Fix what I have or Start over?

[Jeremy_C]

Something I've been tossing around in my head for awhile. Maybe I just need to type this out and see it to make a decision.

I have a 84 SWB chevrolet pickup...350, th350? transmission. 10 bolt 3.73 gears.

Here is what it needs;
Will need a new rear end, at least the gears in the near future.

Tonite noticed it has a rough vibration in the front end when the hubs are locked in.

Engine is starting to smoke more at startup and at accleration.

It needs LOTS of body work. Needs cab corners, rocker panels, bedsides, and various other places reparied. It has spent most of its life in salt.

Frame is rusty, but appears solid.

Needs a overdrive transmission

The GOOD;

The interior is brand new. Dash pad, bezel, gauges, door panels and seat.

New Exhaust,

New Fuel tank

It runs good and 4wd works great.





I'm tossing around the idea of buying a truck in better shape, and swapping the good parts from mine onto it and then selling my current truck. I realize i can fix everything thats wrong with the truck, and if i do fix it I'll have a new truck.

I'm not very mechanicaly inclined...i can do the basic stuff, but thats it.

What say the CK5 brothers?

 

[max 02]

Fix it, most have the same problems you have.
Mine is worse.

 

[trustyrusty]

Fix it, most have the same problems you have.
Mine is worse.

X2
The only way you will ever become "mechanically inclined" is to jump in there and start fixing what you have.
If you have the $$$$ to purchase another vehicle to drive around that would be even better as you would not be rushed while working on the truck.
My first truck(I was 17) was a 74 K10 that was completely rusted out up to the bottom bolt of the "west coast" mirrors. I replaced doors, fenders, rockers, f&r cab supports, floors, cab corners, bed, back of cab, also, exhaust, brakes, brake lines trans. lines, fuel lines, u-joints, and so many other parts. Took me 3 months working after school and on weekends, but when I turned 18 and got my licence I had a shiny "new" truck that was to this day(25 years later) my favorite vehicle.

 

[thatK30guy]

Fix it, most have the same problems you have.
Mine is worse.

X2
The only way you will ever become "mechanically inclined" is to jump in there and start fixing what you have.
If you have the $$$$ to purchase another vehicle to drive around that would be even better as you would not be rushed while working on the truck.
My first truck(I was 17) was a 74 K10 that was completely rusted out up to the bottom bolt of the "west coast" mirrors. I replaced doors, fenders, rockers, f&r cab supports, floors, cab corners, bed, back of cab, also, exhaust, brakes, brake lines trans. lines, fuel lines, u-joints, and so many other parts. Took me 3 months working after school and on weekends, but when I turned 18 and got my licence I had a shiny "new" truck that was to this day(25 years later) my favorite vehicle.

X3...

By the time you find another replacement thats in better condition, you'll be paying more for it in the long run.

Fixing what you have means doing it YOUR way and finishing it to YOUR specs. It may be a one-off or not. By fixing it your way, you will find and discover hidden areas or flaws that you will be able to adress while doing the job whereas if you bought one already in good condition and it may have a hidden flaw somewhere, you'd never find it because you'd never think it was flawed to begin with.

And the biggest factor I look at with fixing this truck being that its a SWB: its the lightest weight truck GM made in their line of pickups. Build a good motor and you will have the best of both worlds with the power-to-weight ratio.

 

[mudboggink5]

Keep it. you know all the little problems that it has already, so your 1 step ahead.
buying another truck will just be more of a hedache.

 

[diesel4me]

Hmmm I might say WHAT good parts??--if your truck needs a rear end,tranny,the motor smokes,and its rusted,I'd be inclined to look for a better truck,its a lot less work and expense in the end....sounds like there isn't many good parts left on yours ,other than the interior and other things you mentioned..

 

[Jeremy_C]

If i replace everything i need to repair or change, I'll end up having a "new" truck. I'll also spend alot of money.

Realisticly i'm looking at a new body, and new drive train. If i can find a truck in better shape for around 3-4 grand, I can swap the interior around and sell mine for 1500-2000 and come out okay. In theory anyway.

I can spend some money now, or spend alot of money down the road.

 

[manchildau65]

Is this a daily driver? or is this more of a fun hobby truck? I'm with the others if it is a hobby truck... but if it is your sole set of wheels then I'd be looking for something different.

 

[thatK30guy]

If i replace everything i need to repair or change, I'll end up having a "new" truck. I'll also spend alot of money.

Realisticly i'm looking at a new body, and new drive train. If i can find a truck in better shape for around 3-4 grand, I can swap the interior around and sell mine for 1500-2000 and come out okay. In theory anyway.

I can spend some money now, or spend alot of money down the road.

If you can find a body and frame in much better shape and for cheap, then do that instead.

 

[Jeremy_C]

Its my daily driver. I have a newer truck, but the G/F claims it. This spring I'm planning on picking up a XJ cherokee for work. When I do that, I'm going to tear into my blue truck.

There are pro's and cons to this, if i replace everything i need to, then i will ultimatley have a new truck. But i think i could find something closer to what I need/want and maybe save some money.

 

[CGT80]

With the major rust issues, go for a different truck. If you fail to find one, then maybe consider fixing yours. Mechanical work takes less skill and time to do than fixing body panels and paint. I have seen a few DIY body repairs and re-paints and most weren't anything I would want to drive. If your not picky about the quality then that makes it easier.

If you start with a solid frame and body, it will be less challenging to take care of the mechanical stuff. Read some books, have friends help, hire a shop and see if you can watch how it is done; this will help you learn the mechanical side. The sheet metal work is partly an "art."

Out here on the west coast it isn't that hard to find a truck with only small amounts of rust. Have you looked at what is for sale in your area yet?

 

[Jeremy_C]

I check craigslist daily, in my area rust is an issue. They like to salt the crap out of the roads at the first hint of snow, and alot of people i guess dont wash off the salt. If there isn't rust, then bondo is everywhere. I swear they must be giving out bondo for free somewhere around here.

I would LOVE to come out west and pickup a rust free truck on the cheap, but i dont forsee that happening anywhere in the near future.

 

[trustyrusty]

I check craigslist daily, in my area rust is an issue. They like to salt the crap out of the roads at the first hint of snow, and alot of people i guess dont wash off the salt. If there isn't rust, then bondo is everywhere. I swear they must be giving out bondo for free somewhere around here.

I would LOVE to come out west and pickup a rust free truck on the cheap, but i dont forsee that happening anywhere in the near future.

That's kinda where I was going in my previous post. I had the same problem with a '74 K10 longbed. As far as the rust, you could see all the way through the cab if the door panes were removed.
You're going to be hard pressed to find a rust free rig or on without 5 gallons of bondo in it in your area.
Get yourself a beater to get you through till you get the truck finished. You'll end up with basically a new truck and have the self pride of doing it yourself.
If your bed is bad, you might look around for a co. in your area that sells reading (or similar) bodies for trucks as they end up with a supply of original beds. Might get lucky as I did.