Is it worth it? Truck price question

[Dustinmk4]

Ok so I found an 81 silverado crew cab that would be a perfect start to my cummins conversion project. Take a look at the pics and tell my if you think the asking price is worth it. It has a 350 and 4 speed manual trans. 2wd. Body appears to be in good shape. Motor has been rebuild recently, new clutch and new exhaust.

They are asking $1950

[Toxic Redline]

If the body is in goodshape i'd say a good deal if you want a 2wd, might find a cheeper one with a blown motor tho...

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by Toxic Redline

If the body is in goodshape i'd say a good deal if you want a 2wd, might find a cheeper one with a blown motor tho...

Well I figure I wont be able to do the conversion for a bit while I collect parts so I can drive it as is and as far as 2wd I can convert it fairly easily when I do the rest of the work.

[slammed427]

It doesn't look too bad except for that gap in the pinch. Offer low and and see what he says.

[motornut]

looks good from here!
if it was up here for that it would prob be sold all ready lol

[Gregs71]

In pic #2 there looks to be damage in front of the rear wheel???

In Pic #4, is there some damage under the front dr door?? Also, is there something wrong with the area below where the gas tank inlet would be on the driver side???

If I am seeing things in these 2 pics then I would think thats a pretty good price.

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by slammed427

It doesn't look too bad except for that gap in the pinch. Offer low and and see what he says.

I noticed that also. from what I can tell from pics its dented in not missing anything, not that its much better that way. I'll know more when I look at it in person.

[RandyP]

It's had steps cut in to the bedsides, so you can hoist yourself up to reach stuff inside the bed.

[Tx Firefighter]

I try to never pay for anything when buying a vehicle that I don't need. In this case, the rebuilt engine, SM465, new clutch and new exhaust will all be removed for your Cummins swap. So, you have to figure out how long you're likely to use those parts prior to the swap to see if it's worth it to you.

You could likely find a nicer truck with a blown engine or worn out big block for the same money.

[Dustinmk4]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I try to never pay for anything when buying a vehicle that I don't need. In this case, the rebuilt engine, SM465, new clutch and new exhaust will all be removed for your Cummins swap. So, you have to figure out how long you're likely to use those parts prior to the swap to see if it's worth it to you.

You could likely find a nicer truck with a blown engine or worn out big block for the same money.

I generally do the same thing but I'll use it like this for at least a year and I'm pretty desperate for something to tow my trailer as camping season is just around the corner so I think it will even out. I can sell the motor and tranny when I get to that point also.

On a side note I notice your a firefighter Good on ya! I am also, just a rookie but working my way up slowly

[Dustinmk4]

Oh here is a photoshop of what it will look like with the paint job and general look I'll have when its done. Stolen pic from somewhere else and changed to fit my purpose.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by RandyP

It's had steps cut in to the bedsides, so you can hoist yourself up to reach stuff inside the bed.

thats a cool idea,only seen that on newer ones

[tucsonjwt]

If the floor pans/rockers are rusted and the frame has rust, then I would look farther south a state or two to get a rust free one. Any rust at all scares me on an old truck - indicates it can be lurking anywhere just waiting to pop out. For a major rebuild/mod truck, not just an "as is" driver, I think you are always better off with a rust free truck to start with.