Technical Question on 327 motor and 4 speed Muncie for c20 truck

The guy with the c20 for $2800 sold it on Monday. Probably for the best.

A guy who lives one street over has this and i drive by it every morning...


I'm thinking about getting the courage to stop by and ask if he'd ever consider selling it even though it isn't for sale and would take a bit of extra money to convince him.

 

You should merge this thread with the kid looking at '58-'59 Chevies. 13 combined pages of pud-pulling and not a nickel spent.

 

There is always the GMC cousin

 

Garage Man's Companion. Aside from models with the V6, they're very similar to the Chevy.

 

There trucks for sale all over the place https://yakima.craigslist.org/cto/5803977934.html I wouldn't be in a big rush unless you think she will change her mind.
That 58/59 looks more interesting than one of the square body trucks though.

 

I love the curves of the 55-59 trucks!! The 60s c10s are so much boxier looking but could be a better route for my first truck since I would spend less.

 

Ok I found a truck I may drive and look at today with cash. Guy wants $4500 but I may try $3800.

This c20 has a 4 speed Muncie sm420 a Dana 60 rear end and a 400 SBC from 1970 (not sure what car). He said its a solid truck with not much rust and it runs and shifts fine.


Is that a good engine/trans/rear end combo? He said lots of torque and spins tires when dropping the clutch... I don't intend to do much highway driving and live on a steep hill.


Here are some photos:

 

my first truck is a 59. Still have it. It sure was ugly back in 1977!

 

The engine is ???, if you are concerned what it is, get the numbers off it. But if it runs ok and doesn't smoke much, don't worry about it.

No heater, I'd need a heater if I lived in SD.

 

Here's what I know about the engine:

400 SBC w 327 Camel hump 461 heads and manifold

 

looks pretty good, aside from the fuel line that is trying to kill you

 

That I can fix

Anyone think $3800 seems like a fair deal if he accepts?

 

Summit will have the steel line for it, that's pretty scary. With all the abuse we dished out on you, it looks like a good truck and take note that a C20 will always drive like a truck. Start out in 2nd gear with the SM420. They shift pretty nice if the sliders in the top cover are in good shape.

 

Thanks I will make an offer for $3800 and see if he accepts

 

Sounds like the stock drivetrain other then the 400. Looks good, just check to make sure that tank switching valve works and isn't leaking. $3800 sounds like it's in the OK range.

 

Thanks he didn't accept but told him I'll check back next week. Maybe he'll go lower than the $4500 then.

 

Yeah.....59 GMC's look pretty cool. The parking lights are tough and expensive to find, though.

 

How about the panel version?;

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5804372724.html

I saw it while cruising C/L this AM and remembered it.
Can't lay in the bed and see the stars but IMHO, the "surf panel" theme would sure be handy to take to/hang out at the beach. You have the added security of being able to lock up your surfboard, etc. when you stop for food after surfing. Still plenty of capability to haul stuff.
Listed as a "van". Looks pretty solid and may have a newer engine(?). Looks to have power brakes, steering, intake, carb, alternator.
I'd build it late 60's/early 70's Van in the back. Carpet, mattress, speakers, cooler, hibachi, etc. Your Lady friend would have fun decorating the back. Perfect for parking at Fiesta Island or the beach. Open the back doors, have a seat, crank some tunes and you've got a shady spot to sit/tailgate. Grab a camp spot at San Onofre, etc. and surf/camp out of it. Offer them $4500.

 

Amen to the killer fuel line and filter.

 

Thanks so much for sharing that one! I want a truck with an open bed for sure and will keep being patient but that panel truck is cool nonetheless!

 

They killed it with the side windows, it's hard to find them without holes. Mine made it into the local newspaper several years ago, when they had a pop up drive in....comfortable in the back.

 

If it is in fact a 400 SBC; Hope they drilled the steam holes on those heads...


53 CHKustom; You will get many answers in this forum from people that are very knowledgeable but the reality is that there are many people out there selling junk & stories; No matter what used OLD TRUCK you buy, it will always be a gamble as to the overall condition of the engine and drivetrain (Unless you know first hand the owner & the history of the vehicle you are buying) Remember, these trucks are decades old and can quickly become a money pit!
As some have suggested ; take someone with you that knows about old cars and trucks and is auto/tech savvy to check out the truck; this is the only way you can get a straight answer to wether it is or not a good buy and can help you make a decision.

Hope you find the one.
Best of luck to you !

 

Thanks so much for the great advice!

 

It all began here ........
" I have a quick question, I'm looking for a 63-66 C-10 or C-20 truck (like I need more potential car problems) to just mess around in occasionally to take kayaks, surfboards, etc places and not go too far and not care if it gets beat up.
I'm hoping to not spend more than $5500 to $6k."
For certain, I could not go shopping with you for a new $40,000 vehicle.

 

Found a truck for the right price but hate the color. Is it easy to rattle can spray a truck a color other than black and would it look ok in the mean time? I don't plan to have a body shop
Do anything any time Soon if I get it.

 

And will the 327 heads raise the compression too much?

 

This is a different truck with an ugly
Green color. In transit to look at it with cash in hand.

 

It will look like spray can and won't last very long before it starts to fade........but it can be done. What horrible color is it, my Chevy panel is purple and the Ford is bright yellow (both colors I wouldn't have chosen).

 

Green is fine, just offset it if the paint is still good.....think pinstripe, different color top....

 

This truck is ugly and lime Green on some areas Eww!!!! I hate the white rims.
My offers for $2500 was accepted and it runs and drive so supposedly. My timing is off and am looking at it in the dark.

I'm thinking rattle can dark gray and spray rims black.