Did I overpay for my 73’?

[Bryon]

Hello all! New to this forum - seeking some honest feedback. Just picked up a 73’ K5 last week - clearly needs a lot of work. I paid 10k for it. The videos that I attached are a full walk around and engine start. the transmission and and transfer case are all leaking and will need either a rebuild or new seals. Engine seems to be running good, but I’m wanting a little more horsepower. Going to get with a reputable mechanic this weekend to see if the engine is worthy of keeping and adding new heads, can, headers, etc.
Just trying to asses if this is worth committing to a full restoration with my work/life schedule and all. I’ll more than likely be subbing all of the heavy lifting work such as suspension, bushings, chassis, engine, transmission, body/paint work. All of the smaller nitty gritty smaller parts of the project I will be doing myself. Just trying to get a realistic idea of what to expect before fully committing to this project. Any and all input/advice is appreciated!

(Walk around) https://photos.app.goo.gl/5BVfnimdyoNGJEUi7

(Engine)

Shared album from Bryon ð¸

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Shared album from Bryon ð¸

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[CharlesC83]

I’m not sure what others here will think. But that looks like a good truck to me. Really good starting point. I don’t feel you over paid by much if any for a full vert that’s not destroyed.

 

[Wes Harden]

Being in Ca you paid a premium for pre 75, no bi annual emissions test. Then again for a full top conversion,andc1st year Square.
That's an NP205 tcase,and for the most part if they aren't leaking/seeping they're out of oil.
I think you have a solid foundation to work with. Just don't tear it all apart, pick a system, steering, brakes,springs etc and redo/mod that. If you are willing, and have some tools, we here will help you tackle projects you might not have considered doing yourself.

Welcome to CK5 @Bryon

 

[tRustyK5]

I think you did OK on price. Full vert, first year square, looks rust free and solid AF with a decent interior.

I am confused on one part though. Restore? Define your end goal for this rig. If that were mine I would fix the little annoying leaks and put some miles on it while keeping a notepad in the truck and note the things you really like and dislike about it as you get to know it some. That to me should define what you actually do with it. It seems to run really good, as evidenced by how well it starts.

If you want a garage princess be prepared...especially if you want to sub out the heavy lifting. First, it'll probably cost three times more than you think, and second it'll be potentially years before you get to actually enjoy it.

I'd probably add Vintage Air to that seeing as it doesn't have any HVAC right now.

So, cliff notes...what is your current vision?

 

[sweetk30]

From a rust belt guy if your not fixing lots of rust = WIN for paying up .

 

[blazer74]

What do the rocker boxes and cab supports underneath look like? Being a Full vert that’s important. If they are decent that’s a plus.
The firewalls been closed off for the HVAC
Hard to say what you’re going to find under the paint though.
When you say restore does that mean like original or just make it nice.
You want a full vert you’re just going to have to pay so I wouldn’t worry about all that.
Full verts are just a special kind of cool tooling around with the top off. They definitely attract attention.
I can tell you the left front fender is correct for 73-75.

 

[Wes Harden]

Does look like it was a factory ac truck.

 

[Barrman]

You never pay too much for a classic vehicle. You may pay more than what market value is today but wait 6 months, a year or two years. Then you will have gotten a good bargain.

 

[BoondocK5]

If you’re going to daily drive it(DD for short)
Stop right now, grab your ratchet, sockets and wrenches. Tighten the bolts that hold the Transfer case to the trans, the transmission to the engine, and motor mounts, and suspension bolts.
You will thank me later. Nothing worse than stuff falling off while driving down the road. Don’t ask, I’m not telling right here.
But, you will thank me later…

 

[Jeff C.]

Hello all! New to this forum - seeking some honest feedback. Just picked up a 73’ K5 last week - clearly needs a lot of work. I paid 10k for it. The videos that I attached are a full walk around and engine start. the transmission and and transfer case are all leaking and will need either a rebuild or new seals. Engine seems to be running good, but I’m wanting a little more horsepower. Going to get with a reputable mechanic this weekend to see if the engine is worthy of keeping and adding new heads, can, headers, etc.
Just trying to asses if this is worth committing to a full restoration with my work/life schedule and all. I’ll more than likely be subbing all of the heavy lifting work such as suspension, bushings, chassis, engine, transmission, body/paint work. All of the smaller nitty gritty smaller parts of the project I will be doing myself. Just trying to get a realistic idea of what to expect before fully committing to this project. Any and all input/advice is appreciated!

