To all you other car nuts out there: I'm looking at buying a cheap fullsize pickup (around, say, $1,000), and have found a handful of late-1970s Ford F-250s out there. I'll be checking all of the usual things when I inspect possible candidates—is there anything specific to these trucks that I should be scrutinizing? Besides, you know, the power steering pumps. Reeeowwwwrrrrrr.
Alternatively, do you have other recommendations? Minitrucks are essentially out of the question due to limited bed width, as are anything with a price tag much north of $1,500. I'm not a huge fan of GMCs (although I could be talked into it) and the Dodges of that era seem downright scary. Thoughts?
As you know I'm off to detroit in a few months to work for GM. As a consiquence i'm in the market for a second vechicle, for a few reasons. 1.) I'm told there's a special (read: "bfe") parking lot for those employees that drive non-gm vehicles, and I'd like to try to fit in at least a little bit as a new employee. 2.) Employee pricing on a new GM. I'm looking at either a Sierra or a Veu. 3.) The need for a back up, winter beater to take some of the every day duties off the corrado.
That said I'm also seriously entertaining the idea of a 1960's Chevy C-10 pickup. The rust bucket I'm gunning for ranges from $1200 - $3000. where the 4x4's make up the upper price range. From what I've read the stock I6 engine always "starts/runs." and the only problems to watch out for a rusted out floor boards.
My Grandpa had a '73-74 Chevy Custum which is still running quite well. Last time I drove it was a couple of years ago, and it was rather fun to drive around. It also hauled some couches from Moriarty to Socorro without any drama as well.
Wow, so, points for the GMCs. I just don't think I can get over how ... GM they are, though.