Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts Forums - What to look for before buying? 86 K10

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What to look for before buying? 86 K10

Hey everyone, new guy here.

I'm looking at an 86 k10 step side with a 350 automatic for sale. I figure you guys would be the ones to ask about what I should look for before making an offer. I found it online and it is about a 3.5 hours drive away. Seller states it "runs good with over $3000 invested in the engine. New paint, tires and fuel pump".

My question is, what sort of things should I be looking for? Any known issues to look out for? Specific questions you think I should ask? Anything else I should expect owning one of these.

This would be my first classic vehicle. I don't need this to be a full on daily driver but am hoping for this to be a regular driver, and would like it to be "reasonably" reliable. I am in the North East where it is cold and rusty. I have no problem with doing minor wrenching, but am not experienced enough to do any major overhauls.

Very thankful for any input your guys can muster up,

James

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastShooter (Post 368656)

Might want to see the recipients for this engine and paint job. Owner doesnt have them, drop the price WAY down or walk away. Be a good idea to have a professional mechanic look it over too. Whats this dude asking for it? You have any pics?

I am older then you. A classic Chevy is a pre-1973, high compression engined vehicle, with no smog controls, but thats just me :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilcanhenry (Post 368663)

Thanks for the reply Henry,

I wasn't going to post the ad thinking maybe someone else would jump on it but the odds of someone local seeing this are pretty slim and I doubt anyone’s shipping a truck out of the rust belt. Here’s the link:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true

I hope posting outside links is ok here. I assure you I’m not the seller or anything like that. Price is in Canadian dollars so subtract about 25% for you southerners. Im obviously going to need more pictures and details from the seller, but that’s why I’m asking around here before making the call.

Let me know what you guys think,

James

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastShooter (Post 368675)

Looks pretty good. My be worth the asking price but I never pay that. Too many owners ask too much.

One thing which doesn't lie is dirt. Bring a flashlight and a large piece of cardboard, or a piece of carpet, enough to
lay on. Look under the truck, at the differential, shocks, exhaust, under the engine, at the driveshaft, U-joints,
front & rear suspension, wheel-wells. Take your time. Look for wet oil or grease marks, they indicate a bad seal or leak.
see there are no holes in the exhaust, etc. 20 minutes of thorough inspection can save you a lot of money or grief, or both.

BTW, I see a lot of BS in the ad, but they couldn't take the time to say if it has A/C???