HELP! I'm new.I have questions.. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

needadually · 02-19-2003, 08:06 PM

Hi Folks, I need some advice. I presntly own an 88' GMC Rally STX van with a 305 c.i. BUT I need a bigger truck so I can tow. I want a 350, because the 305 runs out of steam when loaded.
I found an 86' Sierra Classic, Trailer special, one ton dually with an auto. trans and a 350 c.i. There is also a class 5 hitch.
The problem is that the engine is bad, and the body is worse!! so, Is this a good restration candidate? Is the above a bad combination?? and last .. where do I look for body parts. I suppose here is a good start.
For sure, I will need both doors, both inner fenders, rockers, floors, RR glass dually fender. A box would be nice, or at least new panels etc.....
By the way, I can buy it for about $700 USD. Is that good or bad?
Ok, soory for all the questions, but a reply would be VERY much appreciated!!!
Thanks!!!

LOHRTBT · 02-19-2003, 08:32 PM

Personally I would look around more...YOu should be able to find a decent straight somewhat rust free truck for around 1000-2000 U.S. with a good running 350.

pkbinplano · 02-19-2003, 08:34 PM

Sounds kinda pricey for what it is IMO I'd keep looking
My neighbor has a 85 ( I think ) GMC with a 350 rust free that he just posted in the parts section. 2000 OBO US Solid rust free truck. It would make it to Canada for sure.

arveetek · 02-20-2003, 12:52 AM

I agree with the others and say that you should continue looking for a better truck to start out with....you can spend just a little bit more now, and get a decent truck that doesn't need as much. The truck you're looking at will cost an arm and a leg to get back to the condition you're after.

That is, unless you're wanting to get a truck like that to restore and mess around with anyway! Then by all means, go after it.

Myself, I'd start out with a body that is straight. The engine is no big deal. Body work isn't cheap.

bill_ont_canada · 02-20-2003, 02:51 AM

Welcome to the Board needadually

Where in Canada are you??
If you are in Ontario Keep an eye on the Tri Ad paper for parts and Trucks.

79BIG10 · 02-20-2003, 10:22 AM

I agree. Find another truck that you can customize the engine to your needs first. Make sure the body is better condition for sure. Most people can do engine work. Not many (like myself) are good at bodywork.

Low87 · 02-20-2003, 11:18 AM

Welcome to the board!
I'll fifth the opinion of the others, keep looking. You can definitely find a solid powerful 73-87 truck for a reasonable price.

02-19-2003, 08:06 PM	#1
needadually Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3	HELP! I'm new.I have questions.. Hi Folks, I need some advice. I presntly own an 88' GMC Rally STX van with a 305 c.i. BUT I need a bigger truck so I can tow. I want a 350, because the 305 runs out of steam when loaded. I found an 86' Sierra Classic, Trailer special, one ton dually with an auto. trans and a 350 c.i. There is also a class 5 hitch. The problem is that the engine is bad, and the body is worse!! so, Is this a good restration candidate? Is the above a bad combination?? and last .. where do I look for body parts. I suppose here is a good start. For sure, I will need both doors, both inner fenders, rockers, floors, RR glass dually fender. A box would be nice, or at least new panels etc..... By the way, I can buy it for about $700 USD. Is that good or bad? Ok, soory for all the questions, but a reply would be VERY much appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

02-19-2003, 08:32 PM	#2
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Personally I would look around more...YOu should be able to find a decent straight somewhat rust free truck for around 1000-2000 U.S. with a good running 350. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

02-19-2003, 08:34 PM	#3
pkbinplano pkbinplano Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plano Texas Posts: 370	Sounds kinda pricey for what it is IMO I'd keep looking My neighbor has a 85 ( I think ) GMC with a 350 rust free that he just posted in the parts section. 2000 OBO US Solid rust free truck. It would make it to Canada for sure. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...7496&members=1 84 chevy silverado aka The Bananna Boat Last edited by pkbinplano; 02-19-2003 at 08:37 PM.

02-20-2003, 12:52 AM	#4
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	I agree with the others and say that you should continue looking for a better truck to start out with....you can spend just a little bit more now, and get a decent truck that doesn't need as much. The truck you're looking at will cost an arm and a leg to get back to the condition you're after. That is, unless you're wanting to get a truck like that to restore and mess around with anyway! Then by all means, go after it. Myself, I'd start out with a body that is straight. The engine is no big deal. Body work isn't cheap. __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

02-20-2003, 02:51 AM	#5
bill_ont_canada Nobody is perfect... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London,Ont,Canada Posts: 200	Welcome to the Board needadually Where in Canada are you?? If you are in Ontario Keep an eye on the Tri Ad paper for parts and Trucks. __________________ Have a fabulous day. Bill... (ö¿ö) " Loud Pipes Save Lives " Last edited by bill_ont_canada; 02-20-2003 at 02:54 AM.

02-20-2003, 10:22 AM	#6
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I agree. Find another truck that you can customize the engine to your needs first. Make sure the body is better condition for sure. Most people can do engine work. Not many (like myself) are good at bodywork. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

02-20-2003, 11:18 AM	#7
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Welcome to the board! I'll fifth the opinion of the others, keep looking. You can definitely find a solid powerful 73-87 truck for a reasonable price. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin



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