other options as well.

WRT engines, I would be happy with an original engine and gearbox combo, as long as it was reliable and could still tow the teardrop at 60mph.

Originally Posted by UK62LW

To be honest Grizz - I wouldn't spend £8k on either of those

As Bret said, the resell red truck is out of fashion and would be difficult to move on over here as is. The green one looks better BUT the rust repair and repaint, unless you can do it yourself, should be factored in and I'd want to know more about the engine/box (easy to fry a 700).

What style are you really wanting..?

Hi Barney,

Thanks for those comments.

What sort of money would or should I be looking or hoping for?
The market seems to be filled with a lot of expensive stuff, and the some overpriced "patina'd" trucks without engine or gearboxes etc.
I am not mechanically capable, but cosmetically I am pretty decent.

I am still finding out stuff, so am happy to learn from everyone and also invite all opinions.

I would not service the engine, but have done some body work a long time ago, and would be prepared to do that myself.

Not looking at concourse at all, but rather neat "daily/weekend" cruiser.

WRT the gearbox, I could find out more, and still would not really know what to look for, especially as you mention it is easy to fry a 700.

Style wise, our preference is definitely for old skool, resto rod not concourse or show truck.

Hope that makes sense.

[jdl71]

Originally Posted by UK62LW

To be honest Grizz - I wouldn't spend £8k on either of those

As Bret said, the resell red truck is out of fashion and would be difficult to move on over here as is. The green one looks better BUT the rust repair and repaint, unless you can do it yourself, should be factored in and I'd want to know more about the engine/box (easy to fry a 700).

What style are you really wanting..?

I'm going to have to agree with Barney, although it's hard for us on the other side of the pond to fathom paying that when we have so much to choose from so my opinion is highly biased. The rest of what he said seems to spot on also, I think the '60 is a cooler looking truck, but is more expensive and (appears) to need more work but in the end I think would probably be more valuable.

[88Lt1wagon]

I like the '60, but I prefer the dual headlights and pod hood. I don't like floor shift automatics in pickups and I'm not into stepsides, so it's all a matter of taste. I haven't had trouble with 700R4s, they usually last 200-250k miles, at least in suburbans and station wagons that I've had or dealt with. That's with stock 350s though, so maybe more power can be detrimental. In the end get what you like, it's only money

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 88Lt1wagon

I like the '60, but I prefer the dual headlights and pod hood. I don't like floor shift automatics in pickups and I'm not into stepsides, so it's all a matter of taste. I haven't had trouble with 700R4s, they usually last 200-250k miles, at least in suburbans and station wagons that I've had or dealt with. That's with stock 350s though, so maybe more power can be detrimental. In the end get what you like, it's only money

My wife would like you a whole load

This is often her practical solution to stuff.

I have to say, I have yet to find a reason to disagree with her thinking

[DoubleL]

I am going to ask an obvious question here. Have you looked into doing the importing yourself? Seems you could get some info here on the forum and have a much larger selection to choose from. For the prices they are asking there it might be feasible.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by DoubleL

I am going to ask an obvious question here. Have you looked into doing the importing yourself? Seems you could get some info here on the forum and have a much larger selection to choose from. For the prices they are asking there it might be feasible.

Spoke to a good friend this morning..... for almost two hours on the phone....

Seems that importing a truck, especially if I can find a third party to be on our side to look out for us until the right truck comes up would be a sensible, though more complex but rewarding route.

Nicola said afterwards "I told you that from the start"

So I guess that is the way it may end up going, unless something really right presents itself in the UK.

We definitely want to keep to the early '60s trucks, or something later with a '60-61 bonnet and grille.

We will certainly be looking at both original and modded trucks.

The important thing is to tow our trailer safely and comfortably to shows etc.

[harpo1313]

Myself, I would choose the 64,its more of a finished truck and wont be alot of downtime for upgrades.A new bench seat and a tire and wheel swap would wisk away that 80s vibe.but i like it as it sits ,maybe get the price down to offset shipping.

[UK62LW]

I've been watching the prices of 'our' trucks over here for some time and whilst they're slowly gaining in popularity, they're never going to get the <59 values and there's been lots to choose from - good for the buyer!

It's difficult to put a price on the 60 without knowing the extent of the bodywork required, but if it needs another £4k of paint/body as well as axle/wheels, etc, then surely better can be had? My comment about the 700R4 is they need setting up by someone who knows what they're doing..

I'd say the red truck is £6k but depends on if that's your style (which I guess it isn't) as again you'd have to budget for all the bits to make it right.

Did you see these on Rods'n'Sods;

Think this is still available, so maybe a deal can be had..? http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/veh...long-bed-56267

This was £11k but check out the condition and spec http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/veh...10-truck-64516

And what about this curveball http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/veh...10-truck-64516

Finally, I'd give serious consideration to importing one, especially as the duty is now only 5%...

[McCoyAZ]

I am rather partial here but if it were my choice I would do the 64 stepper, mostly because it is a finished truck front to back.

It is easy to swap to a 60-61 4 headlight grill and hood also if you wanted.

The Big Back Window is a bonus and here in the states all you see is fleetsides, they are a dime a dozen. Stepsides are not often seen where I am.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by jdl71

I'm going to have to agree with Barney, although it's hard for us on the other side of the pond to fathom paying that when we have so much to choose from so my opinion is highly biased. The rest of what he said seems to spot on also, I think the '60 is a cooler looking truck, but is more expensive and (appears) to need more work but in the end I think would probably be more valuable.