(Walk around) https://photos.app.goo.gl/5BVfnimdyoNGJEUi7

(Engine)

Shared album from Bryon ð¸

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

Shared album from Bryon ð¸

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

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View attachment 500728

View attachment 500729

View attachment 500730

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Of course I have a tainted opinion. But I would say big congratulations!!! I have a 74 and keep it running myself with help from Russ (thanks). It's amazing what I have learned to do and how brave i have become. Un fortunately the cost of having to pay to have anything done is an issue. AND getting the service you pay for an oddity along with standing by their work. We all make mistakes but mine rarely cost me because i'm responsible. For me cosmetics are secondary to safety and having it to use as a back up. Fortunately , in my opinion (ha) what you invest will keep you in the money. Mine is like savings available. If everything doesn't work it's not worth much....... Others have the same feeling on the AC. I just rebuilt part of mine and there is alot to be said for the original system designed for the truck. Not having to alter is valuable to me and the original system works perfectly well if it gets what it needs. It was rebuilt in 89 and worked for years until only recently. I'm in Zihuatanejo Mexico and don't need AC on the highway with the safari top but in town in traffic what a great boost to have that cool air blowing on me. Blah blah ENJOY
I'm on the original block and heads , second rebuild, edelbrock intake, and upgraded Quadrajet in 85 (rebuilt three time) . When i drove down here from Idaho pulling a 59 classic travel trailer I burned less than quart of oil..............I love the amount of horsepower ....plenty....how much is enough.....Money buys all you want.
Oh, ha . I think you got a deal!! it's basicly very complete and drivable .

 

[Bryon]

Of course I have a tainted opinion. But I would say big congratulations!!! I have a 74 and keep it running myself with help from Russ (thanks). It's amazing what I have learned to do and how brave i have become. Un fortunately the cost of having to pay to have anything done is an issue. AND getting the service you pay for an oddity along with standing by their work. We all make mistakes but mine rarely cost me because i'm responsible. For me cosmetics are secondary to safety and having it to use as a back up. Fortunately , in my opinion (ha) what you invest will keep you in the money. Mine is like savings available. If everything doesn't work it's not worth much....... Others have the same feeling on the AC. I just rebuilt part of mine and there is alot to be said for the original system designed for the truck. Not having to alter is valuable to me and the original system works perfectly well if it gets what it needs. It was rebuilt in 89 and worked for years until only recently. I'm in Zihuatanejo Mexico and don't need AC on the highway with the safari top but in town in traffic what a great boost to have that cool air blowing on me. Blah blah ENJOY
I'm on the original block and heads , second rebuild, edelbrock intake, and upgraded Quadrajet in 85 (rebuilt three time) . When i drove down here from Idaho pulling a 59 classic travel trailer I burned less than quart of oil..............I love the amount of horsepower ....plenty....how much is enough.....Money buys all you want.
Oh, ha . I think you got a deal!! it's basicly very complete and drivable .

Thank you so much for the detailed response!
Your 74’ is a beauty by the way!

Yeah man, I’ve gone through a whirlwind of how I want to attack this, and think it makes the most sense to do as much of the work as possible. As I am watching and educating myself more and more on my plan of attack, I am getting more and more excited on wrenching on her! I mean, that’s arguably 75% or more of the fun, right?! The finalized product is just the icing on the cake. There just something so satisfying about working with your hands, problem solving, and making shit shine. Ha!
I feel pretty comfortable about just diving in and getting to work. In this day and age, between forums and YouTube, we have all of the resources at our fingertips!

Thanks for sharing your engine build! I’m thinking of taking a similar approach. Sticking with the stock engine and adding a few upgrades. don’t want to jeopardize the reliability too much - I want to have the luxury of taking the occasional 200 mile round trip every now and then. I live in LA county, would love to shoot down to my buddies house in San Diego every now and then.

