Buying your first truck...

[96blazr]

Originally Posted by snyder66

I'm looking for some advice regarding buying my first truck. I am a middle-aged guy with little to no mechanical experience, but, I love old Chevy trucks. Could anyone help me with some guidelines? Thanks

Hi Snyder and welcome
Let me assure you that you CAN find something that you can afford and you don't necessarily have to go to ebay to purchase your truck. There are plenty of dealers that have solid reps and nice trucks. Search on the web for dealers near you and go see. Perhaps the BIGGEST favor you can do yourself is to make sure and buy something, for the most, that's "Done" or "Finished". I bought mine that way. Don't buy a "project" or something that will take you 5 years to "build". If you have the ability, space, tools and all the resources, then go for it, but since you're like a lot of guys I know, buy something "Done".
The body on my truck was done, but the engine and engine bay wasn't all that, but I drove it for 4 years and still had a great time going to cruise-ins and Shows. I even got 2 first place trophies My point is this; take your time and find WHAT you want for the price you can afford. It took me over a year to find my truck, but once I did, I was ready to move on it.
Hopefully you have a dry, covered space to keep it in too. This is very important, cause if you're going to spend you hard earned money on something you've always wanted, then you should make D**n sure it's kept Dry.
Become a member of a local Hot Rod club and a member of SEMA. Both are fantastic resources for help with finding mechanicals and finding help.

My motto for my truck as been: Minimize down time-Take it in steps. Got the engine and engine bay done over the summer. Next on the list; ShowDeck from Bruce Horkey. Should have that done and installed by February. I have scheduled for the Bench seat to get reupholstered in March. And if, for some unforeseen circumstance, none of this happens or I have to put it on hold, I’ll still be able to drive and enjoy my Truck. Minimize Down time-Take it in Steps.
Sit down and seriously think about what year (67-68 or 72?), what Bed style(Step-side or SWB) or length (SWB or LWB or LNB) you're looking for. Color: if you find the perfect truck and it's got everything you want, but it's this nasty looking 80's Purple with 80's style wheels, can you see beyond that and live with it till you can change things? If yes, then don't let color dictate whether or not you buy it.
Log on here and ask all the questions you can, that's what we're here for.

Oh and by the way, when you shopping, take a camera with you and take pics and post them on here, so we can give you honest assesments.