Molon Labe

Hello everyone!

I just stopped by the new members area and introduced myself. I have always been a big fan of old Chevy trucks ever since my Dad had one when I was a kid. I've never owned an older Chevy truck myself, and I am on the verge of purchasing one as a work/dd. Ideally I would like a 4x4 as I will travel in to the mountains for camping etc ocassionally.

I have spoken to a couple of people around my area, and narrowed my decision down to three trucks. If you can take a look at them and give me any feedback you have I would humbly appreciate it.

1. 1990 Chevy C1500 2WD, 238k miles, V6 manual, no rust. The tranny will most likely need some work in the future, he said he had it rebuilt, but when I got under it after a 20 min test drive the rear seal was leaking. Also, the radiator has a small leak near the fill port. Overall the truck is as you would expect a 19 yr old truck to be, but not ragged out. Comes with Husky diamond plate box and bed protectors. The guy is asking $2000, but I think I can get it for $1500. <Local seller, no images availabel>
2. 1989 Chevy K1500 4WD, mileage ???, V8 automatic, It has an issue with the Pittman arm, the gentleman tried to explain it to me, but was not too clear. Safe to say it needs replacing. Overall the truck is in pretty good shape, nothing a good pressure washing and waxing will not fix. Interior is in good shape as well. He is asking $1800, but said he was willing to go down to $1600. Here is the Craigslist ad for this truck: http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/1119744448.html
3. 1995 Chevy K1500 4WD, 164k miles, V8 automatic. This truck is the most expensive of the three, as the owner has put a lot in to the suspension, wheels and tires. It is at the upper end of my price range, but has some nice features that would definitely come in handy. The front and rear reciever hitches and winch in particular. The problem is with the paint. Apparently it needs new pain all around. I have not seen it yet, but I have done some painting in my time, and I am comfortable with attempting to repaint the rig myself. He is asking $4500, but said he would drop to $4000 on it. Here is the Criaglist ad for it: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1135643656.html

Those are my three choices. The third truck obviously wins in the looks and features department. The second one I think is the best value, and would make a good work truck for my purposes. The first truck I feel might leave me a little disappointed and wanting more in the long run.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the three, and maybe what you would you pick yourself?

v/r

- Kerry

suzuki-guy

BUY THE 1995 PAINTING IS FINE AS LONGAS IT IS NOT ROTTED OUT. i HAVE A 1995 AND I LOVE IT!!

92chevysilvy

Go with the 95 man. The 90 has the wretched v6 in it and will do you absolutely no good if you plan on traveling in the mountains. The 89 looks good but you are looking at a 20 year old truck here.... and 89s were especially known for their rust.

When you said you wanted an older chevy truck I was thinking you wanted like a 73-87 bodystyle, which happens to be my favorite.

Ideal truck:

87 Chevy Silverado 350 with some big ol tires and a lift. I'll post a pic of one that my Uncle bought new in 87 sometime.

suzuki-guy

Disagree i had an 85 and i loved it

mudmaniac

No doubt, the 95 is the way to go. All the extras are worth the money.

92chevysilvy

Well I pick an 87 because you get the GREAT bodystyle, with the added benefit of Fuel injection and if I remember right a little bit of rust protection from the factory.

Either way,

I think its unanimous which truck you should go with

Molon Labe

Thanks for the replies! I agree about the 87 Chevy, those are my favorite as well. They just look tough as hell! Good advice on the V6 92chevysilvy, I did not realize it had a V6 in it until the guy told me, I was kind of shocked tbh. My wife and I are headed out to take a look at the 95 today. We'll take some pics and post em' up when we get home!

therewolf

I'll go with the 95, assuming the winch is a Warn or Ramsey in the 9-15 ton range.