 

[Bryon]

I think you did OK on price. Full vert, first year square, looks rust free and solid AF with a decent interior.

I am confused on one part though. Restore? Define your end goal for this rig. If that were mine I would fix the little annoying leaks and put some miles on it while keeping a notepad in the truck and note the things you really like and dislike about it as you get to know it some. That to me should define what you actually do with it. It seems to run really good, as evidenced by how well it starts.

If you want a garage princess be prepared...especially if you want to sub out the heavy lifting. First, it'll probably cost three times more than you think, and second it'll be potentially years before you get to actually enjoy it.

I'd probably add Vintage Air to that seeing as it doesn't have any HVAC right now.

So, cliff notes...what is your current vision?

Thanks for the input!

You know, my vision has shifted quite a bit from the time I originally posted this - my approach was essentially, make it look pretty first, do all the important stuff later. After countless hours of YouTube videos and forums, I’ve shifted my plan of attack. I thoroughly enjoy wrenching on things and fixing them up as I’m somewhat handy. I’m going to do as much work as I can outside of body/paint, major electrical, and transmission rebuild.

First things first, taking it to a transmission shop next week to have the transmission rebuilt. I don't really feel it needs a rebuild, the transmission shifts and drives smooth, but everyone is quoting absurd numbers just for resealing. I found a very reputable transmission shop that will rebuild my th350 a lot less than all the other shops wanted to reseal. 1k for a full transmission rebuild.
After that, i want to start from the ground up. All rubber bushings, tie rods, borgenson quick turn steering box, upgrade to a Cherokee steering shaft then move onto the brakes/lines & suspension. As it sits, it drives in unbearably sloppy!
That’s what I got so far. Any suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Bryon]

I’m not sure what others here will think. But that looks like a good truck to me. Really good starting point. I don’t feel you over paid by much if any for a full vert that’s not destroyed.

Thanks for your input Charles! Yeah, as I learn more and more about these Squarebody K5’s, I’m starting to appreciate and understand just how rare they’re becoming.

 

[Bryon]

If you’re going to daily drive it(DD for short)
Stop right now, grab your ratchet, sockets and wrenches. Tighten the bolts that hold the Transfer case to the trans, the transmission to the engine, and motor mounts, and suspension bolts.
You will thank me later. Nothing worse than stuff falling off while driving down the road. Don’t ask, I’m not telling right here.
But, you will thank me later…

Makes sense! Think I’m going to swap out bushings, tie rods, and get the steering on point before I start DDing it.

 

[Chickntrk]

My only advice is don't bite off more than you can chew, every project I couldn't drive while I worked on it ended up getting sold. Many a project has become a garage/driveway monument because the owner lost interest.

 

[BoondocK5]

My only advice is don't bite off more than you can chew, every project I couldn't drive while I worked on it ended up getting sold. Many a project has become a garage/driveway monument because the owner lost interest.

I can personally attest to this.
My boss(wifey) told me in no uncertain terms that if I don’t finish this one, I don’t get any more. So…

 

[tRustyK5]

I'd skip the quick turn steering box...unless you plan to autocross this thing. Might actually make it twitchy on the highway.

 

[Mateas]

You don't even want to know what I paid for my 85 with tired old 305 and no rust, you ROBBED someone. Given it's nature and increasing value of first gen squares, I'd think long and hard about a long-term approach and maybe not a full restoration, but a GOOD rebuild.

 

[Jeff C.]

Makes sense! Think I’m going to swap out bushings, tie rods, and get the steering on point before I start DDing it.

A good rebuilt steering box and damper shock made the difference for me. It will never be rack and pinion........Everytime I drive it I get used to it right away(almost)

 

[73K5BlazerSS]

Congratulations on your purchase! Like others have said if it has little to no rust, you got a deal.
Don't do what I did and tear it apart. It's really easy to remove one thing and keep going. Before you know it the body is off the frame and you're looking for an LS motor. Drive it while you fix it.