Barney has a lot of sense to speak.

I think I will PM him some time for a phone chat.

I think the '60 is the better option as well.

Nicola suggested I fly up and go see it myself when I have done my remote investigating.

Originally Posted by DoubleL

I am going to ask an obvious question here. Have you looked into doing the importing yourself? Seems you could get some info here on the forum and have a much larger selection to choose from. For the prices they are asking there it might be feasible.

I imported my Bus, so I guess that as long a one follows the rules, importing from the USA yourself is a very feasible option.And you get a holiday thrown in, or if I can find a person who sees and looks for what I look for, it could be possible to find and buy without even going to an airport.

Originally Posted by harpo1313

Myself, I would choose the 64,its more of a finished truck and wont be alot of downtime for upgrades.A new bench seat and a tire and wheel swap would wisk away that 80s vibe.but i like it as it sits ,maybe get the price down to offset shipping.

You are right there.

I would look at buying a rear bench from a luxury car like a Daimler and making up a frame to create a neat luxury rear seat.

Originally Posted by UK62LW

I've been watching the prices of 'our' trucks over here for some time and whilst they're slowly gaining in popularity, they're never going to get the <59 values and there's been lots to choose from - good for the buyer!

It's difficult to put a price on the 60 without knowing the extent of the bodywork required, but if it needs another £4k of paint/body as well as axle/wheels, etc, then surely better can be had? My comment about the 700R4 is they need setting up by someone who knows what they're doing..

I'd say the red truck is £6k but depends on if that's your style (which I guess it isn't) as again you'd have to budget for all the bits to make it right.

Did you see these on Rods'n'Sods;

Think this is still available, so maybe a deal can be had..? http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/veh...long-bed-56267

This was £11k but check out the condition and spec http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/veh...10-truck-64516

And what about this curveball http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/veh...10-truck-64516

Finally, I'd give serious consideration to importing one, especially as the duty is now only 5%...

Thanks for that comprehensive reply Barney, maybe I should call you some time on the phone for a chat, rather than PM's etc.

That LWB looks great, but I think I would prefer a SWB truck, partly for logistics and partly looks, although I am split as LWB trucks look awesome too.

RE The red truck, I spoke to Pete, the owner for an hour today, it is about 30 miles from me.
He will not take £7k so I suspect he would be looking at £7500 as he wants to sell, rather than having to sell.
He has always been into 70's Japanese cars, and this was his first American..... maybe the fuel consumption shocked him.

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

I am rather partial here but if it were my choice I would do the 64 stepper, mostly because it is a finished truck front to back.

It is easy to swap to a 60-61 4 headlight grill and hood also if you wanted.

The Big Back Window is a bonus and here in the states all you see is fleetsides, they are a dime a dozen. Stepsides are not often seen where I am.

Hi McCoy, I was saying to Nicola earlier that there is interchangeability that could give you newer technology and older looks.

Another point to consider is that the red truck still runs its original brakes all round.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

You guys are really helping a whole lot.

[bschoolz1]

buy both of them ha. im sure these trucks are very rare across the pond. but i like the 64 just because

[BR3W CITY]

WOW trucks are expensive over there!

Based on the quality of trucks you've been seeing, I'd think that importing is still a better option. Over here, driver quality trucks are 3-7k USD, for a truck somewhat comparable to what you've seen. Project trucks can be as low as a few hundred.

[64shortbox]

Grizz,
A friend of mine was from Austria and had a few Cadillacs shipped from the US over there. One of the Cadillacs happened to be a 1970 Hearse 23 feet long and weighing in at 6,630 pounds. He had them shipped from the west coast of the US because he had friends here and stayed with them while he was car shopping. The cars left the Port of Long Beach California and arrived in Germany. He picked them up in Germany and then drove them to Austria. If I remember he told me it was a little less than $1000.00 per vehicle to ship but that was over 10 years ago. I don't know how much trouble it was to set up but it couldn't be too much trouble as he did it more than just a few times. He eventually moved to the US permananty and had his favorite Cadillac shipped back to the US from Austria. As another thought since it's a truck you're looking for just think of how much in spare parts you can put in the back before you have it shipped over there.
On another note another "friend" of mine was 1/2 German & 1/2 Japanese his mom was Geman, he had a bunch of relatives in Germany, he would buy totaled Mercedes, BMW's etc, have them shipped to the US & steal their US clone swap VINs motors etc and resell the stolen car. His past caught up with him and last I heard he was still in prison. I just don't think it could be that much trouble to have a truck shipped across the pond.
Just thought a thought. If you do decide to have a trucked shipped over there now you can take your time and get the truck in the years you really want.

[Micmac]

Hey Grizz. I may be speaking out of ignorance, but I just shipped a truck from here in North Carolina to my father-in-law in New Zealand for less than $3000 US. Could you not fly over here, look at some trucks and buy on and ship it back to 'ol Blighty for less than 8000 pounds. would look in the Southern US, Arizona, Desert Southwest as that is where the best ones body wise are usually located. Craigslist and EBAY is good. If you spot any around here, I would be more than happy to go look at them for you. I have business in all of North Carolina and travel the state at least once a month. I am not all that far from Southern Virginia either. I do not think others on this forum would mind checking stuff out for you either.

[UK62LW]

The last three comments are right on the money - the last thing you want to do is compromise on what you really want

To ship mine cost £1,200 all in - I went with AP Inc (California Connection) as their shipping is secure end to end, so no worries about your parts going missing at the docks.. http://www.apincorporated.com/cars.htm