The Good
This thing has ZERO rust. None. The body is in amazing condition, the frame is rust free, and even the bed has a minimum amount of scratching. Second owner said that the truck was originally two tone paint, so some of it has been repainted at some point. The front chrome bumper looks beautiful, and the grill and headlight surrounds show no pitting or damage. The frame appears to have actually been undercoated many years ago. Interior is almost flawless. Seats have no rips or tears, and springs are still just as support as the day it was made. Original AM radio is still there, and still works. All electronics work, wipers, lights, dimmer switch, etc… The ashtray and cigarette lighter appear to have never been used. Again, no rust, so the floor pans are absolutely solid. There is a Working dealer install cruise control. As well as a trailer brake that is installed, as well as trailer lighting. Original owner used it to pull a fifth wheel back in the 70s I believe. Suspension wise, I am absolutely blown away with how smooth this truck is. It just floats over bumps and railroad tracks. However, it’s a huge truck from almost 50 years ago, so don’t truck to take a corner at more than 10 miles an hour. The engine starts right up and the transmission shifts smooth. I have installed many new parts over the last few months that will be listed below. Engine is all original internally, never been rebuilt for what I’m aware. I had the valve covers off of it last week and had a chance to inspect the valve train, and it was in incredibly clean condition. Not a speck of sludge or grime to be seen.
New Parts in the last few months.
Rebuilt Holley 600 Vac Secondaries.
New Plugs
New Wires
New Cap and Rotor
New Vacuum Advance (Not yet installed)
New Pertronix Ignitor and Coil. No more points!
New Chrome Valve Covers
New Air Cleaner
New Water Pump
New Fuel Pump
I have new 2.25 exhaust pipe, 2 new Thrush Glasspacks, and header extensions to create new exhaust. Not yet installed. I was going to have it dump down before the rear axle.
New Tachometer
Comes with Original Factory Repair Manuals, Original Warranty Card, Original Air Cleaner, Original Valve Covers, and Original Exhaust Manifolds.
The bad
There is an exhaust leak where the header bolts to the head. There was a crack in the gasket. I have tried plugging it up, but it will more than likely need the exhaust gasket replaced. I believe there may also be a leak where the header bolts up to the exhaust as well.
The windshield washer reservoir is broken. New ones run about $20. So I am unaware if the pump for the washer fluid works.
Body does have a few small dings and places where touch up paint was used. Very hard to notice unless you are right up close to it.
Back bumper is a different color. However, it has the hitch, wiring, and trailer brake all hooked up to it, so I saw no reason in getting another one.
There appears to be a small oil leak between the intake manifold and the block. Nothing major, but it has caused some build up over the last 40 years.