There are a lot of pluses to this old truck. And, es, here are an awfully lot of negatives too.
Please feel free to call me: 850-673-1243 -- If I do not answer, peak slowly and repeat your number. I regret to say but I do have hearing problems.
I have owned this truck for over 20 years. It has been a very loyal farmhand. We have other trucks, ut none are as personal. Dating back at least 10 years ago the wife refused to get in it. I could never bring myself to scrap this truck. It owes me nothing.
It has a thousand things going for it. I always had in mind that I'd restore it nearly like original. Instead, simply used it. It has better things going for it than when it came fresh from the factory.
First of all, have a new windshield and a new rear sliding window and frame assembly that goes with the truck.
The engine, hile it will start (its a miracle) is entirely untrustworthy. I recommend replacing the motor with a long block and using all of the fantastic
EDELBROCK trimmings with its EDELBROCK 750 carburetor and aluminum intake manifold. Further, would get a pair of headers to round out the engine (and pitch the factory exhaust manifolds). Its mufflers are good and hung well under the truck. The transmission is completely untrustworthy also, nd I'd have to say so is the differential. My plan was to yank the motor and tranny as a single unit and scrap them both. I planned to have a fresh long-block motor (small block Chevy) and rebuilt tranny on hand. Although, ou could re-build both the engine and tranny that's there. We replaced the differential (we broke the old one) 3-4 years ago with a junkyard assembly (including axle) because we needed the truck on the road pulling and in the field working. You could plan to rebuild the one there (its possibly still okay) or simply have a fresh one on hand. You do not need to remove the airlifts to replace the axle either. It was a pretty easy switch and about a half day doing it.
Within the past 5-6 years we installed Rancho Shocks all-around; added 5000# airlifts; a frame-mounted trailer hitch assembly (to replace the bumper-style); Michelin tires, oasting over 3,300-pound load capacity each; also, ou can see the Corvette-styled wheels to know they are fancy and not original; I bought a dashboard cap, hich although just sitting there is still like new; seat cover (no big deal there). Also, t has a built-in "Highliner" headliner with built-in speakers.
This could be a nice truck -- if you put time in it, nd, es, ome money. It has very little rust and has been exclusively a Florida vehicle. You can tell a lot just looking at the picture of the bed to know that the metal is in pretty good shape.
But, o not buy this truck and expect to drive it home. You are going to have hobby time in it before you will even use it. I can help you load it on a hauler. I'd like this truck to go to a good home. If I had the energy, 'd do this project myself. I always wanted to.
Again, would welcome your call and we can talk about the truck and the best way to make it yours. I have a clear Florida title. Please feel free to call me: 850-673-1243 -- If I do not answer, peak slowly and repeat your number.