short bed availability and general questions

[sawyerrm]

I've been looking to buy a 55.2 - 59 truck for a few weeks and thought I would expand my search to 60 - 66 era. How do these truck compare in terms of parts availability and resale. I notice that this forum is at least twice as active as the 55 - 59 forum, is that b/c there are more of these trucks in use? Also, when calling on a few I've found on CL, they all seem to be long beds. Are short beds relatively rare? My garage is 190 inches long so it's an important consideration. If I did my research correctly, the 60 - 66 are about 4 inches wider too, although that isn't as important.

Thanks,
Rob

[gar187er]

I see more fleetsides on the eastcoast around me. Most truck buyers back in the day actually needed the long bed and bought it out of utility; mostly farmers. and its the old farm trucks stashed away that seem to have survived the longest.

[Slow Build]

Are you searching for trucks just in the South Bay Area? I just looked at CL and when you "search nearby areas" (I usually search from Sacramento to around Modesto) There are at least 20 short bed C10's. Most are stepsides but a few are fleetsides. You will pay a little more for a shortbed but they are out there.

[sawyerrm]

Maybe I'm not using CL correctly. I enter a price range 10K to 30K and years 1955 to 1966 and submit. I get back cars and trucks including fords and chevys. So instead of doing it that way, which is a pain, are you just using some search string such as "chevy c-10" or what? If so, what are the "magic words"?

I would really like to know a better way . . .

Thanks,
Rob

[The Rocknrod]

C10

[Slow Build]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...auto_year=1966

I just put Chevy in the search (in my case 1960-1966). Sometimes you have to dumb it down for the searches. Also you should be use $1 as the low price. Lots of people will put $10 meaning $10,000 and so on.

[53Sparky]

You can use special search commands too.

1) You can search for all words that start with the letters but end with variations by using an asterix:

eg. Chev* will retrieve listings for CHEVY and CHEVROLET.

2) You can search for exact terms by using quotation marks.

eg. ”C10" will pull up anything that has EXACTLY C10 in the listing

3) You can search for multiple things at once If you use the vertical bar symbol, |

eg. C10 | K10 will pull up both Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

4) You can exclude things from your search that nobody wants to see by using the "minus" symbol.

eg. C10 -Ford will remove all listings that have that awful word in it.

SO…

Here’s how I search Craigslist if I want something without wading through a bunch of extra posts. People spell stuff incorrectly all the time, or they use variations, etc. You won't get every truck on Craigslist every time, but it does cut down on browser time. NOTE that this is still prone to errors.

Copy and paste if you want, or make up your own.

196* Chev* | C10 | K10 -ford -chevelle -malibu -impala -corvair -nova -camaro

[jayoldschool]

I went through the exact same thing as you. When I decided I wanted an old truck, I thought a 50s Chevy would be the choice. After doing my homework, looking at prices and features, I started to realize that the 60-66 trucks are a better choice. I specifically narrowed it down to the 64-66 for the better suspension and more modern engine choices. Ended up with a 65 that I'm happy with. I kept my eyes open for over a year before pulling the trigger.

[Chevy Fleetside]

You say your Garage is 190" long. That is 15' 8". I measured my truck the other day and I think it was 15' 4" without a rear bumper. It is a 65 Short bed.

When you are searching on Craigslist you don't have use the first box. I will put a price up to and not touch the lower box. Chevy truck works pretty good to and if you put a year just put up to the year you want and leave the lower # box blank.

[sawyerrm]

LOL, it's a bit more than 190 inches but I wanted a little wiggle room to avoid hitting the washer

Rob

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...auto_year=1966

I just put Chevy in the search (in my case 1960-1966). Sometimes you have to dumb it down for the searches. Also you should be use $1 as the low price. Lots of people will put $10 meaning $10,000 and so on.

that is a lot of trucks to choose from

[BigDan3131]

You seemed to ask about that green truck but now your writing another post to ask the same thing more or less? Just keep it all in one post with multiple questions otherwise to me at least your spamming which isn't allowed.

As far as why there is more love for these trucks instead of the earlier ones, for me its legroom on the 57 and earlier, they don't have enough. The other would be the 59 and earlier are straight front axles and some people don't like the handling limits or the ability to bag them.

[Heater63]

Keep in mind what you want to do with the truck. Utilitarian hauler? Lowered street truck?
I like '63 and later for the wishbone front suspension. Trailing arms and rear coil springs make for a great street truck. Easy to lower a little, easy to add power steering.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...auto_year=1966

(joe pesci voice) look at DIS guy

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5322472831.html


that cover is OUTSTANDING. I almost want to offer him some money for just the body and title

[jason999]

Originally Posted by 53Sparky

You can use special search commands too.

1) You can search for all words that start with the letters but end with variations by using an asterix:

eg. Chev* will retrieve listings for CHEVY and CHEVROLET.

