Looking for some advice

[Rusman]

Here's the deal:

A good friend of mine has an 85 short bed v6 GMC for sale. It has p/w, p/l, tilt, no a/c yet, but he's going to get that fixed. I don't know how many miles it has because it was a flood victim :(. The engine and trans have been rebuilt, if not replaced. It seems to run fine, and it looks good with a few minor blemishes (missing trim, wavy door, bent bumper, dings, small stuff).

I have a 93 Extended Cab long bed Chevy also with no a/c ;). It's got 115K and KBB.com says it's worth about $5K. It's paid off so if I were to sell it, I'd have a few grand to pocket. I dont' particularly like this truck, and it gives me quite a bit of trouble every 6 months or so. I know it needs some work, some minor, some major (in the form of suspension). But, I can usually fix anything that goes wrong with it, and my mom, who drives it, doesn't drive everyday.

Here's some pros and cons if I were to buy the 85

Pro
I like the truck. I've always liked that style and it looks like it's in good shape.
V6=better gas mileage
Insurance might be cheaper
Easier for my mom to drive.

Con
It was a flood victim and the potential problems scare me.
Not an extended cab.
Not quite as 'nice' interior as the 93.
Needs brake work (easy).

I think my main problem is that I was told the truck is worth about $4000, but KBB.com says it's only about $2000. The other thing is just the fear of change. If it were me driving the truck, I'd not be so worried. There's nothing worse than your mom calling you and saying "There's something wrong with the truck....again". Granted most of the time it's been an alternatoror battery issue.

Anyway, I'm looking for opinions on what you would do if you were in my shoes. Oh, and if you have any idea what 85-ish GMC v6 shortbed pickups go for in the real world, I'd appreciate that.

Thanks :).

[Rusman]

Originally posted by Neighbors
Hmm, where do I begin?

A flood vehicle, IMHO, is a ticking bomb, especially if the water got very high into it. Sure, GM has the best means of harness/conductor sealing out there (for an automaker), but what about a nick or chafe in the wire that would allow water to migrate down a conductor, and eventually corrode it (at an unseen spot)? Makes me real nervous. Also, as bad as the area is in regards to rust, what about all the sediment that was conveniently deposited in all of those nooks and crannys?

Yeah, like I said that's my main worry. But I do need to find out more info on it. How much was it flooded, and when (I'm not even sure if it was Allison or not). What if it's been driven for quite a while (months) after the flood and repairs? Would it be considered 'safe' or is this something that can crop up at any time?



Have you had the '93 for some time? Did you get it new? Either way, bith you and your mom understand it better than the '85, and can eliminate possibilities faster in the event of failure.

Uhmm...sheesh I can't remember...5 years I think. That sounds about right, and no it was purchased used (I shouldn't have gotten it, but oh well). Yes, I guess I know more about it than any other vehicle...only because it forces me to repair something so often :).



The shortbed would be easier to get around in, but may not have enough wheaties to get out of it's own way.

My friend says it will pull a trailer with no problem, so I have to assume it does fine when you punch it.



Working on the '93 (V8, I assume) may actually be cheaper in the long run, due to parts commonality. I could be wrong here...


350, yes. Yeah, I thought about that after submitting. That might be something to check into before making a final decision.



You know, tech days aren't just for Fords :D


So what are you saying...? ;)



It sounds like the perceived value of the truck is higher than estimates, and you'd not be pocketed several thousand, but maybe several hundred. Also, think about resale value in the next couple of years; which would be easier to sell, and worth more?

Well, the value of the 85 (perceived) is $4000, but I'd be getting it for a little over $2000, so I would have a couple extra thousand after selling the 93. If the perceived value has anything to do with it, the 85 might actually rise in value, but I can't make my decision based on that alone..or at all really. According to NADA values, the 93 should have a higher value.



...more misc ramblings from a loon...


BTW, I have an R12 license, and can get a vacuum pump :)

Ahh, really!? You need to update your project list! Damn, and I had told my mom to take the truck to the shop for an estimate!

You aren't a loon...that's Mr. Book :D:D.
Thanks, Chris.



Edited for boldness and just to throw one more quote in here :p

[Rusman]

I already have a 3550 sitting in the garage...remember we discussed you taking a glance inside it? It's ok, I know you're getting up there in years and the ole gray matter ain't what she used to be. :p

Cosmetically, besides the missing trim pieces on the 85 and the slightly bent bumper (from pulling the trailer), it's pretty straight and clean.

The 93, though, has quite a few minor dings/dents, a scrape of something or other down the side of the bed that might buff out, the classic GM Paint Peel Option(TM) on the hood and roof. Interior is ok besides some carpet stains. Really, the truck would probably sell for $4500-$5000 as it sits, but I would do as much work as I could first.

No pics though, sorry. I might be able to get some though.