2) You can search for exact terms by using quotation marks.

eg. ”C10" will pull up anything that has EXACTLY C10 in the listing

3) You can search for multiple things at once If you use the vertical bar symbol, |

eg. C10 | K10 will pull up both Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

4) You can exclude things from your search that nobody wants to see by using the "minus" symbol.

eg. C10 -Ford will remove all listings that have that awful word in it.

SO…

Here’s how I search Craigslist if I want something without wading through a bunch of extra posts. People spell stuff incorrectly all the time, or they use variations, etc. You won't get every truck on Craigslist every time, but it does cut down on browser time. NOTE that this is still prone to errors.

Copy and paste if you want, or make up your own.

196* Chev* | C10 | K10 -ford -chevelle -malibu -impala -corvair -nova -camaro

Great post! I learned a couple of search options that I didn't know.
I generally have to do multiple searches when looking for parts on CL.

If I combine chev* and use the vertical bar, I should be able to search quicker.

Generally my separate parts searches look something like this.

c10
"c-10"
1966 chevrolet
1966 chevy
66 chevrolet
66 chevy
1965 chevrolet
65 chevy
1964 chevrolet
etc.

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by joedoh

(joe pesci voice) look at DIS guy

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5322472831.html


that cover is OUTSTANDING. I almost want to offer him some money for just the body and title

had the same thoughts
it would be killer on a PB suspension

[donthekawguy]

And yes are readily available for these trucks. And yes the shortbeds are less common.

[sawyerrm]

I found two short beds that look good

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/5306878039.html

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/5323807149.html

Yes they are far away but I think even with shipping, I couldn't find this in CA for this price.

All things being equal, how much is a V8(327) worth? In other words, is the blue truck worth the extra $1000?

How do you plan to use the truck, you might ask. Driving to work once a week and occasional weekend runs to Home Depot and Costco. Drive to work involves about 10 miles on the freeway. Annual mileage about 2000 miles.

I've been told that the 235 with proper gear ratio can cruise at 65 w/o excess rpm, certainly the 327 would have no problem.

I would guess the 327 gets about 10 mpg and the 235 gets about 13 mpg so fuel costs would not be significant. I expect the 235 is easier to work on, even I with my limited skills could probably adjust a one barrel carburetor.

Thanks for reading the post and your input.

Rob

[duallyjams]

not enough info on the blue truck but it's looks like the red truck is get in and drive the blue truck still needs work done to it.

here is one to consider
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/5334175390.html

not a swb but the better deal
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5297820914.html

I have purchased 5 trucks out of state, some sellers do not want to deal with a out of state buyer so just because you found a truck that you like does not mean the seller will sell you the truck, you simple have to contact the seller to feel them out.

[forestb]

Originally Posted by Heater63

Keep in mind what you want to do with the truck. Utilitarian hauler? Lowered street truck?
I like '63 and later for the wishbone front suspension. Trailing arms and rear coil springs make for a great street truck. Easy to lower a little, easy to add power steering.

parts are much more available also.

[sawyerrm]

Interesting that James (duallyjams) pointed out that the blue truck needed work more than the red one. According to the blue truck owner, the heater doesn't work b/c it needs a new heater coil. Here's a few more pictures he provided.







Still wondering about the value of a V8 or 6 cylinder. Thanks for reading.

Rob

[duallyjams]

Ah I would pass on the blue, red is a better deal but if were me I'd keep looking, just saying is all.

[sawyerrm]

James,
I will pass on the blue one as you suggest but please tell me what I'm missing on the red one. I'm sure you have a good reason for not recommending it so enlighten me please. I'm not arguing, just trying to learn and stay out of trouble.

To anyone, don't know why those pictures I posted are so big, can a moderator delete them or someone tell me how to do it myself?

Thanks,

Rob

[duallyjams]

The reply that I sent to your pm pretty much is it, everything else is just my opinion and only mine and I am no expert, in the end you have to do what works best for you.

[sawyerrm]

I've decided to move forward on the red truck in Loveland, about an hour north of Denver. I've scoured CL and Ebay here in CA and driven a couple of trucks and this looks the best to me. I like it b/c it is still somewhat stock and looks ready to go. In talking with the seller I know that it is a short bed, new drum brakes, manual steering, not sure when engine rebuilt, has an oil pan gasket leak and new starter. Also, it is a 230 not a 235 as advertised. (Thank you CaptainFab). The seller also said they knew a guy in town who could "easily" add power steering. I'm hoping the fix of the oil leak and addition of PS could be negotiated into the price.

https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/5306878039.html

Rather than make the two hour flight sight unseen, I would like to see if there is a member who has time on their hands to pre-screen for me. I will compensate you for your time. No worries if no one can, it's the holidays after all and Loveland sounds like it is somewhat isolated. I can use CarzInspection.com, they've helped me before and are good. I would just rather keep the money within our group and prefer someone with experience with these trucks. Send me a PM if interested/available and I'll send you the details.

Regardless, any comments from looking at the pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rob